With a little know-how, aromatherapy is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to improve your health.

You might have seen that aromatherapy is becoming more and more popular due to its various benefits, dive into this article to discover how to use essential oils to relieve stress, fight off illness, and more.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through the link.

Aromatherapy Tips & Guide For Beginners

Aromatherapy History and Origins

You’ve probably read the term aromatherapy almost everywhere on the internet, but have you ever wondered where this term came from?

It was invented in 1937 by the French perfumer and chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, after claiming that lavender essential oil healed a burn incident he had.


Although, this does not mark the beginning of aromatherapy, it began 3500 years BC when it was used for religious purposes, medicine, and perfume.

What is aromatherapy used for?

If you wonder how aromatherapy is done and what it is used for, then this section is for you.

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses aromatic plant extracts and essential oils to improve the health and well-being of its users. It has positive psychological and physical effects on us humans.

It is performed through inhalation, foot bath, massage, or as a topical application. Of course, there are ways to perform these methods, you can’t apply undiluted essential oils directly to your skin, and certain essential oils are better not inhaled.

Inhaling certain essential oils benefits us by stimulating the smell receptors in the nose, which then send messages to the part of the brain that controls emotions.


This is why aromatherapy is thought to benefit us by relieving depression and anxiety, reducing stress, and restoring both mental and physical wellbeing.

Aromatherapy Massage Techniques

An aromatherapy massage is used for different reasons, including releasing muscle tension, pain soothing, and improving mood.

Types of massages include:

Swedish Massage

Hot Stone Massage

Prenatal Massage

Deep Tissue Massage

Difference between Swedish massage vs deep tissue massage

Swedish massage

• intended to release muscle tension
• promote relaxation
• light to firm pressure
• relieves stress

Deep tissue massage

• intended to aid in muscle recovery
• focuses on the deeper layers of muscles
• slow, forceful strokes
• promotes correct muscle function

Aromatherapy Frequently Asked Questions

Are aromatherapy diffusers safe for dogs?

Dogs have a strong sense of smell, therefore, whatever seems light to us will definitely be overwhelming to them.

Using an aromatherapy diffuser in a confined space for a long period of time will definitely have a negative impact on your dog’s health. It is best if the diffuser is used in a space that the dog cannot access.

What are the benefits of aromatherapy?

Studies have shown that aromatherapy improved the quality of life. It relieves pain, sore muscles, anxiety, and depression.

Where to apply essential oils for anxiety?

• Spritz calming essential oils on your bedding, couch, or blanket.
• Apply to wrists, back of the neck, and behind ears.
• Use as steam.
• Check out this article about essential oils.
• Add lavender buds to a small organza bag, and place it near your bed or in between your clothes. You can find these bags here.

Is aromatherapy safe for babies?

It is not recommended to use an oil diffuser around a baby since their body is still developing.

Never apply undiluted oils to the baby’s skin or even to their bath, essential oils are so concentrated and will cause harm to the baby’s skin.

What are some aromatherapy products?

• Aromatherapy rugs.
• Oil diffusers.
• Scented blankets.
• Herbal warming slippers.
• Shower steamers.
• Stress-relieving candles.
• Heating pads.
• Essential oils.
• The Essential Oils Book.
• Massage ball.
• Diffuser recipes.

To conclude

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to help reduce stress, promote sleep and improve mood.

Essential oils are volatile liquids that contain the aromatic compounds of plants. These compounds are what give plants their unique smell. The volatile nature of these oils means that they can be inhaled or applied topically for therapeutic purposes.

This form of therapy has been around for centuries and was used by ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans as well as in traditional Chinese medicine. It is now used by people all over the world to help them relax, feel more energized, or relieve physical pain.


You can find essential oil blend recipes here.

Let me know in the comments what are your favorite essential oils to use for reliving stress!