What Is Aromatherapy?

Have you ever smelled fresh lavender and immediately felt calmer? Or caught the bright scent of sweet orange that seemed to lift your mood?

Our sense of smell has an incredible ability to transport us to a memory, evoke an emotion, or simply help us slow down for a moment. Aromatherapy is the intentional use of these natural plant aromas to create an environment that supports relaxation, focus, comfort, or a sense of wellbeing.

While the word aromatherapy often brings to mind bottles of essential oils and diffusers, the practice is much broader than that. It includes enjoying fragrant herbs in the garden, using naturally scented skincare, filling your home with botanical aromas, and incorporating aromatic plants into everyday rituals.

What Is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the practice of using the natural aromatic compounds found in plants to enhance your surroundings and support emotional and sensory wellbeing.

These aromatic compounds are found throughout nature—in flowers, leaves, bark, roots, seeds, citrus peels, and resins.

Today, aromatherapy most commonly involves essential oils, which are highly concentrated extracts obtained from plants through steam distillation or cold pressing. Because these oils contain the plant's concentrated aroma, only a small amount is needed to enjoy their fragrance.

However, aromatherapy doesn't require a diffuser or even a bottle of essential oil.

You may already practice aromatherapy when you:

• Walk through a lavender garden
• Sip herbal tea while breathing in the steam
• Wash with a handmade soap scented with essential oils
• Use a lavender linen spray before bed
• Enjoy a botanical bath
• Carry a sachet of dried herbs in a drawer
• Burn a naturally scented candle

Sometimes the simplest experiences are the most meaningful.

Essential Oils vs. Whole Herbs

One common misconception is that aromatherapy only involves essential oils.

In reality, aromatic plants can be enjoyed in many different forms.

Whole Herbs	Essential Oils
Fresh lavender	Lavender essential oil
Rosemary sprigs	Rosemary essential oil
Dried chamomile	Chamomile essential oil
Citrus peel	Sweet orange essential oil

Whole herbs contain many naturally occurring plant compounds in their original form, while essential oils are highly concentrated aromatic extracts.

Both have their place, but they should not be considered interchangeable.

Everyday Ways to Enjoy Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy doesn't have to be complicated.

Some of the easiest ways to bring botanical scents into your home include:

• Handmade soaps scented with essential oils
• Botanical body oils
• Lip balms
• Bath salts
• Linen sprays
• Diffusers
• Naturally scented candles
• Herbal sachets
• Fresh flowers
• Dried herbs
• Simmer pots made with herbs and citrus

Even taking a moment to smell a blooming lilac or a sprig of fresh rosemary can become a mindful practice.

Popular Aromatherapy Scents

Some of the most loved aromatic plants include:

Lavender

Known for its soft floral aroma, lavender is traditionally associated with peaceful evenings and relaxation.

On the Blog: Lavender: More Than a Pretty Flower

Peppermint

Fresh and invigorating, peppermint offers a bright scent that many people enjoy during busy mornings.

Rosemary

With its herbaceous fragrance, rosemary is often chosen for study spaces and home offices.

Sweet Orange

Sweet orange brings cheerful citrus notes that make many people think of sunshine and fresh kitchens.

Eucalyptus

Known for its crisp, refreshing aroma, eucalyptus is a favorite in shower steamers and spa-inspired routines.

Is Aromatherapy the Same as Herbalism?

Not quite.

Although both involve plants, they are different practices.

Herbalism focuses on using whole plants or herbal preparations such as teas, tinctures, infused oils, and salves.

Aromatherapy focuses specifically on the aromatic compounds of plants and the experience of enjoying their fragrance.

Many people appreciate both traditions because they complement one another beautifully.

Essential Oil Safety

Essential oils are incredibly concentrated.

In many cases, it takes pounds—or even hundreds of pounds—of plant material to produce a small bottle of essential oil.

Because of this concentration, they should always be used thoughtfully.

General safety guidelines include:

• Always dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin unless otherwise directed by a qualified professional.
• Keep essential oils away from children and pets.
• Never ingest essential oils unless under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
• Some oils are not recommended during pregnancy or for young children.
• Citrus oils can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight when applied topically.

When trying a new essential oil, it's always wise to do your research and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Bringing Aromatherapy Into Everyday Life

One of the things we love most about aromatherapy is that it encourages us to slow down.

It isn't about perfection or elaborate routines.

It's about lighting a candle after dinner.

Using your favorite handmade soap.

Taking a deep breath before the day begins.

Opening a window while the breeze carries the scent of blooming flowers.

Nature has always surrounded us with beautiful fragrances. Aromatherapy simply invites us to notice them.

Continue Your Herbal Journey

Want to learn more about the herbs behind your favorite botanical scents?

Explore our free Herbal Field Guides, where you'll discover the history, traditional uses, harvesting tips, skincare benefits, and practical ways to enjoy herbs like lavender, calendula, rosemary, peppermint, and more.

Whether you're creating a peaceful bedtime routine, making handcrafted soap, or learning about herbs for the first time, we hope these guides inspire you to bring a little more nature into everyday life.

Download our free Lavender Field Guide to learn more about one of the world's most beloved aromatic herbs.