Essential oils
can be used alone or mixed together to meet specific needs in order to improve physical, mental, and emotional health through the use aromatherapy. Most essential oils are extracted from plants and carry the "essence" or scent of the plant from which they are extracted. Essential oils can be vaporized in oil burners, diluted and applied directly to the skin, mixed with bathwater, or even mixed with lotions creams and shampoos.
Relaxation
A good way to use essential oil for relaxation is through massage. Adding four drops of lavender, four drops of rosewood, and two drops of sweet orange to sweet almond oil makes for fragrant and soothing massage oil. Cedarwood may also be added, or substituted for relaxation without causing the drowsiness that is sometimes associated with lavender. Added to warm bathwater, two drops of Jasmine, three drops of Tangerine, and one drop of Ylang Ylang provide a relaxing experience as well.
Stress Relief
Tension in the body can also be remedied by aromatherapy. Bergamot, frankincense, melissa, and sandalwood can be mixed with sweet almond oil for massage or diluted with water for use in an oil diffuser. Applying peppermint directly to the points of tension also provides relief, as does inhaling the peppermint oil. A good method for peppermint inhalation is to put a drop in your palms, rub your hands together, cover your nose with your hands, and inhale deeply.
Sleep
Many essential oils are suitable to promote restful sleep. Three drops of lavender mixed with one drop of clary sage can be applied directly to your pillow; the same combination can be mixed with one teaspoon of cream and added to warm bathwater. Chamomile is also a popular oil to encourage sleep and can be mixed with lavender in equal parts or used on its own. Adding these oils to a cold air vaporizer can be particularly beneficial when you are ill.
Energy
Though aromatherapy is a popular for relaxation, many essential oils are also optimal for increasing mood and energy. Three drops of ginger paired with two drops of grapefruit in an unscented shower gel or a warm bath is known to enhance your mood. Peppermint, lemon, and frankincense mixed in equal parts and added to unscented lotion provides an energy boost throughout the day. These oils can also be applied directly to the skin for inhalation or burned in an oil diffuser for a more intense experience.
Considerations
Sweet almond oil is an affordable and available base to use, but you may use any oil such as those made from nuts and vegetables as well. Some examples are olive oil, sunflower oil, and grapeseed oil. Mixing the oils together before adding them to an oil burner, rather than adding them on top of each other in the burner produces the most aromatic results. When using aromatherapy with children, dilute the oils significantly and research the oil to ensure its safety for children.
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