by Zach F

Created on: July 07, 2010   Last Updated: September 20, 2011

Aromatherapy is the use of essential plant oils for physical and psychological benefits.
There are several ways to use essential oils in aromatherapy.
There are two common ways to inhale essential oils.  A tissue can be sprinkled with three to seven drops of oil, held a few inches from the nose, and inhaled.  Alternatively, two cups of water can be boiled before adding seven to 10 drops of essential oil to the water.  The steam can then be inhaled from about 12 inches away.  The steam should not be inhaled in a constant stream, and some oils which can irritate the nose or throat should be used in smaller quantities.

For physical applications, massages and baths are the two most popular methods.  For massaging, about 20 drops should be added for each ounce of carrier oil (usually a cold-pressed vegetable oil like almond, apricot kernel, or grapeseed).  For a bath, the oil can then be added to the hot water bath.
Essential oils can also be used in a variety of shampoos, body gels and sprays, soaps, and lotions as other means of physical application.
For household purposes, essential oils can also be diluted in hot water, as in the inhalation method above, but without inhaling directly.  Many stores also sell lamp rings or special essential oil diffusers for this purpose.
The oils can also be added to drains, laundry, the trash can, or a vacuum bag directly, or placed on a tissue or cotton ball in drawers and cabinets.
Certain essential oils (peppermint, citronella, and lavender, among others) are great natural insect repellents, and can also be used by placing them on tissues or cotton balls near doors and windows.
Some essential oils can be mixed into essential synergies, which often have benefits beyond the sum of benefits of the individual oils.
Finally, when beginning aromatherapy, new users should make sure to read the labels of all essential oils.  Some may need to be used in smaller quantities or specific applications for safety reasons, and some may not be safe for general household use if there are children or pets in the home.  Also, it is advisable to try each essential in a smaller amount than the typical usage, to ensure that there is no allergic or sensitivity reaction.  By following these tips, anyone can begin to get the benefits of aromatherapy in their own home.

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