Should I use Heal Bell or Aromatherapy in Gen 9 Natdex?

Question

So, I've noticed that many Pokémon in the Gen 9 Natdex tier can learn both Heal Bell and Aromatherapy. I was wondering if there is any reason to use one over the other. The only difference I can see is type, and as far as I know, no Pokémon with Protean/Libero can learn Heal Bell or Aromatherapy. Is there any reason why one is better than the other, or should I just pick at random?

I have heard that Sap Sipper Pokémon are immune to Aromatherapy, but I cannot confirm. They both have the same Z-move effect, but one used Grassium Z and the other uses Normalium Z. And from a more competitive standpoint, does using Aromatherapy over Heal Bell (Or vice versa) tell my opponent anything about my Pokémon or my team?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Heal Bell is a sound-based move, while Aromatherapy is a Grass-type move. That's it, really. Aside from very niche cases with Imprison and other such moves, this is the fundamental difference between these two. Heal Bell activates Throat Spray, but a Pokémon with this move shouldn't be using that item.

Sap Sipper and Soundproof's immunity to these respective moves only apply to any of your active Pokémon that didn't use the move themselves. This has no effect in single battles, meaning Aromatherapy is always preferred over Heal Bell to avoid Throat Chop disabling Heal Bell.

In doubles, Heal Bell can be chosen over Aromatherapy to effect allies behind a substitute, as well as effect an active ally with Sap Sipper, but Throat Chop remains a problem. You could technically boost an ally Pokémon's Attack if they have Sap Sipper with Aromatherapy, but I doubt it'll provide much use.

TL;DR: Aromatherapy in singles to avoid Throat Chop, Heal Bell in doubles only if your ally has Sap Sipper or uses Substitute.