Aromatherapy oils. Bottles of aromatherapy oil (centre left), and assorted ingredients. The ingredients are clockwise from top: fresh roses, dried rose petals, oranges, cinnamon, almonds and more oranges. In aromatherapy, fragrant herb & flower extracts, known as essential oils, are suspended in another oil called a carrier. This mix is then massaged into the skin, inhaled or added to bathing water. They may also be used to make creams, lotions or perfumes. Aromatherapists claim that they can treat a range of disorders, particularly psychosomatic and stress-related conditions.