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Aromatherapy is the practice of using volatile plant oils to affect one’s physical and mental well being. Normally extracted from plant materials through distillation, volatile plant oils, also known as essential oils, carry the distinctive scent or “essence” of the plant. Essentials oils may be incorporated into massage oil, bath salt, bath oil, and air freshener, and are readily available at your local health food store. Therapeutic grade essential oils cross the blood-brain barrier which means that they are able to uniquely address disease not only from a physical level but also from an emotional level which is the root cause of all illness. Ultimately, they calm your brain which is why they are so powerful and work so well.

There is an incredible variety to choose from. I’ve listed the more well known essential oils here;

Lavender (Lavendula) - Calms and relaxes the mind and body. A great stress reliever, my personal favourite.

Eucalyptus (eucalyptus globula) - Relief of nasal and lung congestion.

Bergamot (citrus bergamia) - Uplifts the mood. Oil of bergamot is the flavouring used in Earl Grey tea.

Chamomile (chamaemelum nobile) - Relieves sleeplessness, stress and anxiety.

Lemon (citrus limon) – Refreshes, cools and energizes.

Sweet Orange (citrus sinensis) - Provides encouragement and reduces irritability.

Sandalwood (Santalum album) - Calming

Peppermint (menthe piperita) - Stimulates the mind.

Pine needle (pinus sylvestrus) - Refreshes and uplifts.

Rosemary - Relieves mental weariness

Rose (rosa centifolia) - Relaxing antidepressant.

Some recipes to get you started

Sleeplessness – Place 1 drop chamomile and 1 drop bergamot on a tissue. Place the tissue inside your pillow before bed.

Anger – Blend 1 ½ tsp (7.5 ml) of sweet almond or sunflower oil, add 1 drop of chamomile, 1 drop of bergamot and 2 drops of orange. Add to bathwater and ensure that it is well blended with the water. Soak for a minimum of 15 minutes. Lightly pat skin dry with a clean towel.

Irritability – Place 3 drops of orange and 2 drops of lavender in a diffuser, following the manufacturer’s safety instructions.

To refresh and revitalize – This blend is particularly nice in the dead of winter. Place 3 drops of orange and 2 drop of lemon in a diffuser, following the manufacturer’s safety instructions.

Something for the two of you

Who doesn’t love a massage? Start by choosing an oil to use as a base (carrier oil), such as sweet almond or grapeseed oil. Blend 10 tsp of carrier oil with your favourite essential oils (a total of 10 drops) and give each other a sensual massage. The oils you choose depend on the mood you wish to create. If you’re feeling playful and exuberant try blending citrus oils such as orange and lemon. For something a little more romantic and mysterious, try sandalwood and orange. The choices are many; choose together and enjoy.

CAUTION; It is important to note that the uses described above incorporate essentials oils and NOT perfume or fragrance oils, which contain synthetic chemicals. When using essentials oils, more is not better. Treat them as the medicines they are; NEVER take them internally. Readers are cautioned to consult a qualified medical health practitioner for chronic and persistent conditions.

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