Aromatherapy dates back to ancient Egypt, China, Greece, India and Rome, although no one knows a specific date.
The Egyptians were the founders of Aromatherapy using aromatics dating back to 4,500 B.C.
Its is also recorded in ancient Chinese writings about the use of aromatherapy, and how it found its way to Britain with the Romans in the 13th Century.
There are Bible references to the use of oils in anointing - think of the Three Kings with their precious gifts of frankincense and myrrh!
In the early 20th century, a French chemist, RenΓ© Maurice Gattefosse, accidentally discovered the healing power of lavender when he plunged his hand into it after receiving a bad burn in his laboratory.
In a short time, the burn had healed without forming a blister or leaving a scar.
He then went on to treat soldiers in the First World War.
Later a French physician, Dr Jean Valnet and a French beautician built upon his work, and biochemist, Marguerite Maury, developed a massage and beauty programme to incorporate the use of essential oils, which she introduced into Britain in the 1960's.
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the inhalation and application of essential oils to restore or enhance health and wellness.
The therapeutic benefits of essential oils are used to strengthen the self-healing process, by indirect stimulation of the immune system.
It is a natural aid in maintaining the body's own sense of Homeostasis (balance and well-being), at the same time working on mood enhancement and ambience.
Uses of Aromatherapy
πΏ Topical Application (Always Diluted!)
Perfect for skin, joints, stress, and targeted concerns.
Massage β Blended into carrier oil for full-body or targeted massages. Bliss in a bottle.
Roller Bottles β Pre-diluted blends in handy roll-ons for pulse points. (pocket-sized wellness warriors!)
Balms & Salves β Great for dry skin, aches, or calming bedtime rituals.
Facial Serums/Oils β Skincare with purpose: glow, hydrate, soothe, or rejuvenate.
Spot Treatment β For blemishes, bites, or small areas of concern.
Compresses β Warm or cold compresses for pain, inflammation, or cramps.
πΏ Inhalation (Fast-Acting + Mood-Boosting)
Great for emotional support, respiratory help, and quick calm-downs.
Diffuser β Ultrasonic or nebulising diffusers send therapeutic properties through the air.
Steam Inhalation β A bowl of hot water + oils + towel = clearing magic.
Inhaler Sticks β Pocket-friendly sniffers for anxiety, focus, or sinus support.
Direct Palm Inhalation β Drop, rub, inhale. (Use with caution - Great in a pinch.)
Pillow Spray β For sleep support or sweet dreams without counting sheep.
πΏ Bath & Body (just ahhh!)
Soothe, soak, and sigh. Ideal for full-body benefits.
Bath Soaks β Dilute oils in milk, honey, or a carrier before adding to water.
Bath Bombs β DIY or handmade fizzy fun with therapeutic perks. Shower
Steamers β Little aromatherapy bombs for invigorating morning boosts.
Body Scrubs β Uplift and exfoliate with oils and salts or sugar.
Foot Baths β Relaxing, detoxifying, and great for tired toes.
Body Oils & Lotions β Post shower love for the skin and nervous system.
πΏ Home & Cleaning
Aromatherapy isnβt just for bodies - itβs for the whole environment too!
Room Sprays β Freshen spaces without synthetic nasties.
Cleaning Products β Add to homemade surface sprays, laundry, and dish soap.
Drawer Sachets β Keep linens fresh and moth-free.
Vacuum Pads β A drop on cotton wool in the vacuum = fresh floors, fresh mood.
πΏ Energetic & Ritual Use
Connect with oils on a deeper level, emotionally or spiritually.
Meditation & Breathwork β Anchor the mind with a calming blend.
Chakra Balancing β Use oils with crystal tools or intention work.
Anointing & Affirmations β Apply to temples, heart space, or wrists during rituals.
Moon Rituals β Create blends for releasing, intention-setting, or manifesting.
πΏ Gentle Use for Kids & Pregnancy (With guidance!)
Always extra caution and dilution here.
Kid-Safe Roller Blends β Bedtime blends, tummy tamers, or ouch sprays.
Pregnancy Support Oils β Like neroli or mandarin (with expert advice).
From the practical to the pampering, these methods help deliver the benefits of essential oils to body, mind, and soul.
The systems of the body that can be treated by aromatherapy are:
Circulation
Lymph
Respiratory
Digestive
Nervous
Urinary
Reproductive
Endocrine
Depending upon the aromatherapy blend chosen you can achieve different affects such as: