Healthy for us

How to Get Into Aromatherapy

How to Use Lavender in Aromatherapy


People have used lavender and its essential oil throughout history to ease mental, emotional, and physical ailments. Here are some suggestions which will show you the different ways of using the essential oil, lavender.

Steps

1. Use lavender to banish headaches. Most headaches are caused by tension, when the muscles of the head, neck and shoulders tighten. To help relieve headaches and the tension causing them, use lavender. The relaxing and soothing aroma is a well-known remedy. Make a cool or warm compress for the forehead by applying 3 to 5 drops of lavender to a damp cloth and lying down for 10 to 20 minutes. While on the go, massage a drop of lavender onto each temple. When there's time for a massage, combine lavender essential oil with unscented vegetable oil and rub into the forehead, neck, shoulders and back.
2. Use it to help soothe anxiety and lift depression. Lavender has properties that relax as well as invigorate, making it useful in aromatherapy for calming excited nerves, while also inspiring feelings of increased energy and mental clarity. Some people find that lavender is more refreshing when inhaled at room temperature, but it can also be helpful when emanating from a light bulb diffuser. Or breathe in the aroma from a lavender-scented tissue. Dab the oil on the wrist and the base of the throat as a therapeutic perfume. Rub some along the scalp line and at the temples to carry the scent with you.
3. Overcome insomnia with lavender. The relaxing qualities of lavender can help stop the recurrence of sleepless nights. Scent the bedroom with a diffuser or place sachets or cotton balls with lavender oil inside pillowcases, where they will release aromatherapy scent consistently through the night. Another good method is to dot bed linens and bed clothes with lavender oil
4. Scent the hair with lavender. Rub a few drops of lavender oil between the palms and work into the hair for a subtle and lasting dose of aromatherapy throughout the day.


Warnings

* Understand that using lavendar oil can have powerful effects for certain people. If you sense that you shouldn't be using this, don't.

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How to Make Natural Herbal Oil

Make your own oils from scratch. Once made, these oils are suitable for a range of uses; they can be burned to add fragrance to the air, added to baths for silky and heavenly soaks, made into perfume, etc.

Steps

1. Find a large, clear, clean glass jar or bottle with a tight lid.
2. Pack fresh, clean, whole herbs loosely into the jar.
3. Cover the herbs with oil. High-quality olive oil is best, but any good-quality vegetable oil will work.
4. Put the lid on as tightly as you can, and set the jar on a sunny windowsill - this is best done in the summertime, but can be done in winter if you have a window that gets maximum amount of light, even in winter.
5. Leave the jar on the windowsill for 30 days, shaking it gently once a day.
6. Find another large, clear, clean glass jar or bottle with a tight lid, a large funnel, and some cheesecloth.
7. Pack the cheesecloth fairly tightly in the funnel.
8. Set the funnel in the empty jar, and wrap some cheese cloth around where the mouth of the jar meets the funnel, to prevent spillage.
9. Slowly pour the oil into the clean jar through the funnel. The cheesecloth will strain the herbs, letting the oil filter into the jar.

Tips

* This does not make essential oil. This makes diluted oil. There is no need to further dilute this oil.
* Some herbs can be used dried, like cinnamon, but for the most part, dried herbs lose their essential oils.
* Lavender is soothing, cinnamon invigorating, mint fresh. White willow bark has a spicy smell, sage is used by Native Americans for cleansing, chamomile is used to soothe and help sleep. Do some research about your favorite scents, and see what you can find.
* White willow bark (or any kind of bark or nuts or roots) may need to be soaked in water first, left in the oil longer, and/or used as freshly as possible.
* Experiment with mixes. Fill the jar with a mix of chamomile, vanilla and lavender to ensure pleasant sleep. Mix vanilla and cinnamon to fill your kitchen with cooking scents.
* In the summer pick or purchase mint to make a refreshing oil
* In the fall try using rosemary which also has astringent and healing properties as well.


Warnings

* Store oil in a cool, dark place, and smell it occasionally. If it smells rancid, don't use it.



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How to Buy Essential Oils

Essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile oils that can be extracted from aromatic plants. [1] Their use dates back to ancient times, and their wide variety of therapeutic, medicinal and culinary uses has ensured their continued popularity. About 700 different kinds of plants contain useful essential oils, and you can find many of these online or in your local health food store, farmers market or co-op. In fact, the variety can be a bit bewildering, and because many pounds of plant material are required to extract an ounce of essential oil, the prices can be overwhelming, too. This brief buyer's guide can help you get the best quality and value.

