Essential Oil Shop.com.au

The Egyptians burned incense to avert baneful spirits from the bodies of the dead.  They also anointed the human body by using cosmetics and perfumes which contained aromatic substances.

In Greece and Rome, it was thought that perfumes, because of their spices should have medicinal properties and have an effect on the internal organs and tissues.

China contributed citrus spices to Aromatherapy.  The Camphor tree, part of the Chinese civilisation, was used in perfumery, medicine and building work.  India introduced many aromatic plants including sandalwood, used to induce calm, vetiver and patchouli, which was used as an insecticide. 

The Middle East is credited with perfecting glassware that could endure the distilling process and the production of perfume.  

In the middle ages, aromatic substances were used to prevent and cure diseases and mask odours. 

Since 1910 eight people have had a strong influence on the current history of Aromatherapy. 

In 1910, the French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, The Father Of Modern Aromatherapy, discovered the healing properties of Lavender when he burnt his hand, plunged it into the nearest tub of liquid which was lavender essential oil.  The lavender essential oil healed his burns quickly and with little scarring.  This started his fascination with essential oils and their anti-microbial properties, which he experimented with during World War I on soldiers in hospital.   Gattefosse is credited with coining the term Aromatherapie and has written several books on the subject.

In the 1930’s, Albert Couvreur published a book on the medicinal properties and uses of essential oils.  Also in the same decade, two Italian researchers, Giovanni Gatti and Renato Cajola undertook research into the uses of aromatic substances in psychotherapy.  They worked in homes for the mentally ill and published papers on the effects of essential oils, with particular reference to Bergamot.  They showed realistic results in the application of essential oils in medical, psychotherapeutic and skin care areas.  In 1923 they published the paper "the action of essences on the nervous system".  This explained how odours influence mood and emotions and defining the two apposing states of anxiety and depression.

In the 1940’s, Dr Jean Valnet, a French medical doctor and Army Surgeon conducted research using essential oils.  He used essential oils as antiseptic on the soldiers in the Indochina War and published the text “Aromatherapie” is 1964.

In the 1940’s, French biochemist Madame Margaret Maury, wife of famous Homeopath Maurice Maury, recognised that aromatherapy had huge potential because essential oils could be absorbed into the body through the skin, the largest organ in the body.  Maury developed the "medico - cosmetic therapy”: the use of essential oils based on application by massage.  She developed massage techniques for the effective application of essential oils to the skin thus creating a direct healing effect on the internal organs and muscles as well as encouraging the reproduction of the skin cells and returning elasticity to muscle tissue. 

Madame Margaret Maury is one of the most famous researchers in the cosmetics industry and is credited with the development of holistic aromatherapy and creating a link between aromatherapy and the beauty industry. In 1965 Madame Marguerite Maury published her book, "The Secret of Life and Youth".

Micheline Arcier studied and worked with Margaret Maury and Dr Jean Valnet.  Their combined methods created a structure of Aromatherapy now used all over the world.

Robert Tisserand started practicing as an Aromatherapist in 1969.  He founded a company to market essential oils and aromatherapy products in 1974.  In 1977 Tisserand wrote the first book on Aromatherapy in English titled “The Art of Aromatherapy”.
Tisserands other achievements (amongst mny others) include:
• Being on the editorial committee of the International Journal of Aromatherapy (which he founded in 1988 and was the editor for 12 years)
• He co-founded a number of aromatherapy associations
• In 1987 he established the Tisserand Institute in London and is the current principal. 
• He has organised three international aromatherapy conferences in the United Kingdom
• His latest work is the publication “Essential Oil Safety” which is a reference guide on the safe use and application of over 300 essential oils, specifically designed for the aromatherapy industry.

Since 1972, Dr Christian Duraffourd and Dr JC Lapraz have undertaken more than 3,000 clinical studies in the essential oil field. They have created strong evidence supporting the therapeutic importance of essential oils applied according to galencial principles. Duraffourd and Lapraz maintained that essential oils must be dispensed as pure and complete extractions from their explicit plant species in order to be effective bactericidal and antiviral agents. This theory was founded in part on their own clinical experiences and in part on the work of Dr. Jean Valnet, whose practice and theory was based on traditions in phytotherapy.

In 1974, Duraffourd and Lapraz established that there were great differences in the activities of essential oils in laboratory results and the therapeutic results of aromatherapy in the treatment of patients. They resulted that the antiseptic effectiveness of whole essential oils (applied at smaller quantities) was greater than the antiseptic affects of the chemotype alone.  This study invalidated the theory of chemotypes as it related to essential oils. They concluded that essential oils work most efficiently as an entirety.

Essential oils have evolved from use by the weathly and royal to everyday use.