LETTING THE GENIE OUT OF THE BOTTLE: EVOLUTION OF AROMATHERAPY THROUGH THE AGES

LETTING THE GENIE OUT OF THE BOTTLE: EVOLUTION OF AROMATHERAPY THROUGH THE AGES

Lyubetska, Valeria (University of Manitoba)

The Proceedings of the 11th Annual HISTORY OF MEDICINE DAYS, FACULTY OF MEDICINE THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY, March 22nd and 23rd (2002)

Abstract

In this paper I will trace and highlight the major points in the history of Aromatherapy development. I will explain the earliest practices and notions regarding aromatic plants and their place in human lives, and then present the modern views and applications as well.

Plants and plant products, especially those with pleasant smells, have been used from the earliest times for medical treatment. I will describe their use by the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans in particular. Early pharmacopoeias illustrate their use. The Arabic physicians further refined this tradition. In 1928 Rene- Maurice Gattefosse coined the name Aromatherapy for the beneficial properties conveyed by the smell of plants.

Click here to read this article from THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY