The pleasure and versatility of aromatic oils make them one of nature’s kindest gifts. Essential oils contain the active ingredients of a plant in a highly concentrated and potent form. They therefore need to be treated with care and should never be applied directly to the skin undiluted. However, there are many ways of dispersing their fragrance and utilizing their therapeutic properties, and most methods do not require any special equipment.
Inhalation
Steam inhalation is an excellent method for treating respiratory problems, colds and so forth, but should not be used by asthmatics. Add 6 to 12 drops to a bowl of steaming hot water. Place a towel over your head and breathe deeply. This is also a great way of deep cleansing the face.
Therapeutic Massage
This is the classic aromatherapy treatment, triggering the body’s natural healing process by using lymphatic massage and essential oils to stimulate the flow of blood and lymph fluid. The aromas also act upon the emotional centre in the brain which governs the way we feel.
Fragrancers
These attractive pots, also known as diffusers or vaporizers, are simple to use. Fill the top china bowl with water and add a few drops of essential oil on to the surface. The candle in the pot underneath heats the water, slowly releasing the natural fragrance of the oil into the room. Stand the burner on a plate or tile, not on plastic surfaces. Three to six drops of essential oil are sufficient, depending on the size of the room. It is also possible to buy battery driven fan vaporizers which blow air through oil impregnated pads, which can be changed to suit the mood.
Baths
Run hand hot water and then add 5 to 10 drops of the essential oil to suit your mood. Close the door, keep in the vapors, and soak for 15 minutes. For sensitive skin it is better to dilute the oil in base oil first, like sweet almond, apricot or peach kernel. Essential oils can mark plastic baths if they are not dispersed thoroughly. Wipe the bath straight after use.
Foot Bath
Refresh tired feet by adding 4 to 5 drops of peppermint, rosemary and thyme to a large bowl of hot water. Soothe with lavender.
Hand Bath
Soothe chapped skin by soaking in bowl of warm water with 3 to 4 drops of patchouli or comfrey before a manicure.
Shower
After soaping or gelling, rinse well. Dip a wet sponge in an oil mix of your choice, squeeze and rub over your whole body while under a warm jet spray.
Sauna
Add two drops of eucalyptus or pine oil per ½ pint of water and throw over the coals to evaporate. These are great cleansers and detoxifiers.
Jacuzzi or Hot Tub
Relax by adding 10 to 15 drops of sandalwood, geranium or ylang ylang, or simply bubble over with the stimulating effects of pine, rosemary and neroli.
Room Sprays
To make a room spray blend mix ten drops of essential oil in seven tablespoons of water. One tablespoon of vodka or pure alcohol added to the solution will act as a preservative but this is optional. Shake well before filling the sprayer.
Pillow Talk
Perfume your pillow with two to three drops of oil. Choose a relaxing oil to unwind or one for insomnia if you have sleep problems. For a different mood, try an aphrodisiac like ylang ylang or be extravagant and use rose or jasmine, the two most expensive pure oils.
Perfumes
The finest perfumes are traditionally blended from pure essential oils, particularly the flower extracts, though these days synthetic aromas tend to be used, particularly for cheaper perfumes. The art of the perfumery is subtle and skilled, and difficult to emulate at home as it is hard to find a medium to use as a substitute for alcohol. If you have a favorite oil or blend of essences you can use it all over in body oil or make a very concentrated blend to dab behind ears, knees and on wrists and temples.
Pomanders
Hang porous corked bottles in the wardrobe. The essential oil is absorbed by the clay and released slowly. Fill with the fragrance of your choice. To keep away moths try cedarwood or bergamot.
Pot Pourri
Add a few drops of an appropriate flowery or spicy essential oil to refresh tired pot pourri, or make your own.
Handkerchief
The most portable way of using essential oils. Add three to four drops to a handkerchief and inhale. Useful for treating colds or headaches, or for clearing your head at work.
Shoe Rack
Freshen the cupboard with lemongrass. Deodorize shoes with two drops of pine or parsley oil.
Humidifiers
You can add your favorite oil to the water of a humidifier or improvise by adding five drops of essential oils to a small bowl of water placed on top of a radiator.
Ring Burners
Use the heat from light bulbs to release perfumed oils. Small ring burners, usually made of porcelain or aluminum, sit over the top of the bulb. Add a few drops of essential oil, and the heat from the bulb will gently vaporize the essential oil.
Wood Fires
Sprinkle drops of cypress, cedarwood, pine or sandalwood over the logs to be used about an hour before lighting the fire and then burn them to release your favorite aroma.
Scented Candles
Wax candles can be bought ready impregnated with essential oils and are a delightful way of fragrance a room. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to an oil lamp for the same effect.
Body and Facial Oils
These can be used on a daily basis to nourish the skin. Use a one per cent blend of essential oil to carrier oil for the face and a three per cent blend for the body.
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