“In its origins and early development, the written record of perfumery consisted of brief remarks, generally of secondary importance, in works relating to botany, medicine, pharmacy and other sciences, and at a much later date, to cosmetic and beauty culture. (…) Many aromatic chemicals are used both in perfumery and in medicine. The United Stated Dispensatory summarises some of these uses:

Oil of anise stimulates peristalsis in colic, and has been used as an expectorant and in treatment of scabies.

Bergamot, which one would scarcely expect to find on a doctor’s list, has been used to protect the body against lice.

Cinnamon oil has been prescribes in gastric difficulties. Eucalyptus oil, in addition to being a stimulant, has been used for chronic bronchitis.

Lavender, it is claimed, has carminative properties.

On and on the story counties. Rosemary, sassafras, sandalwood, galbanum, and even ambergris find mention, and among the ailments for which they bring relief are those attaching the skin, stomach, throat, intestines, and other parts of the body. “

Source: The Science and Art of Perfume (1945) by Edward Sagarin