Who is considered the 'father of modern aromatherapy'?

Who is Considered the "Father of Modern Aromatherapy"?

Hey, that's an interesting question! I've done some research on aromatherapy and personally enjoy using essential oils for relaxation. Simply put, the person recognized as the "Father of Modern Aromatherapy" is the French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé. He lived in the early 20th century, around the 1920s.

Why him? Gattefossé was originally a perfumer and chemist. One day while working in his lab, he severely burned his hand. In a panic, he plunged it into a nearby vat of lavender essential oil. Surprisingly, the burn healed quickly without scarring. This incident sparked his serious research into the therapeutic effects of essential oils. He later wrote a book titled Aromathérapie and coined the term "aromatherapy." From then on, modern aromatherapy gradually developed, emphasizing the use of plant essential oils to improve physical and mental well-being.

Of course, aromatherapy actually existed in ancient times—Egyptians and Greeks had long used aromatic substances for healing. But Gattefossé was the key figure who bridged these traditional practices with modern science. If you're interested in essential oils, I recommend starting with lavender—it's incredibly gentle! Feel free to ask if you have any other questions.