A Brief History of Aromatherapy

The following is a short history of Aromatherapy and Aromatic medicine. As you will see, Aromatherapy has its roots firmly implanted in human history as one of the oldest and purest forms of treatment for medicinal reasons and for human wellness.

Aromatic medicine, the ancient beginnings of the art of aromatherapy, was recorded in both Egypt and India more than 4,000 years ago. The Egyptians used aromatic plants to create massage oils, medicines, embalming preparations, skin care products, fragrant perfumes and cosmetics. Plant aromatics were also utilized in India as part of the ancient medical practice known as Ayurveda. Many of these practices are still in existence today.

At the beginning of this century, particularly in France and England, a movement by noted doctors and scholars in the naturopathic and medical communities prompted a reawakening to the benefits of natural medicine and aromatherapy. Today in England and the United States, aromatherapy is a commonly accepted alternative medicine. In France, it is common to find doctors who practice aromatherapy, pharmacies that sell essential oils and health insurance companies that reimburse for treatments using these approaches.