7 Popular Aromatherapy Recipes
Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic essences extracted from plants, and it works by prompting a chemical in the brain. These extracted oils are the plant hormones-the most vital substance of the plant. Essential oils should never be used directly on the skin-add them to massage oil or cream.
Even some oils ( such as lemon) may be too strong to add undiluted to a bath. Take a look at the following essences to see which oil is for you.
Cardamom
Good for: if you’re feeling tired, exhausted, or run down
When to use it: winter
How to use it: To ward off colds and flu, mix 4 drops each of rose and tea tree oil with 2 drops of cardamon oil and 1 tsp (5ml) base oil and add to your bath.
Clary Sage
Good for: when you’re feeling blue ( it also helps to relieve symptoms of PMS)
When to use it: in the morning
How to use it: Mix 12 drops of clary sage, 10 drops of geranium, and 3 drops of rose oil with 3 1/2 tbsp (50ml) of base carrier oil, and apply in a circular motion to your stomach.
Grapefruit
Good for: preventing hunger pangs and overeating.
When to use: whenever you feel the desire to raid the cookie jar
How to use it: Keep some grapefruit oil in your handbag and sniff before a meal. Many celebrities apparently burn grapefruit oil in their homes and sniff a scented tissue in order to keep their figures.
Lavender
Good for: insomnia, and to calm and soother
When to use it: when you’re panicked and stressed (best used at night)
How to use it: Add 4-8 drops to your bath, or put 2 drops on your pillow to help you sleep
May chang
Good for: increasing energy levels, lifts moods, and beats depression.
When to use it: any time you’re in need of a lift.
How to use it: Put 5-6 drops in an oil burner. Or put 2 drops of may chang and frankincense oil in your bath for an energizing soak.
Rose
Good for: calming
When to use it: bathtime
How to use it: Mix 6 drops of sandalwood, 4 drops of orange, and 1 drop of rose oil with a glass of full-fat milk or base carrier oil into your bath.
Rosemary
Good for: stimulating and invigorating
When to use it: during the day
How to use it: Mix 10 drops with a base carrier oil and rub in your hands and feet to help you think clearly.
Some oils can counteract homeopathic remedies, so be sure to check with a homeopath if you are using both treatments simultaneously.
