Once you have gathered information on the aromatherapy basics, you can now proceed to the exciting yet challenging part; shopping for the items. Shopping for aromatherapy items can be done in two ways either online or by going to these specialty stores and shops that offer the product.

When you are shopping for aromatherapy products online, it is very important to check if the site you are visiting is reputable or not. You can check this by simply reading blogs and testimonials about the site. You may also check its reputation if it has affiliations with stores and aroma therapists that can prove all the claims of the products they offer. When shopping for aromatherapy products online, don’t splurge on buying items on one site or one owner. For the first transaction, buy at least one of each product they offer that you need and try them on. Check if the essential oils are pure and if the other products contain quality oils. Also check the overall appearance of the product and take down some observations on it. If you do this, you will determine which are the best products that the site offers and which are not. Make sure that you add up the address of the site/s to your “favorites” so you won’t have a hard time searching for it over and over again.

If you are buying aromatherapy products at physical stores, make sure that you know where to buy them. The best places to buy quality aromatherapy products may include aromatherapy stores, health stores, and shops that offer natural products. If you buy from these stores, there is a higher possibility that you’ll get quality aromatherapy products. One of the advantages if you buy from these stores is that you can always return the product if it has false claims. You can also buy aromatherapy products in bazaars and trade fairs but the quality of these are not always guaranteed.

In massage aromatherapy, the essential oils are being applied on the skin. The components of the oil go through the skin and are absorbed into the body. Supposedly the natural compounds will give the body that rejuvenated feel. The same goes with therapeutic baths. The body absorbs the essential oils aroma through a prepared bath where the oils are added. You only need a few drop or so of pure essential oil to get that relaxing bath.

Can you believe that essential oils can also be used as insect repellants? There are oils, such as lavender, peppermint and citronella which are great to get rid of those pesky insects. But, when using pure essential oils it is not advisable to apply them directly on the skin. By doing so, skin irritations are quite possible. So instead, you can use essential oils to repel insects by placing wet tissue ball, cotton balls, or a piece of cloth wet with essential oils.

Other usage includes using essential oils in making a compress for medical purposes and as a kind of hair treatment. It does seem to be getting weirder by the minute. But using essential oils and aromatherapy techniques in making a compress does help relieve muscular and rheumatic pains as well as swelling.

Dry and greasy hair can be helped by using aromatherapy’s essential oils. You need to dilute the essential oil in base oil first before applying them to your hair. Some of the more common oils for treating the hair include rosemary and chamomile, bergamot, lavender and tea leaves.

Some even use essential oils diluted in proper proportions as a natural mouth wash which targets oral infections and problems like infected gums and even mouth ulcers. However, you should remember that essential oils are not supposed to be swallowed. So be careful.

Furthermore, by employing the same technique as that in aromatherapy massage which is basically mixing the essential oils with base oils, the mixture can be used as a lotion or even face cream. The key, of course, is choosing which essential oil to be used.

It is certain that other out of the box aromatherapy techniques are out there. As we continue to use aromatherapy in our daily lives, the number of uses will increase and the uniqueness of each usage as well.

What’s in essential oils?

Essential oils are the primary medium that are used in aromatherapy. To be able to gain success in the procedure, it is a must that the person conducting it has a wide knowledge about aromatherapy to avoid further complications and accidents. For those that are new to aromatherapy, it is better to educate yourselves to various plant derivations of essential oils and the benefits they could bring.

For muscle aches and pains, as well as in various respiratory system problems, eucalyptus is recommended because it has properties that greatly help breathing. For extreme menstruation, lung problems, urinary complaints, and stomach difficulties as well as in treating skin problems and conditions such as acne, boils, and even scars, frankincense is recommended.

To relieve conditions that are stress-related such as nervous tension as well as skin conditions like eczema, cuts, and burns, geranium is ideal because it has high balancing properties that are good for the skin. Jasmine, on the other hand, is ideal for relaxation and intoxication specifically acting as aphrodisiac but aside from that, it is also good in treating various skin conditions.

For problems in the respiratory system, rheumatism, cramps in the abdomen area, sprains, depression, sleeplessness, as well as for treating various skin conditions, lavender is the best. Patchouli, on the other, is quite beneficial on solving skin problems such as infections and irritations as well as in treating addiction and other tension-related problems.

Peppermint is believed to be ideal in dealing with asthmatics as well as to people with frequent nausea, colic problems, colds, headaches, cramps, fevers, and other mental fatigues, while rose is usually used to heal a capillaries that are broken, improve poor circulation as well as in treating various skin conditions.

Other effective essential oils are derived from rosemary for treating mental fatigue as well as other circulatory and muscular problems; sandalwood for relaxation and moisturizing the skin; sweet orange for improving poor circulation, muscular tension, being obese, and tension-related conditions; and tea tree for improve skin health because of its strong anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.

The list of essential oils can go on and on. But to ensure its success, make sure that you educate yourself on the proper application of these oils.

Believe it or not, there are different ways of using aromatherapy. It is not just simply inhaling some essential oils and waiting for the effects of the aroma to kick in. No, there are more ways to enjoy the effects of this healing method.

Inhaling the essential oils is not totally wrong. It still is one of the basic process of how aromatherapy works. But, there are proper ways of preparing the essential oils so their full benefits can be attained. Among these methods include vaporization, steam inhalation, and even aromatic bathing. These three offer an experience that seems to help people enjoy their aromatherapy sessions to the fullest.

Cosmetic aromatherapy is another technique. This is basically the use of aromatic materials to make one beautiful according to the cultural standards of their group. It is said that ancient cultures practiced this technique. Members of ancient tribes would carefully mix aromatic herbs, plants or flowers with their own versions of cosmetics and apply the mixture to their bodies. Some tribes still practice this today.

Another way of using aromatherapy is by combining it with another relaxation technique, the massage. Aromatherapy massage is being used to heal and revitalize both the body and the soul by applying essential oils to the skin. Stress-related symptoms are often the target aromatherapy massage. The physical stress is relieved by massage techniques while the mind and inner self is soothed by the aroma of the essential oils.

Yet another usage of aromatherapy is seen in formal medical practice. Medical aromatherapy, as it is called, uses essential oils to treat conditions that have been diagnosed clinically. The use of essential oils varies from application to oral prescriptions. This kind of aromatherapy, however, should only be practiced by clinical therapists, medical doctors and trained and aptly qualified herbalists who have undergone formal education and have gained the corresponding licenses.

These are the basic aromatherapy techniques that often are employed by those who practice the craft. Techniques are not just passed down but instead are gained through learning and training. Aromatherapy is a method of physical, mental and even spiritual well being, giving the person a revitalized outlook in life.

People have been gushing over the effects that the process has for headaches and migraine problems. You can choose from a variety of massage oils available on the market.

All the oils available will give you a relaxing feel. It will reduce tension, stress and anxiety that usually causes headaches. By curing the roots of your aches, it smoothly clears you from your pain.

Other oils will also help you sleep. If you can’t do it yourself, ask somebody or better yet, hire a massage therapist to work with you. This way, you will have the full benefits of the oils as well as the techniques in the massage process.

There is not one oil that will do all the tricks in all types of people. You must try one or a combination of two or more to create the mood that you wanted to achieve. Help yourself relieve pain by feeling better about your body and about yourself.

This method takes care and pampers you well. Experimenting will be fun, especially when everything you do leads to your own comfort and healing. So read more about the oils. Ask the experts about the massage techniques. Have fun in combining scents and oils. And alas, you’re on your way to a fun and creative activity that will only be beneficial for you.

If you feel like you don’t need the massage, you can opt to smell the aroma and be relaxed in the process. Everything you do with this type of relaxation tool will only make you feel good. So what’s stopping you from trying it out?

If you think that the oils will be hard to find, experimenting will be a solution for you. If you don’t want to look at the grocery or beauty shops for the essential oils of your choice, you can also make them. Look online for the step by step process.

