CIDESCO Aromatherapy Theory Examination
International Standard of Beauty Therapy –
Aromatherapy Module
Q1: Which French scientist is credited with coining the term "aromatherapy" in 1937 after treating
a burn with lavender essential oil?
A. Marguerite Maury
B. René-Maurice Gattefossé [CORRECT]
C. Robert Tisserand
D. Avicenna (Ibn Sina)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because Gattefossé coined "aromatherapy" after his laboratory explosion burn
healed remarkably with lavender oil, leading to research on essential oil antiseptic properties.
Q2: The Persian physician credited with improving and refining the alembic still for distillation of
essential oils in the 11th century is:
A. Hippocrates
B. Galen
C. Avicenna (Ibn Sina) [CORRECT]
D. Dioscorides
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because Avicenna (Ibn Sina) refined the alembic still in the 11th century,
enabling efficient distillation of rose water and essential oils; his Canon of Medicine influenced
medical practice for centuries.
Q3: Which modern aromatherapy pioneer developed the individual prescription method and
introduced the technique of diluting essential oils for massage application?
A. René-Maurice Gattefossé
B. Marguerite Maury [CORRECT]
C. Robert Tisserand
D. Jean Valnet
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because Marguerite Maury, an Austrian biochemist working in France,
developed individualized prescriptions and introduced essential oil massage diluted in carrier oils
as a therapeutic delivery system.
Q4: The English aromatherapist who established modern safety standards, published "The Art of
Aromatherapy" (1977), and is recognized for advancing clinical aromatherapy safety protocols is:
A. Patricia Davis
B. Shirley Price
,C. Robert Tisserand [CORRECT]
D. Gabriel Mojay
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because Robert Tisserand's "The Art of Aromatherapy" and subsequent safety
publications established evidence-based dilution guidelines and contraindication frameworks
adopted by CIDESCO standards.
Q5: In CIDESCO terminology, a "concrete" refers to:
A. A wax-like substance obtained through steam distillation
B. A solid or semi-solid waxy material obtained through solvent extraction containing essential
oil, waxes, and pigments [CORRECT]
C. A liquid essential oil diluted in a carrier oil
D. A hydrosol produced during water distillation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because concretes are produced when plant material is extracted with
hydrocarbon solvents (hexane); they contain essential oils, waxes, and pigments and require
further alcohol extraction to produce absolutes.
Q6: Ancient Egyptian use of aromatic substances primarily involved:
A. Internal consumption of essential oils for digestive disorders
B. Embalming, religious ceremonies, cosmetics, and medicinal preparations using resins and
infused oils [CORRECT]
C. Steam distillation of lavender for wound healing
D. Aromatherapy massage for stress relief in pharaohs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because ancient Egyptians used aromatic resins (frankincense, myrrh), infused
oils, and unguents for embalming, religious rituals, cosmetics (kohl, perfumed oils), and
medicine; true distillation had not yet been developed.
Q7: Which term describes the non-volatile residue left after steam distillation of plant material,
containing water-soluble compounds and trace essential oil components?
A. Absolute
B. Concrete
C. Hydrosol (floral water) [CORRECT]
D. CO2 extract
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because hydrosols are aqueous co-products of steam distillation containing
water-soluble plant compounds and trace essential oils; they are gentler than essential oils and
suitable for sensitive skin applications.
Q8: The definition of an "essential oil" according to CIDESCO International standards is:
A. Any fragrant liquid extracted from plants using any method
, B. A concentrated, volatile aromatic compound extracted from plant material through distillation
or mechanical expression, containing the essence of the plant's fragrance and therapeutic
properties [CORRECT]
C. A synthetic fragrance compound manufactured in a laboratory
D. A carrier oil infused with dried herbs over several weeks
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because CIDESCO defines essential oils as concentrated volatile aromatic
compounds obtained through steam distillation, water distillation, or mechanical expression
(citrus peels); they represent the plant's concentrated aromatic and therapeutic essence.
Q9: The chemical family known for its calming, antispasmodic, and balancing properties,
represented by linalyl acetate in lavender, is:
A. Monoterpenes
B. Esters [CORRECT]
C. Aldehydes
D. Phenols
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because esters (linalyl acetate, geranyl acetate, benzyl acetate) are gentle,
calming, antispasmodic, and antifungal with low dermal irritation risk.
Q10: Phenols, such as thymol in thyme and eugenol in clove, are characterized by:
A. Gentle, non-irritating properties suitable for all skin types
B. Strong antimicrobial activity but high dermal irritation potential requiring low dilution
[CORRECT]
C. Sedative and calming effects on the nervous system
D. Phototoxic properties causing skin darkening in sunlight
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because phenols are potent antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antioxidant
compounds; however, they are aggressive to skin and mucous membranes, requiring maximum
1% dilution and caution with sensitive skin.
Q11: The chemical family represented by citral in lemon and lemon-scented eucalyptus, known for
anti-inflammatory and calming properties but potentially causing skin sensitization, is:
A. Ketones
B. Aldehydes [CORRECT]
C. Oxides
D. Sesquiterpenes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because aldehydes (citral, citronellal, neral) have anti-inflammatory, calming,
hypotensive, and antiviral properties; they may cause skin sensitization and require low dilution
(0.5-1% maximum).
