Aromatherapy is a lot more than just essential oils. The practice of aromatherapy has been around for thousands of years and has roots across the world. From religious rituals to holistic healing practices aromatherapy has been used for a variety of purposes too. In this article, we’ll uncover the intricacies of the origins of aromatherapy and how it shaped what we know about smells today.
When did Aromatherapy Start?
Firstly the definition of aromatherapy: The use of essential oils and aromatic plant extracts for cosmetic and healing purposes. Aromatherapy is a type of phytotherapy that uses the potentially volatile active ingredients of aromatic plants for a number of different applications. Knowing this, the origins of aromatherapy date back to ancient times, about 3,500 BC. However, the use of aromatics for perfumes, healing and other applications did not bear the name ‘aromatherapy’ yet.
Who invented Aromatherapy?
The use of plant aromatics can be dated back thousands of years across the world. The source of oils used in wellness can be evidenced in parts of Egypt, India, Pakistan, China, and Iran. However, the source of aromatherapy in the sense of the study of aromatic plant extracts can be dated back to Grasse, a city in France, in 1830.
At the time in France in the 1800s scientists and perfumers studied how essential oils influenced different physiological reactions. Notably famous French scientist Louis Pasteur and his associate Charles Chamberland took a particularly keen interest in the effects of aromatic plant extracts.
It was not until 1935 that the term ‘aromatherapy’ was invented by Rene-Maurice Gattefosse. This French chemist used this term to explain the treatment of his own burn wounds with lavender essential oil.
Would that mean the actual invention of aromatherapy is attributed to the French? This makes sense as the city of Grasse in France is famed for its perfumeries and scenting.
Why is Aromatherapy so popular?
The potential to reduce stress and anxiety through the use of beautifully fragranced items appealed to the market. Thus the popularity of aromatherapy soared.
Once the mainstream media and businesses got hold of the potential financially lucrative use of essential oils the word aromatherapy became a household term. Gaining popularity as not only a psychological aid but also a physiological healer, aromatherapy was attributed to everyday household items.
From aromatherapy candles to essential oil infused soaps you could encounter aromatherapy in a number of situations including aromatherapy massage. The use of synthetic fragrances however soon infiltrated the scene as they were cheaper to use and could be mass-produced.
The use of authentic essential oils, made from actual aromatic plants however is still superior as they offer the health benefits that synthetic fragrances do not.
How to use aromatherapy in a diffuser?
Aromatherapy, and the practice of using aromatic essential oils for healing properties, can be applied to diffusers. By using a high-quality fragrance oil produced specifically for diffusers to diffuse throughout your space and lift your anxieties.
At Aroma Designers we use the best aromatic plant oils to create fragrance oils. Contact us at info@aromadesigners.com or (833) 777-7268.
