Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses essential oils to promote health and well-being. The use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome. These cultures used plants and their extracts for medicinal purposes, including the use of essential oils for physical and emotional healing.

The modern practise of aromatherapy, however, began to take shape in the early 20th century. French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé is credited with coining the term "aromatherapie" in the 1920s after he discovered the healing properties of lavender oil while treating a burn on his hand. Gattefossé went on to conduct extensive research on the chemical composition and therapeutic properties of essential oils, which helped establish the scientific basis for aromatherapy.

 His work showed that essential oils, especially when used in combination with massage, could be very effective in treating a variety of physical and emotional ailments In the decades that followed, other researchers and practitioners further developed the practise of aromatherapy. Marguerite Maury, a French biochemist, introduced the concept of using specific essential oils for specific conditions and developed methods for administering the oils through massage and inhalation. British physician and aromatherapist Dr. Jean Valnet used essential oils to treat wounds and illnesses during World War II. 

 Today, aromatherapy is used for a variety of purposes, including reducing stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation, and alleviating symptoms of certain medical conditions. Essential oils are used in massage, added to bath water, or used in diffusers to release their fragrance into the air.

 It is important to note that while aromatherapy is considered safe when used properly, it should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. It is always best to consult a qualified healthcare professional before using essential oils for any therapeutic purpose.

  In conclusion, the discovery of aromatherapy can be traced back to ancient civilizations, but the modern practise of aromatherapy was developed by French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé, who coined the term "aromatherapie" and conducted extensive research on the chemical composition and therapeutic properties of essential oils. Since then, many other researchers and practitioners have continued to develop the practise of aromatherapy, which is now widely used for promoting health and well-being.