However you do it, enjoy every bit of this method. Whoever invented aromatherapy really had good intentions by heart. It is to make people look and feel great by relieving your body of unnecessary emotions and making you doze off better. The next time you feel like you’re having a headache, go grab oil first before you reach out for medicine and see what a difference it makes.

The Oil

The essential oil used in the process is a product of distillation. This method requires a long period of time where the oil is derived from botanical elements. Through this process, the essential oil becomes intoxicating, concentrated and fragrant. The oil must be diluted in water or other chosen diffusers, or else it may cause skin irritation.

Relax During Pregnancy

Pregnant women can benefit from the oil by mixing it with water and using it to bathe. This relaxes your body and gives you a soothing feeling. You can also apply some oil in the shower if you prefer. Place the oil at the back of the shower.

Another way to relax and enjoy the soothing feeling of this kind of oil is by mixing it with jojoba oil. You can use this combination to massage all over your body to remove the aches that can be caused by the heaviness of your baby in the womb.

Just make sure to consult your doctor before doing the abovementioned to make sure that it’s safe and will cause no complications with your situation.

For Babies

The essential oil can also be applied to babies. Make sure that it is diluted to avoid irritation. Touch therapy has been practiced for ages. Use a few drops of your own mixture to massage gently all over your baby’s body.

This can be a great relaxation technique for your babies. This will also be a great bonding moment for parents and their babies. You’ll see how your offspring will learn to calm down and relax in their own way through your touch and the effect of the oil.

Air Freshener

The oil has a scent that can also relax and can act as an air freshener. You can use the oil mixed with water to spread the scent in your vehicles and in your homes.

There are other fragrances that can be diffused in the oil to produce different scents. The popular ones are lavender, chamomile, sage among others.

Use aromatherapy when you are an expectant mom and you will really appreciate the calming effects that it will have on your body. Relive your tension through the massage and learn to relax. This will prepare you for your labor while calming the baby inside your belly.

Use aromatherapy for an easy pregnancy. By being pampered with relaxation techniques, you will surely appreciate the state you are in and focus on the excitement of the arrival of a new born in your family.

If you are one of those who are interested in aromatherapy for personal use or for a business venture, it is best that you educate yourself everything about it. By doing this, you will ensure that you know the strengths and weaknesses of the healing practice. Before anything else, the first thing that you need to learn about aromatherapy is its history. Why? This is because a quick look on the history will give you an idea how the process has started, where did it start, who is responsible for its prevalence, when and was it discovered. Through its history, you can also monitor the movement of the healing process and compare it to the current trends in the aromatherapy market.

Aside from the history, you also need to learn about the different mediums used in aromatherapy as well as the different means of application, usage, and specific benefits to a person.

To learn more on aromatherapy, you can get information and references from:

- Aromatherapy books. These are the best references you can get for aromatherapy because you can always check and double check information whenever you need to. Today, more and more books are being published to make the consuming public understand the process of alternative healing. You can buy thick and comprehensive books that contain all the information you need for aromatherapy. You can also buy thinner self-help books that you can bring anywhere whenever you want to access information on aromatherapy. Other reading materials may come in the form of magazines, leaflets, pamphlets, and modules.

- Self-study. You can learn more about aromatherapy if you decide to study at home. Most aromatherapists and experts expand and gain more knowledge about this process through self-studying. This process of learning aromatherapy involves reading information from various resources such as printed and online materials. Through self-study, you can absorb information quickly without having to spend much money on aromatherapy crash courses. A person who is undergoing self-study can also utilize pieces information he or she has learned anytime of the day.

Other means of learning aromatherapy can also be networking or sharing your knowledge to others, attending local classes administered by aromatherapists with educational and professional backgrounds, seminars that are conducted and sponsored by aromatherapists and business owners, and by enrolling in comprehensive aromatherapy programs or courses through distance learning.

In preparing for a DIY aromatherapy, one needs to get all the ingredients together. We need the oil and some other components that will help make everything a beneficial experience. Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts from plants and flowers which give out this distinct and strong aroma. The aroma is what relieves us of emotional strain, stress, and rejuvenates our body. The oil is the therapeutic in aromatherapy and massage therapies.

