What is Aromatherapy... and what it is not

Aromatherapy is often misunderstood. Sometimes seen as just pleasant scents for your home or a

placebo. In reality, it’s a poweful holistic and evidence-based practice. In this article, I’d like to bring clarity to what aromatherapy truly is (and what it isn’t) so you can understand its depth, safety and incredible potential a for your balance and well-being.

Aromatherapy is not just about nice smells Aromatherapy is often misunderstood as simply making things smell pleasant. But it’s so much more than that. Aromatherapy means “healing with fragrance” and is the therapeutic use of essential oils to support physical, emotional, mental and energetic well-being. 

Through the sense of smell or absorption via the skin, essential oils interact with our body in complex and meaningful ways. 

So yes, essential oils smell amazing but they are not fragrance oils, they are the essence of the plant and are deeply therapeutic. Aromatherapy is ancient The roots of aromatherapy go a thousands of years deep.

Ancient civilisations such as the Egyptians, Indians, Chinese, Persians and Greeks used aromatic plants and oils in medicine, beauty rituals, spiritual practices. 

The first distillation tools were used as early as 5000 BC in Asia to extract essential oils from plants.

These traditions were not based on trends but on recognising the life force in plants and their ability to support healing and harmony in the human body and spirit. Aromatherapy is modern and science based

While aromatherapy is ancient, it also has a firm place in modern science.

The term aromatherapy was coined in 1910 by French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé, who discovered the healing power of lavender oil after treating a severe burn. 

Since then, aromatherapy has evolved into a respected discipline in integrative and complementary medicine, particularly in France. Scientific aromatherapy studies essential oils' chemical composition, pharmacological effects and clinical applications.

Aromatherapy is a complementary medicine

Aromatherapy is not meant to replace modern medicine. It’s here to complement it.

When used safely and knowledgeably, it can support many health concerns by working in harmony with the body’s natural systems.

It can help with:

 • Emotional wellbeing & stress relief

 • Skin issues (acne, eczema, dryness)

 • Women’s health & hormonal balance

 • Lymphatic & circulatory support

 • Digestion & gut discomfort

 • Joint & muscle pain

 • Respiratory problems, allergies

 • Immune support

 • Chakra balancing

Aromatherapy is natural but very potent

Essential oils may be natural but they are the highest concentrated plant extracts (not harmless drops of perfume).

Just one drop of peppermint oil equal dozens of cups of herbal tea in potency. It takes several kilograms (or more!) of plant material to produce a 10ml bottle. So essential oils must always be used with care. 

Natural does not mean risk-free, but when used wisely, essential oils can be powerful allies for health and healing.

Always consult a qualified aromatherapist to find what suits your unique needs.

Aromatherapy is not one-size-fits-all

Aromatherapy honours your individuality. It’s not a generic treatment.

There are a lot of already made recipes or essential oils blends out there and each essential oil has a clear list of properties and benefits. It’s a good thing and I will also share this information. However it’s important to keep in mind that aach person’s emotional state, body type, medical history and preferences are different and what works for one person may not work for another.

As an aromatherapist, I support your individual journey; gently, naturally and with respect for 

your whole self.