If you are having trouble understanding the concept of aromatherapy, then it is time to look to French physician Jean Valnet.
Valnet was one of the first physicians to recognize and exploit the healing power of essential oils.
He devoted his life to the study and research of the therapeutic properties of essential oils and developed a therapeutic system based on his discoveries.
Read on to learn more about what Jean Valnet taught us about using essential oils.
An extraordinary life
the life of jean valnet
Valnet was born in 1920 in the Paris suburb of Sèvres, France, where he attended medical school at the University of Paris. After graduating, he served as a doctor during World War II before returning home and opening a private practice. During his practice, he noticed that many patients were having success with essential oil treatments, but had no idea why they worked so well. This sparked an interest in him that led him to begin researching all aspects of aromatherapy and its effects on human health and well-being.
Valnet's work focused primarily on plant extracts, which he believed could be used to treat illnesses both internally (through ingestion) and externally (through topical application). He also studied how different combinations of plant extracts affected people differently, and determined that some combinations were more effective than others for treating specific conditions or ailments. Finally, he discovered that some scents had a calming effect on patients, while others seemed to stimulate them—another important discovery in the field of aromatherapy.
Valnet's research led to the creation of a comprehensive system for the therapeutic use of essential oils, which is still used today by certified aromatherapists around the world. His work helped legitimize aromatherapy as a form of alternative medicine and continues to inspire new generations of researchers seeking ways to improve our health through natural methods.


the second world war
Valnet's Work with Essential Oils During World War II
Valnet began researching the therapeutic effects of essential oils during World War II, while treating wounded soldiers. He tested a variety of combinations on his patients and found that some oils were more effective than others, depending on the individual's condition. He noted that some oils, such as tea tree oil, had powerful antiseptic properties, while others, such as lavender oil, had calming properties that could help reduce anxiety and stress. Valnet also found that some combinations of essential oils were more effective than the individual varieties. For example, he noted that a combination of lavender oil and tea tree oil was particularly effective against infection and inflammation.
Valnet's discoveries revolutionized wartime medical care, providing physicians with an effective alternative to traditional drugs, which were often difficult to obtain or too expensive for widespread use. Valnet is credited with popularizing aromatherapy as a form of medical care during this time, although it was not until later that it became widely accepted by mainstream medicine.
Jean Valnet’s work has had a lasting impact on medical practices today; his pioneering research into the therapeutic effects of essential oils has been cited in numerous studies over the years. His discoveries helped pave the way for the development of modern aromatherapy, a practice now widely used in hospitals and healthcare facilities around the world. Jean Valnet’s legacy lives on through his work helping those who needed it most during one of the darkest hours in history.
Dr. Jean Valnet was truly ahead of his time in recognizing the healing powers of essential oils and their potential applications in modern medicine. His research laid the foundation for future generations to continue exploring the therapeutic benefits associated with these powerful plant extracts, bringing us ever closer to finding more natural solutions to our health concerns, without relying solely on drugs or surgery. With Jean Valnet’s pioneering work as a guide, we can all benefit from learning how essential oils can be part of our holistic approach to total wellness.