The Art of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of scent to improve the health of the body, mentally, physically, or emotionally, through the use of plant extracts called essential oils. The essential oils have therapeutic properties that correct various imbalances depending upon the method of use, quantity of the oil, and the combination of oils used.

The limbic system of the brain is responsible for moods and emotions. When therapeutic fragrances are inhaled, they travel through the olfactory receptors to this area of the brain and alter feelings: Lavender is calming; peppermint is stimulating; Clary-sage is an antidepressant; hops is sedating.

Essential oils can improve migraine headaches, reduce symptoms and shorten the duration of colds, treat menstrual irregularities, stimulate the immune system, alleviate nervousness, prevent infection, and many other things. Some essential oils are safe for babies, and a large number are safe for children and animals, as well.

Essential Oil Details

Essential oils contain naturally-occurring chemical compounds that act in specific ways; some are stimulants or depressants, others have anti-inflammatory properties, still others are expectorants and diuretics. Many essential oils have antiviral, antiseptic, antibacterial, and/or anti-carcinogenic properties.

It is important to understand the properties of the oils you use, as well as the synergy between oils used in combination. Although most essential oils have very few side effects or dangers, some shouldn't be used in pregnancy, with young children, during menses, by someone with cardiac problems, and in other circumstances.

Essential oils should nearly always be diluted in a carrier base; an oil, cream, gel, or liquid. They should be treated as medicine and stored safely out of the reach of children. Care should be taken when using essential oils with pharmacological medications.

Learn about the properties and safety of essential oils:

Index of Essential Oils: Alphabetical index of common oils with chemical and historical information.

Essential Oil Safety: Basic safety information, as well as information about using essential oils in the presence of specific conditions.

Ways to Use Essential Oils

Essential oils can be used for aromatherapy in many ways:

• As air fresheners by adding a few drops of oil to distilled water in a spray bottle; choose an uplifting scent for public areas of the house, a relaxing scent for bedrooms, and a cleansing scent for bathrooms.
• As a massage oil by placing a few drops of essential oil into a carrier oil, such as almond or jojoba; relaxing scents like lavender and chamomile are terrific for massage.
• Place a few drops of an essential oil on a tissue or cotton ball to carry with you; use stimulating oils for a quick pick-me-up or anti-anxiety oils to calm.
• Place a drop of rosemary on each temple to calm a headache.
• Put a few drops of an oil in the well of an unscented candle (being careful to avoid the wick) to diffuse the scent as the candle burns.

Learn other great ideas for using essential oils:

Aromatherapy Products

Aromatherapy candles are a simple way to target a specific mental or emotional matter. Use them to create the particular mood you'd like. Choose candles made with real essential oils rather than chemical fragrances.

An aromatherapy diffuser is a machine that uses air and/or water, similar to a vaporizer, to circulate the scent of the essential oil(s) placed in a chamber. This is an excellent method for help with insomnia.

Choose high-quality carrier oils as the base for the essential oils you use for massage and other topical applications. The base oils themselves have therapeutic properties; some are healing to the skin, some especially good for moisturizing, others better for problem skin.

You can also find a variety of discount fragrances to blend, but the higher quality the oils, the more potent the scents will be.

Blending Tips

• Essential oils are divided into groups based on their scent: citrus, spicy, woodsy, floral, oriental, medicinal, earthy, and herbaceous. Use complementary scents in a blend.
• Scents from the same family blend well together; certain combinations work well together, such as woodsy and citrus, or floral and oriental.
• Generally, blend three different scents, one as a base note, one as a middle note, and one as a top note. The base note should be the main scent, because it lasts the longest.
• Store blended oils in dark glass bottles in a cool, dark place.
• Be sure to keep a record of the blend so you have the proportions to recreate it.

Learn more about creating blends:

Aromatic Blending: Basic information about harmonizing scent, how to blend, and a chart of top-, middle-, and base-note oils.

Aromatherapy Articles

• University of Minnesota: Guide to use and preparation of essential oils, including description of a variety of techniques.
• Aromatherapy Point: Extensive information on using essential oils, including aromatherapy recipes categorized by type, and aromatherapy for pets.
• Aroma Web: Articles about aromatherapy, recipes, information on books on the topic, and detailed profiles of more than 100 essential oils.
• Medical News Today: Lengthy article on aromatherapy--what it is, how it works, and the history of its use.

Aromatherapy is an enjoyable way to create ambiance, boost spirits, and treat problems. After learning some simple basics and proper safety precautions, anyone can use aromatherapy techniques as a way to enhance their well-being.