Interview with Reiko Sato By Fusako Takada
Pg. 32-37 - 5-minute read
The term 'aromatherapy' was coined by René-Maurice Gattefossé in the 1930s and first appeared in print with the publication of his book, Aromathérapie: Les Huiles Essentielles, Hormones Végétales in French, first published in English in 1993. Many enthusiastic and professional people – coming from a scientific background or not – lay out the path for education and popularising aromatherapy in the coming decades. We experience a changing world around us with many challenges and changing trends in and around our beloved 'therapy' that was initially built on the healing properties of essential oils. With a newer generation evolving, we wanted to know about the individuals – or we can call them pioneers or GIANTS – who worked effortlessly to get this field accepted.
In this edition, Japanese aromatherapist Fusako Takada interviewed Japanese aromatherapist Reiko Sato, who graduated as a pharmacist and started introducing aromatherapy at the hospital wards supporting patients and teaching healthcare staff to share the importance of offering more choices for care. Valuing her services and achievements she received the 2025 Gattefossé Prize.
What is your first memory about your first contact with essential oils?
My first experience with essential oils was at a class run by a friend. I remember making and using a cream containing lavender and tea tree. Actually using the product myself and creating something with essential oils as a craft experience felt very fresh and gave me a new perspective on how essential oils could be used. In that monthly class, we always made some kind of aromatherapy product. I continued attending that class for approximately 11 to 12 years.
Is there an area of special interest to you within aromatherapy?
My main area of interest is the clinical application of aromatherapy. My hope is that patients will have more choices when it comes to their care. I believe it is important that even patients who are hospitalised can have access to different options that may support their wellbeing. For this reason, I have always been interested in how aromatherapy can be appropriately applied in clinical settings and how it can become one of the care options available to patients.
If you had to choose one oil or hydrosol to take with you to a deserted island, which one would it be?
I would choose frankincense. It helps me feel calm, especially in moments when I suddenly notice that my breathing has become shallow.
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