You can harness the healing and uplifting qualities of plant fragrances to help you relax, unwind and even treat minor ailments.

You can find out simply and pleasurably just how beneficial aromatherapy can be by adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to the next bath that you take. You will notice the difference immediately. As you smell the relaxing fragrance of the oil surrounding you, its peacefulness and tranquility will lift your spirits, promote relaxation and soothe stress.

Aromatherapy is the art of healing with essential oils – distilled essences that have been extracted from plants. These can be used in massage and inhalation techniques, added to bathroom products such as soap, skin creams, bath gel and shampoos, and also used to create room fragrances.

Aromatherapy also involves the use of incense (in loose, powdered form or as Joss sticks), potpourri, steam inhalations, scented candles and fresh flowers.

How Aromatherapy Works

When you breathe through the nose we smell the fragrance, we take its healing molecules into our bodies. Heating essential oils and burning Joss sticks vaporizes the oil so that we can breathe in its molecules more easily. Essential oils applied to the skin are absorbed into bloodstream to take immediate effect. Relaxing in a soothing, fragrant bath will improve your mood as well as your skin.

Getting started with aromatherapy

You’ll no doubt want to start buying yourself the oils and other equipment you need to put your new knowledge into practice such as incense, joss stick, and an essential Oil Diffuser.

Essential and blended oils

The mostly commonly used aromatherapy equipment is essential oil. You can buy small bottles of oil from many stores and shopping malls. Undiluted oils can seem expensive, but you need to use only a few drops in most applications. Undiluted oils can be used in vaporizers, steam inhalation and bath, and can be diluted in a carrier base, such as avocado oil or unscented shampoo, for use in massage, shampoo, toning and moisturizing.

Diluted up to 10 drops of oil in 30 ml of carrier base before using it on your skin. Rub your massage oil into tired muscles to feel an instant benefit. Some stores sell ready blended massage oils. These don’t need to be diluted, but aren’t suitable for use in vaporizers.

Scented candles, candle scented with essential oils are a great way to get relaxing, stimulating and sensual aromas into your atmosphere. Scented candles work better on your mood and emotions than on your body. Their effects are subtle and work well over a long period of time, such as a quiet evening at home, rather than providing quick results. Fragrances such as Centinela and lavender are excellent insect repellent. Use candles scented with these aromas while you’re sitting outside on a warm summer evening. A more intense way to fragrance your environment is to use essential oil in a candle vaporizer, to do this, half filled the vaporizer bowl with water and add up to five drops of oil. Light the candle beneath the bowl. Scented candles fill your surroundings with gentle relaxing aroma.

Joss sticks and incense, another excellent way to feel your room with uplifting sense is to burn incense or Joss sticks. The fragrances used to make Joss sticks and incense are usually very expensive to buy as oils. This is simply a more economical way of enjoying their benefits. Light Joss stick and incense beside a scented candle, vaporizer, or other Joss sticks to blend different aromas. A Joss sticks burn, they will leave behind hot ash, always be sure to place your Joss stick on a surface that will not be damaged, or by a special holder that will catch the ash as it falls. You can also stand your Joss picks up in a potted plant or dish of sand. Incense is especially useful for create aiding a very spiritual atmosphere for meditation, prayer or yoga.

Decorative glass beads, a potted plant or window box, or a small glass of sand all make ideal Joss stick holders.
Diffusers are a great way to use Essential Oils:

Get Your Complete Line of Essential Oils:

History of Aromatherapy

Herbal oils have been used for centuries in many cultures to treat illness and promote well being and beauty. Herbal oils were first made by infusing herbs in castor oil or olive oil. The modern day method is by distillation.

Key Principles of Aromatherapy

Essential oils are extracted from the roots, flowers, leaves, and stalks of plants as well as from certain trees. Ideally the essential oils should be derived from organic plants that are free from chemicals. Plant oils can be broken down into chemicals such as alcohols, ketones and phenols which have therapeutic properties. You must understand the use of these plants because they can be toxic when used incorrectly. The scents released from the oils act on the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that influences the hormonal system. This can influence mood, metabolism, stress levels and libido.

Common Essential Oils

German Chamomile

Properties and Effects

Antispasmodic– Sedative- Anti-Inflammatory- Anti-Allergenic

Main Uses

Digestive disorders (Indigestion, gas, colic) – Nervous tension(Insomnia, headaches, pms)  -Skin Conditions(Acne, eczema)  – Allergies(Hay Fever, Asthma)

Precautions

Do not use during pregnancy – Can cause dermatitis in some cases

Clary Sage

Properties and Effects

Antispasmodic – Analgesic – Sedative

Main Uses

Digestive Disorders (Indigestion, gas) – Gynelogical Problems, Menstrual pain, pms) – Nervous Tension (Depression, anxiety, mental fatigue)

Precautions

Do not use during pregnancy – Avoid alcohol before and after use

Lavender

Properties and Effects

Sedative – Antidepressant – Antispasmodic – Antiseptic

Main Uses

Nervous Tension (Breathlessness, High Blood Pressure, palpitations, headaches) – Digestive Disorders (Diarrhea, colic, indigestion, gas) – Skin Conditions (Acne, burns, insect stings)

Peppermint

Properties and Effects

Antispasmodic – Stomach Settling – Decongestant

Main Uses

Digestive Disorders (Indigestion, Gas, Headaches, Migraines) – Respiratory Infections (Infections, Phlegm)

Precautions

Use Low dilution – Do not give to children under 12 – Do not use with other homeopathic remedies

Rosemary

Properties and Effects

Stimulant – Decongestant – Analgesic

Main Uses

Circulatory problems (Muscular aches and Pains) – Respiratory problems (Sinus Conditions, Phlegm) – Digestive Disorders – Nervous Tension (Headaches, Mental Fatigue, pms)

Precautions

Do not use during pregnancy – Do not use with high blood pressure – do not use with epilepsy

Sandalwood

Properties and Effects

Sedative – Antiseptic – Decongestant

Main Uses

Nervous Tension (Depression, Insomnia) – Genitourinary conditions (Cystitis) – Skin Conditions (Acne, Eczema) – Respiratory Conditions (Sore throats, Laryngitis, bronchitis)

Tea Tree

Properties and Effects

Antiseptic – Antifungal – Antibacterial

Main Uses

Respiratory Problems (Coughs, Cold, Phlegm) – Gynelogical Problems (Cystitis, Candidacies) – Skin Conditions (Acne, Cold Sores, Athletes foot, insect stings)

Self Help Aromatherapy

Use only pure essential oils free from additives and pay close attention to directions. Essential Oils can be used in massage but also can be used by inhaling, vaporized or added to baths. Inhaling can be very beneficial and fast acting due to the olfactory receptors have direct links to the brain. Vaporizers can be relaxing or invigorating depending on the oil used.