Aromatherapy is the use of pure essential and absolute oils. Essential oils are complex, highly fragrant and volatile substances, with varying degrees of complexity, fragrance, and volatility. Essential oils and fatty/vegetable oils are two completely different types of oils. Essential Oils are one of nature's great gifts. In Aromatherapy it is held that once extracted, the chemical constituents of a particular essential oil will determine its primary action. The plant's essence molecules are approximately 75-100 times more concentrated as an essential oil than in the dried plant. In aromatherapy it is held that simply inhaling an essential oil elicits an immediate olfactory

response and provides for ready absorption in the bloodstream.

Essential oils should not replace proper health care. Essential oils as implied by the term ?Aromatherapy?, have a powerful effect through our sense of smell. Essential oils are the fragrant and therapeutic essences distilled from herbs, flowers, leaves and bark. Essential oils have been found to provide both psychological and physical benefits when used correctly and safely. There are many essential oils. Essential oils are usually administered through massage, baths, compresses, or inhalation. When used in massage and bathing, essential oils are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. Essential oils can be blended together to also provide an especially pleasing aroma or a specific therapeutic action. Always mix essential oils in glass, porcelain or aluminum bottles as the oil will react with plastic.

Aromatherapy provides health and body care on a completely natural basis, and the subtle qualities of the oils lend themselves best to a gradual experience. Always mix essential oils in glass, porcelain or aluminum bottles as the oil will react with plastic. Essential oils are very concentrated substances and should be diluted before applying them to the skin. Add about 12-15 drops of essential oil to one ounce of carrier oil, such as jojoba oil and shake to blend. Add & mix 3-5 drops of essential oil to a bowl of warm or cool water. Soak a wash cloth, wring and apply. Essential oils can cause a prickly, irritating sensation to the skin. Do not rub water on the area. Apply any vegetable/carrier oil to the area; this will cause the essential oil to be absorbed and ease the irritation in minutes.