Aromatherapy - How to Use Essential Oils

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from plants to enhance general health and appearance. The term was coined by its originator, the French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse.

Aromatherapy is used for a wide variety of problems, ranging from anxiety and insomnia to acne, cellulite (fatty deposits beneath the skin), and aging skin.

The Benefits of Aromatherapy

Each essential oil has its own characteristic aroma and profile of therapeutic properties. Some oils are soothing and relaxing, others are stimulating and invigorating. Certain fragrances have an effect on a user's mental state: jasmine and neroli may lift depression, marjoram soothes anxiety, and peppermint can enhance mental concentration. But an even greater number of essential oils are physically therapeutic and possess antibacterial, antiseptic, or anti-inflammatory properties. These can be highly effective in relieving the symptoms of such common infections as colds and influenza.

How to Use Essential Oils

There are several ways to use essential oils to reap the full benefits of aromatherapy. Choose those oils with the properties that are most suited to the effect desired, and use them either singly or in combinations of no more than two or three at a time.

On the skin essential oils are highly concentrated: always mix an essential oil with, carrier oil before applying it to the skin. Add one to three drops of essential oil to a teaspoonful of a vegetable oil such as almond, soybean grapeseed, avocado, or whea germ oil. Store larger quantities of unused oil in a bottle made of tinted glass and keel in a cool place. Apply the mixture directly onto the skin, rubbing it in gently.

Alternatively, use the aromatherapy oil in place of an ordinary massage oil.

To benefit directly from the aroma of an essential oil, add, few drops to a bowl of steaming hot water and position the bowl near enough for you to be able to inhale the vapor. Inexpensive vaporizers are also available.

Alternatively, place a few drops of essential oil onto a ball of dampened absorbent cotton and put the ball on a hot radiator. Another option is to put a few drops of essential oil into an atomizer of the type used to spray indoor plants (five drops to 1 cup/250ml of water) and spray around the room. This will freshen up stuffy rooms, creating an atmosphere conducive to study or to relaxation at home, or potentially keeping minor infections at bay in an office.