What therapeutic application is commonly associated with essential oils?

Essential oils are most commonly recognized for their therapeutic application in aromatherapy. This practice involves the use of these concentrated plant extracts to enhance physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Aromatherapy utilizes the distinct scents and properties of essential oils to promote relaxation, reduce stress, improve mood, and even support physical health.

The therapeutic effects are often linked to the active compounds found in essential oils, which can interact with the olfactory system, influencing the limbic system of the brain responsible for emotions and memory. Uses in this field are vast and include applications in stress relief, sleep improvement, and even pain management.

Other contexts in which essential oils might be mentioned, such as soil enhancement, pest control, or plant cloning, do not directly relate to the recognized therapeutic benefits that derive from their aromatic properties and effects on human health. While some essential oils may have roles in pest control due to their antimicrobial and insect-repelling properties, these are not the therapeutic applications for which they are primarily known.