Have you had a stressful day leaving you exhausted and washed out? Or have you got a long day ahead and need something to get you going? Either way aromatherapy will work for you! There are a selection of essential oils that can be used for every situation.
You can combine essential oils to provide you with the perfect mix and fragrance that suits your needs best. All oils have their own properties that will do different things. For instance, Basil will help put a bit of “uumph” into your day, or relax away with Vetivert oil.
Aromatherpy works by you inhaling aromas which trigger nerves in the nose which then stimulates the brain. The aromas are taken from plants and are in the form of a volatile oil. The aromas from these oils help affect a person’s mood. You can use the oils in several forms; the easiest is in a diffuser or burner but they can also be used in the bath or as a massage, which is an excellent way to treat sore muscles.
There are four main applications and all work equally as well as each other:
Add drops of oil to your bath water
Put some oil in a diffuser
Mix oils in a carrier lotion and enjoy a massage
For an air freshener mix oils and water in a spray bottle. You can also use a high percentage alcohol.
Add oils to your bath water and soak, there couldn’t be anything simpler. A massage is a great way to unwind. Add a few drops of essential oils to your regular massage oil or try a different one like Jojoba or Coconut. Oils must never be used neat on the skin as they will burn, so remember to mix well first. Most people like air fresheners. You can make your own with a mix of essential oils, water and if you can Vodka. This increases the strength of the fragrance making it last longer. The easiest and probably most popular method is to use a burner or diffuser. Add a few drops to your burner and relax.
If you are a candle lover then you can buy candles. They not only release the oils, but give a great glow and feel to any room. Don’t be fooled when buying them that they don’t smell very much. Their aroma is only released once lit and the wax begins to melt. Fragrant candles smell nice but don’t confuse them with aromatherapy candles, you won’t get the same relaxing efffects…
For the more creative of you why not try making your own aromatherapy candles? Add a mix of your favourite essential oils to the molten wax for your desired effect. If you don’t want to make them from scratch, then add a couple of drops of oil to a fragrant-free candle that is burning and you will get the same effect.
There are many essential oils that you can choose from and mix them in many combinations to suit your needs. Used correctly, they can put you at peace and bring happiness into the house. If you don’t sleep well, putting some oil on your pillow you will help induce a good night’s sleep. Mixing a combination of oils, aromatherpay can sooth sore muscles and arthritic joints… It’s that easy!
Aimee Keley has taken some time to explain an effective way to relax and sooth away stresses using aromatherapy and has provided some helpful aromatherapy recipes and interesting information on some of the essential oils used in this incomparable art.
