5 intriguing facts about aromatherapy that may surprise you.

5 Surprising Fun Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Aromatherapy

Last Updated on August 1, 2022 by Jennifer Stewart

When it comes to aromatherapy, there is always something new to learn. This ancient practice has been around for centuries, and there is still much to discover.

Here are 5 surprising fun facts you probably didn’t know about aromatherapy:

1. Aromatherapy Was Once Illegal

In the early days of aromatherapy, the practice was actually illegal in some parts of the world. This is because many people believed that aromatherapy was a form of witchcraft. Also, in the dark ages, sections of the church believed that sickness and poor health were punishment from God; it was how order and justice was maintained – and aromatherapy and its healing effect would interfere with the natural flow of spirituality. The church recommended that people pray, repent and offer sacrifices to God for ultimate healing. Thankfully, those days are long gone and aromatherapy is now enjoyed by people all over the world. Today, religion has embraced aromatherapy and even uses it in religious ceremonies.

2. The First Aromatherapy School Was Founded in 1937

The first aromatherapy school was founded in Paris, France in 1937 by a woman named Marguerite Maury. Prior to that, there were no formal schools or training program for aromatherapy. This means that Marguerite Maury was responsible for codifying the knowledge and practices of aromatherapy, which laid the foundation for the field as we know it today. Maury was a true pioneer in the field of aromatherapy and her work is still respected by practitioners all over the world. She trained in Vienna, London and New York before eventually settling in Paris to open her school. Maury had a degree in nursing and had attained the highest level for a woman at the time as a surgical assistant. She died in 1968 and beside her bed, a final manuscript was found. It began “The aromatherapy involved in cosmetology can lead to the most extraordinary of results” – a statement that is just as true today as it was when she first wrote it.

3. Pleasant Aromas Can Help Premature Babies With Apnea

Research published in the journal Pediatrics showed that exposure to pleasant aromas can help premature babies with apnea. Apnea of prematurity is a breathing disorder that commonly affects premature babies and can be quite dangerous. In the study, 57% of the babies who were exposed to pleasant aromas experienced a decrease in apnea episodes, compared to only 20% of the babies who were not exposed to any aromatherapy. The researchers believe that the pleasant smells help to stimulate the babies’ respiratory centers, which helps to prevent apnea episodes. The research conducted in France used the aroma of vanilla in the exercise.

4. Essential Oils Can Be Used To Create ‘Nasal Viagra’

Dr. Alan Hirsch of the Smell & Taste Research Foundation in Chicago found that certain essential oils can be used to create a nasal spray that is similar to Viagra. This so-called “nasal viagra” can be used to treat erectile dysfunction. The essential oils work by increasing blood flow to the genitals, which results in an erection. In one study, Dr. Hirsch found that when men were exposed to the scent of lavender, their penises became an average of 3.4% larger. When they were exposed to the scent of pumpkin pie, their penises became an average of 2.9% larger. He found that combining both scents improved blood flow to the penis by 40%.

5. Japanese Companies Are Using Aromatherapy To Boost Employee Productivity

In Japan, some companies are using aromatherapy to boost employee productivity. One company called D-Sense has developed an aromatherapy diffuser that they claim can increase productivity by 20%. The diffuser emits a blend of essential oils that includes rosemary, which is known to improve concentration and memory. The diffuser also uses the essential oils of lemon and grapefruit, which are known to boost energy levels. The diffuser is designed to be used in offices and other work environments.

Here are 5 surprising fun facts you probably didn’t know about aromatherapy:

These are just a few of the interesting facts about aromatherapy that you probably didn’t know. Aromatherapy is a fascinating field with a rich history dating back thousands of years. If you have questions on aromatherapy, feel free to contact us with your queries and comments. We are happy to help!

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99 Comments

  1. Color me surprised when I read that aroma therapy was once illegal. Suspicion of witchcraft seems so bizarre these days, but seemed perfectly logical back then.

  2. I read the thing about the lavender and pumpkin pie scents before, I find it funny because those scents together remind me of someone’s grandma’s house.

  3. I love how there are Japanese companies using EO’s to improve workplace productivity. I would certainly love for my company to take up this practice for a sweet smelling work day.

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