Interview With Annette Davis By Ildikó Berecz
- Aromatika Magazine
- Mar 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 18
Pg. 20-26 - 6-minute read
The term aromatherapy was coined by René-Maurice Gattefossé in the 1930s and introduced in his book Aromathérapie: Les Huiles Essentielles, Hormones Végétales. Since then, many passionate individuals—both scientists and practitioners—have helped educate the public and advance the field, building a therapy centered on the healing properties of essential oils.
As aromatherapy continues to evolve with new generations and changing trends, it is important to recognize the pioneers who helped establish and legitimize the practice. Their work laid the foundation for modern aromatherapy education and professional practice.
In this feature, Aromatika editor Ildikó Berecz interviews American aromatherapist and educator Annette Davis. She began her aromatherapy journey at 18, studied with Dr. Jean Claude Lapraz, and has served as NAHA President since 2015 while continuing to promote endobiogeny through her company, Time Laboratories.
What is your first memory about your first contact with essential oils?
From a very young age, I remember essential oil bottles around the house. We lived in Idaho while my grandmother was in California, so she would send us a package every time she brought new oils home from Europe. She would sneak them onto the airplane, hidden in wine bottles in her suitcase! I was fascinated by those little blue bottles and loved how they smelled, though I didn't yet understand what role they would play in my life. My most vivid early experience came during a trip to San Diego. My grandmother loved taking us to the beach, and my brother and I spent far too long boogie boarding. I became quite ill with sunstroke, but Grandma made a blend with melissa essential oil, diluted as a spritzer and foot bath. I started feeling better almost immediately. That was the moment I thought, "Wow, these essential oils Grandma is always tinkering with are pretty amazing."
What would be your tips for a new or upcoming aromatherapist new to the field?
Don't try to run before you can crawl. In other words, don't be so overzealous that you try to do things beyond your current knowledge base. Start slowly, educate yourself thoroughly, and proceed at a pace that makes you feel comfortable practicing safely. Essential oils are powerful and demand respect. Consider using professionally formulated aromatherapy products until you have the knowledge to blend them yourself. Seek quality education from reputable sources such as NAHA-approved aromatherapy schools and educators. Be open to learning from different perspectives within the aromatherapy community. And remember that there's always more to learn. Even after 35 years of aromatherapy education, I continue to learn and grow.
The Spring issue of Aromatika Magazine is packed with heartfelt and inspiring articles. To read the complete article, order your copy of our Spring issue of Aromatika Magazine (13.1) or subscribe to our beautiful E-Journal yearly subscription by following the link in our bio or simply copy and paste the link here: https://www.aromatikamagazine.com/product-page/aromatika-magazine-13-1-2026-spring
Over the 146 colourful pages in our Spring issue, we have some of the most knowledgeable aromatherapists and educators from around the world.
We thank you all for your continued support and hope you'll enjoy the fascinating chapters of our Winter e-journal.
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