The Basics of Aromatherapy

How to Use Aromatherapy

If you are looking for essential oils that will promote calm and relaxation, try:

• Atlas cedar
• Bergamot
• Chamomile
• Clary sage
• Lavender
• Lemon
• Lemongrass
• Sweet marjoram
• Orange
• Rose
• Rose geranium
• Sandalwood
• Violet
• Ylang-ylang

Once you become familiar with essential oils, you will probably want to use them in a number of different ways. You can create customized bath products, body lotions, or massage oils using one essential oil or a number of oils mixed together. For example, to create a relaxing massage or bath oil, fill a 1-ounce bottle half way with a carrier oil. Add 12 drops of an essential oil (like rose or lavender) and shake thoroughly.

There are also plenty of bath and body oils and body lotions being marketed with an aromatherapy angle. Quality varies, so some savvy shopping and sampling will likely be needed to find the products that best work for your body chemistry.