How do essential oils work?

The following is a simplified version of what happens when you inhale the aroma or scent of an essential oil.

1. The essential oil molecules enter your nose and interact with receptors on the olfactory mucous membrane within the nose.

2. These receptors identify the smell and pass the message through the olfactory nerve to the limbic system of the brain.

Learn more from the Aromatherapy 101 Course.

How are essential oils extracted?

1. Steam distillation. This involves passing high pressure steam through the plant material to evaporate the oils. The steam is then collected and condensed and the water and essential oil separated. Essential oils extracted by steam distillation include lavender, rose and ylang ylang.

Learn more methods from Aromatherapy 101 Course. 

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated substances extracted from plant materials.

Note that, different essential oils can be produced from the same plant. For example the bitter orange plant Citrus aurantiumn produces orange essential oil from its fruit rind, neroli essential oil from its flowers and petitgrain essential oil from its leaves.

Learn more from the Aromatherapy 101 Course.

What are the cautionary measures when using essential oils?

1. Always conduct a skin patch test before using a new essential oil.

Do this by applying the essential oil that has been diluted with a  carrier oil on the inner aspect of your elbow, bandage it and wait for 24 hours to see if you will develop rashes or itchiness or swelling or any other sign of an allergic reaction.

Learn  more from the Aromatherapy 101 Course.

Health Benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil

 Peppermint is one of the aromatherapy essential oils with multiple health benefits. This healing oil which is extracted from the plant by steam distillation, has a minty scent and is used for:
1. Coughs and colds
2. Relieving hot flashes of menopause
3. Aiding concentration

Peppermint essential oil for coughs and colds
Peppermint is one of the most effective aromatherapy oils for managing coughs and colds.  To reap these health benefits of peppermint essential oil, simply put 20 drops of peppermint essential oil in one cup (8 oz or 250 ml) of water and put it in your facial steamer or sauna. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam as it is known to be a potent expectorant.

If your facial steamer comes with instructions, use the number of drops recommended by the manufacturer. If you don’t have a facial steamer, simply put the peppermint into a bowl of hot water and cover your head and the sides of your face with a towel to prevent the steam from escaping.

Peppermint essential oil for hot flashes of  menopause
To use this aromatherapy oil to help you manage the hot flashes of menopause, add 50 drops (2.5 ml or ½ teaspoons) of peppermint essential oil to one cup (8 oz or 250 ml) of distilled water in a spray bottle and use it to spray your face, neck and other parts of your body whenever you feel a hot flash coming on as its evaporation process will cool you off.

Peppermint essential oil for aiding concentration
The aromatherapy benefits of peppermint essential oil also include aiding mental concentration. Therefore, if you are feeling lethargic, you can add 5 drops of peppermint essential oil to a handkerchief and sniff it as you work.

You can also place an essential oil warmer close to your work desk, add 12 drops of peppermint essential oil to ¼ cup (2oz or 60ml) of water, place it on the oil warmer and light it up so that you can scatter the mentally stimulating scent.

Words of Caution
Though most aromatherapy essential oils are safe to use, if you have any medical condition or you are pregnant, you should always consult a certified aromatherapist before using aromatherapy essential oils.

In addition, do not confuse natural essential oils with fragrance oils are the later are purely synthetic and do not have the therapeutic benefits of pure essential oils. Therefore, purchase organic, therapeutic blend aromatherapy essential oils from ethical suppliers and improve you physical, mental and emotional well being.

Learn more about the health benefits of peppermint and other essential oils from the Aromatherapy 101 Course.

Health Benefits of Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

 Roman Chamomile is one of the aromatherapy essential oils with multiple health benefits. This healing oil which is extracted from the plant by steam distillation, has a sweet herbaceous scent is used for:
1. Stress management
2. Insomnia
3. Dry skin  conditions

Roman chamomile essential oil for stress management
Roman chamomile is one of the most effective aromatherapy oils for managing stress and helping a person relax. To reap these health benefits of roman chamomile, simply create a relaxing bath by adding 12 drops of roman chamomile essential oil into your warm bath water with your hand. You can also mix it with a little milk to help it disperse better in the water and you will definitely feel relaxed or at least less tense as you emerge from your languid bath.

