International Centre for Aromatherapy Research and Development (ICARD) is a non-profit making society constituted on 27 September, 2007 under the Indian Societies Registration Act 1860 by the scientists, professionals and entrepreneurs. The concept of constitution of society was developed by Dr. G.N. Qazi, Director and Dr. R.K.Raina, Deputy Director, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), the then Regional Research Laboratory, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India and Dr. C. S. Raghav, the then Principal Director, Fragrance and Flavor Development Centre, Ministry of Small Scale Industries, Govt. of India, Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, India in May 2005 when a national workshop on essential oils, perfumery and aromatherapy was organized in New Delhi. While organizing the workshop it was realized that there was an acute shortage of research work and scientifically trained professionals in the field of aromatherapy in India and abroad, while the number of so called aromatherapists was increasing at a very fast rate throughout the world. Subsequently a series of national workshops was organized in different parts of country to create awareness and further assess the status of aromatherapy research and practice in India and abroad. It was observed that in majority of the cases the aromatherapy is practiced by beauty and massage parlours and spas, the number of aromatherapy practicing doctors is very meagre.

The dream concept of ICARD was made true by Mr N.K.R. Shanmugam, a socialite and one of the biggest farmers of carvone rich mint in South India by owing the financial responsibilities of the society. Accordingly, the first international workshop on aromatherapy was organized from 3-5 September 2007 in IIIM Jammu with the joint efforts of founders, Dr. G.N. Qazi, Dr. R.K. Raina, Dr. C.S. Raghav and Mr. N.K.R Shanmugam, wherein, again it was realized that the position abroad is no different from India as for as availability of science based aromatherapy is concerned. Consequently, on 27 September 2007 the society was registered with its objectives and activities.

Aromatherapy is an alternative therapy in which herbal medicine and aromatherapy essential oils are used. Now there are a varieties of aromatherapy products available which are used for beauty care and total health care. We give professional aromatherapy training to students for their success in professional life.