Aromatherapy Recipes

Organic aromatherapy recipes have been used for centuries and its usage is very diverse and spread all over the world. Hundreds of recipes have been found and perfected over thousands of years. Aromatherapy makes use of essential oils to combat everyday maladies in our lives such as stress, depression, indigestion, menopause, nausea, immune deficiencies, fatigue and numerous others. The following aromatherapy recipes are for your aromatic information.

First things first! Always remember that essential oils are very potent and volatile liquids that can be very harmful if used carelessly. CAUTION: Never apply undiluted oil on the skin without use of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil, hazelnut oil, sunflower oil or grape seed oil.

Massage is perhaps the most popular way to use essential oils. It combines the healing art of aromatherapy with the healing art of touch. Self-massage is just as effective as being massaged by another person and lack of a partner is no excuse for not trying these relaxing recipes. As a general rule, always use ten drops of total essential oils per mixture, and keep it around five for maximum effectiveness.

You can always concoct your own innovative recipe using many essential oils that available in the market. You don't really need a branded expensive aromatherapy product or go to an expensive aromatherapy spa and some wholesale aromatherapy vendors can be too expensive. Here are a few quick, instant and easy natural aromatherapy recipes that can be formulated at your home:

Beat the depression with 3 revitalizing drops of orange essential oil and 2 drops of zesty ginger.

Drive out insomnia with easeful drops of Roman chamomile, clary sage and bergamot oils.
Reduce menstrual cramps with pacifying drops of peppermint, cypress and lavender oils.
Soothe stress with calming drops of Roman chamomile, lavender and vetiver oils.
Enhance memory with stimulating drops of peppermint and lemon oils.
Boost your immune system with protecting drops of eucalyptus, pine and peppermint oils.
Fight acne with toning lavender and antiseptic tea tree oil.
Ease a grieving heart with oils of warm rose and sandalwood.
Disinfect the kitchen sink with the citrus smell of lemon, lime and grapefruit oils.

Apart from these most common recipes, you can also prepare hundreds of them by using correct amounts of essential oils.

All-Purpose Face and Neck Massage: 3 drops violet oil + 2 drops rose oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil. Add vitamin E for extra richness.
Anti-Tension Massage: 2 drops petit grain oil + 2 drops lavender oil + 2 drops sandalwood oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Apply on the neck, shoulders, and temples.
Backache Massage: 2 drop eucalyptus oil + 2 drops lavender oil + 1 drop lemon oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Focus on areas of tension with fingertips.
Bedtime Massage: 3 drop sandalwood oil + 2 drops chamomile oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil.
Calming Back Massage: 4 drop ylang ylang oil + 3 drops jasmine oil + 2 drops geranium oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil.
Circulation Improvement Massage: 6 drop lavender oil + 4 drops rosemary oil + 2 drops vetiver oil: in 4 oz. of sesame oil.
Face and Neck Massage: 2 drop galbanum oil + 3 drops neroli oil: 20 ml carrier oil.
Hand Massage: 5 drops lime oil + 5 drops thyme oil + 5 drops eucalyptus oil + 5 drops cajuput oil: in 4 tablespoons carrier oil.
Leg Massage: 2 drops cypress oil + 2 drop lime oil + 1 drop lemon oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Massage on calves, using gentle pressure on varicose veins.
Mature Skin Massage: 2 drop myrrh oil + 2 drops lavender oil + 2 drops neroli oil: 20 ml wheat germ oil.
Pain-Relieving Massage: 3 drop pine oil + 3 drop eucalyptus oil + 3 drops frankincense oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Apply on sore joints.
Relaxing Full-Body Massage: 3 drop neroli oil + 2 d jasmine oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil.
Relaxing Massage: 2 drops geranium oil + 2 drops rose oil + 2 drops lavender oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Face and scalp massage.
Sensual Body Massage: 2 drops patchouli oil + 3 drops geranium oil + 3 drops rose oil: 20 ml carrier oil.
Stimulating Body Rub: 1 drops peppermint oil + 1 drops myrrh oil + 2 drops lavender oil: 20 ml carrier oil. This is an excellent winter rub.
Summer Stimulating Massage: 2 drop lemongrass oil + 3 drops orange oil + 1 drop rosemary oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Good for back and shoulder massages.
Uplifting Massage: 2 drop bergamot oil + 2 drops orange oil +2 drops petit grain oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Good early-morning body rubs.
Varicose Vein Massage: 2 drops lime oil + 2 drops cedar wood oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Rub lightly, using only fingertips.
Wrinkled or Puffy Face Massage: 2 drops rose oil + 1 drops violet oil + 1 drops geranium oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Rub lightly on face, using only fingertips.
Oils which are not preferable for home use include: cinnamon, clove, hyssop, and sage.
Oils which should not be used during pregnancy include: basil, clove, cinnamon, fennel, hyssop, juniper, marjoram, myrrh, peppermint, rosemary, sage, and white thyme.
Oils which are not recommended for steam facials include: bay, clary sage, ginger, juniper, pine, and tea tree.
Oils which are photosynthesizing include, but are not restricted to: lemon, bergamot, lime, and orange. Do not go out into the sun for at least two hours after applying these oils to your skin.

