Using AI with Caution, Integrity, and Professionalism in Aromatherapy
Every time I plan my lessons, blog posts, and social media content, I literally "sit on the edge of my seat" at the thought of not acknowledging and crediting my sources.
Now, with AI as a seamless part of my workflow, that feeling has only intensified. While AI is an incredible tool that enhances creativity and efficiency, it also brings a heightened responsibility. If I was cautious before, I am even more so now—because the line between ethical and questionable use can be finer than ever.
Over the last two years, I have found AI to be a fascinating tool that supports my work as an aromatherapist and helps me effectively communicate my thoughts to the public. However, I still ensure that all my content and ideas remain original. I use AI in various ways, including Grammarly (a natural language processor), and I also have others review my material. That said, AI has significantly influenced how I create content, reshaping my entire approach to writing.
For instance, as I write these words, I am allowing my thoughts to flow freely onto the screen, typing without overanalyzing, knowing that this is only a draft. I am confident that I will review and revise it multiple times. At the initial drafting stage, I run my work through Grammarly. Then, I use ChatGPT to provide a straightforward editorial review, helping structure my writing for better readability.
Since I write extensively about aromatherapy and essential oils, my work requires research from articles, books, and other credible sources. Writing in this field is systematic, ensuring all references and citations are properly documented—something that was already straightforward before AI.
Plagiarism includes copying, improper paraphrasing, and failing to credit human sources. However, with the rise of large language models like ChatGPT, I always stay alert to make sure I follow ethical writing practices. I also aim to set an example within the aromatherapy profession, demonstrating that AI can be a valuable tool when used ethically and responsibly.
To stay informed, I have explored numerous resources, including ChatGPT’s OpenAI (2024) A Student’s Guide to Writing with ChatGPT. Additionally, I keep up to date with the Writers Guild of Canada and the Writers Guild of America to understand how AI is being perceived in the writing profession.
AI has been around for some time, but in the past two years, it has gained widespread attention. Many industries, professions, and individuals are beginning to integrate AI into their workflows. A common sentiment I hear is that if you don’t use AI, you risk falling behind, creating a knowledge gap for those who choose not to engage with it.
This is why I created the Empowering Aromatherapy with ChatGPT program. I strongly believe it is essential to understand both the benefits and risks of AI. In my course, I continuously update information on best practices for ethical AI use in aromatherapy writing.
Below is a list of key considerations for maintaining integrity while using AI in this profession.
Plagiarism Concerns & Best Practices in Aromatherapy Writing
|
Plagiarism Concern |
Best Practices |
|
Understanding Plagiarism |
Plagiarism includes copying, improper paraphrasing, and failing to credit AI or human sources. Always acknowledge contributions. |
|
Start with Your Own Thoughts |
Write your own perspective before researching a topic in aromatherapy to ensure originality. |
|
Engage in Discussions |
Talk to and learn from experts to expand your understanding and develop unique insights. |
|
Keep Track of Sources |
Record studies, books, and quotes immediately to avoid losing citations and references. |
|
Proper Citation & Attribution |
Cite sources correctly, whether referencing essential oil studies or AI-generated insights. |
|
Effective & Ethical Paraphrasing |
Fully understand content before rewriting it in your own words while preserving the intended meaning. Credit the original author. |
What to Watch Out for When Using AI
|
Ethical AI Use in Aromatherapy Writing |
|
Verify AI-Generated Content—Cross-check AI-generated information with trusted sources before using it. |
|
Align AI Content with Your Voice—Ensure AI-generated text reflects your writing style and ideas. |
|
Be Transparent About AI Use—Acknowledge AI’s role in your writing, just as you would credit an editor. |
|
Use Proper Citations—Follow correct citation formats for both human and AI-generated sources. |
|
Treat AI as a Support Tool—Use AI to assist with research, but ensure the final work is your own. |
|
Customize GPTs for Authenticity—Train custom GPTs with your own material and trusted sources for a personalized AI experience. |
|
Protecting Original Work—Advocate for guidelines that prevent unauthorized AI use of aromatherapy research and writings. Support policies that safeguard authors' rights. |
AI in Writing Guild Guidelines Organizations such as the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) have established policies to ensure AI does not replace human writers. These guidelines emphasize the importance of AI disclosure and advocate for protecting writers’ rights in literature.
Conclusion
We are only at the beginning of AI’s integration into professional writing, and its impact will continue to evolve. As aromatherapists, we have a responsibility to set the right standards before things get out of reach. By being proactive, we can ensure that AI serves as a supportive tool rather than a disruptive force in our field.
The key to ethical AI use lies in maintaining integrity—understanding the technology, applying it responsibly, and upholding the values of originality, proper attribution, and transparency. Rather than fearing AI, we should embrace it with a strong foundation in ethical writing practices.
Train yourself with the principles of integrity in AI use. Stay informed, refine your approach, and set a positive example for others in the profession. If we take these steps now, we can shape a future where AI enhances aromatherapy writing without compromising authenticity and credibility.
Citations
- Antioch University Virtual Writing Center (2023). The Art of Paraphrasing.
- Bartella, T. (2023). Note-Taking Tutorial Script. Antioch University.
- "Plagerism". Miriam-Webster.com Dictionary. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plagiarisim. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.
- OpenAI (2024). A Student’s Guide to Writing with ChatGPT.
- The Writers' Union of Canada (2024). Protecting Authors from AI Misuse.
- Writers Guild of America (WGA) (2024). Know Your Rights: Artificial Intelligence. Retrieved from https://www.wga.org/contracts/know-your-rights/artificial-intelligence.
- Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) (2024). Nice Try, AI: Safeguarding Writers’ Rights. Retrieved from https://www.wgc.ca.OpenAI. (2025).
- Ethical AI Use in Aromatherapy Writing [AI-generated image]. DALL·E.