Steps

1. Think about why you want an essential oil. Different essential oils have different uses, so your first step should always be to determine which one will best suit your needs. You can research essential oils online, or you can ask your herbalist, natural foods grocer or a knowledgeable friend. Depending on your needs, you may find that more than one kind of oil is suitable. If you don't have a clear reason for choosing one over the other, look at their prices--essential oils vary widely in price, so why pay more than you have to?
2. Consider alternatives to pure essential oil. Hydrosols? Absolutes? Fragrance oils? There are often cheaper alternatives to essential oils that may perform the service you need. A hydrosol, hydrolate or water essence (as in rose water, lavender water, etc.) is the byproduct of distillation. When plants are distilled, the vapor condenses into essential oils and hydrosols; these are then separated. A hydrosol is basically essential oil diluted in water, and it will usually contain some other incidental organic compounds. They can frequently be used in place of essential oils when dilution is not an issue, as in some aromatherapy methods. Absolutes are generally highly concentrated essential oils which are extracted with solvents, usually from flowers for which steam distillation is impractical. These can be more expensive than essential oils, but you may be able to dilute them more for the same uses. Fragrance oils, also sometimes called floral waters, are usually synthetic compounds which have an aroma similar to essential oils. They are cheaper than essential oils, but are typically not suitable for therapeutic or culinary uses. You can also purchase essential oils diluted in a carrier oil, such as almond or grapeseed oil. These may in some cases be a better choice, particularly if you plan to apply the oil to your skin. You will probably find a wide range of dilutions for sale.
3. Get an idea of the going price. Once you know what product you want, try to find the best price for it. Check locally and online, but make sure you're comparing comparable quantities of comparable dilutions of comparable products. Make a list of the best prices you find and where you find them. Chances are you will find the general price hovering in a certain range. If a given choice falls far below that range, look into it, but beware: something smells fishy.
4. Learn about the oil you want to purchase. Knowledge is power, and the more you can learn about the product, the better value you will be able to get. Essential oils vary in quality depending on which parts of the plants are included--lavender oil, for example can be made with lavender flowers and stalks or just with the flowers, the latter being of higher quality--the method of extraction (steam distilled is usually better than water distilled), country or region of origin, and time of harvest.
5. Find out as much as you can about your choices. Being an informed buyer, you can now ask the potential sellers the important questions. First, look at the bottles or, if shopping on the internet, carefully read the product descriptions. You should be able to get a clear idea of what you're getting. If possible, smell several oils to compare their aromas. Find out how the plants are harvested, where they're grown, etc. Next research the companies that manufacture the oils you're considering. You can look on the internet or ask friends or retailers. It's important to find out as much information as you can about the oil, but it's also important to find out if the information you're getting is coming from a reputable source.
6. Consider how the oils are stored. Essential oils should always be kept in a dark glass bottle or stainless steel container. Oils not contained in these are suspect. In addition, essential oils should be protected from excessive heat or direct sunlight. You have an advantage shopping locally because you can see how the oils are stored--are the bottles on a windowsill?--but reputable companies can usually be trusted to use proper storage techniques.
7. Make your purchase and start enjoying the benefits of essential oils.


Tips

* Some oils are organically grown or certified organic; you may need to pay a premium for these. The best form of extraction, steam distillation, concentrates pesticides, chemicals, solvents, etc.. All other forms of extraction are chemically based, usually petrochemicals.
* If the cost of essential oils seems a bit much to you, you can make your own. See the related wikiHow for details.
* Among the essential oil brands that you will find in a natural food store, Aura Cacia is the only one that tests every batch for purity, which is a significant problem with essential oils. There is widespread aduleration in the essential oil industry.


