| Getting Started with Aromatherapy | | | | from the bottle whenever you need a lift, or, like |
| Beginning 'bona fide' aromatherapy, beyond | | | | the handkerchief, leave the vial open in your |
| burning a scented candle or soaking with a | | | | space, letting the aroma slowly fill the area. |
| pleasing pre-packaged bath salt blend, can be a | | | | A 'mister' can be used infuse a room with aroma |
| little daunting to many people. All those little | | | | - just add essential oils to water in a small spray |
| bottles of pricey liquids, electric contraptions, and | | | | bottle, shake (before each use) and spray! |
| fancy-sounding blends - how does one actually | | | | Here are a few easy recipes for the inhalation |
| use essential oils to improve their health, | | | | method (Note: in all recipes, the number of drops |
| happiness and well-being? It's easier than one | | | | of oil and/or amount of carrier can be used as a |
| might think - getting started can open a whole | | | | ratio, which you can increase or decrease as you |
| new world of fun and effective natural remedies | | | | need): |
| that can lift your mood, calm your nerves, and | | | | For uplifting the mood and brightening the mind - |
| support healing of a great many common | | | | 4 drops of Rosemary Cineol, 3 drops of |
| ailments. | | | | Lavender, 2 drops of Lemon and 1 drop of |
| The basics of aromatherapy are simple, once a | | | | Peppermint, OR 3 drops Clary Sage, 2 drops |
| few fundamental concepts are understood. | | | | Bergamot and 1 drop Sweet Orange. |
| Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential | | | | For calming anxiety - equal parts of Roman |
| oils - the aromatic compounds of plants, | | | | Chamomile, Bergamot and Orange, OR 3 drops |
| extracted through steam distillation or other | | | | Lavender, 2 drops Neroli and 1 drop Bergamot. |
| methods. The oils act as the chemical messengers | | | | For creating a harmonious atmosphere - 3 drops |
| and protectors of the plant kingdom. Each | | | | Jasmine, 1 drop Ylang Ylang and 1 drop |
| essential oil can contain hundreds of different | | | | Sandalwood, OR equal parts Geranium, Patchouli |
| 'volatile' (easily evaporated) compounds, most of | | | | and Bergamot. |
| which are very compatible with the physiology of | | | | Aromatherapy Massage |
| the human body. What's so wonderful is they can | | | | Now for the topical application method. Usually this |
| also do for us what they do for plants - act as | | | | is described as aromatherapy massage - ideally, |
| chemical messengers through affecting our smell | | | | this is done with a partner, but self-massage will |
| sense and limbic system, and defending the body | | | | work as well. Creating your own massage oil is a |
| against foreign invaders by their anti-bacterial and | | | | straightforward process - just dilute 10 - 20 drops |
| anti-viral actions. In this article, we'll focus on the | | | | of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil. There are a |
| mental and emotional effects of aromatherapy, | | | | variety of carrier oils available, though Sweet |
| and address the physiological aspects at another | | | | Almond is a great all-around oil and is |
| time. | | | | recommended for general aromatherapy |
| Essential oils are best used in one of two simple | | | | massage. As for the massage, itself, any |
| ways: through inhalation, where the oils can | | | | technique will do - let your intuition be your guide. |
| directly affect certain areas of the brain, and | | | | When you wish to get a little more advanced, do |
| through topical application, where the oils are easily | | | | a little further research to create synergy with |
| absorbed into the bloodstream. (Note: Oral | | | | certain essential oils and certain acupressure |
| ingestion can be an option, but only under | | | | points. |
| experienced medical supervision - further, SOME | | | | The same blends for inhalation can be used for |
| OILS CAN BE TOXIC, and other even seemingly | | | | massage, though here are a few more fun |
| harmless oils should not be used under certain | | | | recipes: |
| conditions. If you are pregnant, or have specific | | | | For a sensual massage, per ounce of carrier oil, |
| medical needs, consult a knowledgeable | | | | add - 8 drops Sandalwood, 6 drops Rose, 4 drops |
| practitioner before continuing!) | | | | Lavender and 2 drops Ylang Ylang. |
| Inhalation of Essential Oils | | | | For opening the heart, try 4 drops Spikenard, 4 |
| Essential oils when inhaled directly effect our limbic | | | | drops Lavender and 2 drops of Rose. |
| system, the brain's emotional centers. Many oils | | | | Finally, for sheer relaxation, use 6 drops Lavender, |
| have been found to sharpen concentration, | | | | 4 drops Neroli and 2 drops Bergamot. |
| reduce tension and anxiety, and even reduce | | | | Don't be afraid to create your own blends! You |
| depression. How can we reap these magnificent | | | | will certainly find particular oils that you enjoy - |
| benefits? There are a few simple, cost-effective | | | | and aromatherapy is like that. It is the oils you |
| ways to prepare essential oils for inhalation - and | | | | find most enjoyable that are likely those that are |
| experience these wonderful effects: the | | | | most effective for you. My only recommendation |
| 'handkerchief method', making your own 'smelling | | | | is to change the ratios of oils you are blending |
| salts', and making your own aromatherapy | | | | very slowly. Start with one drop of each oil in a |
| 'mister'. | | | | small vial, mixing them and allowing a few minutes |
| The handkerchief method is pretty | | | | for them to blend before adding more oil 1 drop |
| straightforward - put a drop or two of an oil or | | | | at a time. In general, citrus oils ( Orange, |
| blend on a tissue and inhale (careful with some oils | | | | Bergamot, Lemon, Lime) tend to bring alertness |
| though - peppermint, for example, can burn the | | | | while calming at the same time. Herb oils |
| sensitive skin around your nostrils if put in direct | | | | (Peppermint, Rosemary) tend to be invigorating, |
| contact). You can even leave the tissue (or | | | | while floral oils tend to be relaxing (Lavender, |
| 'handkerchief, or piece of cloth, or cotton, or | | | | Chamomile, Jasmine, Neroli). This is only a guideline |
| whatever) in a room or your workspace and the | | | | - many oils have complex properties and will |
| oil will continue to evaporate and have its effects. | | | | affect individuals differently - use your nose as a |
| Making your own 'smelling salts' is similar, though | | | | guide. |
| your preparation will last a while longer. To make | | | | Conclusion |
| the salts, fill a small vial (dark glass with a good | | | | Getting started with aromatherapy is easy, and |
| cap is best) with natural sea salt and drop | | | | with these simple ideas, you will be able to create |
| essential oils into the salt. The amount of oil is not | | | | essential oil preparations tailored to your needs |
| too critical - enough that there is detectable | | | | and enjoyment. This can lead to a lifelong |
| aroma, and not so much that the salt gets | | | | appreciation of these wonderful gifts from nature. |
| completely wet. Just unscrew the cap and inhale | | | | |