Healing with Aromatherapy

Of the different natural and holistic health practices there are, aromatherapy is definitely 
at the top of the list. It is easy to do, provides a relaxing practice you can do every day, 
and something most people find to be more accessible.
What is Aromatherapy?
If you have ever used essential oils, you have probably used aromatherapy concepts 
without even knowing it. While you might use those oils just to make a room smell better 
or because you find other healing benefits, aromatherapy really focuses on improving 
your health and wellbeing.
With aromatherapy, there are two main ways to use it, including inhalation and topical 
treatments. It is frequently used as a natural form of alternative medicine, but don’t be 
intimidated by the term aromatherapy. This is not a complicated practice by any means.
In the following pages, you will learn all about aromatherapy, including:
How aromatherapy works 
Benefits of doing it 
The methods often used 
Essential oils that are best to start with 
Why you need to dilute with carrier oils 
Tips for using oils for aromatherapy
Keep reading to learn all about aromatherapy with essential oils.

1. How Aromatherapy Works
Whether you are brand new to using essential oils or you are a seasoned vet, it helps to 
understand exactly how aromatherapy works, and what the different methods are. 
With aromatherapy, you are going to use the healing benefits and scents together of 
pure essential oils either directly on your skin, or by inhaling it with the help of a few 
different methods. 
If you have used oils before, you know there are a lot of different ways to use them, 
from making “green” cleaning products for the home to deodorizing rooms, which are all 
amazing. But for the purpose of aromatherapy, these are the two main methods you are 
going to use.


How it Works Through Inhalation
First of all, there is inhalation. We are going to talk more in-depth about these methods 
and how to do them, but here is a brief rundown of how this works. When you inhale the 
oils, they are evaporating into the air (through methods discussed in a later section), so 
you are not inhaling oils directly, but through the evaporated oil in the air.
This is where the benefits come from with the oils, and also why you need to use pure, 
authentic essential oils. Make sure they say 100% pure essential oils, never fragrance 
oils. Fragrance oils are scented and have no health benefits.
With aromatherapy, the oils are stimulating the part of your brain connected to your 
smell, plus the molecules can actually enter your lungs and get into your body, which is 
where you get many of the health benefits from using them.
How it Works with Topical Application
Another method we will go further into is with topical application. This is when the pure 
essential oil is applied directly to your skin for even more health benefits. The method 
you choose often comes down to preference and what is available to you.
When applied to your skin, they help in a few different ways. First of all, topical 
application of certain oils helps with skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, acne, burns, 
cuts, scrapes, and other types of skin wounds. This is more of a direct benefit.
It can also help when the oils are absorbed into your skin and enter your bloodstream. 
They can help with different things from improving your memory to helping with organ 
systems. This is why using a wide variety of oils for different benefits is the way to go.

2. Why You Should Try it
Now moving on to why you should try aromatherapy with essential oils. You know the 
basics of using them to help with your physical, mental, and emotional health. Before 
going into the specific ways aromatherapy can help you heal on the inside and out, let’s 
take a moment to discuss some of the other benefits.
They Are Easy to Use
The first benefit to aromatherapy with essential oils? It is easy to use! This is something 
everyone can do with very little effort. With so many different methods of doing 
aromatherapy, both topical and through inhalation, you will find a method that works 
best for you.
Perhaps you want to do steam inhalation or use a diffuser, or you find direct application 
is best. Try some different methods until you figure out the easiest and most convenient 
way to reap the benefits of aromatherapy.
Oils Can Be Inexpensive
This might be subjective to your budget, but using essential oils for aromatherapy can 
be inexpensive depending on how you look at it. First of all, if you compare it to medical 
costs, like paying insurance, visiting the doctor, transportation to and from specialists, 
paying for medications, and expensive tests, you might be saving a lot of money just by 
using a more natural approach. 
It doesn’t necessarily replace medical intervention, but it can help reduce some of those 
appointments and medications.
You also save money due to the small amount of oils you are using and how far they 
go. It might seem like a small investment in the beginning, but consider just a few drops 
for each use will work wonders, and they are diluted in many cases, so they last even 
longer.
You Can Use Aromatherapy Anywhere
Aromatherapy is also something you can do just about anywhere, with multiple methods 
to use and pre-made essential oil blends to purchase. Here are some different places 
you can do aromatherapy:
Steam inhalation in your kitchen
Taking a relaxing aromatherapy bath while on vacation or traveling
Bringing a pre-mixed diluted oil blend to apply to your skin at any time, including in the 
office
Turning on a diffuser with oils in any room, including when you are at work
Health Benefits of Aromatherapy
As far as the health benefits go, you will find a wide range of them. This is true with just 
about any method of using essential oils, even when not necessarily used for 
aromatherapy. However, for aromatherapy practices specifically, here are some of the 
top health benefits:
Reduce pain from headaches and migraines 
Get help with other types of chronic pain, including neck, back, and joint pain 
Relieve stress and anxiety 
Reduce symptoms of depression 
Get more energy when the right oils are used 
Help you get better sleep when using them before bed 
Boost memory and brain function 
Get a healthy boost to your immune system


