What You Need To Know About Aromatherapy & 9 Essential Oils To Get Started

Many people know aromatherapy simply as the mixture of pleasing scents that accompany a relaxing day at the spa. We've got nothing against the soothing smells associated with a massage, but aromatherapy actually brings so much more to the table in terms of natural, holistic ways to boost physical and mental health.

By the 16th century, aromatherapy and essential oils were recognized around the globe as a form of alternative medicine. The term "aromatherapy" was eventually coined by French perfumer Rene-Maurice Gattefosse in 1937 when he published a book with some of the first clinical findings regarding the medicinal and healing properties of essential oil therapy. Today, there is a huge global market for aromatherapy and essential oils, and aspiring professional aromatherapists can receive training with help from organizations like the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy.

The benefits of holistic aromatherapy range from physical to emotional to psychological. Scientific studies have proved that aromatherapy can help treat a wide range of ailments.

One of the most widely used essential oils in aromatherapy is lavender, which has been linked to a reduction of migraine1 and depression symptoms2, and improved sleep quality3 when inhaled (either directly or by way of topical application to the body with a carrier oil). Ylang-ylang4, another popular essential oil, has also been associated with relaxation and improved mood after topical application.

Got the seasonal sniffles? Aromatherapy can help with that, too. "I love essential oils because they are easy to carry around, and they can help your allergy symptoms," Taz Bhatia, M.D., integrative medicine physician, told mbg. "The combination of peppermint, lavender, and lemon essential oils acts as a natural antihistamine and stops the inflammatory response associated with allergies. Mix the three together and diffuse in your bedroom or workspace."

Breathing in beneficial essential oil compounds also holds promise for combating pain, with research showing5 that patients with arthritis reported less pain and improve mood after topical application of lavender, marjoram, eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint essential oils blended with a carrier oil. Similarly, a combination of clary sage, marjoram, cinnamon, ginger, and geranium essential oils in a base of almond oil was found to6 alleviate menstrual pain in women when massaged onto the abdomen.

In one study7, smokers who were trying to quit experienced fewer cravings for cigarettes and withdrawal symptoms after inhaling black pepper essential oil as compared to those who inhaled menthol.

The list of essential oils used for aromatherapy could fill the length of a CVS receipt. But these are a few of the most popular and versatile options that will likely provide the most bang for your buck (essential oils can be pricey, after all!):

Essential oils can be used in aromatherapy either topically or indirectly via a diffuser, spray bottle, or other accessory or device.

Inhalation is one of the easiest ways to use essential oils in your home. You can use a diffuser, mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle, sprinkle oils on the shower floor so they're carried up with the steam, or drop them into a tissue and inhale them. You can even purchase necklaces and bracelets featuring porous lava beads onto which you add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to enjoy throughout the day— the heat from your skin helps spread the scent!

One exception to the carrier oil rule is lavender essential oil (when used as a spot treatment, not when used on larger sections of skin). There is evidence to support the use of lavender essential oil as an analgesic8 (pain reliever), anti-inflammatory9, and topical antibiotic10, making it handy for burns and bug bites.

If you're pregnant, you should be extra careful with essential oils, especially when using them topically. The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy warns that this is a somewhat murky area and that the lack of research and the risk of potential toxicity may mean it's best to avoid essential oils altogether or at least consult with your health care provider about which essential oils are likely safest and in what ways you can use them.

Essential oils are easy to use safely at home (as long as you remember to dilute!) and even better with the guidance of a professional aromatherapist, esthetician, or masseuse who can recommend specific essential oils or blends for specific ailments you want to address. If you're looking for a natural, botanical remedy, there's little harm in experimenting with aromatherapy—as long as you take the necessary precautions.