Aromatherapy sounds mysterious. At first, you wonder if it’s some new-fangled way to treat people seeing a psychologist. Then you think about the first word, aroma, which refers to the sense of smell.

Many people give up at this point in sheer confusion, shaking their heads and refusing to investigate any further. Still others think that aroma therapy is just a tool for selling plug-in scentsitizers and candles. But if you really take a good look at this lost art, you may find more uses for aroma therapy than you realized.

Aromatherapy is a type of holistic medicine that uses essential plant oils and other aromatic compounds in order to alter a person’s mind, mood, or health. It is a natural way to reduce ailments or promote relaxation — depending on which essential oil you are dealing with. Those who practice this craft are called aromatherapists, and study all the effects of each essential oil to learn its benefits and possible negative effects.

For instance, you may already know that lemon oil is an uplifting and energizing scent. Some research studies, however, have found that lemon oil has been shown to reduce stress, and other research studies have shown that lemon oil may also help with relaxation. So if you're having a rough day, a little lemon oil can go a long way in soothing your mood.

Peppermint oil is also an energizing oil, and its scent is often used as an upset-stomach tamer — as well as a way of deterring ants and can be a sanitizer.

Another note-worthy oil is lavender. Lavender is an oil that is promoted as a sleep and relaxation aid, and you can often find it in room sprays, sleep masks, and candles.

However, not all oils can be used freely. For example, peppermint oil cannot be used to treat ailments felt by a pregnant woman as peppermint oil may cause the woman to go into labor. Rosemary extract is another essential oil you need to be careful with when working with pregnant women, as this too can induce labor.

You also need to be careful if you use drops of essential oils on your tongue, as they can cause a bad interaction with conventional medicine.

This is why aromatherapy is much more involved and complex than just buying a plug-in scentsitizer with artificially-scented oils. If it's done properly, it can have some health benefits that help you relax, stay calm, and have a positive effect on your health. View Ambrosia Aromatherapy products.