Warnings

* Beware of oils that are sold in clear glass or plastic. Essential oils need to be protected from sunlight, which can quickly damage them. Essential oils degrade most plastics quickly.
* Beware of a line of essential oils that are all sold for the same price. Because the cost of extracting different oils varies dramatically, it is simply impossible that the oils are pure and of good quality.
* Do not use essential oils neat. They should be diluted to prevent sensitization and possible skin irritation. Those that say otherwise are lying to you.
* Beware of any brands who do not follow these guidelines: If they do not follow every single one then they may not be truly essential oils, but fragrance oils. And could be very harmful if used on the skin, or internally. How To Find Out if Your Aromatherapy Essential Oils Are Pure Therapeutic Grade
* Are the fragrances of your pure therapeutic grade essential oils subtle, rich, organic, and delicate? Do they feel natural? Do they smell stronger, more real and less chemical than your current brand?
* Does your essential oil supplier send each batch of essential oils it receives through different independent lab analyses before the essential oil is released? Will they produce them on demand?
* Are the tests performed by well known standard independent labs?
* Does your essential oil supplier grow and distill its own organically grown herbs? Are the distillation facilities part of the farm where the herbs are grown so they are freshly distilled, maintaining their potency?
* Does your essential oil supplier use low pressure and low temperature to distill essential oils and preserve the essential oils fragile chemical constituents? Are the distillation cookers fabricated from costly stainless steel alloys to reduce the likelihood of the essential oils chemically reacting with the metal?
* Does your essential oil supplier have representatives traveling worldwide to personally inspect the fields and distilleries where the herbs are grown and distilled?
* Do they scrutinize the facilities to check to see that no synthetic chemicals are being used in any of these processes?
* Does your essential oil supplier care about the farms they use and make sure they are fair trade? Meaning the local farmers get fair pay and not 3rd world change.
* Does your essential oil supplier sell all essential oils in 2 sizes to save you money? And available to everyone without the hassles of network marketing?
* Does your essential oil supplier offer free shipping, low cost shipping, and discounts in appreciation of your patronage?
* Does your essential oil supplier provide knowledgeable staff to answer your questions about use, and supply as much information as possible free of charge?
* Are over 98% of your current brand of essential oils certified organic buy real certification? Are they willing to provide this upon request?



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How to Get Into Aromatherapy

Welcome to the world of Aromatherapy. Using essential oils in daily life can promote emotional and physical health. Essential oils can be used in many ways to deliver their therapeutic effect.

Steps

1. Oil Burners.

* Aromatherapy oil burner worked by heating a few drop of essential oils in a water bowl set above a tea light candle. Aromatherapy oil burner is the easiest way to benefit from essential oil’s scent, You also can try a simple blend to go with an oil burner. For a starter, put 6 drops of essential oil or blends to freshen up your room. Using heat destroys any therapeutic benefits of the oil. So this is for fragrance use.
2. Nebulizer Diffuser

* Sometimes called An Electric Oil Diffuser, will allow you the ability to create many fantastic scents and expand them into the air that is throughout your home. There are many types of electric oil diffuser you can choose today. It’s the most effective and easiest way to disperse essential oils in the air. It’s recommended for emotional and mental health as well as for diseases effecting the lung, blood and the brain.
* Electric Oil diffuser can break down the oils into separate molecules to make easier for the aroma to be inhaled. And once you switch it on, it will last for couple hours. Make sure your unit specifies cold air and does not use heat or vibration; that would destroy active medicinal constituents.
3. Inhalation.

* A Steam inhalation is commonly associated with treating respiratory illness such as colds and flu. Add about 10 drops of (eucalyptus radiata, peppermint or pine essential oils) into a bowl of hot water, then lean over the bowl and cover your head with towel for about ten minutes as you inhale. This treatment is good when you having colds.
4. Sprays

* If you want to quickly purify and freshen the air in your home, or in your office, make an aromatherapy air freshener. Fill 180 ml spray bottle with distilled water. Add 5-10 drops of the essential oil of your choice for each ounce of water. Shake well and use it to spray around the room as often as you need it. Remember to shake well before each new spray.
5. Aromatic Bathing

* Bathing can be a pleasurable, highly relaxing experience and adding essential oils to your bathwater increases the benefits tenfold. Start by adding 6 drops of essential oils or blend into the bath water. The scents of essential oils fill the room with delightful fragrances, while essential oils enter the skin pores and relax tired muscles.
6. Massage

* When used in massage these essential oils usually dilute with carrier oils, and then applied to the skin. With this, it is absorbed by the skin, and penetrates into the tissues of the body, your blood and the interstitial fluid. Smoothing fragrant oil into tired muscle is the most pleasurable ways to relax and unwind. It is absolutely essential that you use only oils that don't say don't use neet (undiluted) not to use internally. These are adulterated and can hurt you even if you dilute them.
7. Compresses

