Beginners Guide to Aromatherapy (Aromatherapy)

Member Name: dlpugh

Product:	Aromatherapy
Date:	17/08/00 (97 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good for lifting your moods

Disadvantages: Oils can be expensive

There are a number of different ways to use essential oils:
* Essential oil burner. The aroma fill the room and affects your mood accordingly.
* Add a few drops to your bath water. A very effective way of getting the benefits of the oils.
* Mix with a base oil (eg sweet almond oil) and use for massage. Good for physical conditions like aches and pains, as well as lifting your mood.
* Inhalation. Put your head over a bowl and cover your head with a towell - good with eucalyptus for colds.
* Add a few drops to you hanky if you want a quick pick me up.
* A favourite of mine is to add a few drops to the side of your shower. The steam will release the aroma.

I started by using an essential oil burner. They can be picked up very cheaply these days, you don't need a fancy one.
Probably the most popular and basic essential oil to start with is lavender. It is very relaxing and soothing, ideal for a bath at night, or add a few drops to your pillow to help you sleep. It is also beneficial physically, and is one of the few oils that can be used directly on the skin, for example for sunburn.
If you find you enjoy lavender it is worth considering buying a small book or guide to the different properties of the different oils. They too can be picked up very cheaply now. Then start adding to your collection according to what properties you fancy.
A few of my "essentials" are:
Rosemary: an excellent mentally stimulating oil. Brilliant for reviving you in the morning - try adding a few drops to your shower.
Peppermint: my other choice for waking me up in the shower. A power mental stimulant. Also good for the digestive system.
Geranium: smells lovely. A very balancing oil, soothing your emotions and helping depression. Blends well with other oils.
Lemongrass: Nice fragrance for the room. Very reviving and invigorating - helps give you energy for the housework!
Clary sage: Probably the key oil for anyone wa
nting help with depression.

Part of the fun is building up a collection of your favourites, and discovering how each affects you personally.

One thing I would say is don't be tempted to skimp on the quality of the oils you buy. A cheap one might smell okay, but it is doubtful it will give you any benefits, and it will leave a gunky mess in your burner! A good oil will last and last. Better just to buy one or two key good oils.

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