Roman chamomile essential oil for insomnia or sleeplessness
To use this aromatherapy oil to help you overcome sleeplessness, simply drop 3 drops on to a cotton ball and put it inside your pillow case to ease your passage to the land of sweet dreams.

In addition, you can also take a relaxing chamomile bath as described above and combine it with sipping a cup of milky chamomile herbal tea.

Roman chamomile essential oil for dry skin conditions
The aromatherapy benefits of Roman chamomile include the management of dry skin conditions. To create a healing aromatherapy oil, simply add 50 drops (2.5 ml or ½ teaspoon) of chamomile essential oil to one cup (8 oz or 250 ml) of sweet almond oil or sunflower oil or any other carrier oil.

Massage this oil into your skin while it is still damp after every shower or bath you take to lock in the moisture and healing benefits of the roman chamomile and your chosen carrier oil. As you massage this healing body oil into your skin, place special emphasis on the really dry areas and keep a bottle close by to reapply it through out your day.

Words of Caution
Though most aromatherapy  essential oils are safe to use, if you have any medical condition or you are pregnant, you should always consult a certified aromatherapist before using aromatherapy essential oils.

In addition, do not confuse natural essential oils with fragrance oils are the later are purely synthetic and do not have the therapeutic benefits of pure essential oils. Therefore, purchase organic, therapeutic blend aromatherapy essential oils from ethical suppliers and improve you physical, mental and emotional well being.

Learn more about the health benefits of roman chamomile and other essential oils in the Aromatherapy 101 Course.

Health Benefits of Eucalyptus Essential Oil

 Eucalyptus is one of the aromatherapy essential oils with multiple health benefits. This healing oil which is extracted from the leaves of a tree by steam distillation, has a camphoraceous scent is used for:
1. Arthritis
2. Coughs and colds
3. Mosquito repellant

Eucalyptus essential oil for arthritis
Eucalyptus is one of the most effective aromatherapy oils for managing joint pains and aches. To reap these health benefits of eucalyptus essential oil, simply add 4 drops eucalyptus essential oil to 20 ml of sweet almond oil or sunflower oil or any other carrier oil of your choice. Use it to massage aching joints preferably after taking a warm bath which relaxes painfully stiff joints.

You can also add 5 drops of eucalyptus to a bowl of warm water and either soak your feet or hands in it depending on whether the arthritis affects your ankles or wrist joints.

Eucalyptus essential oil for coughs and colds
To use this aromatherapy oil to help you manage coughs and colds, simply put 20 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to one cup (8 oz or 250 ml) of water and put it on your facial steamer or sauna. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam as it is known to be a potent expectorant.

If your facial steamer comes with instructions, use the number of drops recommended by the manufacturer. If you don’t have a facial steamer, simply put the eucalyptus into a bowl of hot water and cover your head and the sides of your face with a towel to prevent the steam from escaping.

Eucalyptus essential oil as a mosquito repellant
The aromatherapy benefits of eucalyptus include repelling insects such as mosquitoes. To create your own mosquito repellant, melt 2 teaspoons of a petroleum jelly such as Vaseline, add 4 drops of eucalyptus essential oil when cool and then pour into a jar. Carry this with you when travelling to areas infested with mosquitoes and apply it on your hands, legs and any other exposed areas.

Words of Caution
Though most aromatherapy essential oils are safe to use, if you have any medical condition or you are pregnant, you should always consult a certified aromatherapist before using aromatherapy essential oils.

