For many centuries, aromatherapy oils have been used as the alternative point of treating minor illnesses and ailments. Its historical roots can be traced as far back as ancient Egypt, whereby these were used to fragrant the body and for religious rituals. The Egyptians mastered the art of producing fragrant perfumes, incense sticks and fragrant herbs to create an aromatic smell. It was not until the ancient Greeks discovered this form of aromatherapy as an essential part of medical research and treatment.



The first known Greek physician Asclepius had used a combination of herbs and surgery to treat patience and heal wounds, minor infections, diseases and illnesses. Hippocrates was one of the most famous Greek physicians and one of the first to dismiss the Egyptian belief that illnesses were caused by supernatural influences. His theory was that patients should be diagnosed after having been observed by the doctor and after careful considerations of their symptoms.

He used aromatherapy oils, herbs and flowers to treat patients having studied some of their effects on certain ailments. He also believed that surgery should only be used as a last resort, having used other treatments for a period and observing the effects. His works were recorded in a book entitled 'The History of Plants', which has become an important study for botanical science. Hippocrates is often referred to as the founder of botany.

Following on the year's aromatherapy oils had their uses in treating world war two veterans. Pharmacist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse studied the principles and effects of essential oils for medicinal purposes. After an explosion in the laboratory, Gattafosse was left with a severe burn on his hand, which caused him to plunge his arm in pure lavender oil. Instantly his hand began to reduce in swelling and accelerated the healing process. From then on, he continued his research believing that essential oils were potent enough for healing scars.

The dramatic healing process of Gattefosse's hand (leaving no scars) lead to his strong passion of essential oils and influenced him to publish his groundbreaking book 'Aromatherapie: Les Huiles essentielles hormones vegetales'. This influenced others to follow his example to treat serious ailments such as gangrene by French doctor Jean Valnet, who followed Gattefosse's work. Valnet used chamomile, oil of clove, lemon and thyme to treat gangrene and battle wounds for world war two soldiers.

In our contemporary age aromatherapy oils is complimented well with homeopathic medicine, alternative healing and even used in hospital. In 2004 the BBC reported that aromatherapy oils can kill the MRSA superbug. This was tested using some of the popular oils used for aromatherapy; the results showed that instead of stimulating fungi activity or bacteria, it killed the superbug off in two minutes.

MRSA (Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) has been a serious problem for a number of years killing approximately 5,000 each year. With the last discovery now, nearly four years ago, this has helped to prevent the spread of the superbug virus and instigate strict orders for visitors and patients to use the designated hand wipes and wash solutions every time they enter a ward.