Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural herb extracts to promote health and well-being. Sometimes it is called oil therapy. Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils medicinally to improve the health of the body, brain, and spirit. It also improves both physical and psychological health.

Aromatherapy is regarded as both a skill and a science. Lately, aromatherapy has gained more recognition in the areas of science and medicine.

How long has aromatherapy been with us?Humans have used aromatherapy for several years. Old cultures in China, India, Egypt, and other parts of the world included aromatic plant components in resins, balms, and oils. These natural substances were used for medical and spiritual purposes. These were known to have both physical and mental benefits. Essential oils distillation is credited to the Persians in the 10th century, although practice might have been in use for a long time before this

period. Information about oil distillation was released in the 16th century in Germany. French doctors in the 19th century acknowledged the potential of essential oils in treating disease.

Doctors became competent in the 19th century and focused on using chemical drugs. However, the French and German doctors still recognized the role of natural botanicals in curing illnesses.

• The word aromatherapy was coined by a French perfumer and chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse in a book he wrote on this topic which was published in 1937. He previously discovered the healing potential of lavender in treating burns.

This book discusses the use of essential oils in treating medical conditions.