by K. M. Crowley

Created on: October 13, 2009   Last Updated: October 15, 2009

Practicing the ancient art of aromatherapy at home is easy and effective. With minimal supplies and effort you can use essential oils to treat a wide range of ills via inhalation, massage, aromatherapy compresses or even just putting a dab of oil on a cotton ball and sniffing it. Aromatherapy uses the healing properties of plant and tree oils to ease both physical and psychological ailments. The power of scent is undeniable when it comes to easing tension, inducing sleep and altering one's mood and when applied to the skin, the volatile oils are absorbed by the tissues into the body.

Essential oils should never be used undiluted because in their concentrated form they can cause skin irritation and often their smell is far too strong to be pleasant. To dilute the oil, you need a "base oil", such as jojoba, grapeseed, peanut, almond, or soybean. Add 3 drops of essential oil to 1 teaspoon carrier oil to use as a massage oil.

To use the inhalation method, simply put one drop essential oil on a cotton ball or piece of cloth and inhale. Or, add three drops to a bowl of hot water to create a scented vapour. Hold your face above the bowl, put a towel over your head, close your eyes and breath deeply through your nose for about a minute. Of course make sure the water is not boiling or you will burn yourself.

Here is a list of common easily found oils that can be used for many purposes at home via inhalation, massage or by adding to the bath.

To relieve anxiety and nervous tension: Sandalwood, Jasmine, Frankincense, Neroli, Lavender, Chamomile.

To lift depression: Ylang-Ylang (use sparingly, its smell is very strong), Bergamot, Chamomile, Melissa, Grapefruit, Rose.

To aid sleep: Lavender, Jasmine, Neroli, Geranium, Chamomile.

To energize: Rosemary, Coriander, Rose, Grapefruit.

To relax and de-stress: Geranium, Jasmine, Melissa.

To ease a headache: Peppermint, Eucalyptus.

Toothache: Clove oil (DO NOT USE ON INFANTS).

To treat a cold: Apply a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus oil to the bottoms of the feet. It is unclear why this works, but it has been proved again and again.

All of these oils are easily obtainable at the health food store. Some can be very costly, for example Rose and Jasmine oils, as literally tons of flower petals are needed to produce one pound of oil.

Please remember, do not ingest essential oils or use if you are pregnant or nursing without asking a health care professional.

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