As a suitable alternative for essential oils, we need to go directly to the plants. Choose from a number of herbs available in your yard or even buy some from the store. Get those herbs together and crush them up. We need about three tablespoons of crushed herbs to make this work.

After crushing the herbs, place them in a container and add a pint of vegetable oil flowed by a tablespoon of vinegar. It is advisable to place the container somewhere the sun can reach it or somewhere considerably warm.

You have to be patient. This is not a one day deal. After you set aside the vinegar, herb and vegetable mixture, you have to leave it for at least two weeks in that condition. After the first week, you can open the container and add a few more herbs to it if you like. After the second week, you are ready to strain the leaves and other gunk from your mixture.

Bottle the essential oil in a glass container or a porcelain one. Do not cover the bottle with plastic or rubber caps. The essential oils can eat through the plastic and can even dissolve rubber. Moreover, be sure that you store the bottled oils in a dark, cool place.

If the above procedure will not do due to time constraints and lack of ingredients, then you have to accept the fact that you will have to settle on commercially available essential oils. These are quite expensive.

You can purchase pure essential oils in health stores, and specialized shops. They are often sold in vials. Among the most common essential oils in aromatherapy include eucalyptus oil, lavender essential oil, and tea tree essential oil. When preparing for essential oils for aromatherapy, one needs to remember that essential oils are highly volatile oils, which means they easily evaporate.

Yet although you have done all this, can you really say that you know what aromatherapy is? And do you even have to know about aromatherapy in order to do it? Yes!

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils found in plants and placing them in various materials that will help diffuse their scent. Some use candles and light them up while others have diffusers at home that can fill a room with refreshed scents. Aromatherapy has become really popular in recent years, brought on by the fact that a lot of medical studies, have proven its efficacy in helping the muscles of the body relax and de-stress. It has also been shown to ease headaches and body pains without a massage.

Uses

Essential oils are extracted from plants. They have a wide variety of uses. One use is of course as a scent in candles or in potpourri. This is where the aroma comes from when you practice aromatherapy. Some essential oils are also used in lotions and in other toiletries, sometimes even in perfumes. This is of course not to be mistaken as the fragrant oils, which are synthetically made. Fragrant oils are chemicals that only copy the scent of the essential oils unlike essential oils that are purely natural.

Because they are all natural, they are used not only for aromatherapy but also for the skin. These oils are applied on the skin to treat burns, cuts and abrasions. Some are even used for skin problems. Oils in aromatherapy can be mixed with what is called a carrier oil like jojoba or almond. This is because essential oils can be very potent and may harm the skin when directly applied.

Storage

But don’t think that essential oils in aromatherapy can be used anytime. They also dry up and becomes stale. Essential oils should be properly stored in a cool dark place to avoid or at the most reduce the possibility of spoilage. It is also a good idea to buy essential oils that are stored in glass bottles rather than in plastic ones as it is less likely for them to deteriorate. When stored properly, oils may last for about a year.

According to studies, aromatherapy can help relieve headaches and muscle pains especially those who are just having psychosomatic symptoms. When you say psychosomatic, this means the aches and pains are brought on by either mental or emotional causes and don’t have any physical basis at all.

Lying at the heart of aromatherapy are the essential oils. These oils are the ones being used to supply the aroma. Essential oils are natural oils that come from plants. Oils are extracted from their different parts and then processed and bottled. Jasmine and rose for instance come from the leaves of jasmine and rose plants. There are however plants that produce different essential oils for its different parts. One example of this plant is the Orange Tree, which can produce different oils from its flowers and all other parts.

These oils have substances that can be therapeutic. It is said that these oils have antiseptic properties. This means that they can be used to get rid of bacteria and cleanse the body of germs. Essential oils in aromatherapy are also known to stimulate the immune system, helping the body fight off infection and illnesses. The immune system is that part of the body that protects us from sickness.

