Interview with Victoria Edwards By Gergely Hollódi
- Aromatika Magazine
- Oct 1
- 3 min read
Pg. 18-27 - 9-minute read
The word aromatherapy was first used by René-Maurice Gattefossé in the 1930s, and appeared in his book Aromathérapie: Les Huiles Essentielles, Hormones Végétales. The book was later translated into English in 1993. Since then, many people—both scientists and enthusiasts—have helped spread knowledge and education about aromatherapy.
Over time, the world has changed, and so have the trends and challenges surrounding this therapy, which began with the healing power of essential oils. With a new generation emerging, it is important to look back at the pioneers, or “giants,” who worked hard to make aromatherapy accepted.
In this issue, Aromatika’s editor-in-chief, Gergely Hollódi, interviews American aromatherapist Victoria Edwards. She was one of the founders and a past president of the American Aromatherapy Association (AATA), ran her business Leydet Aromatics, and published four books. Since moving to France in 2004, she has spent much of her time caring for her garden.
How did you initially get involved with aromatherapy, and what made you start working with essential oils?
I began making herbal-infused oils in 1972, just after my daughter Cassandra Rose was born. My first infusion was Calendula petals in almond oil, guided by Jeanne Rose’s Herbs and Things. One of my favorites was “Bruise Juice,” which I later turned into a salve with Jeanne. At the time, no one else was making products like these, though today they’re very popular in France.
A year later, I moved into a big old Victorian farmhouse in Fair Oaks, near the American River, where I lived in a semi-commune with other households. We shared music, art, gardening, and animals, and I grew herbs, flowers, and vegetables among the many trees on Harmony Hill. Nearby was the Village Swedish Sauna, where I studied massage, reflexology, and zone therapy, and later worked as a massage therapist for $7 an hour.
By 1977, I was using eucalyptus oil in the sauna water and discovered the local pharmacy carried remedies from Wala and Dr. Hauschka. Eventually, I expanded into Bach flower essences and aromatherapy essential oils, which grew into my business, Leydet, offering both oils and education.
What is your first memory about your first contact with essential oils?
In 1984, I was introduced to Avraham Sand at the Village Sauna, where he demonstrated aromatherapy with a diffuser using Ylang-ylang. The scent was so strong in the cedar building that it made me nauseous, but it didn’t lessen my interest in aromatherapy or diffusers. Later, I learned to use Ylang-ylang for pain, toothaches, and even animals. Avraham ran a business called Tifferet and sourced many oils from Marcel Lavabre’s company, Rhizotome, in Boulder, Colorado. Over time, I connected with Marcel’s partner, Jean Claude Pichot, and his work with Golgemma, which later hosted Aromacamp. The first essential oils I worked with extensively were Eucalyptus and Peppermint, valued for their fresh, uplifting qualities.
Who did you study with?
I studied with many leading figures in aromatherapy and related fields, including Jeanne Rose, Kathi Keville, Rosemary Gladstar, Robert Tisserand, Kurt Schnaubelt, Daniel Pénoël, John Steele, and others. The American Aromatherapy Association board was made up of 19 diverse and talented professionals—from chemists and herbalists to aestheticians and acupuncturists—who shared knowledge in a supportive way. Jeanne Rose also introduced me to Karl Lee, a distiller, jeweler, and the first true alchemist I met, from whom I learned distillation and purchased many products.
The Autumn issue of Aromatika Magazine is packed with heartfelt and inspiring articles. To read the complete article, order your copy of our Autumn issue of Aromatika Magazine (12.3) 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-12-3-2025-autumn
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