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In 1937 René-Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist, wrote a book called Aromathérapie: Les Huiles essentielles hormones végétales which was later translated into English and called Gattefossé's Aromatherapy. The "aroma" in "aromatherapy" refers to the fact that all essential oils have a characteristic smell, while the "therapy" refers to the fact that these oils are used as a path to health and/or well being. This is believed to be the first time the term "Aromatherapy" was used. However, the practice of using essential oils from plants for health purposes dates back at least 6,000 years, if not further.

Egyptians used a process to extract oils from aromatic plants for use in medicinal remedies which were recorded on ancient manuscripts... and residue of essential oils have been found on mummies. Those who have studied aromatherapy also point to ancient China as one of the first cultures to use aromatic plants for well-being. In India, the medical practice known as Ayurveda, has incorporated aspects of aromatherapy for centuries. The classic Greeks and Romans used aromatic extracts and essential oils from plants for varying health applications. Early records of first contact with the South American Aztecs show they used aromatic herbs and oils as medicinal remedies... likewise with the North American tribes of Native Americans.

Perfume, cosmetics, incense and massage oils all began as ancient health and well being art forms that incorporated aromatherapy. We now know, through scientific experimentation, that aromas exert an influence on the brain, and pictures of brain scans show this process at work. Aromatherapy gained its popularity as an easy and natural method of stress relief. Certain essential oils, either applied in a massage, in bath tubs, or defused in the atmosphere, make people feel more relaxed and confident. Aspects of aromatherapy are gaining scientific credence and the application of aromatherapy is more wide spread than most people know.

Today, especially in Japan, banks and other large companies use essential oils diffused in the atmosphere to make their customers feel comfortable and relaxed in their offices and shops. In Britain, essential oils are being used in many hospital contexts, from labor rooms in maternity wards to intensive care units, and aromatherapy is increasingly available through the public health care system. So, although the term "aromatherapy" is a modern term, and has been associated with the "new age movement", it is really a very old health practice.