Aromatherapy: a complete UK guide to essential oils

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils, the concentrated aromatic compounds distilled or cold-pressed from flowers, leaves, bark, resin and citrus peel, to create a pleasant atmosphere and support a sense of everyday wellbeing. The practice has roots in many traditions, and in the UK today it is most often enjoyed at home through diffusing, massage and bathing.

Each oil has its own character. Citrus oils such as lemon and wild orange smell bright and uplifting, florals such as lavender feel soft and calming, and woods and resins such as frankincense and cedarwood are warm and grounding. Part of the enjoyment of aromatherapy is discovering which aromas you personally love.

Our sense of smell is closely linked to the parts of the brain involved in memory and emotion, which is why a familiar scent can instantly change how a room, or a moment, feels.

You can also inhale an oil directly from the bottle or from a tissue, or use a pre-diluted roll-on for on-the-go use. Never apply undiluted oils to the skin, and keep them away from the eyes and inner ears. Read our guide to diffusion methods and the carrier oils guide to go further.

You do not need a large collection to begin. These six oils cover most everyday aromatherapy uses and blend well with one another.

Not sure where to start? Our Oil Finder quiz suggests oils based on the mood and moments you want to create, or browse aromatherapy starter kits.

• Always dilute for skin use. 1–2% for adults (1–2 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil), 0.5–1% for children over 6 and for sensitive skin.
• Patch test first. Apply a small amount of the diluted oil to the inner arm and wait 24 hours.
• Citrus oils and sunlight. Some cold-pressed citrus oils, such as bergamot, lemon and lime, can make skin more sensitive to the sun. Avoid sun exposure on treated skin for 12 hours.
• Pregnancy, babies and medical conditions. Ask your GP or midwife before use. Do not use oils on babies without professional advice.
• Pets. Cats in particular are sensitive to many oils. Diffuse in a ventilated room the animal can leave.
• Storage. Keep bottles tightly closed, out of direct sunlight and out of reach of children.

Our detailed dilution guide and the article on diffusers around babies, pets and pregnancy cover each situation in depth. Aromatherapy is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.

Ultrasonic diffusers use water and vibration to release a fine, cool mist, so they don't heat the oil and are quiet enough for bedrooms. Look for a timer, an automatic shut-off when the water runs out and a size that suits the room.

Clean your diffuser every few uses with a little water and white vinegar to keep the mist fine and the aroma true. See our doTERRA diffusers, our tips on how often to diffuse and diffuser blends for every mood.

Many products sold as "aromatherapy oils" are diluted or blended with synthetic fragrance. For aromatherapy you want pure essential oils from a supplier that tests every batch. All doTERRA oils are tested to the CPTG® (Certified Pure Tested Grade) standard, and the results for each batch can be looked up on doTERRA's Source to You site.

Learn more on our doTERRA UK page or in essential oil vs fragrance oil.