What Is Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils, plant materials, and other natural oils and substances for their aromatic properties. Aromas can heal, and that is the purpose of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy can also be used to describe the application of aromatic oils and rubs directly to the skin to alleviate pain.

This does not include perfume oils and other man-made or synthetic products.

Hydrosols and CO2 extracts join essential oils as the most common aromatherapy products. There are dozens of recognized essential oils, and there are several ways you can release their powerful aroma.

Candle diffusers use heat to disperse a few drops of essential oil into the atmosphere. Electric diffusers can cover a very large area, and many times are combined with a negative ionizer to help reduce stress. You can also simply add a few drops of essential oil to a cup or pot of boiling water to release a therapeutic scent into the air.

A fan diffuser blows aromas around your room, while lamp rings absorb essential oil and use the heat from a light bulb to deliver the scent. A nebulizer breaks oil down into its different main components first. It then disperses them separately. Some aromatherapy practitioners believe nebulizers deliver the most therapeutic benefits per drop of oil.