A Brief History of Aromatherapy: From Ancient Rituals to Modern Wellness

Aromatherapy is often seen as a modern self-care trend, but the use of fragrant plants and oils actually stretches back thousands of years. While the term “aromatherapy” was only coined in the 20th century, the healing power of scent has long been part of global traditions, from Egyptian tombs to Roman baths and medieval herb gardens.

Let’s take a journey through the ages to discover how different cultures used the power of scent.

The Egyptians were some of the earliest known users of aromatic plants. Frankincense, myrrh, and cedarwood were central to their religious rituals and embalming processes. In fact, researchers have even found sprigs of rosemary in ancient Egyptian tombs, a symbol of remembrance and purification.

Although they didn’t distill essential oils as we do today, Egyptians often infused oils with herbs for perfumery, skincare, and spiritual ceremonies. Myrrh and frankincense were also used to cleanse the body during mummification.

Aromatic herbs were used in health practices and rituals.

In China, herbs like sandalwood and clove were burned as incense in temples, while oils made from frankincense and myrrh were applied to treat pain and inflammation.

In India, Ayurveda incorporated scented oils (like jasmine or turmeric in sesame oil) into massages and treatments aimed at balancing the body’s energies.

That said, the concept of distilled essential oils was rare at this stage, most oils were infused rather than extracted.

Greek and Roman culture embraced aromatic herbs for their beauty and bathing rituals. Olive oil was often infused with rose, marjoram, or lavender to create soothing ointments. Historical texts even describe rosemary being used by Hippocrates to help ease joint pain.

Perfumes and scented oils were also considered signs of wealth and health, but again, they weren’t used in the same structured way as modern aromatherapy.

During the medieval period, scent took on a new role, both spiritual and practical. Monks and herbalists used distilled herbal waters, and lavender oil was prescribed for ailments like headaches by figures such as Hildegard of Bingen.

People also believed that pleasant smells could protect against disease. Herbs like rosemary and mint were scattered on floors or carried in pomanders to ward off “bad air”.

Perfume-making flourished during the Renaissance. Italian and French nobility popularised scented products like Hungary Water, made with rosemary and alcohol, around the 14th century. Grasse in southern France became a perfume hub, laying the groundwork for the essential oil industry.

Though these scented waters were primarily used for hygiene and luxury, they helped develop the methods we still use to extract plant oils today.

The term “aromatherapy” was first used in 1937 by French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé, after he famously treated a burn with lavender oil and was impressed by its healing power. He began studying essential oils and their therapeutic properties, laying the foundations for modern aromatherapy.

Later, doctors like Jean Valnet expanded on this work, using oils to treat wounds and infections, particularly during wartime.

Today, aromatherapy is a popular practice for relaxation, mood support, and even pain relief. While it’s still being researched, some essential oils (like lavender and peppermint) have shown promise for reducing anxiety or easing headaches.

From ancient rituals to modern science, the use of plant oils to support wellbeing has stood the test of time, reminding us that sometimes healing starts with a breath.

Thinking of adding essential oils into your life? Explore the different scents that we make to enhance the practice of aromatherapy.