Essential oils and aromatherapy aren’t just trendy wellness buzzwords — they’re rooted in a long-standing tradition of using plants to heal the body, calm the mind, and uplift the spirit.
Imagine a medicine cabinet without pills. Instead, there’s a small collection of tiny bottles — each one holding the life force of a plant. A few drops can ease stress, sharpen your focus, support your immune system, or lift your mood on a tough day.
This isn’t just wishful thinking. It’s the ancient practice of aromatherapy — a science-backed, time-tested way to support the mind, body, and emotions naturally.
In this post, we’ll explore how essential oils and aromatherapy actually work inside the body, what the science says, and why these natural tools are far more than just a “nice smell.”
What Aromatherapy Really Is
Aromatherapy is the practice of using plant-based essential oils to support physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Plants naturally produce essential oils as a survival mechanism — to protect themselves from bacteria, viruses, insects, and harsh environments.
Each drop is packed with powerful natural compounds that can influence our health on a cellular, emotional, and energetic level.
When inhaled or absorbed through the skin, these oils interact with the nervous system, immune response, and even hormone levels — creating real ripple effects throughout the body.
Aromatherapy isn’t just symptom relief — it’s about working with nature to support the body’s natural ability to heal.
Why Plants and Humans Are a Perfect Match
Over thousands of years, the human body has learned to recognize and respond to plant chemistry — especially the chemical signatures found in essential oils.
Essential oils are lipid-soluble, which means they easily pass through cell membranes and enter the bloodstream within minutes.
This is part of why they work so quickly and deeply — they are biologically compatible tools of nature.
Using essential oils is less about forcing healing — and more about reminding the body of its own balance and intelligence.
How Essential Oils Actually Work in the Body
Essential oils interact with the olfactory system (sense of smell), which is directly linked to the limbic system — the part of the brain that controls emotion, memory, and stress response.
Just a few deep breaths of lavender can calm anxiety. A whiff of peppermint can sharpen focus.
Through skin absorption, essential oils also reach the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems, where they can influence inflammation, hormone levels, and more.
Research has shown essential oils can:
- Balance stress hormones like cortisol
- Support immune response
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve sleep and focus
- Promote emotional resilience
Want to dive deeper into natural ways to balance hormones like cortisol? Check out my full guide on Balancing Hormones Naturally here.
Benefits of Aromatherapy for Mind-Body Health
Aromatherapy works on every layer of a person — body, mind, emotions, and even spirit.
Here are some of the most common benefits:
- Stress Relief – Lavender, bergamot, frankincense
- Better Sleep – Roman chamomile, sandalwood, lavender
- Focus and Energy – Peppermint, rosemary, lemon
- Immune Support – Tea tree, eucalyptus, oregano, thyme
- Emotional Healing – Rose, neroli, ylang-ylang
- Mind-Body Reset – Strengthens the link between emotion, thought, and physical well-being (PNI)
Safety Basics and Application: What You Need to Know
Essential oils are powerful and should be used with care. Here are the golden rules:
- Always dilute with carrier oils (1–3% dilution is standard — that’s about 1 to 3 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil)
- Use caution with children — some oils are too strong or potentially irritating to their sensitive systems. Oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, and clove should be avoided for young children unless specifically marked as child-safe. Always use a lower dilution (0.5–1%) and consult age-appropriate guidelines.
- Check safety in pregnancy — some oils can stimulate contractions, affect hormones, or cross the placenta. Oils like clary sage, cinnamon, rosemary, basil, and wintergreen are often advised against during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Always consult a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare provider before use.
- Do not ingest oils unless trained by a qualified expert
- Keep away from open flame — they are flammable
- Only use GC/MS tested oils — avoid synthetic or adulterated products
Used wisely, essential oils are one of the most supportive wellness tools available.
Common Ways to Use Essential Oils
There are two primary ways to use essential oils safely and effectively:
1. Inhalation (Aromatic Use)
This includes diffusing oils into the air using an essential oil diffuser, adding a drop or two to a cotton ball or tissue, or even placing a few drops into a bowl of hot water and breathing in the steam. Aromatic use is excellent for emotional support, stress relief, and respiratory benefits.
2. Topical Application (On the Skin)
Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin. Common areas for application include the bottoms of the feet, wrists, temples, chest, and back of the neck. Topical use is ideal for targeted support (such as sore muscles, skin care, or immune boosting).
Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas. Always patch-test new oils before full use.
Want to start making your own blends? I recently shared a step-by-step guide on how to make essential oil rollers at home — including recipes, label tips, and where to apply them.
Why I Trust Rocky Mountain Oils and Plant Therapy
When it comes to essential oils, quality, transparency, and ethical sourcing matter. That’s why I trust two specific brands:
Rocky Mountain Oils
- GC/MS testing for every batch (publicly available)
- Sustainably sourced directly from farmers
- 100% pure, therapeutic-grade oils
- Excellent for use in wellness and holistic sessions
Plant Therapy
- GC/MS tested and clearly labeled
- Offers USDA Certified Organic options
- Includes a KidSafe line for families
- Great balance of quality and affordability
Both brands are Pure, Tested, and Trusted.
Perfect for personal wellness, energy work, and creating blends with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Essential Oils
Are essential oils safe?
Most essential oils are safe when used correctly, but they’re highly concentrated and can be irritating if misused. Always dilute with a carrier oil before applying to skin and follow product-specific guidelines.
Are essential oils safe for pets?
Some essential oils can be toxic to cats and dogs, especially tea tree, eucalyptus, and citrus oils. Always check safety guidelines before diffusing or applying oils around animals.
Can I put essential oils in my humidifier or diffuser?
Essential oils should only be used in diffusers designed for them—not regular humidifiers. Ultrasonic diffusers are the most common and safe option for dispersing oils into the air.
Can I apply essential oils directly to my skin?
It’s best to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba) before applying to the skin. Direct use may cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially with oils like cinnamon or peppermint.
Are essential oils safe during pregnancy?
Some oils like lavender and chamomile are generally considered safe in low amounts, but others (like clary sage or rosemary) may pose risks. Always consult a healthcare provider before using oils while pregnant.
Are essential oils flammable?
Yes — essential oils are flammable and should be stored away from heat or open flames. Never place oils near candles or direct fire sources.
Can essential oils really help with stress or sleep?
Yes — studies have shown that certain oils like lavender, bergamot, and cedarwood may reduce anxiety and support relaxation through their effects on the nervous system.
Sources
- Buckle, J. (2015). Clinical Aromatherapy: Essential Oils in Healthcare.
- Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals.
- National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy — naha.org
- PubMed Research Database — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Rocky Mountain Oils — rockymountainoils.com
- Plant Therapy — planttherapy.com
Disclaimer
This post is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using essential oils, especially if pregnant, nursing, or managing health conditions.
Essential oils should be used responsibly, with proper dilution and safety in mind. Results may vary.
Devin Brundell is the founder of Brundell Co., a wellness platform dedicated to natural healing, lifestyle medicine, and intentional living. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) and a Bachelor’s in Holistic Health Sciences from Quantum University. Devin is also finalizing certification as a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner through the AADP. His mission is to empower others to reclaim health through practical tools, clean living, and purpose-driven change — one intentional choice at a time.