* This method is a fast and effective ways to speed recovery from muscular pain and strains after a rigorous workout, and a treatment for bruises, headaches, insect bites, toothache, spots and more.
* Compresses can be made from adding 3 – 6 drops of essential oils or blend into one quart of warm water. Stir carefully. Soak a clean cloth in the water, rinse it and apply to the affected area. Leave it there for 15-20 minutes. Repeated as needed.
8. Perfume

* Adding essential oils in your perfume base is lot more cheaper than you bought a branded perfume which is full of chemical added. To make an aromatherapy perfume is very easy. Please visit this additional related wikihows to start your signature perfume
* [Bella Mira Essential Oils] makes wonderful blends that are great for perfume.
9. Candle

* Candle can be used to help set the atmosphere and improve the ambience in many situations. They can be used in any room of your home and provide a wonderful enhancement.
* Using aromatherapy candle has a positive effect on our body and emotions. The key is in choosing the correct scent to match the emotion or sense you wish to evoke. Just FYI there are no real essential oil candles on the market. All those sold are fragrance oils. If you are looking for medicinal benefits you have to use a cold air diffuser.

Tips

* To make a dilution essential oil for massage, you can combine 2 drops of pure essential oils with 15 ml of carrier oil.


Warnings

* Please always refer to safety precautions on using essential oils



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How to Make Aromatherapy Skin Cleansing Creams



Aromatherapy can help you to take care of your skin by mixing aromatherapy oils into your own cleansing creams and lotions. You will soon realize how much you can improve your overall appearance and well being without too much fuss and expense. Also, you will benefit from the soothing aromas of the oils.

Steps

1. Use your favorite unperfumed cleansing cream or milk.
2. Add any of the following aromatherapy oils, either singly or in combination for each skin type. The ratio is two drops of oil to every 4 fl oz (100 ml) of cleanser:

* Normal skin: Rose, neroli, lavender, sandalwood
* Dry skin: Chamomile, geranium, rose and ylang-ylang
* Combination skin: Lavender, geranium
* Chapped, cracked skin: Benzoin and chamomile
* Hyper-sensitive skin: Chamomile, neroli, jasmine, rose
* Broken capillaries: Neroli, rose, lemon and peppermint
3. Clean your skin morning and night. An effective cleansing routine will balance your skin, helping it to function properly. All skin types need to be cleansed twice a day. Beauty therapists found that a lot of clients who would not dream of going to bed without cleansing their skin don’t bother to do so in the morning. However, cleansing in the morning is really important. Your skin throws out toxic waste products while you sleep and if you apply moisturizer straight on to your skin, you are actually preventing this shedding process from being effective.
4. Follow these routines as suits your skin:

* Normal skin cleansing:
o Morning: Use either a cleansing milk or a balanced cleansing bar.
o Evening: Remove make-up with cleansing milk then repeat with milk or a cleansing bar.
* Oily skin cleansing:
o Morning: Either use cleansing milk or a balanced cleansing bar, if you prefer to wash your face.
o Evening: First use a cleansing milk to remove all traces of make-up. Then wash your face with a balanced cleansing bar.
* Dry skin cleansing:
o Morning: Use a cleansing cream. Massage it into your face with your fingers thoroughly then remove.
o Evening: Use cleansing milk to remove make-up. Cleanse again using cleansing cream.
* Combination skin cleansing:
o Morning: As for oily skin, pay particular attention to nose, chin and forehead areas.
o Evening: As for oily skin, be gentle on your cheeks and if they are dry repeat the cleansing process with a milk cleanser rather than by washing your face.
* Hyper-sensitive skin cleansing:
o Morning: Use cleansing milk or cream specially made for very sensitive skin. Avoid skin washes.
o Evening: Remove make-up with a cleansing milk. Repeat the cleansing using a cream. Be gentle when removing cleanser.

Tips

* Try some plain, old extra virgin olive oil to help condition your skin. A little bit goes a long ways on wet skin right out of the shower. Smear it all over and rubbing in, then you dry off the remaining water drops and get dressed. Just use a lot less.

