Essential oils have a long history of therapeutic use and have been used for centuries to heal and repair. In modern aromatherapy, the healing power of lavender oil was discovered by French chemist, Rene Maurice Gattefosse, after he accidentally plunged his badly burnt hand into a vat of it and was amazed at its effects on his burns. Dr. Jean Valet also harnessed the healing benefits of essential oils for treating injured soldiers in the Second World War.