Aromatherapy is a natural healing practice that uses scent. Proponents of aromatherapy believe that scents trigger nervous system responses through nerves in the nose and that in turn, these responses can benefit the brain and the rest of the body. People often use aromatherapy for relaxation, improving mood and alleviating stress. There are also individuals who use aromatherapy to ease symptoms of medical conditions and illnesses.

Although research into the effectiveness of aromatherapy is promising, scientists are still studying the benefits of using scent to address physical and mental health concerns. At this time, there is not enough evidence to prove that aromatherapy is beneficial for addressing any particular concern, and aroma-therapeutic products are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of any illnesses or diseases. There are a number of ways that people may use essential oils for aromatherapy. When diluted with water or mixed with a carrier oil, essential oils can be used for massage or applied to the skin. Some people produce mists of water and essential oils to spray their clothing, pillowcases, furniture and other fabrics in their homes. In addition, essential oils may be added to bathwater.

Essential oils are the materials used for aromatherapy interventions. The oily liquids are made from various parts of plants, such as their leaves, flowers, bark, peels, stems and roots. Manufacturers can produce essential oils through a number of methods like steam distillation or pressing. Some of the most commonly used essential oils are lavender, tea tree, bergamot, cedarwood, lemon and chamomile. You can read the product descriptions to learn more about the scents of various essential oils and what benefits may they provide. Aromatherapy can also be performed with a difusor, a device that releases essential oils into the air. Some diffusers feature cotton wicks that you simply saturate with essential oils. Others produce steam with a heating element or vapor by producing sonic vibrations.