Things You'll Need

* Essential oils as described above
* Unperfumed cream or cleansing milk
* Clean container
* Cotton wool



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How to Make Aromatherapy Skin Tonics



Our skin is always exposed to heat, cold and other environmental changes, so it is very important to take care of it. In this article you will find various natural skin tonics that you can make at home. Each of these suggested recipes will nourish your skin. Skin tonics have two effects on your skin after cleansing:

* They remove the last trace of cleansing milk or cream.
* They help to restore the skin’s natural proactive mantle.

Here is a selection to make at home, all natural and preservative free.

Steps

1. Note that for each of the recipes, the ratio is two drops of aromatherapy oil to fl oz (100 ml) of toner, either used singly or in combination.
2. Make up a skin tonic as befits your skin's needs:

* For normal skin - Add lavender, rose or neroli to rosewater or orange flower water.
* For oily skin - Add lemon, lavender, bergamot, juniper or ylang-ylang to witch hazel.
* For acne/ pimples - Add rose, ylang-ylang, geranium or chamomile to rosewater.
* For hyper-sensitive skin - Add chamomile, neroli, jasmine or rose to orange flower water.
3. Apply. As with cleansers, all skin tonics are kindest to your skin when applied with damp cotton wool.
4. Gently wipe all over the face and neck, paying careful attention to the creases around your chin. If necessary, repeat once more.

Tips

* Rosewater and orange flower water can be bought at most good chemists.

Warnings

* Avoid using skin tonics that contain alcohol (often called astringent). These strip away the skin’s natural protective barrier and with prolonged use can over-sensitize the skin or cause irritation.


Things You'll Need

* Essential oils as described above
* Cotton wool or face washers (soft)





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How to Make Aromatic Blend Bath Salts

Aromatic blend bath salts is using fragrance oil for the aroma. Although it's not using essential oils but aromatic blend still can help you relax, leaving all the stress behind.

How to Make Aromatic Blend Bath Salts

Aromatic blend bath salts is using fragrance oil for the aroma. Although it's not using essential oils but aromatic blend still can help you relax, leaving all the stress behind.

How to Make Aromatic Blend Bath Salts

Aromatic blend bath salts is using fragrance oil for the aroma. Although it's not using essential oils but aromatic blend still can help you relax, leaving all the stress behind.

Things You'll Need

* 2 cups Epsom salt.
* 3 tablespoons dendritic salt.
* 3/4 teaspoon white musk fragrance oil.
* 1/8 teaspoon jasmine essential oil.
* 6 drops Blue 1 liquid dye.
* 10 drops Red 30 liquid dye.




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How to Make Lavender Oil


Lavender has long been regarded for its splendour and uniquely breathtaking fragrance. It is more than just a flower that gives an exquisite view to its surroundings. It also has the power to heal, not only for muscle spasms and physical injuries, but also for emotional stress.

Lavender essential oil is excellent for the skin. Adding its extract to soaps and bathwater gives off a fresh fragrance. It also helps repair skin problems while making the skin feel invigorated.

Steps

1. Pour the oil into the jar and stir in the lavender flowers. Cover tightly and leave the mixture to steep for 48 hours in a sunny windowsill, shaking every 12 hours.
2. Lay a piece of muslin over the bowl and strain the oil. Gather up the muslin and squeeze the material to extract as much as you can.
3. Put the oil back into the jar and add fresh flowers. Place on windowsill again. Repeat this process until you get the aroma you want.
4. If the weather is cold and dull, you can place the jar in a saucepan of cold water. Slowly heat it until the water becomes just hand-hot. Maintain that temperature for 10 minutes. Remove the jar. Do this once a day.
5. After final straining, you can pour the oil into a dark glass bottle. The shelf life for your essential oil is 6 - 12 months if kept in a dry, dark, cool place.

Tips

* You can mix lavender with other plants such as peppermint or lemon/orange peel.
* For base oil, use a refined oil to attract the essential oils of the plant. Choose one that has pale color and mild scent. Olive oil, safflower oil and light sesame oil all work well. Or you can use almond oil for cosmetics, safflower or canola for general purposes, and olive oil for cooking.
* Use witch hazel for an incredibly strong, rich scent.