International Standard of Beauty Therapy –
Aromatherapy Module
Q1: Which French scientist is credited with coining the term "aromatherapy" in 1937 after treating
a burn with lavender essential oil?
A. Marguerite Maury
B. René-Maurice Gattefossé [CORRECT]
C. Robert Tisserand
D. Avicenna (Ibn Sina)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because Gattefossé coined "aromatherapy" after his laboratory explosion burn
healed remarkably with lavender oil, leading to research on essential oil antiseptic properties.
Q2: The Persian physician credited with improving and refining the alembic still for distillation of
essential oils in the 11th century is:
A. Hippocrates
B. Galen
C. Avicenna (Ibn Sina) [CORRECT]
D. Dioscorides
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because Avicenna (Ibn Sina) refined the alembic still in the 11th century,
enabling efficient distillation of rose water and essential oils; his Canon of Medicine influenced
medical practice for centuries.
Q3: Which modern aromatherapy pioneer developed the individual prescription method and
introduced the technique of diluting essential oils for massage application?
A. René-Maurice Gattefossé
B. Marguerite Maury [CORRECT]
C. Robert Tisserand
D. Jean Valnet
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because Marguerite Maury, an Austrian biochemist working in France,
developed individualized prescriptions and introduced essential oil massage diluted in carrier oils
as a therapeutic delivery system.
Q4: The English aromatherapist who established modern safety standards, published "The Art of
Aromatherapy" (1977), and is recognized for advancing clinical aromatherapy safety protocols is:
A. Patricia Davis
B. Shirley Price
,C. Robert Tisserand [CORRECT]
D. Gabriel Mojay
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because Robert Tisserand's "The Art of Aromatherapy" and subsequent safety
publications established evidence-based dilution guidelines and contraindication frameworks
adopted by CIDESCO standards.
Q5: In CIDESCO terminology, a "concrete" refers to:
A. A wax-like substance obtained through steam distillation
B. A solid or semi-solid waxy material obtained through solvent extraction containing essential
oil, waxes, and pigments [CORRECT]
C. A liquid essential oil diluted in a carrier oil
D. A hydrosol produced during water distillation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because concretes are produced when plant material is extracted with
hydrocarbon solvents (hexane); they contain essential oils, waxes, and pigments and require
further alcohol extraction to produce absolutes.
Q6: Ancient Egyptian use of aromatic substances primarily involved:
A. Internal consumption of essential oils for digestive disorders
B. Embalming, religious ceremonies, cosmetics, and medicinal preparations using resins and
infused oils [CORRECT]
C. Steam distillation of lavender for wound healing
D. Aromatherapy massage for stress relief in pharaohs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because ancient Egyptians used aromatic resins (frankincense, myrrh), infused
oils, and unguents for embalming, religious rituals, cosmetics (kohl, perfumed oils), and
medicine; true distillation had not yet been developed.
Q7: Which term describes the non-volatile residue left after steam distillation of plant material,
containing water-soluble compounds and trace essential oil components?
A. Absolute
B. Concrete
C. Hydrosol (floral water) [CORRECT]
D. CO2 extract
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because hydrosols are aqueous co-products of steam distillation containing
water-soluble plant compounds and trace essential oils; they are gentler than essential oils and
suitable for sensitive skin applications.
Q8: The definition of an "essential oil" according to CIDESCO International standards is:
A. Any fragrant liquid extracted from plants using any method
, B. A concentrated, volatile aromatic compound extracted from plant material through distillation
or mechanical expression, containing the essence of the plant's fragrance and therapeutic
properties [CORRECT]
C. A synthetic fragrance compound manufactured in a laboratory
D. A carrier oil infused with dried herbs over several weeks
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because CIDESCO defines essential oils as concentrated volatile aromatic
compounds obtained through steam distillation, water distillation, or mechanical expression
(citrus peels); they represent the plant's concentrated aromatic and therapeutic essence.
Q9: The chemical family known for its calming, antispasmodic, and balancing properties,
represented by linalyl acetate in lavender, is:
A. Monoterpenes
B. Esters [CORRECT]
C. Aldehydes
D. Phenols
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because esters (linalyl acetate, geranyl acetate, benzyl acetate) are gentle,
calming, antispasmodic, and antifungal with low dermal irritation risk.
Q10: Phenols, such as thymol in thyme and eugenol in clove, are characterized by:
A. Gentle, non-irritating properties suitable for all skin types
B. Strong antimicrobial activity but high dermal irritation potential requiring low dilution
[CORRECT]
C. Sedative and calming effects on the nervous system
D. Phototoxic properties causing skin darkening in sunlight
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because phenols are potent antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antioxidant
compounds; however, they are aggressive to skin and mucous membranes, requiring maximum
1% dilution and caution with sensitive skin.
Q11: The chemical family represented by citral in lemon and lemon-scented eucalyptus, known for
anti-inflammatory and calming properties but potentially causing skin sensitization, is:
A. Ketones
B. Aldehydes [CORRECT]
C. Oxides
D. Sesquiterpenes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because aldehydes (citral, citronellal, neral) have anti-inflammatory, calming,
hypotensive, and antiviral properties; they may cause skin sensitization and require low dilution
(0.5-1% maximum).
