Tag Archives: using aromatherapy

Essential Oils: Basil

Across the Mediterranean, people have been using basil medicinally for centuries, even thousands of years. Basil (also known as ocimum basilicum) originally comes from India but is perhaps best known in Italian cooking. Pesto, pizza, sauces… but basil is much more than a seasoning! In the sixteenth century, basil was used as an antidepressant — herbalist John Gerard wrote that the herb “taketh away sorrowfulness.” Basil is still used in aromatherapy today to help ease negativity and mental fatigue. Use basil to help your mind stay sharp; the scent promotes circulation and can help you stay alert on a long … Continue reading →

Homemade Aromatherapy Potpourri

Wow, there are a LOT of buzzwords in that title. Homemade — done with your own two hands and a lot of TLC. Aromatherapy — naturally good for you. Potpourri — that catchall category in Jeopardy! Potpourri (in the home décor sense, at least) is a mix of dried flowers and foliage that is scented and displayed in a bowl or basket. Sure, it is very easy to find and buy at the store. But you can have the fun and creativity of making your own, and get the added benefits of real essential oils. A lot of store bought … Continue reading →

Your Aromatherapy Starter Kit

Are you ready to start working with your own essential oils? It is time to start assembling your Aromatherapy Starter Kit! There are seven basic scent families that your essential oils may fall into; a good starter kit would have one from each family. Camphor family: Eucalyptus, Camphor Citrus family: Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit Floral family: Lavender, Rose, Ylang Ylang, Geranium Herbal family: Rosemary, Sage Minty family: Peppermint, Spearmint Spicy family: Cinnamon, Clove Wood family: Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Fir If you are just starting out in your adventures in aromatherapy, you probably don’t want to invest a whole lot of money. Some … Continue reading →

Aromatherapy and Arthritis

Arthritis is a painful swelling in the joints; aromatherapy can help ease the two major symptoms: inflammation and the pain that comes with it. Remember: essential oils are not generally intended for undiluted use. Mix a drop or two of the oils you wish to use into a carrier oil (like jojoba, sweet almond, grapeseed, etc) or a cream or lotion base. You can often find unscented lotion at your local drug store; just add your own essential oils for a scent all your own! For arthritis, try mixing your essential oils into a base of aloe vera gel — … Continue reading →

Ten MORE Things to do With Essential Oils

1. Make your own potpourri. Gather dried flowers, pinecones, dried leaves, whatever you like! Arrange them in a bowl, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, and stir. You will need to add more oil occasionally to refresh the scent. Try orange and cinnamon for a nice fall scent, or lemon and lavender for spring freshness. 2. Clear kitchen odors easily! If you can boil water, you can fill your home with your favorite scents. Fill a small pot with water and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Heating the water will release the scent to … Continue reading →

Ten Things to do With Essential Oils

1. Add a few drops to your bathwater for a fragrant, skin softening experience! Try lavender if you need to unwind, or a citrus scent to energize. 2. Put a drop or two on a cotton ball and tuck it into your clothes drawers. 3. Have a humidifier? A drop of essential oil near where the mist comes out will make the air lightly fragrant. You shouldn’t add the oil directly to the water in the tank; humidifiers are designed to process only water! 4. Mix up a quick air/body spray! Fill a bottle with 4oz water and add 4 … Continue reading →

Aromatherapy Safety Basics

You might think that because essential oils are natural, they couldn’t possibly be harmful. But just like any medicine, essential oils can be harmful if they are not used carefully or properly. Here are some things to keep in mind: 1. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant essences. Do not use them undiluted on the skin. Mix a drop or two of your desired essential oil into a carrier oil or lotion. 2. Do not take essential oils internally. They are not food! They are not drink additives! They are for external use only. 3. Be sparing with your use … Continue reading →

Everyday Aromatherapy

Before I started working with essential oils and studying the different properties of herbs, I thought aromatherapy was just a bunch of junk. I mean really… smelling different things can make you feel differently? But our sense of smell is one of our strongest senses. Smell triggers so many memories, and such strong reactions. How about the scent of fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies? That makes me think of being a kid, especially at the holidays. Fresh tomatoes? Brings me right to summer, especially when mom used to have a garden and we would sneak tomatoes off the vine to eat … Continue reading →