Aromatherapy Benefits

Aromatherapy offers its users some unique benefits and introducing aromatic oils into your daily life is quite easy, flexible, and therapeutically beneficial. Numerous essential oils have been use since time immemorial, for various purpose; the uses being quite diverse.
To help you know, below are listed a few ways in which you can get started as a beginner. However, these methods should be understood as guidelines only, and you will need to understand the precise purpose and pay special attention to all safety pre cautions that are attached to the oil chosen for use. It is also important to remember that essential oils are highly flammable. Never allow the vials and bottles of these oils to fall in the hands of your children.
Some of the most common uses of Aromatic oils and other substances are:
As an easy inhalation medication - These oils are used as relaxant to remove the nasal blockage caused due to common cold and allergy. Place 3-4 drops of essential oil on a clean tissue. Place the tissue near your nose and inhale. If you are a first timer, use only one drop to ensure that you do not have a sensitivity or reaction to the oil. Some people are allergic to aromatic oils.
As steam inhalation drops – Common cold and flu can be cured by this method. Initially boil 2 cups of water. Pour the water into a bowl and add 3-7 drops of your oil to the water. Use fewer drops if you are using oil that may cause irritation to your mucous membranes (i.e. cinnamon, eucalyptus, rosemary, pine, thyme, cajuput, etc.).
Place your nose about 12" away from the bowl and inhale deeply. Never inhale the steam constantly and if you notice any adverse reaction, stop immediately. Use of energizing or relaxing oils can also make this method useful any time of day or night.
As room freshener – You can sue aromatic oils to freshen up rooms; a few drops in to a diffuser will help spread the magnificent aroma of these oils. You can sue any of the exotic aromatic oils like Jasmine, Lavender or Rose oil.
As a general household freshener - Add a few drops of your favorite oil to your trash can, laundry wash, drain, vacuum bag filter, or on a tissue for placement in your drawers.
As a bug repellent - Tired of those bugs and insects? Then try one of those great oils. Many essential oils including citronella, lavender, and peppermint act as a natural repellent against insects and bugs. Sprinkle a few drops of essential oil onto tissues or cotton balls and place near your doorways and windows to help repel insects. Be cautious when using these oils, as some oils may not be suitable for use around pets. Be careful not to apply the essential oil directly onto fragile surfaces.
For massage purposes – Aromatic oils are known all over the world for their massaging properties. The art of massaging is never complete with your favorite oil. Add up to 20 drops of essential oil to 1 ounce carrier oil such as sweet almond oil and massage onto yourself or partner. Keep away from eyes and genital areas. Do not apply essential oils to the skin without first diluting them. Read all safety instructions.
For bathing - Some oils make an excellent bathing and relaxing drops. Add 5-7 drops essential oil to 1 ounce carrier oil. Add this blend to your running bath water and mix well before getting into the tub. Be sure to read the safety data for the essential oils you choose to use. Feel the exotic freshness and amazing scent emanating all around you!
Other Uses- Essential oils can be used in making homemade lotions, facial toners, shampoos, perfumes, soaps, shower gels, and other natural products. Additionally, essential oils are often blended for their therapeutic synergistic abilities.

