Modern History of Essential Oils

Compiled By: Jacquelyn A Close, RA
Copyright © J.A. Close 2008

1910-1940

In July, 1910, Dr. Rene Maurice Gattefosse, a French chemist, rediscovered the therapeutic value of essential oils in his family’s perfumery business laboratory when he burned his arm quite severely and stuck his arm in a vat of lavender essential oil thinking it was water. Gattefosse reported that he applied the essential oil of lavender frequently to his “gangrenous burn” causing the pain to cease, and the burn healed without leaving any scar. This experience led him into a lifetime of research into the therapeutic benefits of essential oils.

Gattefosse coined the term “Aromatherapie” in the 1920’s, and published his 2 main works on the therapeutic value of Aromatherapy in 1937. Gattefosse’s Aromatherapie, 1937, was translated into English in 1992 and cites more than 200 relevant scientific works completed between 1680 and 1933.

Gattefosse also shared his studies with Jean Valnet, a medical doctor practicing in Paris.

1940-1970

Dr. Jean Valnet (MD) joined the French Army in World War II. When he exhausted his supply of antibiotics during the War, Dr. Valnet began using essential oils on patients suffering battlefield injuries. To his surprise, they exerted a powerful effect in combating and counteracting infection. He was able to save the lives of many soldiers who might otherwise have died.

Dr. Jean Valnet published “The Practice of Aromatherapy” in 1964. His work was expanded by two of his students: Dr. Paul Belaiche and Dr. Jean Claude Lapraz. Together, they discovered that essential oils contain antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties, and found that they served to carry oxygen into the body’s cells.

Valnet found that he was able to cure long-term psychiatric patients by administering essential oils with almost immediate results.

In 1969, M. Girault used the aromatogram technique to develop effective essential oil treatments for the specific flora of each patient.

1970 - 1980

Dr. Paul Belaiche, Chief of Phytotherapy Department at the University of Paris, France, combined clinical application with in-vitro research on the beneficial effects of essential oils in his 1978 work “Traite de phytotherapie et d'aromatherapie.” Results showed oregano, thyme, clove, cinnamon, and tea-tree to have the broadest spectrum of action with profound antibacterial and antifungal properties.

To quote Dr. Belaiche, "The essential oil of Melaleuca has entered the team of major essential oils and emerges as an antiseptic and antifungal weapon of the first order in phyto-aromatherapy."And, in a later (1990) study in Australia, tea-tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) and benzoyl peroxide were both shown to have significant effect in reducing acne.

The list of significant figures in modern aromatherapy has grown over the past thirty years to include Professor Paolo Rovesti of the University of Milan, who advanced the psychological research of Gatti and Cajola; Micheline Arcier and Daniele Ryman, the former a student of Valnet and both disciples of Marguerite Maury, who like their mentor have expanded interest in aromatherapy into Great Britain; and medical doctors Paul Belaiche, Daniel Penoel, and Jean-Claude Lapraz. Other contributions come from the chemist Pierre Franchomme, as well as from British massage therapists Robert Tisserand, Shirley Price, and Patricia Davis, whose work and writings have greatly popularized aromatherapy not only in England but in the United States. These are but a few of the more recognizable names; there are many less publicized but equally important individuals whose accomplishments and contributions in and to aromatherapy are far too plentiful to enumerate.

The above is excerpted in part from Peter & Kate Damian’s excellent book entitled - “Aromatherapy Scent and Psyche” from Healing Arts Press c.1995

1972

H. Audhoui, P. Belaiche, J. Bourgeon, P. Duraffourd, C. Duraffourd, M. Girault, and J.C. Lapraz employed the aromatogram technique to develop treatments for a broad range of infectious illnesses. Forty essences and one tincture were studied.

1973

Jacques Pellecuer reestablished the antibacterial and antifungal actions of the Mediterranean labiatae, rosemary and thyme.

1973

Wagner and Sprinkmeyer demonstrated an essential oil mix to have broader activity than broad-spectrum antibiotics.

1974

Deininger provided clinical proof in double-blind studies on the effectiveness of essential oils for autonomic nervous system imbalances.

1977

Robert Tisserand published the first English language aromatherapy book, The Art of Aromatherapy.

1978

Paul Belaiche published his three-volume study on the clinical uses of aromatherapy for treating a wide range of infectious and degenerative illnesses.

1980-1990 1987

Deininger and Lembke demonstrated antiviral activity of essential oils and their isolated component at the Pasteur Institute there microbes were isolated in a culture medium and then subjected to an essential oil.

1989

Gary Young – a student of La Praz, Penoel, and the lavender growers of Southern France – begins his first lavender farms in the US and shares his discoveries of the healing potential of essential oils with students.

1990

Dr. Pierre Franchomme (chemist) and Daniel Penoel, MD published the current textbook of medicinal aromatherapy used throughout the world, L'aromatherapie exactement, subtitled “Encyclopedia of Therapeutic Applications of Aromatic Extracts.” One of the most cited references in scientific literature, this is probably the single most import book on the medicinal uses of therapeutic grade essential oils written during the past century (French only).

1995

R. Deininger wrote that the advantages of essential oils for infections “Include a broad spectrum of activity. Side-effects are not to be expected when the products are used properly."

2000 - cont. 2000

Essential Science Publishing releases the Essential Oils Desk Reference, now in its 4th Edition. This is one of the most comprehensive compilations of the medicinal and therapeutic uses for essential oils available in English.

2005

Dr. David Stewart published The Chemistry of Essential Oils Made Simple and brought the esoteric science of essential oils into an easy to understand book that offers deep insights into the benefits and workings of essential oils.

2007

Dr. Edward R Close and Jacquelyn A Close, RA, published Nature’s Mold Rx, the Non-Toxic Solution to Toxic Mold, the first scientific field tests using essential oils for preventing and eliminating mold in buildings.

Today in France, essential oils are used primarily for infection control. Only doctors can be certified as an Aromatherapist in France and there doctors prescribe essential oils and insurance companies pay for them.