Essential Oils Origination 3

The Beginnings Of Essential Oils 3

The knowledge of separating the constituents of essential oils to create synthetic chemicals and drugs began during the 20th century. It was believed that therapeutic and economical benefits could be gained by separating the major constituents and then using them individually or in synthetic form. This theory helped lead to the discovery of modern medicine, as well as to synthetic fragrances, although it actually diminished the use of essential oils for medicinal purposes as well as for aromatic benefits.

A French chemist by the name of Rene Maurice Gattefoss began experimenting with essential oils for medicinal purposes during the early part of the 20th century. He had been interested in essential oils for aromatic purposes for quite some time, but then he became curious about their medicinal uses and started experimenting with them. During the course of his experimentations, his arm was burned quite badly. He instinctively put his burning arm into the nearest available liquid, which happened to be a container of lavender essential oil. His burn healed fast and there was no scar. Of course, he credits the lavender essential oil for this healing benefit. Gattefoss actually coined the term aromatherapy in 1928 in an article he wrote lauding the benefits of essential oils in their whole, without breaking them down into their primary constituents.

Gattefoss wrote a book entitled Aromatherapy in 1937, which was later translated into English. The book is still in print and widely read today.

Other well-known aromatherapists of the 20th century include Madam Marguerite Maury, Robert B. Tisserand, and Jean Valnet, who is known for treating injured soldiers with essential oils during the war.

Madam Marguerite Maury was an Austrian who wrote a book entitled "The Practice of Aromatherapy." She was a biochemist who practiced and taught the use of aromatherapy, primarily for cosmetic purposes.

One of the first English aromatherapists was Robert Tisserand. He taught aromatherapy to English speaking countries and has written many books and articles on the subject. One of his most well known books is entitled "The Art of Aromatherapy," which was published in 1977. This was actually the first aromatherapy book which was published in English.

There has been a resurgence in the use of natural products, including essential oils, during the past 30 years or so for therapeutic, aromatic and cosmetic benefits. The use of essential oils had diminished during the
scientific revolution, but now there has been increased interest in more natural cures and benefits. Most people have a renewed interest and awareness in the use of aromatics, as many people believe there can be
natural cures for many ills, rather than relying on the synthetics. In this information age, we can gather so much information via the internet and other sources, such as books and articles to heighten our awareness of this ancient (natural) practice of aromatherapy.

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