How much do you know about “aromatherapy,” “aromatherapy essential oils,” and “essential oils”? Some people may think of aromatherapy simply as a type of massage. Others may have heard the term essential oil without knowing exactly what it means.
In this article, we’ll explain basic concepts and recommended essential oils. We’ll also show how to use them, step by step. We’ll explain everything in a way that even first-time users can easily understand.
Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
Aromatherapy is easy to understand if you break the words down literally. “Aroma” means scent, and “therapy” means healing. In other words, aromatherapy can be seen as a way of caring for the body and mind through scent. And this scent starts with plants.
Plants spend their entire lives rooted in one place. They cannot run away from pests or avoid harsh sunlight or external stressors. So plants produce their own unique compounds to protect and help themselves recover. These compounds are called secondary metabolites. The essential oils we use for aromatherapy are concentrated forms of these secondary metabolites. Therefore, essential oils are not just substances with pleasant smells. They are collections of complex biochemical components that plants produce to protect and regenerate themselves.
Aromatherapy works by inhaling the scent or absorbing it through the skin. It helps the body and mind naturally return to comfort in daily life. While many people first think of massage when they hear “aromatherapy,” massage itself is not the most important factor. The more important factor is the native role and properties of essential oils. Thus, aromatherapy isn’t just a mood enhancer. It is a natural care method that brings the survival power of plants into everyday life.
Recommended Essential Oils for Aromatherapy Beginners
Scent preferences and expected effects vary from person to person. They also change depending on your condition on any given day. There’s no single right answer for which essential oil to start with. However, if you’re new to using essential oils, we recommend starting with two widely used, versatile oils.
① Lavender Essential Oil :
Helps calm the mind and fill your space with a cozy scent. It also supports relaxation.
② Tea Tree Essential Oil:
Provides a fresh energy that helps strengthen the body and mind.
How to Use Essential Oils
① Breathing
Drop 1 drop of essential oil onto your palm, then rub your hands together. Gently massage around your neck or nape while breathing deeply and slowly. You can also cup your hands around your nose and inhale. This method can offer quick relief when your head feels heavy. It can also help when you need psychological stability.
② Hair Nourishing Care
Mix 1 drop of essential oil with your hair oil or essence. Then apply and let it absorb after drying your hair.
*Recommended essential oils: Ylang-ylang, Lavender
③ Massage
Dilute essential oils in a carrier oil* and gently massage along the direction of skin texture. For a body massage, add 18–20 drops per 30 ml of carrier oil. For a face massage, add 5–6 drops per 30 ml. You can also add 1–2 drops of essential oil to body oil or lotion. This works well for a full-body massage. Massage is a representative way to absorb essential oils through the skin. It can help restore emotional balance and maintain body rhythm.
*What is a carrier oil?
A carrier oil is a plant-derived oil that helps deliver essential oils gently to the skin. It also reduces irritation. Since essential oils are highly concentrated, we recommend diluting them in a carrier oil before skin application. A carrier oil adds moisture and suppleness to the skin. It also helps essential oils absorb well. Common carrier oils include Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, and Grapeseed Oil.
④ Scalp Oil Scaling Care
Dilute 1–2 drops of essential oil in 3–5 ml of carrier oil and apply to the scalp. Massage gently with your fingers or a gua sha tool for 1–2 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly with shampoo. Adjust the amount of oil according to your usage.
*Recommended essential oils: Rosemary Cineole, Cedarwood, Lavender
⑤ Bath
Because essential oils do not mix with water, dropping undiluted oil directly into the bathtub can cause irritation. First dilute 2–5 drops in 10 ml of carrier oil before adding to the bathtub. Alternatively, mix 2–5 drops of essential oil into your body wash. In the shower, place 2–3 drops near the edge of the shower booth. This allows you to experience aromatherapy by inhaling the warm steam.