Discover Essential Oils in Aromatherapy

Most of the credit for the way we use essential oils today goes to Rene-Maurice Gattefosse (1881-1950). He was the first person to use the word aromatherapy for massage with essential oils diluted in carrier oil. He used essential oils on the wounds of soldiers during WW1, and discovered the wonderful healing power of lavender in treating burns. He was also the first person to realise that essential oils are absorbed into the blood stream through massaging them into the skin. Dr Jean Valnet picked up where Gattefosse left off, treating soldiers with terrible injuries in WW2. Thereafter he used essential oils as a doctor, to help treat patients. He used basil to help regulate the menstrual cycle, and cypress for coughs and bronchitis. In France cough sweets were once made from crushed cypress cones.