Aromatherapy opens a whole new world for you and everyone in your home. Very simply, aromatherapy is the introduction of smells to effect changes in our bodies. Numerous scientific studies have proved that physiological changes occur by the introduction of aromas though the sense of smell. Specifically, smells affect the olfactory nerve in the nose and cause changes in the brainwaves. We react in a therapeutic way when our noses detect pleasant aromas.

Ancient healers used plant oils for many remedies. In the spa industry, essential oils are used externally to promote relaxation and energy stimulation. Encephalographs have identified which essential oils trigger a reaction in the brainwaves. We can use this information to know which essential oils will produce relaxation and energization.

If you are pregnant or nursing, please consult your doctor before trying these aromatherapy recipes. Please do not apply essential oils directly to your skin, as the skin is hypersensitive during pregnancy and lactation.

ESSENTIAL OILS AT HOME

Essential oils may be purchased at health food stores, at retail outlets, or on the Internet. Some oils are relatively inexpensive and some are very costly, due to the nature of extraction. The important thing to remember is that essential oils are in their purest form and are very potent. Use only a drop or two.

Before experimenting with blending different oils, I recommend buying a book that outlines oils and their uses. Some essential oils can be toxic and should be used with caution.

For the most part, it is best to inhale essential oils. Simply place a drop in the palm of your hand, rub your hands together, cup your hands over the nose, and inhale. Enjoy the scent slowly as you breathe in deeply.

You may also add essential oils to your bath water or put them on a washcloth for cleansing the face or body. Remember, just use a drop or two. (Exception: You may use up to 20 drops of lavender in bath water.)

A WORD OF CAUTION

Some essential oils might irritate sensitive skin and should be used with caution, even in bath water. These include citrus oils, cinnamon, peppermint, anise, fennel, and basil.

MAKING YOUR OWN MASSAGE OIL

A good massage oil should be lightweight, easy to wash off, and should lubricate the skin. I like to blend canola oil with a more exotic oil to make good carrier oil. A carrier oil is used to "carry" essential oils to the skin. Once you have your favourite carrier oil, then you can experiment with adding drops of essential oils to the mix. Other oils to blend with canola oil are sweet almond, grapeseed, sunflower, peanut, olive, and sesame oil. Some of these oils require refrigeration to keep them from going rancid. I recommend that you store your carrier oil in a marked bottle in the refrigerator just to be safe.