Another benefit of essential oils in aromatherapy is skin cleansing. It can be used to clean wounds, cuts, and abrasions. Some oils are also used to treat burns and skin problems. However, you must be cautious when it comes to applying these oils onto the skin. Some people may be allergic to these essential oils or their skin may be sensitive. It is good to just do a skin patch test wherein you will be applying a small amount of the essential oil on skin that is often hidden by cloth. This will serve as a test area where you can see if you have bad reaction to the essential oil. If you are allergic to it, your skin will become red and swollen after about 12 hours.

Aromatherapy, however, is not a walk in the park. There are certain do’s and don’ts that you need to follow to maximize the benefits and avoid whatever possible risks there are.

Risks? Yes, there are a few undesirables when using aromatherapy essential oils but that is mostly due to improper use. Some are actually used as perfume or massage oils, applying them liberally on the skin. You must take care doing this especially when applying undiluted essential oils. Some essential oils like orange or peppermint cause irritation. Diluting the essential oil in a carrier oil (such as soya been, safflower, wheat germ, sweet almond oil, avocado, and olive oil) is always recommended when using it for external applications including aromatherapy bath and massage.

For internal application, however, I give you this advice: Don’t take essential oils without first consulting your physician. It may lead to something worse so don’t go mixing essential oils in your tea or drink.

Okay, now on to the good stuff. As a newbie in aromatherapy, it is easy to get lost in all the different essential oils out on the market today. You need to learn how to distinguish from the fake essential oils and genuine ones. The best way to avoid the inconvenience is to go to a reputable store. That could be the easiest solution for now but you will eventually learn the tricks of the trade as you get more accustomed and knowledgeable to aromatherapy.

Here’s a good tip. When buying essential oils, avoid those brands with rubber tops covers. There’s a good chance that they’re not as pure as they claim. Since essential oils are very concentrated, they can dissolve or turn rubber tops into gum.

To get you started, it would be best to begin with the more common and much simpler essential oil blends like lavender and chamomile. Another good combination is orange and grapefruit, which by the way, gives your body that energized feel.

Actually, there are still a couple of things that you need to learn as an aromatherapy newbie. But the warnings and tips mentioned can get you going for the time being.

However, contentions when it comes to affectivity are still all over various mediums such as books, magazines and Internet blogs. If you are new to aromatherapy and want to know if the hype on its affectivity is true, then you must be willing to conduct some research about it yourself or have some time to read various researches and papers that talk about it. Aside from that, you should also be willing to try a certain aromatherapy procedure to know for yourself if it works or not.

The following are just some of the hypes that are related to aromatherapy, it is up to you to believe if the claims are true or not.

1. All aromatherapy products can heal a person. Aside from essential oils, there are so many aromatherapy products available on the market that are supposed to aid alternative healing. However, not all of these are proven to be effective. This is because many of these products such as candles or bath and body items do not contain pure essential oils that are crucial in achieving therapeutic benefits.

2. Aromatherapy can cure major illnesses and psychological problems. Although some aromatherapy procedures are proven to have great effect on people with medical conditions, it doesn’t directly help a serious illness. What aromatherapy does is helps lessen the stress and depression being felt by a person. Once this stress or depression is somehow alleviated, the person who is taking regular medication or undergoing a certain medical process can better respond to the treatments being given because he or she has a positive outlook because of aromatherapy.

3. Aromatherapy does not have valid uses. Although aromatherapy is considered as an alternative means of healing, it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have valid uses. For people who are living under great stress, aromatherapy can improve his or her life tremendously by giving him or her other options of relaxation. Aside from being an effective means of relaxation, aromatherapy can also be helpful in relieving stress as well as in giving the person a positive outlook on life.

To achieve the health benefits of aromatherapy specifically essential oils you should get all the knowledge and experience that you can get. You can read references on aromatherapy from various books, magazines, and even online sites that offer free aromatherapy information. To gain experience, you can enroll in an aromatherapy crash course near your home. Here, they can teach you the basics of conducting an aromatherapy procedure as well as all the information that you need to know about aromatherapy. If you have a hectic schedule and you don’t have time to attend a class physically, you can enroll in various online sites that offer aromatherapy classes.

