Aromatherapy Oils

There are simply hundreds of aromatherapy oils available in shops and through mail order, and many of those oils would help to generate positive emotional well-being and bring balance and peace into your life.

There is no need to go to a qualified aromatherapist to begin learning about creating recipes and lotions in your own home, although if you want to have the benefits of a professional massage and treatment, the experience will be both uplifting and positive. A little research will be sufficient initially and providing you treat your chosen oils with respect and read up on any contra-indications relating to specific oils, then using aromatherapy oils is a positive step which will lead to feeling contented, relaxed and enjoying the whole creative process.

First of all, think about the type of recipes you would like to create i.e. skin care? Facemasks? Hand crème? Massage oils? Read up on the volume of recipes that you can find in any good aromatherapy books or, by reading articles on the Internet. A word of caution however, until you have learned more about the properties of individual oils, it may be sensible to limit creating your own versions and use existing recipes.

Aromatherapy oils-massage

Warming Massage oil

8 Tablespoons Jojoba oil or sweet almond oil
20 drops of sandalwood essential oils
10 drops of frankincense essential oils
10 drops of ginger essential oils

This is very quick and easy to make, simply mix the oils together and place in a dark glass jar and keep until ready to use.

Aromatherapy oils -Soap

Uplift your Mood soap

4 fl oz liquid non-scented soap
20 drops of lavender essential oil
10 drops of bergamot essential oil
10 drops of geranium essential oil

Mix the oils and soap together, stirring thoroughly. Store in a plastic soap dispenser and use when ready. Shake before use.

Aromatherapy oils-Bath

Meditation bath

1 tablespoon milk
4 drops of sandlewood essential oil
2 drops of rose essential oils
2 drops of frankincense essential oils

Add the oils to the water and then stir into the water to distribute the liquid.

Aromatherapy oils should never be used directly onto the skin-except for tea tree oil and lavender oil, always dilute them in a good carrier oil such as sweet almond, grape oil or jojoba oil. Once mixed they will last for up to three years providing they are kept in a dark glass jar away from artificial or natural sunlight.

Citris essential oils will not last as long as the others so if you are using any, it may be worth while ensuring you use your mixed oil sooner rather than later.

There are no need to purchase expensive face creams or bath lotions, it is possible to make wonderful natural products with a wide range of health benefits using aromatherapy oils.

Aromatherapy for the Uninitiated

Most people will have heard about aromatherapy at some point in their lives, but they may not have actually tried it or know a great deal about it. Quite simply it is a natural complimentary therapy which is designed to promote health and well-being by use of pure essential oils.

These oils can be used for a variety of reasons whether just for the feel-good factor or to promote healing of a specific condition. Visiting a qualified aromatherapist would be beneficial in the first instance as they will make a detailed case history so that they can make a decision as to the best oil for you. Quite often the oils used will be a mixture which compliments each other and your needs, although it is not difficult to prepare a mixture of oils, having the understanding of individual oil properties is a must.

If visiting an aromatherapist would be too expensive or if you haven’t got time, then invest in a good book which will advocate all of the qualities of the oils and also list any contra-indications that may be associated with it.

The majority of pure aromatherapy essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin; they should always be diluted in a good base carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or grape seed oil. Because the oils are so pure, a couple of drops added to the carrier oil are often sufficient, the exception to this rule are Tea Tree oil and Lavender oil and although they could be added directly to the skin in the case of an abrasion for example, ideally the oil should be added to a piece of gauze or a bandage, so that there is less chance of it becoming an irritant.

Aromatherapy oils can be used in various different ways and it is just personal choice as to how they are used individually:

• Bath-add a few drops of oil and enjoy a luxurious soak
• Foot Bath- a couple of drops of oil into a foot spa for approximately 20    minutes
• Steam Inhalant-a couple of drops of oil into boiling water and a few minutes spent inhaling the scented steam is beneficial for colds, sinus problems and headaches.
• Candles-there are some wonderful aromatherapy candles available and these can create a lovely feeling of relaxation and peace.
• Vaporizers-by use of a fan circulates the oils into the air creating a soothing, energizing or uplifting environment.
• Massage- blended oils can be wonderful for sports enthusiasts, or can be used for general relaxation
 
Some suggested aromatherapy oils if creating a general kit for home use could be:

• Lavender-calming, antiseptic used for tension, insomnia and has pain relieving qualities
• Tea Tree – Anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and can be useful for insect bites and spots

• Peppermint-antiseptic, useful as an insect repellent, mental stimulant, good for asthma and digestive problems

• Rosemary- good for fatigue, flu, antiseptic, burns and for poor circulation