In addition, do not confuse natural essential oils with fragrance oils are the later are purely synthetic and do not have the therapeutic benefits of pure essential oils. Therefore, purchase organic, therapeutic blend aromatherapy essential oils from ethical suppliers and improve you physical, mental and emotional well being.

Learn more about the healing benefits of eucalyptus and other essential oils in the Aromatherapy 101 Course.

Health Benefits of Clary Sage Essential Oils

 Clary Sage is one of the aromatherapy essential oils with multiple health benefits. This healing oil which is extracted from the plant by steam distillation, has a herbaceous aroma is used for:
1. Hair growth stimulation
2. Depression
3. Premenstrual tension and painful periods


Clary sage essential oil for hair growth
To use this aromatherapy oil to help stimulate hair growth, simply add 50 drops (2.5 ml or ½ teaspoons) of clary sage essential oil to 1 cup (8 oz or 250 ml) of sweet almond oil or sunflower oil or any other carrier oil to create a hair oil that can you will use for regular stimulating scalp massages.

Clary sage essential oil for dealing with depression
Clary sage is one of the most effective aromatherapy oils for managing depression.  To reap these health benefits of clary sage essential oil, simply create a massage oil by adding 50 drops (2.5 ml or ½ teaspoons) of clary sage essential oil to one cup (8oz or 250 ml) of sweet almond oil or sunflower oil or any other carrier oil. Use this massage oil for a general body massage as well as for self massages to your temples and back of neck whenever you begin to feel blue. Combine clary sage massages with prescription medications from your doctor for the best results.

Clary sage essential oil for premenstrual tension (PMS) and or painful periods
The aromatherapy benefits of clary sage include the management of premenstrual tension and painful periods or dysmenorrhea. To create a healing aromatherapy compress, simply add 25 drops (3 ml or ¼  teaspoon) of clary sage essential oil to ½ cup (4 oz or 125 ml) of warm water, dip your hand towel in it, wring off the excess water and place it on your lower abdomen or wherever you feel the pain from the period cramps.

You can also use the above massage oil for a full body massage whenever you begin to feel the PMS or better still begin use your home remedies on the days you expect the PMS to begin according to your menstrual cycle.

Words of Caution
Though most aromatherapy essential oils are safe to use, if you have any medical condition or you are pregnant, you should always consult a certified aromatherapist before using aromatherapy essential oils.

In addition, do not confuse natural essential oils with fragrance oils are the later are purely synthetic and do not have the therapeutic benefits of pure essential oils. Therefore, purchase organic, therapeutic blend aromatherapy essential oils from ethical suppliers and improve you physical, mental and emotional well being.

Learn more about the healing benefits of Clary sage and other essential oils in the Aromatherapy 101 Course.

Health Benefits of Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium is one of the aromatherapy essential oils with multiple health benefits. This healing oil which is extracted from the plant by steam distillation, has a minty rose scent is used for:
1. Menstrual cramps
2. Menopause symptoms
3. Cellulite

Geranium essential oil for menstrual cramps
Geranium is one of the most effective aromatherapy oils for managing painful periods or dysmenorrhea. To reap these health benefits of geranium essential oil, simply add 25 drops (3 ml or ¼  teaspoon) of geranium essential oil to ½ cup (4 oz or 125 ml) of warm water, dip your hand towel in it, wring off the excess water and place it on your lower abdomen or wherever you feel the pain from the period cramps.

Geranium essential oil for menopause
The aromatherapy benefits of geranium include the management of menopausal symptoms since it is thought to balance the hormones. To use it to help you cope with the symptoms of menopause, simply add 12 drops to your warm bath water and just soak in it.

Create a body oil by adding 50 drops (2.5 ml or ½ teaspoon) of geranium essential oil to one cup (8 oz or 250 ml) of sweet almond oil or sunflower oil or any other carrier oil. Use this for a general body massage as well as for facial massages if you have dry skin.