To be successful in achieving the health benefits of aromatherapy, you must also know the essential oils that can bring about positive changes in a person’s body.

The following are some plant derivations of essential oils and their potential benefits:

• – Geranium for relieving stress-related conditions like tension, nervous breakdown, and skin illnesses like eczema or hard-to-heal wounds.
• - Jasmine for arousing sensuality, relaxation, and in treating several skin conditions.
• - Eucalyptus for relieving muscle pains and aches as well as in to alleviate respiratory system conditions especially poor breathing.
• - Frankincense to aid lung conditions, urinary problems, irregular menstruation, and relieving pains in skin disorders like acne and excessive burns.
• - Lavender for helping improve the function of the respiratory system and alleviate stress-related conditions such as insomnia, depression, and mental fatigue.
• - Peppermint to aid respiratory problems specifically asthma as well as mental fatigue that leads to fainting and extreme headaches.

The most used aromatherapy products are the essential oils. To achieve potential health benefits, you can inhale the oil by placing a few drops into steaming water placed in a bowl. You can mix it with water and use it as a spray, or you can use it through direct application on the skin through massage. To ensure that you are getting the health benefit that you want, make sure that you know what purpose it should serve, where to get quality products and how to use it properly.

The hormones of teenagers are sensitive. That is why essential oils are better than over the counter types for massage purposes. Without precaution, other types of oils can cause mood swings, from extreme depression to uncontrollable anger.

Teenage Girls

You can call it a girl thing when they can be utilized at moments when friends bond together. This will really be a fun experience and activity especially when done in the company of friends.

Teenage girls go through a lot of physical changes during this period. For sure, this process whether used in massages or any form of relaxation, will be beneficial to soothe your worries away.

Girls will always be girls. You will love the scent and the therapeutic feeling that this process will be able to make you feel. This will take your mind away even for a while with the usual problems that you encounter as part of your development. Manage your stress, forget about the heartaches, even for a while, as you soothe your nerves with this type of therapy.

Teenage Boys

Teenage boys can also use the process as they are also going through some physical changes. They also go through different problems, not similar to the girls, but close enough. At this period, they are active in sports and other outdoor activities, making them susceptible to strain and stress.

You can’t tell these young men that such a process is trendy. They will opt to use it when they know about the effects, the good and calming effects that it can do for them.

Contemporary Use

Aside from relieving stress, this tool can also be applied by the teenage group as replacement for over the counter treatment for acnes and pains like headaches and muscle tensions.

This can also solve your problems regarding dry skin. This is especially true when the oil is combined with neroli and rose. Teenagers really will benefit from this technique.

You can use aromatherapy to keep your skin fairly smooth. Use this as part of your daily skin regimen. This will surely make you feel good as you see the good effects that it can do for your skin. Grow wiser and healthier by taking care of your body inside and out.

Aromatherapy do’s

If you follow these pieces of advice from aromatherapy experts, you can ensure that you will get the results that you want:

1. Do read a lot of references on aromatherapy. This is very important because it will give you the most basic information that you need in order to be successful. Ideal references for aromatherapy include aromatherapy books, magazines, and pamphlets. You can also get valuable pieces of information by visiting various websites that talk about aromatherapy. If you have plenty of time, you may want to enroll in an aromatherapy class, which can either be online or in a traditional classroom set up.

2. Do careful selection when buying essential oils and other aromatherapy accessories. Since essential oils are the primary medium used in aromatherapy, make sure that you are getting the best option possible. Make sure that you are getting the “purest ones” because they are more effective compared to those that are mixed with other oils. To ensure that you are getting quality essential oils and other aromatherapy accessories or products, buy them only from reputable makers and stores. When shopping online, make sure that you know what you are buying to avoid purchasing fake ones. It is also ideal to read comments and testimonials about the product before finally buying it.

