The Ultimate Guide to Aromatherapy for Beginners
Aromatherapy is the practice of using natural plant extracts — essential oils — to support physical and emotional wellbeing. It's one of the oldest wellness practices in the world, with roots in ancient Egypt, China, and India, and it's as relevant and accessible today as it's ever been.
If you're new to aromatherapy and not sure where to start, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy works by using the aromatic compounds found in plants — extracted as essential oils — to influence mood, cognition, and physical health. These compounds interact with the limbic system (the part of the brain that governs emotion and memory) through the sense of smell, producing a range of therapeutic effects.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts, obtained through steam distillation or cold pressing. It takes a huge amount of plant material to produce a small amount of essential oil — which is why quality oils are precious and should be used with care.
Common essential oils and their benefits include:
- Lavender — calming, sleep-promoting, great for anxiety and stress
- Peppermint — energising, clarifying, good for headaches and focus
- Eucalyptus — cleansing, decongestant, ideal for colds and respiratory support
- Lemon — uplifting, purifying, great for mood and concentration
- Frankincense — grounding, meditative, wonderful for stress and spiritual practice
- Tea Tree — antibacterial, cleansing, excellent for skin and household use
Explore our Essential Oil-Based Products collection to discover our full range.
How to Use Essential Oils
1. Diffusing
The most popular and effective method. An ultrasonic diffuser or oil burner disperses essential oil molecules into the air, filling your space with therapeutic fragrance. Add 5–10 drops of your chosen oil to your diffuser and run for 30–60 minutes at a time.
2. Topical Application
Essential oils must always be diluted in a carrier oil (such as sweet almond, jojoba, or coconut oil) before applying to skin. A safe dilution is typically 2–3 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil. Apply to pulse points, the back of the neck, or the soles of the feet.
3. Bath
Add 6–8 drops of essential oil to a warm bath, mixed with a tablespoon of carrier oil or a handful of bath salts first to help disperse the oil. Our Bath & Body Aromatherapy collection has everything you need for a truly indulgent soak.
4. Inhalation
Add a few drops to a bowl of hot water, place a towel over your head, and inhale deeply for 5–10 minutes. This is particularly effective for respiratory support with eucalyptus or peppermint.
Simple Blends to Try
- Sleep blend: 3 drops lavender + 2 drops cedarwood + 1 drop vetiver
- Focus blend: 3 drops lemon + 2 drops peppermint + 2 drops rosemary
- Relaxation blend: 3 drops lavender + 2 drops frankincense + 2 drops bergamot
- Energy blend: 3 drops orange + 2 drops peppermint + 2 drops grapefruit
Browse our Sleep, Relaxing, Energising, and Focus collections for curated products to support every mood.
Safety Tips for Beginners
- Never apply undiluted essential oils directly to skin
- Keep oils away from eyes and mucous membranes
- Keep out of reach of children and pets
- If pregnant or on medication, consult a healthcare professional before use
- Always patch test before topical use
Getting Started
The best way to start with aromatherapy is simply to begin. Pick one or two oils that appeal to you, get a good diffuser, and start experimenting. There are no strict rules — trust your nose and notice how different scents make you feel.
Ready to begin your aromatherapy journey? Explore our full Essential Oil-Based Products range and our Oil Burners & Diffusers collection to find everything you need to get started.