The history of the application of essential oils to the human body must be almost as old as history itself. The use of aromatic plants may be traced in texts from ancient China (2700 B.C.), India, Greece, Rome and the Old Testament. Archaeological discoveries also deliver an evidence of the wide use of aromatic oils in ancient Egypt.
Aromatic ointments, powders, oils, creams and compresses are found comprehensively described in the writings of some of the most famous physicians of all time: Hypocrites, Avicenna, Paracelsus and others.

During the 19th and 20th centuries however, the use of essential oils was eclipsed by the rapid discovery of new and synthetic substances, many of which were very effective but were not without side effects. In the early part of the 20th century there was a slow but natural movement towards purer forms of treatment and with it came a rediscovery of the value of essential oils.

Aromatherapy as it is practiced today has come into existence at the beginning of 20th century when R.H. Gattefosse - French chemist, perfumer and cosmetic scientist - undertook the huge task of researching the chemical properties of essential oils. He discovered that essential oils applied to the skin can be absorbed into the bloodstream where they may interact with the body's own chemistry. He was also the first one to use the word 'aromatherapy' (1937).

In the 1950s, the Austrian cosmetologist Marguerite Maury introduced the idea of combining essential oils with massage. She also devised the 'individual prescription' - essential oils were chosen accordingly to the physical and emotional needs of the client. Marguerite Maury opened an aromatherapy clinic in London in the early 1960s.