Things You'll Need

* A 600ml wide-necked jar with tight-fitting lid
* 300 ml oil ( see tips for more information)
* Glass mixing bowl
* Muslin ( to cover the top of the bowl)
* Dark glass bottle with tight-fitting lid or stopper
* 8 tablespoons of lavender flower for each steeping




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How to Make Pillow Mist

Watch your body fall into a calm, gentle sleep. Want to have sweet dreams in your sleep, here is how.



Ingredients

* 1/2 cup of water
* 1/2 teaspoon of witch hazel
* 4-5 drops of lavender oil

Steps

1. Pour everything in a spray bottle.
2. Tightly seal the bottle.
3. Shake well.
4. Spray on to pillow sheets.
5. Crawl into your bed.
6. Breathe the Lavender scent in the pillow mist.
7. Feel your mind,body,and soul relax as you fall asleep.
8. Enjoy.

Tips

* Spray three times on the front and back to get a nice scent.
* Place the mist in the fridge to keep cooled.


Things You'll Need

* A pillow
* Pillow sheets
* Witch hazel
* Lavender oil
* Water
* Spray bottle



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How to Make a Dilution Using Essential Oils and a Base Material

For the new user of essential oils. What follows is a brief guide for making a 2% solution of essential oil in a base oil.

Steps

1. Start with a 2% solution. There will be enough essential oils in this blend to be effective for a child. You can make up to 10% solutions as you are more experienced or with very user-friendly essential oils. Stronger solutions are used for therapeutic reasons.
2. Use this formula to determine the number of drops in your formula. Total ml of carrier x 20 drops per ml = carrier drops. For example, 1 oz = 30 ml x 20 drops = 600 drops (this tells you that there are 600 total drops in one ounce)
3. Use this formula to determine the number of drops of essential oil. Total carrier drops x percent = drops of essential oil. For example, to make a 2% solution using one ounce of carrier. 600 drops x 2% = 12 drops.

Tips

* Buy quality essential oils, you will notice the difference.
* 20 drops of oil=1 ml and 30 mls=1 ounce


Warnings

* Please educate yourself about the essential oil you will be using.


Things You'll Need

* Essential oil and carrier of your choice. Eye-droppers if your essential oils do not have droppers of their own.



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How to Make a Sauna Oil Blend


If you enjoy taking a sauna on a regular basis, you will be well aware of the energizing and cleansing benefits. To assist the detoxing process encouraged by being in a sauna, it is helpful to use a sauna oil blend that can be thrown on the sauna coals along with the water. The aroma that will be emitted will heighten the enjoyment of time spent in the sauna.

Steps

1. Obtain one or more of the essential oils that are considered to be beneficial for use in a sauna. These include lavender, pine, grapefruit, eucalyptus, lime, rosemary, lemon and birch.
2. Single method: If you are using just one essential oil, place 3 - 4 drops of your desired essential oil into the water bucket intended for the hot coals. It is now ready to be added to the sauna coals.
3. Blended method: If you are making a special blend that will release several essential oil scents at once, follow the suggested oils above and create a blend. One energizing and detoxing blend is:

* 3 drops pine
* 3 drops rosemary
* 4 drops lime
* 8 drops grapefruit
4. Experiment with your own blends using the suggested essential oils above, provided that you are confident with blending. If in doubt as to quantities, ask your oil supplier for advice or do research in a trusted aromatherapy manual. If you are unsure for any reason, stick with the single essential oil addition. With any blend, only add 3 - 4 drops of the resulting blend per bucket of water at a time.
5. Sit back, relax and breathe deeply.

Tips

* Eucalyptus is great for clearing the sinuses and the senses but beware its potency - it will release a very strong aroma, so take care to ask others in the sauna with you if this is all right. Use it by itself and sparingly - 1 - 2 drops per water bucket should be sufficient.
* Always use good quality oils. See your health food store specialist for advice.

Warnings

* It is generally recommended that you do not spend more than 20 minutes in a sauna at any one time.
* Pregnant women, those who are sick or convalescing and children should use caution when taking a sauna.
* Do not leave the essential oil bottles in the sauna room. This will quickly destroy the oil. Add the drops to the bucket before entering the sauna.



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How to Overcome Nausea at Night

Sometimes at night you can feel sick to your stomach. Read on to help!