3. The Different Aromatherapy Methods
Now for the fun part – learning the different methods of aromatherapy with essential 
oils. We briefly introduced you to the two main options, which include inhalation or 
topical applications. However, you have even more options to choose within each of 
these two primary methods.
Here is a rundown of the many ways you can use pure essential oils for aromatherapy:
Topical Application
First, let’s discuss topical application a little further. For many people, this is the 
preferred option since it is convenient and only requires mixing your oils with a carrier oil 
to diffuse it. 
Why diffuse it? Because pure essential oils are much too strong for direct skin contact. 
They can cause burning and irritation, depending on how sensitive your skin is. It isn’t 
worth the risk, since you are using to help not hurt. For that reason, you should dilute all 
oils with a carrier oil – which will be discussed in a later section.
Where to Put the Oils
After you have properly diluted your essential oils, you then need to decide where to put 
them. You might have one area of your skin you prefer, or one area with ailments like 
skin conditions or joint pain, so naturally you know the location. However, for daily and 
overall wellness, use them in the following areas:
On your temples 
Behind your ears 
On your upper and lower back 
On top of your head or forehead 
On your abdomen 
At your neck 
On your collarbone 
Underneath your nose
These locations have important pulse points on your body, so you will benefit the most 
from these areas.
Inhalation
There are also a few different ways to use the inhalation method, which might be what 
you thought of when you heard the term aromatherapy. It makes sense since it has to 
do with the aroma of the oils you are using. Here are some of the main inhalation 
methods for aromatherapy with essential oils:


Steam Inhalation
This is the primary way to inhale essential oils and get the most from them. You will use 
the steam inhalation method, similar to any other type you use steam. The only 
difference is that oils are added to the pot of boiling water.
For steam inhalation, you want to boil a pot of water, then add between 3 and 6 drops of 
your oils or blends. If using more than one oil, use just 1 or 2 drops of each one. 
Remove the pot from the stove, set on a pot holder on your table, and sit with your face 
over the pot (carefully!) and a damp towel over your neck and head. Inhale deeply for 
several minutes.
On Your Pillow
An easier method is to add oils to a spray bottle with distilled water and a carrier oil, 
then spray it onto your pillow. Every night when you go to bed, you have the spritzed 
oils that you will be inhaling as you sleep soundly. This is great when you suffer from 
insomnia, where you can use scents like lavender and rose.
Using a Diffuser
Lastly, you can do inhalation aromatherapy with an essential oil diffuser. They are very 
convenient, easy to use, and don’t require the use of carrier oils. With a diffuser, you 
just place a few drops of your oils or blends on top of the diffuser bowl, turn it on, and 
inhale deeply. You can sit as close to it as you want, or just to use it for regular use, turn 
it on in any room of your house and go about your business.

