Aromatherapy How to Use Essential Oils

Aromatherapy Candles:

Many people are running out to buy aromatherapy candles. The problem is that many of the aromatherapy candles are made with fragrance oils and not aromatherapy, essential oils.
This may smell nice but won't benefit you as you are hoping.

A good way to overcome this problem, if you want the benefits of aromatherapy in your candle is quite simple. Use a regular candle, light the candle and let it burn for a few moments until a small well collects at the base of the candle wick. Blow out the candle and add a few drops of essential oil to this well of melted wax.

Be careful not to get any essential oil directly on the candle wick as essential oils are flammable. Be certain that you have blown out your candle before trying this, for the same reason.

Massage:

The classic aromatherapy treatment is to use the oils in a massage. This is a great way to get it into the lymphatic system quickly and it stimulates the blood flowing to the different body systems with the added benefit of course of actually smelling the aroma which affects the limbic system and can relax or refresh etc., depending on which Essential Oil you use.

Bath:

This is my personal favorite for two reasons. First, it takes into consideration the hydrotherapy affect on the body by immersing oneself in a lovely warm bath. This is relaxing in itself but add to that the added benefit of Essential Oils and you have an experience that is totally out of this world. The biggest decision is which blend to use for the particular evening, I have soooooo many favorites :) I also like to light candles in the bathroom and have soft, relaxing music playing gently in the background. Definitely a not to be missed experience....mmmmmmm ;)

Diffusers:

There are different ways to diffuse Essential Oils into the air. One way is to use a ceramic diffuser. These are small, usually ceramic or china pots, which hold water in the top bowl. Just add water and then a few drops of essential oil to the surface of the water. Then light the candle diffuser in the pot below and Voila! The heat from the candle slowly releases the natural fragrance of the oil into the room. I have one on my desk which is constantly burning.

Change the Essential Oil to match your mood. Lavender for relaxation or Rosemary or Peppermint if you need to wake up and concentrate. These are great for the office to overcome that mid-afternoon slump.

Another type of diffuser is a nebulizer. These are electrical devices and are actually more forceful and therefore can propel the aroma further into the room but also more expensive. So choose according to your needs.

Room Sprays:

This is a simple and inexpensive way to add Essential Oils to your surroundings. Simply mix a spray bottle of water with your favorite Essential Oil and blast away. This is a great idea for disinfecting the bathroom or sickroom. Just add an antibacterial Essential Oil like Tea Tree or Eucalyptus and kill the airborne germs. You could also add alcohol or vodka to the solution to act as a preservative if you wish. The usual dilution for a spray would be about 10 drops to 7 Tbls. of water.

Foot Bath:

This is an extremely effective choice for those of you who need to stand on your feet all day. Adding a few drops of Essential Oil to some Sea Salt and adding it to the basin is an effective way to soothe tired, aching feet.

Hand Bath:

Similar to a foot bath this is a good way to soothe chapped, drying skin. Simply soak your hands in bowl of warm (not hot) water with 3-4 drops of Essential Oil such as Patchouli or Tea Tree etc.

Facial/Steam Inhalation:

To give yourself a facial add 6-12 drops of Essential Oil in a bowl of steaming water. Place a towel over your head and breathe deeply... This is also great for congestion, but be careful if you are asthmatic as it may be too much vapor for you.

Shower:

For those of you who detest baths, Essential Oils can still be used. After you finished soaping and rinsing off simply dip a wet sponge or cloth into an oil mix of your choice and rub it all over yourself while under a warm spray. Remember you can always use a body lotion or rub down with massage oil and Essential Oil after the shower also.

Compress:

Compresses can be made by soaking a cloth in warm water to which 5- 8 drops of Essential Oil has been added. Squeeze out excess water and lay across forehead and eyes for headache or across neck for tension headaches. Lavender and Peppermint are extremely good at headache relief.

Miscellaneous Applications:

Essential Oils are very versatile and can be used in many ways. Here are a few more suggestions to get you going on your wonderful adventure into Aromatherapy.

*Add a few drops of Essential Oil such as Lavender or Marjoram to your pillow for a good nights sleep.

* Make a perfume of your favorite blend by adding the essences to a body oil or jojoba. You may make this blend stronger if you are only going to use it on your pulse spots and not as an overall body fragrance.

* Add Essential Oils to shampoos, lotions, face creams etc., Rosemary is great for brunettes while Chamomile is good for blondes.

NOTE: Do not use Rosemary if you have High Blood Pressure or suffer from Epileptic seizures. Please see warnings before using any essential oil.

* Add a few drops of Essential Oil to freshen up tired potpourri.

* Essential Oils can be added to a Jacuzzi or Hot Tub.

* A few drops added to a handkerchief makes it perfectly portable.

* Add a few drops of Essential oil to your oil lamp to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy.

I am sure that if you put your imagination to work you can think of many more ways to take advantage of this marvelous therapy.

If you have any questions regarding aromatherapy or our site? We will be glad to answer your questions via email: Send your email to Sharron Myers