What is aromatherapy?
Written on 09/28/2025 by Pauline de Santarome
Aromatherapy, an ancient practice with deep roots, has become a valuable ally in improving our physical and mental health. In this article, Santarome introduces you to this holistic method that usesessential oils tobring balance, relaxation, and vitality to our lives. Discover its history, itsbenefits, and some tips for incorporating it into your daily routine.
Definition of aromatherapy
A branch of herbal medicine, aromatherapy isthe art andscience of using aromatic essences and essential oils extracted from plants to improve physical, mental, and emotional health. These essential oils, rich in natural compounds, are extracted from the flowers, leaves, roots, bark, and seeds of plants. The term "aromatherapy" comes from the combination of the Latin "aroma" (aroma/smell) and the Greek "therapia" (care), as it involves treating the body and mind with natural aromas.
How did aromatherapy develop?
Aromatherapy dates back to more than 3,500 BC, when the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans were already using essential oils for medicinal, religious, and cosmetic purposes.
But the modernization of this practice really accelerated in the 20th century thanks to the work of French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé, who healed his hand burns following a laboratory accident by using lavender essential oil. His research into the healing properties of lavender laid the foundations for contemporary aromatherapy.
The benefits of aromatherapy
Thebenefits of aromatherapy are numerous and can vary from one essential oil to another. Here are a few:
Reducing stress and anxiety: Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, and bergamot are powerful allies in soothing the nervous system. Their sweet scent promotes relaxation and helps reduce everyday stress.
Improved sleep: Certain essential oils, such as lavender, cedarwood, and marjoram, promote relaxation, more peaceful nights, and restful sleep.
Pain relief: With anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antiseptic properties, oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and ginger are effective in relieving muscle and joint pain.
Improved digestion: Peppermint, ginger, and cardamom can help soothe digestive problems.
Strengthening the immune system: Tea tree oil and oregano have antimicrobial properties that can help boost immunity.
Essential oils
Essential oils are at the heart of aromatherapy. They are extracted from plants through distillation and contain a wide variety of natural chemical compounds, including terpenes, ketones, alcohols, and esters, which give them their therapeutic properties.
Distillation and composition
Essential oils are generally obtained through steam distillation or cold pressing. During steam distillation, steam passes through parts of the plant, creating volatile compounds. The steam is then cooled and condensed, forming a mixture of essential oil and water, which is then separated.
Cold pressing is mainly used to extract essential oils from citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges. The fruit peels are mechanically pressed, releasing the precious essential oils.
The distillation process preserves the active compounds of the plant, creating powerful oils. These methods ensure that essential oils remain pure and unaltered.
The main essential oils and their properties
Each essential oil has unique properties, but almost all are rich in antimicrobial substances, which contribute to the plant's natural defenses. Among the most effective are:
Lavender : soothing, anti-stress, promotes sleep.
Peppermint : refreshing, relieves headaches and pain.
Lemon: purifying, stimulating, improves mood.
Eucalyptus : decongestant, relieves respiratory congestion.
Tea tree: antimicrobial, antifungal, boosts immunity.
How to use essential oils in aromatherapy?
Whether you are looking to create a soothing atmosphere, relieve physical ailments, or explore internal benefits, here is how you can incorporate essential oils into your daily routine:
Diffusion in the air: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the diffuser water, then let the magic happen. This can help you feel more relaxed, focus, or simply purify the air around you.
Application to the skin (rolll-on): simply dilute a few drops of essential oil in an oil-based carrier (such as coconut oil), then apply the mixture directly to the skin. This method is ideal for targeting muscle or joint pain, relieving headaches, or for massage.
Oral use: some oils are intended for internal consumption, but must be diluted in a carrier, vegetable oil, or neutral tablet. You can find these in certain Santarome Bio products, particularly in, the Respi’Rub cold remedy syrup and Sublimes Cheveux Force & Croissance tablets.
Aromatherapy in everyday life
Aromatherapy is much more than just an occasional practice. It can become an integral part of your daily life, promoting overall well-being and revealing your natural beauty.
Well-being and emotional balance
Essential oils have the ability to stimulate positive sensory responses and calm the mind. Whether through an aromatic mist in your office to promote concentration, a relaxing bath after a long day, or simply by placing a few drops on a tissue to breathe in when stress overwhelms you, they can be a valuable aid in managing the emotional ups and downs of everyday life.
Skin care and natural beauty
Aromatherapy can also be incorporated into your skincare routine to improve the clarity, texture, and radiance of your complexion. You can add essential oils to cleansers, moisturizers, masks, or carrier oils to target skin concerns (acne, aging skin, scars, irritation, etc.). By using natural, homemade beauty products, you also reduce your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
Precautions for using aromatherapy
The therapeutic power of essential oils is undeniable, but to feel their benefits, certain precautions must be taken:
Consult a healthcare professional or aromatherapist before using essential oils, regardless of the method of administration. These professionals can guide you in choosing the oils that are right for your needs and health condition.
Skin test: Some oils can cause irritation. Before applying an essential oil to a large area of your skin, always do a skin test on a small area (ideally the crook of your elbow) to check that no allergic reaction occurs.
Be careful with concentration: essential oils are powerful, and just a few drops are enough. Avoid using them in high doses, especially when applied to the skin.
Keep out of reach of children and animals.
Avoid contact with eyes.
Avoid use in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Some oils are photosensitizing. It is therefore not recommended to expose yourself to the sun for 4 hours after application.
Aromatherapy is a source of well-being within easy reach. With Santarome, it is easy to incorporate these wonders of nature into your daily life thanks to our wide range of dietary supplements formulated with essential oils. Discover nature's olfactory and therapeutic treasure!