Steps

1. Buy peppermint and lavender aromatherapy oils. Also get a bottle with a roller on the end.
2. Put 2 drops each of peppermint and lavender essential oils with 100ml olive oil in the bottle, and roll this where your stomach hurts the most.
3. Go lay down in bed with the lights off and maybe a fan on. Try to get to sleep.
4. Try laying on a cold, flat surface.
5. CAUTION: Bear in mind the refreshing effect of the peppermint oil can cause insomnia in some people, and it should never be taken with homeopathic remedies as it will counteract their effects.


Tips

* Try putting a cool compress (like a wet washcloth) on your forehead, sometimes that helps.


Warnings

* Don't drink anything cold.


Things You'll Need

* Lavender essential oil
* Peppermint essential oil
* Olive oil
* Bottle with a roller on the end





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How to Start Practicing Aromatherapy on a Budget


Want to learn about aromatherapy but don't know your emulsifiers from your diffusers? Want to start this new hobby without breaking the bank?

If you're just starting into the world aromatherapy, follow these tips to make your first experience a good one.

Steps

1. Find a reputable aromatherapy supplier. Look for oils in amber or other dark colored bottles that have been independently tested for purity. For more information on where to get essential oils in the area, ask a local aromatherapy expert in your area.

# Buy small sizes of a few basic oils. Great oils for the newest aromatherapists include Lavender, Rosemary, and Lemon. These oils are cheap, and they can be used in various ways. For starters, get a 4mL vial of each of these three oils; there is enough oil in the vial for you to learn aromatherapy basics. Here are some three basic ways to use these three oils; check out aromatherapy books for more uses.

* Lavender is great for relaxation. Use a few drops before going to bed to help you sleep.
* Rosemary is great for concentration. Use a few drops in your class or office to help you focus while you write your projects.
* Lemon is great as a deodorant. Use it to freshen a musty room.

# Buy a simple passive diffuser. A diffuser is used to get essential oil into the air; a passive diffuser is a diffuser that does not use external heat to get oils into the air. Passive diffusers are also good for scenting a small area; you won't have to worry about bothering your roommate or your co-worker in the neighboring cubicle with your aromatherapy. For starters, pick a ceramic diffuser; they are cheap, and effective, and they match all sorts of decor and color schemes. Most ceramic diffusers have impressions in them to hold drops of essential oils.
# Buy or make a storage box. Most aromatherapists store their essential oils in wooden boxes, but a covered cardboard box is good for starters. Store your oils in a cool and dry place. Learning to store your oils properly is essential to keeping your essential oils in the good condition.
# Add a few drops of essential oil into the diffuser. If your diffuser has depressions, add the oils there. Start with a few drops; you can always add more oils later. Let the diffuser sit in one place, and it will gradually scent the air around it.
# If you find out that you enjoy aromatherapy, consider expanding your collection of oils and aromatherapy materials. There are hundreds of different oils out there as well as thousands of recipes and other uses for aromatherapy. For best results, buy a good aromatherapy book. Keep learning about aromatherapy, and pretty soon you will be a knowledgeable aromatherapist.

Tips

* Buy essential oils in bottles with orifice reducers or polyseal caps. Orifice reducers and polyseal caps help you control how fast oil flows from the bottle. Using less oil is not only easier on your body but also saves precious essential oil.
* If you feel that aromatherapy is not for you, give the oils to a friend. Maybe your friend will take more to aromatherapy. Perhaps one day, s/he will make you some handmade soaps and lotions.
* For a wearable passive diffuser, get a ceramic aromatherapy necklace. These are cheap, and they work just like real necklaces except they hold essential oils. Use these to discretely bring essential oils wherever you go.

Warnings

* Do not ingest essential oils. Most oils must be diluted before applying on your body. A good aromatherapy book will give you more information.
* Keep essential oils from your children and cats. Children should not be playing with essential oils because some of them may be very strong. Cats have trouble breaking down essential oils, so keep them away from your aromatherapy collection.
* Do not use too much essential oils. Using too much oils can be harmful to your health. When in doubt, use less; you can always add more later.

Things You'll Need

* Basic Essential Oils. Some great oils for beginners include Rosemary, Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Eucalyptus, and Lemon. Each of these oils are rather cheap, and they can be used for a variety of purposes.
* Passive Diffuser(s). For a cheap and effective passive diffuser, choose one made out of ceramics.
* Storage Box. This can be of any material that blocks light. Store your oils in a dark and cool place.
* Books. If you want to continue in aromatherapy, buy a good aromatherapy book.


