what is aromatherapy?
To define aromatherapy, it’s the practice of using essential oils, which are natural extracts from plants, to support physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Rooted in ancient traditions from Egypt, China, India and Greece, it’s a time-honoured way of connecting scent, memory, and mood. Today, aromatherapy is embraced in subtle but powerful ways to bring balance into daily life.
At endota, we define aromatherapy as a ritual of nurturing, as a way to care for your mind and body, through the simple yet profound act of scent. From essential oils and diffusers to roll-ons you can carry with you, aromatherapy creates moments of calm, clarity, or energy wherever you are.
common aromatherapy uses in everyday life
Aromatherapy can be as simple or as intentional as you choose. Some of the most cherished ways include:
- Diffusing oils at home with the Essential Oil Diffuser to set the mood in your space.
- Refreshing your surroundings with the uplifting Signature Blend Room Spray.
- Supporting rest with a Sleep Sound Roll-On applied before bedtime.
- Carrying calm with you courtesy of the De-stress Roll-On.
- Adding serenity to your rituals through our Signature Blend Essential Oil.
- Bringing balance on the go with the Ceramic Car Diffuser.
Whether in a warm bath, during meditation, or as part of your skincare ritual, aromatherapy helps you anchor your day with intention.
the science behind aromatherapy and how it affects mind and body
Our sense of smell is directly linked to the limbic system, which is the part of the brain that influences memory, mood, and emotion. This is why certain aromas can instantly transport you, shift your mood, or help you feel grounded.
When inhaled, essential oils stimulate these pathways, promoting relaxation, reducing stress¹, and in some cases supporting better sleep² or improved focus³.
Recent research adds weight to what many already experience firsthand. A systematic review of 76 studies found that inhalation aromatherapy helped reduce stress and anxiety across a wide range of clinical settings, with more than 70% of studies reporting positive outcomes⁴.
Similarly, a meta-analysis of 30 studies confirmed that aromatherapy can improve sleep quality for adults and older people, while also helping to ease stress, fatigue, and anxiety⁵.
Together, these findings highlight aromatherapy’s value as more than a comforting ritual; it’s a supportive practice that blends emotional and physical benefits in everyday life.
popular aromatherapy techniques and oils explained
aromatherapy massage
So, what is aromatherapy massage? It’s as rejuvenating as it sounds, combining the therapeutic benefits of massage with the calming or invigorating properties of essential oils. Oils are blended into massage techniques that not only help release tension from the body but also allow the aromas to uplift your mind. It’s an immersive experience for both body and mind.
Our Aromatherapy Massage offers a deeply relaxing experience, tailored with a curated blend of essential oils to balance, calm, and restore your wellbeing. It’s an immersive treatment designed to soothe the body and rejuvenate the mind.
topical applications
Essential oils can be added to lotions, balms, or compresses. For safety, they’re diluted with carrier oils before being applied to the skin. Pulse point roll-ons, like our De-stress and Sleep Sound blends, make topical use simple and accessible.
popular oils and their properties
- Lavender: renowned for calm and relaxation.
- Peppermint: energising and refreshing.
- Eucalyptus: clearing and cooling, blended in our Breathe Essential Oil, ideal for breath support.
- Chamomile: soothing and gentle for stress relief.
- Valerian: known for its sleep-supporting properties, featured in our Sleep Sound Roll-On to encourage deep relaxation.
relaxation, stress relief, and more benefits you can feel
Aromatherapy offers a spectrum of benefits you can feel in both your mind and body. Commonly reported effects include:
- Relaxation & stress relief
- Improved sleep quality
- Uplifted mood & mental clarity
- Clearer breathing when using oils such as eucalyptus and peppermint which are found in our Breathe Essential Oil.
Research confirms these benefits, particularly around stress relief⁶ and improved sleep quality⁷.
choosing the right aromatherapy experience for you
choosing oils for your needs
Every wellbeing goal has a scent to support it. Want calm? Choose a blend with lavender, such as our Calm Essential Oil. Need focus? Try a blend that features peppermint, such as our Breathe Essential Oil. Looking for deeper rest? Our Sleep Sound Roll-On is a soothing option.
safety and considerations
Essential oils are highly concentrated. Always dilute when applying to the skin and avoid ingesting them. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or living with health conditions, consult your healthcare professional first.
DIY vs professional treatments
Aromatherapy can be part of your home rituals, through diffusers, roll-ons, or bath oils, or experienced in a professional setting. At endota, aromatherapy is woven into many of our spa treatments, inviting you to reconnect with balance and renewal.
aromatherapy FAQs
Should I consult a health care professional before doing aromatherapy?
Yes, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have ongoing medical conditions. While aromatherapy seems gentle enough, it’s always wise to check with a healthcare professional first.
What type of essential oils are used in endota treatments?
At endota, we use oils extracted from lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, and chamomile, incorporated into signature blends like our Signature Blend Essential Oil and Sleep Sound Roll-On. Each oil is chosen for its unique properties, whether to calm, energise, soothe, or uplift.
How often should I use aromatherapy?
What is aromatherapy in daily life? It’s a versatile ritual. Daily use of diffused oils or using roll-ons, are safe when practised mindfully.
Is it safe to use essential oils around pets?
Because essential oils are highly concentrated, they can be toxic to pets if ingested or applied to the skin. You can still enjoy aromatherapy, but mindful precautions are a must. Always use a diffuser in a large, open space, and make sure your pet can freely leave the room if they choose. Avoid using active diffusers in small or enclosed areas with your pet present.
What are the most popular aromatherapy techniques?
Diffusing oils, topical roll-ons, inhalation, baths, and aromatherapy massage are among the most loved practices. Each method allows you to connect with scent intentionally, supporting wellbeing in a way that fits into your lifestyle with ease.
your daily drop of balance
Aromatherapy is a way to nurture your mind, body, and skin, so by dropping it into your daily rituals, you invite balance, energy, and calm into your life.
sources
¹Hedigan, F., Sheridan, H., & Sasse, A. (2023). Benefit of inhalation aromatherapy as a complementary treatment for stress and anxiety in a clinical setting – A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 101750. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2023.101750
²Her, J., & Cho, M-K. (2021). Effect of aromatherapy on sleep quality of adults and elderly people: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 102739. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102739
³Su, G., Liu, F., Yang, X., Chen, Z., Kang, Y., & Gao, S. (2025). The effect of inhaled aromatherapy on cognitive function in patients with cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis. General Hospital Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2025.01.002
⁴Hedigan, F., Sheridan, H., & Sasse, A. (2023). Benefit of inhalation aromatherapy as a complementary treatment for stress and anxiety in a clinical setting – A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 101750. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2023.101750
⁵Her, J., & Cho, M-K. (2021). Effect of aromatherapy on sleep quality of adults and elderly people: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 102739. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102739
⁶Hedigan, F., Sheridan, H., & Sasse, A. (2023). Benefit of inhalation aromatherapy as a complementary treatment for stress and anxiety in a clinical setting – A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 101750. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2023.101750
⁷Her, J., & Cho, M-K. (2021). Effect of aromatherapy on sleep quality of adults and elderly people: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 102739. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102739
