aromatherapy

American  

[uh-roh-muh-ther-uh-pee] / əˌroʊ məˈθɛr ə pi /

noun

1. the use of fragrances to affect or alter a person's mood or behavior.

2. treatment of facial skin by the application of fragrant floral and herbal substances.

---

aromatherapy British  

/ əˌrəʊməˈθɛrəpɪ /

noun

1. the use of fragrant essential oils extracted from plants as a treatment in complementary medicine to relieve tension and cure certain minor ailments

---

Other Word Forms

• aromatherapist noun

Etymology

Origin of aromatherapy

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

At many airports, banks and airlines have created exclusive lounges offering resortlike experiences for high spenders, including specialty cocktails and aromatherapy treatments.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 18, 2026

But even though Goop once sold a $30 gem-infused “psychic vampire repellent” aromatherapy spray, Paltrow’s not a snake oil saleswoman — at least to me.

From Salon • Dec. 22, 2025

Apparently she wants skin cream, candles, cheap jewelry, expensive pajamas, aromatherapy shower pods, and a pillow that does heated shiatsu massage.

From Barron's • Nov. 26, 2025

These treatments range from acupuncture and homeopathy, to aromatherapy, meditation and colonic irrigation.

From BBC • Jul. 31, 2024

CXG’s environs were especially luxurious, complete with multicolored lights, aromatherapy and a warm foot bath, while Tou Dao Tang’s home-brewed, organic “tea bath” washings felt more down to earth.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 21, 2024