Geranium essential oil for cellulite
Geranium has also been used for years to help with the management of cellulite. To create a scrub that reduces the appearance of cellulite, simply add 50 drops (2.5 ml or ½ teaspoon) of geranium essential oil to one cup (8 oz or 250 ml) of sweet almond oil or sunflower oil or any other carrier oil. Then mix it with ½ cup of Epsom salts or brown sugar. Rub it all over the areas affected by the cellulite and rinse it off to reveal firmer appearing skin.

After the scrub, you can apply the above body oil as you continue exercising regularly and you will notice some improvement after some time.

Words of Caution
Though most aromatherapy essential oils are safe to use, if you have any medical condition or you are pregnant, you should always consult a certified aromatherapist before using aromatherapy essential oils.

In addition, do not confuse natural essential oils with fragrance oils are the later are purely synthetic and do not have the therapeutic benefits of pure essential oils. Therefore, purchase organic, therapeutic blend aromatherapy essential oils from ethical suppliers and improve you physical, mental and emotional well being.

Learn more about the health benefits of geranium and other essential oils in the Aromatherapy 101  Course.

Health Benefits of Lemon Essential Oil

 Lemon is one of the aromatherapy essential oils with multiple health benefits. This healing oil which is extracted from the plant by expression, has a citrusy scent is used for:
1. Acne
2. Depression
3. Aids mental concentration

Lemon essential oil for acne
Lemon is one of the most effective aromatherapy oils for managing acne. To reap these health benefits of lavender essential oil, add 20 drops of lemon essential oil to 100 ml of distilled water and use it as you facial toner.

During your weekly facial, you can also have a facial massage using a facial massage oil made by adding 25 drops of lemon essential oil to ½ cup (4 oz or 125 ml) of sweet almond oil or jojoba or any other carrier oil of your choice to create an acne busting relaxing facial massage oil. Note that the lemon in this acne busting facial massage oil will also help lighten any dark acne spots you may have developed on your skin.

Lemon essential oil for depression
To use this aromatherapy oil to help you feel better when you start feeling blue, add 50 drops (2.5 ml or ½ teaspoons) of lemon essential oil to one cup (8 oz or 250 ml) of distilled water in a spray bottle and use it to spray your face, neck and body whenever you need to be refreshed and rejuvenated.

Lemon essential oil to aid mental concentration
The aromatherapy benefits pf lemon essential oil also include aiding mental concentration. To use it to keep you mentally alert, simply add 20 drops of lemon essential oil to your room diffuser as you work. If you are going for a long drive, you can also add lemon essential oil to your car’s diffuser according to the manufacturer's instructions and let the stimulating scent envelope you as you drive.

Words of Caution
Though most aromatherapy essential oils are safe to use, if you have any medical condition or you are pregnant, you should always consult a certified aromatherapist before using aromatherapy essential oils.

In addition, do not confuse natural essential oils with fragrance oils are the later are purely synthetic and do not have the therapeutic benefits of pure essential oils. Therefore, purchase  organic, therapeutic blend aromatherapy essential oils from ethical suppliers and improve your physical, mental and emotional well being.

Learn more about the health benefits of lemon and other essential oils in the Aromatherapy 101 Course.

Health Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is one of the aromatherapy essential oils with multiple health benefits. This healing oil which is extracted from the plant by steam distillation, has a sweet floral scent is used for:
1. Stress management
2. Insomnia
3. Dry skin conditions


Lavender essential oil for stress management
Lavender is one of the most effective aromatherapy oils for managing stress and helping a person relax. To reap these health benefits of lavender essential oil, simply add 50 drops (2.5 ml or ½ teaspoons) of lavender essential oil to one cup (8oz or 250 ml) of unscented bath gel or liquid soap to create a relaxing bath gel to use for bathing at the end of a tough day.


Lavender essential oil for insomnia or sleeplessness
To use this aromatherapy oil to help you overcome sleeplessness, simply add 150 drops (7.5 ml or 1.5 teaspoons) of lavender essential oil to one cup (8oz or 250ml) of distilled or plain water and use it as a linen spray to spritz your bed sheets and pillow cases.


