The practice of aromatherapy uses natural plant extracts, such as essential oils, hydrosols, and carrier oils, in a variety of ways to heal the body, mind and spirit. It is the promotion and harmonization of emotional, physical and spiritual health through the application of these extracts. Aromatherapy is described as both an art and a science because it takes the knowledge of the scientific aspects of the plants and oils and combines it with the art of producing a beneficial blend. Basically, a successful aromatherapy blend is a synergy of science, art, and the practitioner’s knowledge of both, and how to apply it. Aromatherapy can be used topically and via inhalation. 

Internal use of aromatherapy is essentially a branch of aromatic medicine and using aromatherapy this way is only advised by an experienced and qualified therapist, or by using products professionally formulated for internal use (e.g., capsules or tincture blends containing highly diluted essential oils).

Since time began, aromatic plants have been used in various ways to perfume and to heal. They have taken many forms such as infused oils, extracts, and distilled oils (although not necessarily in the way that we see essential oils distilled today). The ancient Egyptians revered scent in many forms, as a cosmetic, medicinal, and as part of their religious practice. The ancient Romans saw scent as a status symbol and much of Rome’s high society were known to use common plants such as lavender (Lavandula spp.) and rose (Rosa spp.) in everyday life. The Romans helped to spread the knowledge of aromatic plants throughout the Roman Empire to places such as Great Britain, which led to a wide use of aromatic plants during Medieval Europe.

The term was coined by the French perfumer and chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé. His interest in the therapeutic properties of essential oils traces back to 1910, when he was severely burned in a laboratory explosion and afterward experimented personally with the antiseptic and healing power of lavender essential oil. He introduced the term in his foundational book, Aromathérapie, published in 1937, which gathered a summary of research he had pursued over roughly two decades, including early clinical observations on the use of essential oils for a range of physiological conditions. Understanding Gattefossé's purpose in creating the word is essential, because he intended to draw a clear distinction between the medicinal use of essential oils and their use in perfumery (www.gattefosse.com/history). We can therefore interpret his term "Aromathérapie" as the therapeutic, or medicinal, application of aromatic essential oils for holistic healing. As the practice has evolved over the years, it has embraced an increasingly holistic approach that encompasses the whole person in body, mind, and spirit.

Today the practice of aromatherapy incorporates the use of essential oils, hydrosols, and carrier oils for holistic healing. Aromatic oils and water are used for their therapeutic properties to heal the mind, body and spirit, returning the body to a state of equilibrium.

Aromatherapy is part of a larger field called phytotherapy (plant therapy). True aromatherapy is the skilled use of genuine essential oils for therapeutic purposes. Science, education and experience allow aromatherapy to truly become a holistic art.

Aromatherapy is... the skilled and controlled use of essential oils for physical and emotional health and well being.

Aromatherapy is a caring, hands-on therapy which seeks to induce relaxation, to increase energy, to reduce the effects of stress and to restore lost balance to mind, body and soul.

Aromatherapy can be defined as the controlled use of essential oils to maintain and promote physical, psychological, and spiritual wellbeing.