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How to Use Aromatherapy


Believe it or not smells do a lot more than they seem to do. Aromatherapy can boost energy, change moods and cure headaches. The following points will show you how this form of alternative medicine will help you in many ways.

Steps

1. For tired aching muscles or arthritis aches, mix together sage, basil and jojoba oil.
2. Ease headache pain by rubbing a drop of Rosemary and Lavender oil onto the back of your neck.
3. Citrus is excellent for stimulating the senses.

* Add a few drops of oil to water in a spray bottle and use as an air freshener.
* To enjoy a scented candle, place a drop or two of oil into the hot melted wax as the candle burns.
* To fragrance your kitchen cabinets and drawers, place a food scent dabbed on a cotton ball in an inconspicuous corner.
* A blend of Geranium, Lavender, and Bergamot alleviate anxiety and depression. Use in a room diffuser or 6-8 drops of this blend in the bath.
* To keep mosquitoes and other picnic pests at bay, drop a few drops of Citronella oil in the melted wax of candle.

4. Understand that essential oils or blends make wonderful perfumes. Add 25 drops of essential oils to 1 oz of perfume alcohol. Let age two weeks before using.
5. Put a few drops in your toilet bowl to help you lavatory smell spectacular whenever you may use it.
6. Add a few drops onto a dust pad and so while sweeping you will leave a lovely scent.
7. Essential oils of Juniper, Cedar-wood, Grapefruit, Lavender, Carrot, Fennel, Rosemary, and Lemon help soften the effects of a hangover. Make your own blend of these oils and use a total of 6-8 drops in a bath. OR add a few drops on a wash cloth and place on your forehead.
8. Infuse bookmarks and stationary with essential oils. Place drops of oil on paper and put them in a plastic bag. Seal it and leave overnight to infuse the aroma. Send only good news in perfumed letters.

9. For Sensational smelling towels, sheets, clothes, etc. place a few drops of your favorite essential oil onto a small piece of terry cloth and toss into the clothes dryer while drying. Add 5 drops essential oil to 1/4 cup fabric softener or water and place in the center cup of the wash.
10. Put a few drops of your favorite essential oil on a cotton ball and place it in your vacuum cleaner bag.
11. Apply Lavender oil and Tea tree oil directly to cuts, scrapes, or scratches.

Warnings

* Be careful when using hot candle wax.


Things You'll Need

* Open and clear mind
* Essential oils (depending which essential oils you need for what)





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How to Use Essential Oils As a Quick Pick Me up


Essential oils can help with physical conditions, rejuvenate the skin, eliminate waste, alleviate stress, enhance your mood, restore vitality and facilitate the regeneration of new, healthy cells. Try working them into your daily routine for refreshing and calming results.

Steps

1. Make a scented compress for your face and neck by adding five drops of a preferred oil to a bowl of warm water.
2. Soak a washcloth in the water and then apply to your face and neck as a compress for five minutes. Repeat three times.
3. Pat dry with a soft towel and finish with an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory facial splash and moisturizer.
4. Use a body scrub in the shower or bath. This salt scrub will exfoliate dead skin cells, cleanse the pores and help your body get rid of any toxins.
5. Mix an ounce of ground sea salt with 10 or so drops of your favorite essential oil. Add water and make a paste so it spreads easily. Apply it to your entire body with big circular strokes.
6. Wash your hair with a oil-scented shampoo.
7. Add 1/2 ounce of lavender to sixteen ounces of shampoo. For oily hair, add 1/2 ounce of lemongrass or rosemary to 16 ounces of shampoo. Essential oils can also make invigorating scalp massages. Rosemary is good for this.


Tips

* If you have a choice of essential oils to choose from, select one that suits your mood and purpose. There are many to choose from.
* If you are desparking stress levels, choose soothing oils like lavender, chamomile, jasmine, sandalwood and ylang-ylang.
* Good revitalizing and energizing oils are peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, basil and juniper. The aroma can also provide psychological and physical benefits too!

Warnings

* Never (with the possible exception of Tea Tree,[melaleuca alternifolia] and Lavender) apply the oils directly on your face or skin without diluting first in a neutral oil such as almond, grapeseed, or olive oil. Consult a book on herbal medicine for the proportions.





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