Lavender essential oil for dry skin conditions
The aromatherapy benefits of lavender also include managing dry skin conditions. To create a healing facial mask, add 1 drop of lavender essential oil to 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of yogurt. Apply it to your face avoiding the delicate eye area, let it set for five minutes then rinse it off with warm water.

If you have mature dry skin, follow the mask by massaging this facial lavender oil made by adding 50 drops (2.5 ml or ½ teaspoon) of lavender essential oil to one cup (8 oz or 250 ml) of sweet almond oil or sunflower oil or any other carrier oil. Massage it to your face regularly and you will reap the double benefits of the lavender’s skin regenerative as well as relaxing properties.


Words of Caution
Though most aromatherapy essential oils are safe to use, if you have any medical condition or you are pregnant, you should always consult a certified aromatherapist before using aromatherapy essential oils.

In addition, do not confuse natural essential oils with fragrance oils are the later are purely synthetic and do not have the therapeutic benefits of pure essential oils. Therefore, purchase organic, therapeutic blend aromatherapy essential oils from ethical suppliers and improve you physical, mental and emotional well being.

Learn more about the health benefits of lavender and other essential oils in the Aromatherapy 101 Course.

Where did aromatherapy begin?

Aromatherapy has been used by mankind for many centuries. The book of Exodus in the Bible records the instructions that God gave to Moses telling him to prepare a holy anointing oil by mixing liquid myrrh, sweet-smelling cinnamon, sweet-smelling cane, cassia and olive oil. (Exodus 30:22-25)

Learn more from the Aromatherapy 101 Course.

Aromatherapy Recipes

Learning how to use aromatherapy oils is one of the best self help strategies for stress relief and in the management of depression due to the multiple benefits of aromatherapy oils.

The following are some simple aromatherapy recipes that you can prepare at home to make your own aromatherapy products.

Note that before you use aromatherapy oils, you should always do a skin patch test by applying that diluted essential oil or essential oil blend on the inner aspect of your elbow and leaving it on for 24 hours to see if you will develop an adverse reaction. Signs of an adverse reaction include rashes and itching.  

In addition, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or you have any medical condition, you should not use aromatherapy oils before consulting an aromatherapist.  

These recipes only use two essential oils as they are tailored for the amateur aromatherapists. If you have more essential oils you can incorporate them in these recipes but keep the total number of drops the same as indicated in the recipes.

Therefore, if a recipe says add 12 drops of lavender essential oil and you want to add ylang ylang, add 6 drops of each essential oil and not 12 drops of each.

Aromatherapy Stress Relief Bath

Create a relaxing bath by dispersing 12 drops of lavender essential oil in your warm bath water because the aromatherapy scents of lavender are said to be soothing.

Aromatherapy Anti -  Depression Bath

Create a mentally rejuvenating bath by dispersing 12 drops of rosemary essential oil in your warm bath water because the aromatherapy scents of rosemary are said to be stimulating.

Aromatherapy Stress Relief Bath Gel

Add 150 drops (7.5 ml or 1 ½ teaspoons) of lavender essential oil to one cup (8 oz or 250 ml) of unscented bath gel or liquid soap to create a relaxing bath gel for bathing or showering.

Aromatherapy Anti - Depression Bath Gel. 
Add 50 drops (2.5 ml or ½ teaspoons) of rosemary essential oil and 100 drops (5 ml or 1 teaspoon) of lavender essential oil to one cup (8 oz or 250 ml) of unscented bath gel or liquid soap to create a bathing gel as these aroma oils blend to create a balancing bath gel that is perfect for someone feeling blue.

