Here are some current definitions
Web dictionary
aromatherapy - /əˌrəʊməˈθɛrəpi/
noun: aromatherapy
The use of aromatic plant extracts and essential oils for healing and cosmetic purposes.
Cambridge Dictionary
aromatherapy
noun [ U ]
uk
the treatment of worry or nervousness, or medical conditions that are not serious, by rubbing pleasant-smelling natural substances into the skin or breathing in their smell:
From the International Federation of Aromatherapists
What is Aromatherapy? Aromatherapy can be defined as the ancient art and science of blending naturally extracted essential oils from aromatic plants, to balance, harmonise and promote the health of body, mind and spirit. Aromatherapy aims to enhance well-being, relieve stress and help in the rejuvenation and regeneration of the human body. It has been used throughout history in various forms of traditional medical practices throughout the world's greatest civilisations. Nowadays, Aromatherapy is widely accepted by orthodox and complementary practitioners as one of the most comprehensive of the natural therapies.
National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from plants to improve the mind, body, and spirit. It is used by patients with cancer to improve quality of life and reduce stress, anxiety, pain, nausea, and vomiting caused by cancer and its treatment. Aromatherapy is often used with other complementary treatments like massage therapy and acupuncture, as well as with standard medical treatments, for symptom management.
Essential oils are the fragrant (aromatic) part found in many plants, often under the surface of leaves, bark, or peel. The fragrance is released if the plant is crushed or a special steam process is used.
There are many essential oils used in aromatherapy, including those from Roman chamomile, geranium, lavender, tea tree, lemon, ginger, cedarwood, and bergamot. Each plant's essential oil has a different chemical makeup that affects how it smells, how it is absorbed, and how it affects the body.
Essential oils are very concentrated. For example, it takes about 220 pounds of lavender flowers to make about 1 pound of essential oil. The aroma of essential oils fades away quickly when left open to the air. The chemical compounds in essential oils can change as they get older. Many essential oils do not have an expiration date.
Naha.org - The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA)
The practice of aromatherapy uses natural plant extracts, such as essential oils, hydrosols, and carrier oils, in a variety of ways to heal the body, mind and spirit. It is the promotion and harmonisation of emotional, physical and spiritual health through the application of these extracts. Aromatherapy is described as both an art and a science because it takes the knowledge of the scientific aspects of the plants and oils and combines it with the art of producing a beneficial blend. Basically, a successful aromatherapy blend is a synergy of science, art, and the practitioner’s knowledge of both, and how to apply it. Aromatherapy can be used topically and via inhalation
The Tisserand website
In short, aromatherapy is the application of essential oils extracted from plants to promote both health and well-being. It’s a holistic healing practice in which natural oils and their aromas are used to support the body, mind and spirit. There are many things aromatherapy can help with, including sleep, mood, muscle aches and pains. So how did this wonderful practice come to be?
The Royal Marsden Hospital
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy uses blends of essential oils extracted from aromatic plants. The therapist blends these to suit specific needs. They can help with nausea, fatigue, anxiety, low mood or pain. Aromatherapy can be combined with gentle massage, even if just a small area of your body is massaged, such as your hands or feet.
NHS
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a treatment that falls outside of mainstream healthcare. These treatments range from acupuncture and homoeopathy, to aromatherapy, meditation and colonic irrigation.
History
René-Maurice Gattefossé (1881–1950)
French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé is often credited as the father of modern aromatherapy. His accidental discovery of the healing properties of lavender essential oil when he used it on a burn in 1910 led to his research into essential oils' medicinal uses.
In 1937, Gattefossé coined the term "aromatherapy" in his book Aromathérapie, which highlighted the therapeutic potential of essential oils in promoting health and healing
Dr. Jean Valnet (1920–1995)
Dr. Jean Valnet, a French physician, was one of the leading figures in integrating essential oils into medical practice in the 1940s and beyond. He used essential oils for treating wounds, infections, and pain during World War II.
His 1964 book, The Practice of Aromatherapy, laid the groundwork for clinical aromatherapy and encouraged the use of essential oils as a legitimate part of medical treatment.
Mid 20th Century: Rise of Holistic Aromatherapy
As aromatherapy gained recognition in the 20th century, a more holistic approach began to emerge, particularly in the UK. This development was characterised by a focus on using essential oils for both physical health and emotional well-being.
Marguerite Maury (1895–1968)
Marguerite Maury, a French biochemist, was instrumental in developing the British School of Aromatherapy. She focused on personalised essential oil treatments and introduced the concept of aromatherapy massage as a method for skin absorption and relaxation.
Maury emphasised the importance of skin care and emotional balance in aromatherapy, blending essential oils into therapeutic regimens that addressed both physical and psychological health.
Source International Federation of Aromatherapists: https://ifaroma.org/en_GB/home/news-events/get-support
Us Them and U Today
In the 1980s, 90s and early 2000s, we evolved a company specialising in therapeutic aromatherapy. Over the years, our range grew, and sales spanned the world. Our core was always therapeutic strength and success rate, and it still is with our new company, Us Them and U. Our integrity, the use of only the best Pure Essential Oils and Vegetable Oils, coupled with honesty with you, our customer. All of our blends are created with one purpose: “to help you”. We sold to many practising therapists and other companies specialising in aromatherapy.
Sadly, as aromatherapy grew in popularity, companies corrupted the idea and, through unscrupulous marketing, tarnished the idea of aromatherapy and what constituted a product. With that, the media had its role as well in spoiling the idea of true aromatherapy. Today we have social media to contend with and it is even easier for companies to plain lie to you about their products.
Our best-selling product was a cream to combat inflammation around joints. It was a best seller because it worked so well!
As you can see, aromatherapy has now become widely accepted even by recognised institutions such as hospitals, and it is regarded as a useful therapy to help people. As time goes by, more and more scientific research is being undertaken to give proof to the healing powers of pure essential oils.
