Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, ‘the father of aromatherapy’, put his research into essential oils into practice on the battlefields of World War I. He used aromatherapy alongside conventional medical treatments in military hospitals and recorded his observations: ‘Wounds to the scalp: healed in 10 days Firearm wounds: healed in 15 days Crushing of the thigh, open leg fracture; varices becoming ulcerated; delayed healing of an amputation stump of the thigh; healed in 21 days after failing with all other medications’.1
Other chemists in Europe were also researching the therapeutic powers of essential oils. Austrian chemist Penfold led the investigation into tea tree oil, while in Italy the psychotherapeutic effects of jasmine and lemon oils were studied by Dr Giovanni Gatti and Dr Renato Cayola.2
Dr Jean Valnet
Gattefosse’s work greatly influenced a French army surgeon, Dr Jean Valnet, who went on to write a book now considered a bible to modern-day aromatherapists. Aromatherapie was published in 1964 and detailed the amazing regenerative powers of essential oils on soldiers’ wounds. After the war, Valnet instructed other medical professionals in the use of natural therapeutics.2
However, Valnet and others also recognised the dangers inherent in the potent prescription of essential oils. Valnet was, apparently, horrified by the possibilities of self-medication and irresponsible prescriptions of amateurs.1 The empirical research into essential oils, which was lacking in holism, was almost the end of aromatherapy, as scientists feared the consequences of prescriptions by unqualified practitioners.
Marguerite Maury
Valnet’s research was studied by a French biochemist and beautician, Marguerite Maury, who pioneered the development of the healing system of aromatherapy as it is know today. Maury was ‘the mother of aromatherapy’. Her book The Secret of Life and Youth approached the use of essential oils in beauty therapy, massage and a broader healthcare encompassing mind, body and spirit. Maury took the ‘aesthetic objective’ out of aromatherapy and advised in the personal prescription suited to the ‘subject’s temperament and particular health problems’.4
While the importance of dosage and dilution of oils in suitable carrier agents had been established by the 16th century, Maury emphasised the importance of applying essential oils blended in vegetable oils in massage.1
As chair for the Pour le Comite International D’esthetique et de Cosmetologie (CIDESCO), Maury was instrumental in building a bridge between the science of aromatherapy and the beauty industry. She influenced the renowned aromatherapist Micheline Arcier, who went on to develop many of the most effective techniques in aromatherapy, which are still in practice.1 In 1977, the publication of Robert Tisserand’s The Art of Aromatherapy left behind mecial empiricism and combined healing with holistic therapies.1
The Future Of Aromatherapy
For the present time, there is no official consensus on the role of aromatherapy in the modern day. Many people, not just aromatherapists, keep a small store of essential oils: tea tree to dab on spots, lavender for minor burns, arnica cream for bruising, aloe vera gel for soothing skin, citrus oils to repell insects. Aromatherapists are also trained in massage and other therapies such as reflexology and beauty, and can deliver a completely holistic relaxing treatment as an antidote to today’s stresses and strains.
Research into the powerful chemical constituents of essential oils continues and one day they may find their place among other medicines.
References
- Salvatore Battaglia. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. Australia. Perfect Potion, 2003.
- Denise Whichello Brown. Aromatherapy. Hodder Headline, 1996, London.
- Carole McGilvery, Jimi Reed, Mira Mehta. Aromatherapy, Massage and Yoga. London. Lorenz Books, 1999.
- Julia Lawless. The Encyclopaedia of Essential Oils. London. Thorsons, 2002.
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