Aromatherapy Stress Relief Body Scrub

Scrub the stress away by adding 150 drops (7.5 ml or 1 ½ teaspoons) of lavender essential oil to one cup (8 oz or 250 ml) of sweet almond oil or sunflower oil or any other carrier oil. Then mix it with ½ cup of Epsom salts or brown sugar or white sugar. Rub if all over your body to remove the dead skin cells then rinse it off to reveal baby soft skin.

Aromatherapy Anti- Depression Body Scrub

Scrub depression away by adding 50 drops (2.5 ml or ½ teaspoons) of rosemary essential oil and 100 drops (5 ml or 1 teaspoon) of lavender essential oil to one cup (8 oz or 250 ml) of sweet almond oil or sunflower oil or any other carrier oil. Then mix it with ½ cup of Epsom salts or brown sugar or white sugar. Rub if all over your body to remove the dead skin cells then rinse it off to reveal baby soft skin.

Aromatherapy Stress Relief Body Wrap

Add 60 drops of lavender essential oil to 100 ml of distilled water and spray it on your towel. Wrap your body in the towel and then wrap a plastic sheet around yourself and relax for 20 min before you unwrap yourself.

                                                  

Aromatherapy Anti- Depression Body Wrap

Add 30 drops of lavender essential oiland 30 drops of rosemary essential oil to 100 ml of distilled water and spray it on your towel. Wrap your body in the towel and then wrap a plastic sheet around yourself and relax for 20 min before you unwrap yourself.

Aromatherapy Stress Relief Body Oil

Add 150 drops (7.5 ml or 1½ teaspoons) of lavender essential oil to one cup (8 oz or 250 ml) of sweet almond oil or sunflower oil or any other carrier oil and use it as an after shower body oil. Massage it to your skin after patting it dry but while it is still moist to lock in the moisture and healing benefits of lavender.

Aromatherapy Anti - Depression Body Oil

Add 50 drops (2.5 ml or ½ teaspoons) of rosemary essential oil and 100 drops (5 ml or 1 teaspoon) of lavender essential oil to one cup (8 oz or 250 ml) of sweet almond oil or sunflower oil or any other carrier oil of your choice to create a balancing body massage oil.

Aromatherapy Stress Relief Body Splash. Add 150 drops (7.5 ml or 1½ teaspoons) of lavender essential oil to one cup (8 oz or 250 ml) of distilled water in a spray bottle and use it to spray your body whenever you need to refresh and relax. 

Aromatherapy Stress Relief  Hair Rinse. Add 150 drops (7.5 ml or 1½ teaspoons) of lavender essential oil to 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of vinegar and then add this mixture to 1 cup (8 oz or 250 ml) of warm water and use it as your final rinse after shampooing your hair.  

Aromatherapy Anti - Depression Hair Rinse. Add 150 drops (7.5 ml or 1½ teaspoons) of rosemary essential oil to 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of vinegar and then add this mixture to 1 cup (8 oz or 250 ml) of warm water and use it as your final rinse after shampooing your hair. Rosemary essential oil is also used in the management of dandruff and thus this recipe can be used to keep it at bay.

Aromatherapy Stress Relief  Potpourri

Dry your favorite flowers or collect or buy dried roses, lavender buds, cinnamon sticks and leaves. Add 250 drops (12.5 ml or 2½ teaspoons) of lavender essential oil to one cup of dried flowers. Mix thoroughly and put the mixture in a lid with a tight jar. Let it stand for 1 week as you continue to shake the bottle without opening it. 

To reap the most benefits of aromatherapy essential oils, use only pure, therapeutic grade essential oils and if possible purchase only organic oils.

Other pure essential oils you can use for stress relief include geranium essential oil, orange essential oil and tea tree essential oil. To learn more consider enrolling in our Aromatherapy course. Other pure essential oils you can use for anti-depression include grapefruit essential oil, rose essential oil and peppermint essential oil.

In conclusion, continue experimenting with these healing oils since as you learn how to use aromatherapy oils in greater depth, you will be able to create your own healing blends and reap even more of the benefits of aromatherapy oils.