Recorded history shows that essential oils were used for embalming the dead and anointing the body in China, India and Egypt as long ago as 2000BC. Lavender has always been one of the most popular oils and its healing power has become legendry.
Professor Rene Gattefosse rediscovered the healing power of lavender by accident whilst working in his lab and went on to use this, with Camomile and Lemon on the wounds of soldiers during World War 1.
His work was continued by another Frenchman called Dr Jean Vanet, who wrote a book entitled “Aromatherpie”.
Marguerite Maury translated this and formulated recipes and formulas which her doctor husband used with great success on his patients.
Renewed interest came about in the 20th century when the move was towards more natural remedies. Some GP’s now provide such care or refer patients to qualified practitioners.
The purity of the oil is of vital importance. Cheap oils may well have been synthesised in a laboratory or diluted with other oils to make them go further.
Oils have to be absorbed by the body to be effective. There are two safe ways of doing this. Inhalation has a powerful effect on the hormones produced by the endocrine system. Absorption through the skin allows the oil to penetrate the blood stream. This can be achieved by using oils in the bath, in a compress or by massage.
See also Aromatherapy – Methods of Use and Benefits and Guide to Essential Oils.
Scatz December 2002