4. The Best Healing Essential Oils
The question you might now be asking yourself is what types of essential oils to use? 
Here is the magic answer – use any of them! 
The oils you choose for aromatherapy will depend on a few different things, including:
What you are trying to use them for 
Why you are doing aromatherapy 
What you have on hand 
Your personal preferences 
Whether you have a blend or not
And many other reasons. We do have some that we often recommend, so here are 
some great essential oils to start with for healing:



Clove
The first essential oil to consider for aromatherapy is clove oil. Are you surprised? You 
shouldn’t be! This is often used in many natural health practices, from aromatherapy to 
homeopathy. Clove is a natural antibiotic and antiseptic, so it is great as a topical 
application when you have infections of the skin. Using it through inhalation or topically 
on a regular basis can also help to prevent infections and the spreading of bacteria.
Frankincense
The next two scents are frankincense and myrrh – which often go hand-in-hand. This 
isn’t just a fun saying, but two oils that are often combined into blends thanks to their 
coordinating health benefits and unique healing properties. Frankincense comes from 
the sap of the Boswellia tree, making it a more unique essential oil.
It has been used for many years as a natural remedy for things like helping growth of 
new skin cells, evening out your skin tone, and reducing the signs of aging like scars 
and wrinkles.
Myrrh
So, what about myrrh? This essential oil also helps to heal the skin, but in a different 
way. Instead of helping the more cosmetic issues, this is the one that helps with 
inflammation, swelling, and chronic skin conditions. Using them both is amazing for 
natural skin care and beauty regimens. These are both ideal when using aromatherapy 
in more of a topical application.
Lavender
Moving onto the floral essential oils, there is a fan favorite, which is lavender. Lavender 
is calming, relaxing, and soothing. Therefore, it is frequently used to help with stress, 
anxiety, and brain fatigue. You can use it for aromatherapy by placing it in your bath or 
diffuser to inhale it and relax, or using it on your pillow at night to help you sleep.
While it is calming to the mind, it can also help with some physical benefits s well. 
Lavender is often used on the skin for wounds, burns, and scrapes. It also helps with 
heart disease and oxidative stress.
Geranium
The next floral scent on the list is geranium, another big favorite essential oil. Geranium 
oil smells pretty and sweet, with a very subtle scent. You can use it on its own or 
combine it with other scents, like rose or chamomile. This is good for both inhalation 
and topical methods, providing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.



Lemon
If you enjoy the citrus scents, you should get your hands on some lemon essential oil for 
aromatherapy. Thanks to the sweet scent of lemon essential oil, this is amazing for 
inhalation methods. You get a lot of benefits from it, including boosting your energy, 
improving your mood, and helping with dull skin. It can also help if you are fatigued or 
sluggish, and even works as a natural bug repellant.
Sandalwood
With just two more oils on the list, you don’t want to miss out on sandalwood. This is 
one of the more woodsy scents, so it is amazing for inhaling through a diffuser. It not 
only works for its many healing properties, but it can provide a great scent inside your 
home. 
Sandalwood helps with a sore throat, which is one of the reasons people use it for 
inhaling. It also helps with Alzheimer’s disease management, melanin production, and 
improving your nervous system.
Tea Tree Oil
The last oil to get for aromatherapy is tea tree oil. If you have used natural hair or skin 
care products, you have probably seen tea tree oil mentioned. That is because it is a 
natural antiseptic, so it is great for the skin. 
It can lift buildup and dandruff from your scalp, relieve itching and irritation on your skin, 
and even manage fungal and bacterial infections. There isn’t much this can’t do for your 
skin when using it topically with aromatherapy.

5. Choosing Your Carrier Oils
Unless you are brand new to the world of essential oils, you are probably aware of what 
carrier oils are. In case you are new, this is very important to know.
When applying essential oils to your skin, whether directly or in the bath, you must dilute 
it first with a carrier oil.
Why Carrier Oils?
Pure essential oils are very strong and pungent, and often much too concentration for 
direct skin contact. They affect different people in different ways, but you don’t really 
know until you see how your skin reacts. To be safe, everyone should dilute them with a 
carrier oil, not just water.


