France is one of the global pioneers in medical aromatherapy. Aromatherapy in France is scientifically grounded and referred to as “aromathérapie scientifique ou médicale”. French trained doctors and pharmacists often undergo specialized training in essential oils.
In her 1994 published book “The magic power of Lavender” Maggie Tisserand describes, that French doctors actually do Petri dish cultures from a swab taken from their sick patients’ mouths to then make different cultures from that first one and put different essential oils on them to determine, which one was the most effective in combating what was growing in the Petri dish. Like our doctors basically do when trying to figure out what antibiotic to use.
Back in the days those doctors weren’t even allowed to prescribe the essential oils themselves, that was then the task of the pharmacist, who could dole out the oil or make a blend according to the doctors advice. So in France they take essential oils seriously while in most parts of the western world they are still seen somewhere in between “wellness/lifestyle” and “scam”.
Clinics in France treat for example skin conditions, respiratory infects, digestive issues and emotional and neurological issues like anxiety and insomnia with essential oils at institutions like Université de Montpellier or Faculté de Pharmacie. They also offer certifications and diplomas in aromatherapy for their health professionals.
Be well and see you soon!