Modern Aromatherapy: From Gattefossé to Today

The Birth of Modern Aromatherapy

Modern aromatherapy was born in 1928 when French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse coined the term “aromatherapie” after experiencing firsthand the healing power of lavender oil on a severe burn. His work laid the foundation for the scientific study of essential oils.

Key Figures

Rene-Maurice Gattefosse (1881-1950)

French chemist who published Aromatherapie in 1937, establishing the field.

Jean Valnet (1920-1995)

French military surgeon who used essential oils to treat wounded soldiers during World War II and Indochina. His 1964 book The Practice of Aromatherapy brought the field to wider attention.

Marguerite Maury (1895-1968)

Austrian-born biochemist who developed the concept of the “individual prescription” and pioneered aromatherapy massage.

Robert Tisserand (b. 1948)

British aromatherapist who published The Art of Aromatherapy in 1977 and later the definitive Essential Oil Safety reference.

Contemporary Aromatherapy

Today, aromatherapy is practiced worldwide with growing clinical research, hospital integration programs, and professional certification standards.