The mass marketing of essential oils and their increased availability to the public has made all kinds of aroma therapy products available to us including bath soaps, bath gels, shampoos, body sprays, candles, candle burners and all kinds of creams, soaps and potions. You can even get incense that is made out of pure essential oils.
Aromatherapy works best if the molecules of the essential oil are dispersed through the air or water so that they can be absorbed through the skin. The molecules can also be dispersed through the air so that they trigger nasal receptors to send healing messages to the brain. The brain then responds to the change in chemistry so that your body can feel more relaxed, joyful or calm.
You can try putting oils in a base carrier oil such as olive or almond and applying them to your pulse points or temples. You can also disperse the oils through the air using a diffuser or candle oil warmer or add a few drops of the oil to eight ounces of distilled water and mist your surroundings. However if you use a diffuser, don't dilute the oils first in any way.
You can try taking a bath in diluted essential oils just before you go to bed or you can try spraying or applying the oils to your linens and pillows. A bath is very therapeutic as the warm water helps release the scent molecules in the oil.
Various essential oils many therapeutic uses including the curing of headaches, the relieving joint pain and helping an individual experience less stress. For instance peppermint or rosemary oil can help with a headache. Joint pain is relieved by pine, cinnamon, chili and juniper oils.
Certain oils such as lavender and marjoram are known to relieve insomnia. Other types such as sandalwood and patchouli are used for massage. Applying geranium oil to the wrists is thought to reduce symptoms of PMS and menopause in women.
Various aroma therapy products can also produce different types of psychological moods. For instance orange oil can produce a feeling of joy or elation. Peppermint oil can help an individual feel more alert. Rose oil and vanilla oil may actually put you in a romantic mood. If you have a racing brain or feel a bit angry, lime oil may help you chill out.
Some oils also have antibacterial and anti-viral properties. Good examples are pine and eucalyptus oils, which help stave off the propagation of germs in your environment. That is why we see so many essential oils added to natural cleaning products nowadays!