Basic of Aromatherapy

Increasing numbers of people are attempting to return to a lifestyle that is purely holistic and complete, recognizing the importance of combining the mind, body, and spirit in equal measures to achieve optimum health and well-being. Reputed to be very old, and literally used in almost all civilizations of the world, aromatherapy is one form of holistic healing that is easy to and flexible to be practiced in our daily lives.
Aromatherapy contains organic, natural, unadulterated aromatic extracts, called aromatic essential oils, which come from plant origins. These natural substances display a broad range of therapeutic effects and actions on the body. Many of these essential oils play an important role in our daily lives, each and every moment, and in all occasions.
At least one daily consumable that is used by us contains one of these essentials, like many tooth pastes and mouth washes. There are even eatables like some baked goods that are made with essential oils. Aromatherapy, however, refers strictly to the use of essential oils and hydrosols for health purposes and body healing.
Aromatherapy is the art of using the fragrant essential oils derived from plants to treat ailments of the mind and body. The magnificent scent of these oils evokes a variety of different responses by stimulating the olfactory and other sensory organs, which are linked to the areas of the brain which control emotions. It means that these essential oils have a direct bearing on the human constitution, body and mind. A chain of chemical reactions, initiated by this invisible stimulation then takes place, effecting a physical or emotional change in the body.
Aromatherapy is an innovative way to improve the quality of life that incorporates all principles of body and mind. Aromatherapy has already become a part of our lives, although many of us have not associated the name with the actual experience. Each human being has an emotional response, both pleasant and unpleasant, some happy and others sad, to certain scents.
So the idea behind aromatherapy is, initially, to find those scents and oils, unique but different for each individual, those evoke positive sensory feelings and emotions. The next step is to introduce those essentials into our daily life to enhance well-being. Natural scents and oils keep us connected to the earth, sparking memories and emotions. They also bring back forgotten memories, emotions and lost luster in our lives.
Pure essential oils are extracted from many parts of the plant (flower, leaf, resin, bark, root, twig, seed, berry, rind and rhizome) and the extracted oils are used to relax, replenish, balance and rejuvenate body, mind and spirit. Aromatherapy is both an art and a science that involves the basic constitution of our body. All these objectives are skillfully achieved by blending required parts of different oils and then creating a balmy complex that is used to create a heavenly experience.
How ever, the results of aromatherapy are very individual specific and vary from person to person. While experts display general agreement about the actions of certain oils, aromatherapy texts vary differently in their descriptions of the properties and characteristics of an essential oil.
The basic fact is that no two persons in this world are influenced by the same aromatic oil in exactly the same way and manner. What is more, even the same person can be significantly affected differently by the same oil depending on surroundings, time or mood.
If you need to experience the real magic of these essential oils, you will have to use one of those applications in any part of daily life. Reactions to fragrances are highly individual and specific. Here is small guideline to help you try evaluating some aromas of essential oils:
As you inhale deeply an essential oil for the first time, try and describe the aroma:
* Is it sharp and stinging?* Is it subtle and smooth* Is it balanced and tuned?* Is it light or heavy?* Is it warming or cooling?* Is it sweet, spicy, woody, floral, fruity, etc.?
These are some of the basic sensory feeling you can experience on inhaling aromatic oils. Now try and describe how you perceive the aroma:
* Do you like or dislike it?* Do you associate the aroma with any of your previous personal experiences?* What emotions do you have that are connected to these experiences? Is it possible to remember them?* Does the aroma produce those emotions now? Is it repetitive?* Does the aroma affect your awareness: does it rejuvenate, energize or relax?
Aromatherapy is a science that can not be comprehended so easily; the whole human race has tried to understand its undying mystery since time immemorial. How ever, its magical properties have always mesmerized us with a sense of awe and suspense.

Aromatherapy History

The roots and fundamentals of Aromatherapy can be traced back to nearly 3000 years before Christ, when the ancient Egyptians used the basics of Aromatherapy in their daily lives. Historical records show that Egyptians burned incense made from aromatic woods and other herbs to honor their gods.

Also royal harems and guest houses used many aromatic oils very profusely to satisfy many important guests. Aromatherapy has its roots in the most ancient healing and therapeutic practices. Medicinal plants are used to cure many ailments and used in many sacred rituals to evoke different states of consciousness.

Elaborate religious ceremonies were performed in Egyptian temples, where the dead King was mummified and surrounded with exotic essential oils. Egyptians believed very firmly that essential oils have an unusual preserving property when added with other spices.

Embalming was one of the principal uses of aromatherapy, preserving the tissue of the bodies for thousands of years. The oils and resins used were so potent, that in the 17th century mummies were sold in Europe and doctors distilled them for use in their medicines.
Aromatherapy truly emerged from the smoky temples of Egypt 6,000 years ago. Egypt was the birthplace of medicine, pharmaceutics, cosmetics and perfumery. Trading was flourishing and traders arrived for trade from all over the world by land and sea to deliver flowers, herbs and plants.
Priestesses and priests strictly supervised the delicate preparations in the temples and palaces, reading formulas & chanting incantations and hymns, as substances were measured & combined with ultimate precision. Purification processes went on for months until the right, perfect subtle blend was achieved.
The use of aromatherapy spread from Egypt to Israel, China, India and the Mediterranean. Every culture, from the most backward to the most modern, developed own set of practices. Greek physicians and military surgeons were employed by the Romans every where in the empire. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the science spread to the Arab countries, where medicine men devoted them to the ancient art of alchemy, perfecting the art of distillation and extraction.
For many centuries essential oils were the only remedies for epidemic diseases and conditions. During the dreaded Black Plague, very few became ill, who in fact were associated with perfumeries and glove industries where these oils were in profuse use.

During the 19th century, with the development of modern science, all forms of herbal medicine disappeared until the 1920s, when French chemist Gatefosse revived the art, giving it the name Aromatherapy. India was one of the few countries where the tradition was never lost, Avurveda being the most ancient medical practice in the world today. Aromatherapy is now used in hospitals, offices, clinics and homes all over the world.

Aromatherapy acts as a bridge between the new and old; most of the industries use these oils for various blends and concoctions, which provide cure and relief for a number of complications.