Aromatherapy is the name given to treatments that use essential oils. Essential oils can be applied by massage, inhalation or by addition to water for absorption through the skin. The effects of oils can be very potent on both the body and mind but should not be regarded as an alternative to prescribed medicines. Their value is in maintaining and promoting good health and well-being, and complementing other treatments.

All essential oils are obtained from plants and are aromatic substances found in low concentrations in the leaves, flowers, berries and twigs. When extracted from the plants they are bottled as 100% essential oils. In this highly concentrated form they require dilution in a carrier oil or in water for use on the skin.

The use of undiluted oils (with one or two exceptions like Lavender) is not recommended and may potentially cause serious harm. If in doubt please consult a reputable text book or qualified aromatherapist.

The quality of essential oils is of paramount importance and you should always seek to obtain your oils from a reputable supplier. Never confuse fragrance oils with essential oils as the former are synthetic and in most cases are not suitable for use on the skin. However fragrance oils can be used in oil burners and can offer fragrances unavailable as essential oils.

There are many factors which have an effect on the quality of essential oils; where the plant has been grown and whether it was grown organically; how it was harvested; how the oils were extracted and how they have been stored.

Always look for good labelling when buying oils, which should indicate the common and latin name and if the oil is pure or diluted. Lavender for instance comes in many varieties and each has its own use in aromatherapy with Lavendula angustiflolia being the most widely used in aromatherapy and Lavendula stoechas (French Lavender) being used where a stronger antiseptic property is required therefore being a more specialist product.

Also, the scent can vary from one country to another with Jasmine from Italy smelling different from its indian counterpart.