Aromatherapy, the use of essential oils, is used to provide a balance in body and mind, prevent and fight infections, and promote a sense of well-being. Essential oils are derived by extracting base oil from plants through distillation. The history of Aromatherapy stretches back hundreds of years and includes a many diverse cultures. Plants and their essential oils have powerful effects on our lives.

Essential oils in can be used in aromatherapy in many different ways. There are guidelines for using essential oils, it's important to follow the guidelines because some of the oils can be harmful if used inappropriately. Some oils cannot be used directly on the skin and must be diluted with carrier oil before being placed on the skin.

Creams, soaps and lotions are the most popular methods for using aromatherapy in your daily routine. There are a variety of companies that offer essential oils in base creams; each formulation accomplishes a different purpose. You can blend oils in lotions to energize, revitalize or relax. It's easy to make creams yourself by selecting an unscented cream and adding essential oil. Sometimes it takes a little experimenting to determine which oils compliment one another, but you can create some wonderful concoctions.

Another delivery method is through inhalation. Infection fighting oils are best used this way. One easy way of making an inhalant is to put a few drops of an essential oil (one popular one is tea tree) into hot water. You reap the benefits when you inhale the steam. Since some of the oils are strong and may overwhelm you, start of slowly until you find the right amount. Essential oils work in diffusers too, but most likely won't be as strong. Diffusing the right oils can create a calm and pleasant smelling atmosphere in your home.

There are some cautions attached to using essential oils for aromatherapy: often they are not to be used where there are children or pets. If you think that your child would be helped in some way by an essential oil, check the literature carefully. Most likely if you decide it's okay to use it, you will want to put it in a diffuser. It's advisable also to take the extra step of talking to your pediatrician about it. Check with your veterinarian also about using essential oils around your pets. Some animals are very sensitive to these oils and may even sustain liver damage. If you share your life with pets, it would be wise to use them only in a diffuser, or better yet use the creams.

Even though you need to be sensible when using essential oils in aromatherapy, they can improve your life tremendously. Achieving balance in body and mind as well as mood improvement are worth striving for. Just remember to take care, especially with your children and pets. Aromatherapy is a complex science, but the rewards you can gain make it worth the exploration.