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Aromatherapy Explained

NZROHA is an organisation that is promoting professional Clinical/Holistic Aromatherapy or Aromatic Medicine safe use.

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to enhance physical and emotional well being. It is the fastest growing natural therapy at this time, attracting media attention and becoming highly popular with many people. A multifaceted healing modality Aromatherapy use includes:

  • Inhalation & vaporisation
  • Compresses
  • Bath or shower
  • Massage
  • Spritzer sprays
  • Skin care
  • Household cleaners
  • Deodorisers
  • Insect repellent
  • Mood enhancer

Aromatherapy can be fast acting but it is not a 'magic potion.' Your individual blend or 'mixture' of essential oils will not only provide immediate benefits the lasting effects will continue to be felt for sometime after the treatment.

A registered Aromatherapist will compile a case history and at each consultation will review your current symptoms and formulate a blend that is appropriate for you at that time. You may be given a cream or blend to use between visits to enhance the healing process.

Essential Oils

Essential oils  are present in many plants, and usually obtained by distillation. There are also other aromatic extracts such as CO2 extracts, absolutes, concretes, attars,  resins, hydrosols which trained aromatherapists use,  They have individual chemical constituents which give them unique therapeutic properties.

Essential oils have many healing properties to assist with promoting total holistic wellbeing. 

Essential Oil Safety

  • Essential oils are 70 times more potent than the herb and caution is advised at all times. A good rule of thumb is 'less is more."
  • Use only 100% pure essential oils sourced from a reputable supplier. Some essential oils have been 'adulterated' or contaminated with poor quality oils. 
  • Note 'fragrant oils' have no therapeutic properties these are not used in Aromatherapy.
  • Oils should always be stored away from children, and should not be taken internally.
  • Essential oils should be stored in dark glass bottles, and definitely not in plastic.
  • Care needs to be taken when using any essential oils particularly for babies, children, elderly, or during pregnancy. If in doubt consult a NZROHA Registered Professional Aromatherapist.
  • It is not recommended to apply undiluted essential oils to the body. They should always be diluted in a carrier substance such as a cream, oil, or gel 
  • When bathing with essential oils it is recommended to add a fat soluble carrier e.g. almond, or olive oil or a few tablespoons of full fat milk to help disperse the oil in the water. Use a maximum of 6 - 8 drops and care needs to be taken when selecting oils for bath use. 

The fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose

About Us

Our Aims & Objectives

We are actively involved in supporting Professional Aromatherapists in New Zealand and promoting the highest educational standards in the Aromatherapy profession enabling the public to consult NZROHA members with confidence.

We are the national voice of Aromatherapy and represent our members in governance issues.

NZROHA Mission Statement

The preservation of health by advancing the knowledge, practice of, and expertise in Aromatherapy; educating, teaching and training and other lawfully charitable means. The Register aims to Promote:

  • The establishment and maintenance of a programme of professional education to improve standards of Aromatherapy practice. *Making available and disseminating as widely as possible all available information relating to the practice of aromatherapy.
  • Establishment of ethical professional standards for the practice of Aromatherapy to benefit the general public and members of the profession.
  • Support, and encourage scientific research applicable to aromatherapy and its practice.

Our Beginnings

The Register was initially formed in 1993 by a small group of enthusiastic Aromatherapists who began meeting in each other's homes as a discussion and support group. They agreed that they needed a nationwide register of Holistic Aromatherapists. In January 1993, together with eight other Aromatherapists, Sue Waddell and Helen Guthrie sent out invitations to as many Aromatherapists as they could locate.

A journal ( Sharing Aromatherapy) was started at the same time the Register was being formed. It was incorporated on 1 September 1993 and as of 20 September, there were already 55 members through out New Zealand. We remain connected internationally through platforms such as ICAN - International Clinical Aromatherapy Network.

NZROHA has established itself as the national register for qualified Holistic Aromatherapists, supporting, informing and promoting Aromatherapy in NZ. 

The Register consists of members who are engaged, trained, or interested in Aromatherapy, or others interested in furthering the objects of the Register. The Register sets  standards for professional members - and all members must comply with and uphold the NZROHA Rules, Membership Policy, Codes of Ethics, and Code of Practice.

The NZROHA Executive Committee meets monthly to ensure the Register is conducting itself in accordance with acts and requirements of the Register and the Association is working in the best interests of its members and Aromatherapy. The minutes of theses meetings are available to members.

The Annual General Meeting is usually held in conjunction with our Conference,  and may be in person or via zoom. It is usually held between April and June. Ordinary General Meetings can be called at the discretion of the Chairperson to inform and discuss current issues with members. Aromatic Aotearoa is our quarterly newsletter packed with interesting information and available to members and subscribers.