Aromatherapy oils. Selection of bottles of aromatherapy oil. There is a sprig of sage leaves at upper left, and a pestle and mortar used for grinding leaves at lower centre. Aromatherapy oils are made from fragrant herb and flower extracts (essential oils) suspended in a neutral carrier oil. The oil releases the volatile plant extracts into the air as the oil is warmed or massaged into the skin. Aromatherapists claim that they can treat a range of disorders, particularly psychosomatic and stress-related conditions. However, aromatherapy is mainly used by people to create a sense of general well-being.