3. Do proper storage for your essential oils. To maintain their efficacy, essential oils should be stored in dark glasses preferably amber and cobalt blue colored ones and should be placed in cool and dark storage areas. Today, a majority of aromatherapy stores are offering wooden boxes with hinges as well as holders that are made of wood that is ideal for storing essential oils.

Aromatherapy don’ts

1. Don’t purchase essential oils that are contained in rubber glass that have dropper tops. Because of the high concentration of essential oils, rubber can ruin the efficacy of the oil.

2. Don’t buy essential oils from people you don’t know. The purity of essential oils are important to achieve their benefits, if you buy them from people, say street vendors or merchants at various trade fairs, chances are you aren’t getting high quality ones.

3. Don’t confuse “perfume oils” with “essential oils.” Knowing that you are using the right medium is very crucial in buying essential oils for aromatherapy because this will ensure of the therapeutic benefits that you are supposed to get. The best thing to consider when buying essential oils is checking the label intently. By doing this, you can have the basic information on the product and you can also ensure that you are getting the real thing.

Before anything else, make sure that you have supplies for aromatherapy such as items that will be used for measuring, such as cups and spoons, means of transferring liquids such as funnels with different sizes, containers for mixing elements and for proper storage such as bottles or vials, labeling items like stickers, lots of paper towels and alcohol to clean the area afterwards.

You may also need glass droppers, a pipette, and measuring cups with pour spouts for large quantities as well as essential oils and carriers like distilled water, vegetable oil, alcohol, vodka, or the more expensive ones including jojoba, almond, or apricot.

After preparing the necessary supplies, you may start with your homemade aromatherapy. The following are just some of the aromatherapy products that you can do inside the confines of your own abode.

1. Aromatherapy massage or body oil. All you need is to combine 50 drops or 1/2 teaspoon of the essential oil of your choice together with 4 ounces of vegetable oil. This can be used to relax the aching muscles, relieve stress, and encourage normal breathing by directly applying in on the affected area

2. Aromatherapy compress. This is considered one of the easiest aromatherapy products out there. All you need is to add at least 5 drops of essential oil to a cold or hot cup of water and dip a soft cloth on the mixture. If you want to relieve itchiness, swell, and inflamed body parts use cold compress. To flush out blemishes on the skin, use hot water to open skin pores and also to relieve strain in the neck due to tightened muscles.

3. Aromatherapy foot or hand bath. What you need is to add 10 drops of a chosen essential oil to a part of cold or hot water in a medium-sized basin. Using your hand or a stirring rod, stir the essential oil evenly to blend well with the water. When the two are blended, you may now soak your stiff hands or feet to relieve muscle aches. If you want to relax muscles that are stiff, use cold water to reduce the swelling. Foot or hand bath is ideal to relive muscle aches because the essential oils can easily enter the mainstream when the pores are open.

Years after due to the trend of healing using natural and traditional practices the use of aromatherapy is being more and more accepted because of its affectivity. Now, this practice of healing is now being regarded as a holistic therapy that helps heal not only some physical pains of a person’s body but also the emotions and mind as well.

Despite the many advantages and benefits of aromatherapy, some people disapprove of using them as a means of healing because of its potential health risks. The following are just some of the health risks that are closely associated with the use aromatherapy specifically with essential oils.

1. The use of essential oils in aromatherapy can lead to burnt skin. This is very true especially if too much is applied directly on the skin during massage. Because of a high concentration of the essential oils, the upper dermis of the skin can easily be damaged and may result in varying degrees of burns.

2. Using poor quality essential oils can lead to painful and itchy rashes. The number one rule when using essential oils is the “purity” of the product. Experts say that the right concentration of quality essential oils along with the right amount may bring beneficial effects but if it is used too much and with the wrong concentration, it can lead to disaster.

3. The wrong use of essential oils can lead to a variety of sicknesses. The most common usage of essential oils is by inhaling them. When done improperly, it can lead to illnesses that can be related to the respiratory system.

4. Essential oils can cause miscarriage in pregnant women. Experts say essential oils derived from fennel seeds, cedar wood, basil, sage, clary, jasmine, marjoram, juniper, lavender, myrrh, and thyme can cause miscarriage in women because these plants contain properties that can affect the fetus in the womb.

