PARIS: Long eclipsed by modern medicine, demand for aromatherapy with its sensual fragrances and soothing powers has surged as more people are attracted to natural products.

Fans of the plant-based essential oils as a means of tackling physical ailments and promoting emotional well-being have helped propel aromatherapy sales, which in France for example jumped by around 16 per cent this year.

In France alone, aromatherapy sales in pharmacies and other outlets came to 180 million euros for 12 months from July 2014.