By Jennifer Campbell — working in aromatherapy retail since 2015. Reviewed and updated July 2026.
Aromatherapy is the practice of using aromatic plant essential oils — through scent and gentle topical use — to support relaxation and a calmer daily routine. It has been part of wellness traditions for centuries. It's best thought of as a complementary self-care practice that can help you feel more at ease, not as a treatment for any medical condition.
What Is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants. These oils are highly concentrated and carry the plant's natural scent and aromatic compounds. You can enjoy them by breathing in the aroma, or by applying them to the skin after diluting them in a carrier oil.
How Aromatherapy Works
When you inhale an essential oil, the scent signals travel to the limbic system — the part of the brain involved in emotion and memory. That connection between smell, mood and memory is why a familiar aroma can feel calming or lift your spirits.
What the Research Actually Says
It's worth being honest here. According to the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), rigorous research on aromatherapy is still limited and results are mixed. There are some promising signals — particularly for anxiety and mood — but for many uses the evidence isn't yet strong. Aromatherapy can be a pleasant part of a wellness routine, but it isn't a substitute for medical care. You can read NCCIH's overviews of aromatherapy and lavender for the current state of the science.
Benefits People Explore
1. Relaxation and stress relief
Calming oils like lavender and chamomile are the ones people reach for most to unwind. Some studies suggest lavender aroma may have a soothing effect on mood, though researchers note the studies are often small (Koulivand et al., 2013).
2. Winding down before sleep
A few drops of lavender in a bedtime diffuser is a popular way to signal that the day is ending. NCCIH notes the evidence for aromatherapy and sleep is still unclear, but many people report that the ritual helps them feel more relaxed at bedtime.
3. A mood lift
Bright citrus oils such as lemon and bergamot are often chosen when you want something uplifting. One NIH-cited study found a lemon scent had a positive effect on mood.
4. Comfort during massage
Essential oils diluted in a carrier oil are widely used to make massage more pleasant, and aromatherapy massage is sometimes offered alongside conventional care for comfort. Evidence for pain relief is limited, so treat it as comfort and relaxation rather than a medical remedy.
A note on claims you may see elsewhere: essential oils are sometimes marketed as “boosting immunity” or curing illness. Current evidence does not support those claims — one NIH-referenced study found lavender and lemon aromas did not change immune markers — so we don't make them. Enjoy aromatherapy for relaxation and everyday well-being, and see a healthcare professional for medical concerns.
How to Use Aromatherapy
Inhalation
The simplest method: add a few drops to a diffuser, inhale straight from the bottle, or add a drop to a bowl of hot water and breathe in the steam.
Topical use
Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba before applying to skin, to reduce the risk of irritation. Patch-test first.
Massage
Add a few drops of an essential oil to a carrier oil and use it for a relaxing massage. Browse our full range of aromatherapy oils to find a scent you love.
Safety Precautions
- Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before applying them to the skin, and patch-test first.
- Do not ingest essential oils unless under the guidance of a qualified professional.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take sedative medication, check with your healthcare provider first — some oils may not be suitable.
- Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets.
- Choose pure, high-quality oils from a reputable source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is aromatherapy safe?
Used correctly — diluted and inhaled or applied topically rather than ingested — aromatherapy is generally well tolerated. Follow the safety notes above.
Can aromatherapy help with anxiety?
Some research suggests certain oils such as lavender may have a calming effect, though the evidence is still developing. It can be a helpful part of a relaxation routine, not a replacement for professional care.
Can essential oils be ingested?
Generally no. Essential oils are highly concentrated and can be harmful if swallowed. Use them through inhalation or diluted topical application.
Can aromatherapy be used during pregnancy?
Some oils are not recommended in pregnancy. Check with your healthcare provider before use.
Where can I buy high-quality essential oils?
Look for pure, clearly labelled oils from a reputable seller. You can explore our essential oil collection to get started.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Aromatherapy.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Lavender: Usefulness and Safety.
- National Cancer Institute. Aromatherapy With Essential Oils (PDQ®).
- Koulivand PH, Khaleghi Ghadiri M, Gorji A. Lavender and the Nervous System. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013.