Aromatherapy is a natural healing practice that uses essential oils extracted from fruits, flowers, trees, and other plants to support physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Essential oils are complex chemical compounds derived from plants, and their effects on the human body and mind have been known and used for thousands of years.
From ancient rituals to modern wellness practices, aromatherapy has accompanied humanity as a gentle yet powerful way to restore balance and harmony.
Ancient civilizations and the first records
Essential oils were already widely used in Ancient Egypt, both in cosmetics and healing practices. The Egyptians were among the first to develop distillation techniques for extracting aromatic oils. These oils were also used in perfumery, religious rituals, and embalming processes. They were considered sacred substances that helped people connect with higher spiritual realms.
In Ancient Greece and Rome, essential oils played an important role in medicine. Hippocrates, often referred to as the father of medicine, recommended aromatic baths and massages to treat various ailments, including respiratory issues and body pain. These practices laid the foundation for holistic approaches to health that are still valued today.
The Middle Ages and Western Europe
During the Middle Ages, aromatic oils became an essential part of traditional European medicine. In times when epidemics such as the plague were widespread, people relied on essential oils to protect themselves from infections. Aromatic herbs and oils were believed to purify the air and strengthen the body.
It is believed that during this period the term “aromatherapy” emerged, derived from the Greek words aroma (fragrance) and therapeia (healing). Although scientific understanding was limited, people intuitively recognized the powerful influence of scents on health and well-being.
Modern aromatherapy
Modern aromatherapy as a scientific discipline began to develop in the early 20th century. The French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé was the first to use the term “aromatherapy” in its modern sense and to publish research on the therapeutic properties of essential oils.
He became well known after an accident in which he severely burned his hand and treated it with lavender essential oil. The oil promoted rapid healing and reduced inflammation, leaving no scarring. This experience inspired deeper scientific interest in essential oils and their medical applications.
In the mid-20th century, researchers continued to study the chemical composition of essential oils and their effects on the human body and mind. Today, aromatherapy is supported by ongoing scientific research and is widely used as a complementary wellness practice around the world.
Aromatherapy is a gentle yet powerful tool to support health, prevent imbalance, and keep both body and mind in harmony.