What Carrier Oils are Used?
The carrier oil is a type of vegetarian oil that will have a positive effect on diluting the 
essential oil, without affecting its smell or potency. These are naturally derivatives, so 
they will still ensure you are using the oils naturally for aromatherapy purposes.
Types of Carrier Oils
Here is a list of the most common carrier oils used with essential oils:
Grapeseed oil 
Sweet almond oil 
Coconut oil 
Jojoba oil 
Olive oil
There are also some others like cocoa butter or shea butter if you are making your own 
skincare or beauty products. Here is more information about 3 of our favorites – Sweet 
almond, grapeseed, and jojoba oil:
Grapeseed Oil
The reason grapeseed oil is a fan favorite is because of how versatile it is for a carrier 
oil. This is a lighter consistency, making it better when diluting your oils to be added to 
water like in the bath. It will leave a glossy sheen to your skin, so again, it is great for 
bath aromatherapy sessions. Grapeseed is a moisturizing oil as well, but it has a shorter 
shelf life, so it needs to be used up pretty fast.
Sweet Almond Oil
Another carrier oil you will enjoy for your aromatherapy oils is sweet almond oil. This is 
more of a medium consistency and has vitamin E, so it is great for the skin. Since it is 
from almonds, do not use this if you have a nut allergy. Sweet almond oil absorbs 
quickly in the skin and has a slightly nutty smell. You can use it for just about every 
purpose when it comes to diluting your essential oils.
Jojoba Oil
Last but certainly not least is jojoba oil. This is another carrier oil with a medium 
consistency that has a smell a little bit nuttier than the other options. The benefit of 
jojoba oil is that it is extremely moisturizing for your skin and hair, and absorbs into the 
skin without being greasy. It also has a long shelf life in comparison to other carrier oils.




6. Tips for Essential Oil Beginners
By now, you have all the most important information you need about using essential oils 
for aromatherapy, and getting both mental and physical health benefits. However, there 
are a few more tips you might need if you are new to using essential oils.

Always Use Carrier Oils
We just went over carrier oils – but it bears repeating. Never, under any circumstances, 
use pure essential oils directly on your skin. There is no telling what the reaction will be 
with something this concentrated. Even if you don’t have sensitive skin, it could burn, 
irritate, inflame, or swell your skin. 
Make sure you are diluting your essential oils properly with the carrier oils, though you 
can mix and match with different combinations when it comes to what carrier oil you 
use.
One thing to note: if you are getting essential oil blends, they are sometimes diluted with 
carrier oils, but not always. Don’t assume it is going to have its carrier oils just because 
it is a blend. Look at the label very carefully so you know how to handle it best.

Practice Safety with the Oils
There are more safety precautions to keep in mind. Since the oils are not safe for your 
skin, you should be careful not to get the drops on your fingertips or hands when 
working with them. Even if you are adding a few drops to a pot of water for steam 
inhalation, try not to touch the oils too much with your hands. 

It is good to use a lower amount of drops until you know what concentration you prefer 
with your inhalation method of aromatherapy. Start with just 2-3 drops of your oil, then 
only add more drops as needed. You can’t take away drops of oils, but you can always 
add more.

Do Not Confuse Them with Fragrance Oils
Another important tip for people who are new to using essential oils is to not confuse 
them with fragrance oils. Fragrance oils are what are used for perfume or cologne – 
these are NOT pure essential oils. While you can use them for DIY products in your 
home that smell good, they won’t have any healing benefits for topical or inhalation 
aromatherapy.
This is another case where reading labels is going to help you a lot. Look for term “pure 
essential oil” and never “fragrance oil”. 

Avoid Direct Sunlight with the Oils
Lastly, you don’t want to keep the oils out in the direct sunlight, or use them on your 
patio with the sun beating down on your skin. They work best when kept in a cool, dark 
place, such as in the cabinet in your kitchen or bathroom. 
If you are driving home with the oils, keep them underneath a seat or in your trunk, not 
on the passenger seat if you are going to be parked for hours with the oils. They might 
lose their potency and the smell will be a little off.
Aromatherapy with essential oils offers you the opportunity to heal your body and mind 
completely naturally, with new benefits experienced every single time you use them.

