Sunday, March 1, 2009

Create Your Own Aromatherapy Oils

Aromatherapy usually involves a massage, however, it can be induced in a bath or filling the room with an aroma. Even though the essential oils used in aromatherapy are from plant extracts, these oils are very concentrated and should not be applied directly internally or externally.

Extracting essential oils is a lengthy process, and it means spending a lot for a small quantity of oil. Purchasing essential oils is also costly; however, you can get the therapeutic benefits of essential oils and aromatic oils quite inexpensively at home.

Step 1: Carrier Oils

In view of the fact that essential oils are very strong, they should be mixed in a different oil, also known as the carrier, before using it as a massage oil or perfume. You have various options for the carrier oil. Sweet Almond oil is the most favorable choice as it is absorbent and lightweight still it has the right fragrance of essential oils. Coconut, aloe-vera and avocado oils are natural moisturizers and therefore the best for dryer skin, whereas grape seed is best for oily skins since it is very light. If you are not sure about using the oils, buy extra virgin olive oil from the local grocery store. Even though we know this oil is best for cooking, it makes an exceptional carrier. Extra virgin is the premium type of olive oil. Besides, if it is good for ingestion, than it is definitely good for your skin!

Step 2: Essential Oils

You can find wide range essential oils at any health or natural food store. At these stores you are sure to find a range of various essential oils. If you cannot find them at these stores, there are websites that sell these essential oils. Try to find the ones in blue or dark brown jars; compared to clear glass as these colors keeps the oils much better. You can try only one or mixture of various essential oils for producing a particular effect.

• Relaxation: ylang-ylang, lavender, sandalwood, chamomile and vanilla

• Energy: spearmint, peppermint, lemongrass and eucalyptus

• Meditation: sandalwood, ylang-ylang, frankincense and myrhh.

These are only some suggestions; there are various essential oils with medicinal properties. An important aspect you should keep in mind about essential oils is that the smaller the amount you use, the more beneficial it is for you! Essential oils are very strong, so you need not to use more to create an effective, strong fragrance.

Step 3: Mix and Use

Wherever you get hold of essential oils, you must find small dark colored glass bottles. Ensure that you check how many fluid ounces every bottle holds. Put 10 to 12 drops of essential oil for every ounce of carrier oil, and use just 15 drops of essential oil for every ounce of the carrier. Consequently, if you are making an ounce of relaxing massage oil, put five drops of chamomile and five drops of lavender. After a day or so add more drops if you want a stronger fragrance.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/create-your-own-aromatherapy-oils-707719.html

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