Aromatherapy is the use of plant essential oils for therapeutic purposes. Essential oils have been used in fragrances, flavourings and medicines for thousands of years and there are around 400 different oils extracted from plants all over the world. Each oil has its own special therapeutic properties, and can be used or applied in a variety of ways, including: Body massage, with the oils blended in a carrier oil or cream (this is perhaps the most popular application of aromatherapy); By adding a few drops to warm bath water (ideally diluted first); Through steam inhalation or vaporisers; In creams and lotions for individual use; In compresses.