You ask, "isn't aromatherapy just a new fad? The answer is no. Granted that there is renewed interest, but before the development of modern Chemistry, people used the fragrant smells of flowers and other natural plants to adorn themselves and for ceremonies. Indeed, Columbus discovered America while searching for spice. He never did find the spices, but he did find a Native American tradition of burning incense and using scented ointments. Throughout the Americas, massage with fragrant oils was a common form of therapy.

Middle East Vestiges of a primitive stills dated at 2,000 to 3000 b.c., was found by an archeologist in what is now known as Pakistan and Afghanistan. There was also evidence at an ancient site in Mesopotamia (now Mosul, Iraq)of distillation. However, most plant fragrances were in the form of incense and ointments. Ancient Egyptians used the oils in the embalming process that preserved the mummies we are familiar with today. Some of those oils were Myrrh, Frankincense, Angelica, and Cedarwood. It is said that even after archaeologists discovered the King Tut 3000 years later, the scent of the oils was still there. It was that ancient Egyptian civilization that introduced other cultures to the use of herbs and oils for medicinal use. Thirteenth century text describes use of sandalwood, jasmine, patchouli and spikenard during Tantric ceremonies.

Biblical and Hebrew References Frankincense, Myrrh and Spikenard were mentioned in the Bible as being more precious than gold. The resinous gums from the associated trees were burned as incense. The ancient Hebrews employed fragrance to consecrate their temples, altars, candles and their priests. Cinnamon and Myrrh were mentioned. The Babylonians used Cedar of Lebanon, Cypress, Pine, Fir Needle, and Juniper.

Ancient Greeks and Romans The word perfume comes from per meaning "by" and fumare meaning to smoke. Greeks used infused flower fragrances as perfumes. The oracle priestesses sat over smoldering fumes of bay leaves to inspire an intoxicated trance. The Roman historian Pliny, mentions 32 remedies prepared from Rose, 25 from Pennyroyal, and 17 from Violet.

Chinese and Japanese The upper classes of Chinese used fragrance on their bodies, clothes, cosmetics, and many other household items. They imported oils like ginger, nutmeg, patchouli, and jasmine-scented olive oil. The Japanese were very fond of incense.

Italy The Italian influence swept through France with the marriage of Caterina de Medici's marriage to Frances's Prince Henri II. She perfumed her gloves with neroli (orange blossom) oil.

France Rene' Gattefosse' of France who discovered the therapeutic value of lavender is considered to be the modern day father of aromatherapy. In 1910 he discovered the therapeutic uses of lavender quite by accident. When scalding his hand while working in his laboratory, he intended to plunge his hand into a vat of cool water. Instead it was a vat of pure lavender essential oil. The wound was instantly relieved and healed in record time, leaving no scars. This accident caused Gattefosse to change the course of his professional career. He devoted the rest of his life to the scientific exploration of essential oils. Aromatherapy, the ancient art of healing, was introduced to the modern world. r household items. They imported oils like ginger, nutmeg, patchouli, and jasmine-scented olive oil. The Japanese were very fond of incense\fs24 .\par \b Italy \b0\fs20 The Italian influence swept through France with the marriage of Caterina de Medici's marriage to Frances's Prince Henri II. She perfumed her gloves with neroli (orange blossom) oil.\fs24 \par \b France\b0 \fs20 Rene' Gattefosse' of France who discovered the therapeutic value of lavender is considered to be the modern day father of aromatherapy. In 1910 he discovered the therapeutic uses of lavender quite by accident. When scalding his hand while working in his laboratory, he intended to plunge his hand into a vat of cool water. Instead it was a vat of pure lavender essential oil. The wound was instantly relieved and healed in record time, leaving no scars. This accident caused Gattefosse to change the course of his professional career. He devoted the rest of his life to the scientific exploration of essential oils. Aromatherapy, the ancient art of healing, was introduced to the modern world.