How to Make Aromatherapy Oils

If you watch just an hour of television, it's not hard to understand why alternative medicine has become increasingly popular. More and more bizarre commercials advertise frightening and dangerous side effects along with a pill whose purpose is often not even clearly described. Aromatherapy is an alternative remedy for many common ailments that has gained acceptance from people interested in finding paths to wellness that don't involve harsh medications. It basically uses scents, in the form of essential oils derived from plants, to relax, ease tension, rejuvenate oneself, or generally make oneself feel well.

Aromatherapy is often used in conjunction with massage, but it can also be incorporated into a simple bath or just filling a room with a scent. Although the essential oils used in aromatherapy come from plants, they are very intense and shouldn't be directly applied externally or internally. Here is a simple guide to making aromatherapy oils that are useful as bath or massage oils or perfume so that you can experience this calming and uplifting remedy for yourself.
Step 1: Carrier Oils

Since essential oils are so strong, they must be diluted in a different oil, known as a carrier, before being used as a perfume or massage oil. There are many options for carriers. Sweet Almond oil is an optimal choice because it's lightweight and absorbent yet it holds the scent of the essential oils very well. Aloe Vera, avocado or coconut oils are moisturizing and so are ideal for dry skin, while grapeseed is great for oily skin because it's extremely light. If you're unsure about using these oils, go to the grocery store and pick up some extra virgin olive oil. This makes an excellent carrier even though we know it best for its culinary uses. Extra virgin is the finest type of olive oil because of how it's pressed, and if it's that good to ingest, than it's great to rub on your skin!

Step 2: Essential Oils

At just about any natural food or health store, you can find a plethora of essential oils. If you can't locate one of these stores, the internet is full of sites that sell them. Look for ones in dark brown or blue jars; these colors protect the oils better than clear glass. You can use just one or a combination of essential oils to produce a certain effect.

· For relaxation: lavender, ylang-ylang, vanilla, sandalwood, chamomile

· For energy: peppermint, spearmint, eucalyptus, lemongrass

These are just a few suggestions, and there are many more essential oils with healing properties. The most important thing to remember about essential oils is that less is more! They are very powerful, so you don't need to use much to create a strong, effective scent.

Step 3: Mix and Use

Wherever you find essential oils, you should be able to find small glass bottles in the aforementioned dark brown or blue colors. Make sure to check how many fluid ounces the bottles hold. Add 10 to 12 drops of essential oil for each ounce of carrier oil, and use no more than 15 drops of essential oil for each ounce of the carrier. So if you want to make a one-ounce bottle of relaxing massage oil, mix five drops of lavender and five drops of chamomile. Let the oil sit for a day, and only add more drops later if you want a stronger scent. Likewise, for an earthy perfume, try five drops of ylang-ylang, five drops of sandalwood and five of jasmine. Nature's Gift, an aromatherapy supply company, recommends blending the essential oils first when making perfume, "[T]o create the blend that pleases you. Dilution comes later, when your blend is completed." They also advise using Jojoba or Fractionated coconut oil as a carrier for perfume because both are very long-lasting. Let your nose be your guide, and the more you use essential oils, the more combinations you'll find pleasing!

A small amount of oil, about enough to fill the center of your palm, will effectively moisturize during a massage. A few drops on the neck and wrists will suffice for perfume, although you must of course adjust the amount to suit your tastes (and scents). For a bath you can either add a generous amount of massage oil to the water, or you can just add a few drops of the undiluted essential oil. Nature's Gift recommends five to twelve drops in a tub.

Store the bottles in a cool, dark place, and check them frequently to make sure the oil is still in good condition. Essential oils lose potency and carriers can go rancid. Most massage oils will be good for about a year, but if you think they've gone bad or lost potency before a year has passed, just make a new mixture! It's usually best to use a new bottle because the oils and scents will cling to a used one.

Caveats

As previously mentioned, essential oils are quite strong and should be used carefully. The liver processes these oils, so you shouldn't bombard your body with them, just like you shouldn't overload your system with any substance. Essential oils' effect on pregnant women and unborn babies is not known, so if you're pregnant you should abstain from using them until asking your doctor.

Conclusion

Aromatherapy can help soothe, calm or refresh your mind and body. A massage or bath with aromatherapy oils will relax your muscles and give you peace of mind as the scents melt away mental tension. Even a perfume using essential oils can help create a pleasing mood as you inhale the smell throughout the day. Add intense essential oils to carrier oils, such as Sweet Almond, avocado, grapeseed or olive oil, and remember to use them in moderation. These oils are a simple and natural way to feel great!