5. People with epilepsy should also avoid using certain essential oils. Oils that are derived from fennel, sage, champhor, hyssop, and rosemary are believed to contain a high concentration of properties that can trigger shaking among epileptics.

6. Aromatherapy using essential oils leads to high blood pressure. This is true especially if used in the wrong amounts and for long periods of time.

Experts say that the people in China were the first ones to utilize plants with aromatic and therapeutic properties for a person’s well-being. The Chinese did this by burning dried plant extracts in the form of incense to help achieve balance and harmony. Years after that, aromatherapy was traced to the Egyptian culture where they invented a machine that extracts crude and oil from cedar wood, myrrh, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove and was used to embalm dead people. From that, Egyptians are said to have discovered infused oils and other herbal preparations that are still used for spiritual, aesthetic, and medicinal purposes. A machine with variations depending on the need and the plant type to be extracted was also invented by the early civilizations of India and Persia (now Iran).

With the progress of Egyptians, Greeks also made variations in terms of healing using plants. In fact, they also acknowledged the benefits of plant extracts in the field of healing. Because of the great potentials of plant extracts, even Hippocrates known as the “Father of Medicine” tried experimenting on it to achieve medicinal and aromatic benefits. Megallus, a Greek perfumer also discovered “megaleion,” a fatty-oil from the plant myrrh which is known not only for its great aroma but also because of its anti-inflammatory properties that can heal various skin conditions.

Romans also made experimentations on plant extractions but were more focused on fragrance and not on the essential oils. The 11th century has marked a major movement in the emergence of essential oils with the discovery of a cooling pipe that is coiled by Avicenna. In the 12th century, Hildegard of Germany focused on lavender and its medicinal and therapeutic properties. The 13th century opened the doors for the public consumption of the essential oils with the birth of the pharmaceutical industry. In the 14th century, herbal preparations using mainly essential oils somehow helped fight the plague during the Black Death. The 15th to 19th century focused more on the discovery of other means of extracting plant extracts and the types of plants that have medicinal properties.

The 20th century paved the way for the booming of aromatherapy when Ren-Maurice Gattefoss, a French chemist invented the term and studied the medicinal uses and benefits of essential oils. Today, aromatherapy comes not only in the form of essential oils but also in other precuts such as incense, candles, bath and body products and many more.

Aromatherapy is not just another New Age invention that escapes the land of manufactured products; it actually works well for your mind, body, and spirit. Here is some background on aromatherapy:

The Basics
Aromatherapy is a type of natural physical and psychological healing method that uses essential plant oils that can be rubbed into the skin, or inhaled. Such plants are juniper, rosemary, lavender and sage that were first used in the days of ancient China, in which the Chinese used such herbs for medicinal purposes.

In later centuries, aroma herbs were used to fight off the Black Death in the 16th century, and perfumers became popular in the 19th century, creating natural fragrances (perfumes) from plant oils. Today, what is now called aromatherapy has become popular, as the shift towards natural lifestyles has taken place.

Essential Oils
The main ingredient in any aromatherapy product is essential oils. Essential oils are the liquid essence of the original plant. A very concentrated substance, essential oil comes in small bottles and is diluted using a mix of water and carrier oils to be applied to the skin. If you are inhaling essential oils, be certain to use a light dose of the fluid, as too much of it can be hazardous to your health.

What It Can Do
The uses of aromatherapy are many. Some people use aromatherapy candles or incense, and breathe in the soothing scent of various fragrances. The scent is said to set off a chemical reaction in the brain, creating a mental state of relaxation. Other types of oils, salts and lotions can be used on the skin, creating the same effect except physical. Others use aromatherapy as a way to look and feel younger and more vibrant.

Everyone needs to relax at some point in the day, or the week. Whether you do it every night, or wait until a long Sunday to loosen up your senses and muscles, choosing aromatherapy is a smart way to unwind. With natural ingredients and a beautiful fragrance, it is a truly earthy way to celebrate yourself.