Marguerite Maury (1895 – 1968) was an intelligent and dedicated woman who did a lot to establish the validity of the efficacy of essential oils, and set up the first aromatherapy clinics in Paris, Britain and Switzerland. She was awarded two international prizes in 1962 and 1967 for studies on the use of essential oils in cosmetology and focused mainly on the rejuvenating qualities of oils.

The word “aromatherapy” was first used in 1928 by Rene-Maurice Gattefosse who was a French chemist employed in the family perfumery. One day while working he burned his hand and discovered by accident that lavender oil healed his hand rapidly with no scars. He then found that many essential oils were more effective in their totality than their synthetic substitutes or their isolated active ingredients.

In 1964, Dr Jean Valnet, a French doctor and scientist, used essential oils as part of a program successfully treating specific medical and psychiatric problems.