Then, in the 19 th century, European scientists began researching the antibacterial effects of essential oils. In 1937, Rene Maurice Gattefosse published a book about the antimicrobial effects of essential oils and today is credited with coining the term aromatherapy. The true practice of aromatherapy, however, is credited to Madame Margaret Maury, a French biochemist who developed the method of applying oils to the skin with massage. Micheline Archer joined Madame Maury and together they created the modern form of aromatherapy that is practiced around the world today. In Europe, aromatherapy is incorporated into the tradition health care community.
European countries have professional licensing standards and require a prescription for oral doses.
Aromatherapy was introduced to the United States in the early 1980s in California. Today local health food stores stock a wide selection of books about aromatherapy and essential oils. Aromatherapy products are also easily accessible through the internet. Most practicing aromatherapists in the US are trained as massage therapists, psychologists or chiropractors who incorporate the use of essential oils into their practices. Today there are no licensing standards in the United States, however, several aroma therapists including Jeanne Rose, past president of the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, are working to put training and licensing standards in place.