A Practical Guide to Aromatherapy Oils

When we hand you the oil tray at the start of an aroma therapy session, most guests pick by smell alone — which is a perfectly valid method. But each blend does have a character, and choosing deliberately can shape the whole hour.

To wind down and sleep

Lavender is the classic for a reason: soft, floral and reliably calming, it pairs best with slow evening sessions when you plan to go straight home afterwards. Chamomile works similarly and is gentler for anyone who finds lavender too sweet. Both are good choices if you have been sleeping badly.

To lift a flat mood

Lemongrass and sweet orange are bright, citrus-forward and genuinely mood-lifting. Choose them for a daytime session when you have to go back to work afterwards and do not want to feel heavy-lidded. Peppermint has a similar effect with a cooling edge that suits hot Gurugram afternoons.

To clear the head and chest

Eucalyptus and tea tree open up the breathing and cut through the stuffiness that comes with dust, pollution or the tail end of a cold. Paired with a warm compress across the chest and upper back, this is our most requested winter combination.

To feel grounded

Sandalwood, vetiver and frankincense are the deep, woody, resinous end of the tray. They suit anyone who feels scattered and over-stimulated rather than tired, and they hold on the skin for hours after the session ends.

If you are pregnant, managing high blood pressure, or prone to skin sensitivity, tell your therapist — several oils are adjusted or replaced in those cases.

Not sure? Smell three and pick the one your body leans toward. Instinct is a surprisingly good guide here.