About
Frenchy Aroma

French aromatherapy emerged in the early 20th century with René-Maurice Gattefossé, a trained chemist whose interest in essential oils began after a laboratory accident, during which the rapid healing of his burns was attributed to the use of lavender essential oil. From its very origins, French aromatherapy developed as a therapeutic discipline, grounded in chemistry, physiology, and clinical observation.

It differs from the approach developed by Marguerite Maury, which focused more on aesthetic care, ageing, massage, and psycho-emotional balance. While these two traditions are complementary, French aromatherapy has always been rooted in a medically oriented intention, with clearly defined applications and biologically observable effects.

Its scientific structuring was further strengthened by the work of Pierre Franchomme, who introduced the concept of chemotypes, enabling essential oils to be characterised according to their dominant biochemical profile. This major advancement helped secure the use of essential oils, improve therapeutic consistency, and firmly anchor aromatherapy in a rigorous framework based on botanical accuracy, biochemical specificity, and analytical quality.

Over the past decade, clinical aromatherapy has continued to develop, particularly within healthcare settings such as oncology, supportive care, and the management of chronic conditions. It now plays an increasing role in integrative health approaches that place the patient at the centre of care.

A modern and integrative approach to health

Today more than ever, aromatherapy is highly relevant for two major reasons. First, it responds to the growing challenge of emerging chronic conditions, where patients are no longer seeking only recovery, but a better quality of life over the long term. Second, it is founded on deep respect for plants and the Earth, requiring the use of organic, pure, chemotyped essential oils sourced from sustainable supply chains.

Caring for a patient today means considering the whole person — not only their physiological and pharmacological needs, but also their emotions, psychological distress, personal experience, social relationships, and sometimes even their spiritual aspirations. Through the careful selection and use of essential oils, aromatherapy supports a truly integrative approach to care, addressing dimensions that purely biomedical models often struggle to encompass.

About
Dr. Aude Maillard

A Scientific and Integrative Approach to Aromatherapy

I am Aude Maillard, Doctor of Pharmacy and specialist in scientific and medical aromatherapy for over 20 years.
My work bridges pharmaceutical rigor with a holistic understanding of the human being, integrating physical, emotional and energetic dimensions of health.

Through professional training programs and introductory courses for the general public, I share an approach to aromatherapy that is evidence-based, sensitive, and deeply respectful of the living world.

2k+
Students Worlwilde
50+
Expert Courses
4.9
Average rating

A Professionnal Journey

Rooted in Science

I graduated as a Doctor of Pharmacy from the Faculty of Pharmacy of Tours (France) in 1999.
After nearly a decade in community pharmacy, I chose in 2008 to devote my career entirely to scientific and medical aromatherapy.

This transition marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to innovative, natural and environmentally conscious healthcare, focusing on prevention, balance and overall well-being.

Today, I work as a teacher, author and lecturer, offering:

  • introductory courses for individuals seeking to understand essential oils safely
  • professional training programs for those wishing to become aromatologists with a scientifical approach

An Integrative Vision

of Aromatherapy

My approach is both rational and integrative.
I prioritize pharmacology, biochemistry, and clinical knowledge, I also recognize the importance of:

  • the individual perception and sensory experience
  • the emotional and psychological balance
  • the intention, the awareness and the energetic dimensions

This integrative perspective shapes the way I design my synergies and protocols, widely recognised for being scientifically grounded, personalised, and deeply human.

For me, essential oils are part of my everyday life

They do not replace a visit to my doctor or a medical prescription — I am not a physician, and I tend to feel anxious when it comes to health issues. However, for everyday discomforts and my sense of well-being, they are an instinctive, relevant, and remarkably effective support.

Whenever I feel the slightest sense of weakness or slowing down — whether digestive, circulatory, nervous, or emotional — or simply to counter that subtle yet inevitable feeling brought on by ageing, I turn to aromatherapy. Nature offers us an incredible wealth of often overlooked resources.

When I create a synergy for a specific concern, my aim is to make it as relevant as possible by creating a resonance between the person, the plants, and the essential oils themselves. I look for meaningful connections between an individual’s profile or condition and specific characteristics I know from the plants.

For example, between two essential oils with similar biochemical profiles, I will favour an eucalyptus oil over a Melaleuca when the desired focus is respiratory and deep rather than primarily immune-related (such as Eucalyptus globulus rather than Niaouli). In the same way, I may choose an essential oil derived from a flower or flowering top rather than a leaf when a condition has a strong psycho-emotional dimension (for example, fine lavender rather than petitgrain bigarade).

I explain this particular approach and the reasons behind it in more detail in my course “Simple gestures in aromatherapy in daily life or in emergency cases” 100% e.learning

My students not only learn general safety guidelines for handling essential oils, but also how these can be used for a wide variety of ailments to improve well-being and increase quality of life. At the same time, I impart detailed expertise on essential oils and provide participants with a comprehensive, holistic, and integrative understanding of these natural substances and their practical applications.

Teaching, Training & Conferences

As an Aromatherapy Instructor

As a Doctor of Pharmacy specialized in aromatherapy, I had the honor of teaching within the prestigious University Diploma (D.U.) in Phyto-Aromatherapy at the Faculty of Pharmacy of Tours for more than 10 years.

500+
Students trained
15+
Years of experience

Training

  • hospital palliative care units
  • home-based palliative care organizations
  • academic setting

Beyond formal education, I regularly organize and participate in health seminars and conferences, sharing practical knowledge and ethical perspectives on the use of essential oils in professional and familial contexts.

Author & Contributor

I collaborated for over 20 years with the magazine Plantes & Santé, where I overseed the aromatherapy and letter to readers sections.

I contribute to the training of Aroma-Zone store staff, as well as to the quality of information on their website. Through articles and educational content, I aim to make aromatherapy accessible, accurate and responsible.

I am also the author of several books dedicated to essential oils and integrative health, reflecting my commitment to education, transmission and clarity.

What my Students Say

Passion & Self-Confidence — Pierre

“Beyond her rigour and clear teaching style, Aude Maillard’s guidance and advice convey a deep passion for essential oils. Since learning aromatherapy with Dr Maillard, I have been fascinated by the potential of plants and their essences — and not only that: I also understand my own body much better. Training with Aude Maillard goes far beyond aromatherapy itself.”

Kindness & Sharing — Isabelle

“Dr Maillard truly listens to her students and clients. She is attentive to every question, and I clearly feel that what drives her is the satisfaction of those she teaches. Learning with heart makes all the difference. For me, it leads to deeper understanding, greater enjoyment, and a genuine sense of wonder for nature.”