Aromatherapy products are as flexible as your needs and the effects of the various essential oils and carriers you use to create them. So starting out can be a little daunting, as you’re confronted with all these hundreds of different plant essences and their various uses, but you have little idea what you can use to work with which and whether what you have in your head is even possible.
To which end, it might be useful to come up with a few sample recipes you can try out for commonly required effects. Note that all essential oils must be mixed with carrier oils before application to the human skin, or you can cause organ damage: and also be aware that carrier oils themselves have different properties, which you might want to take into account when mixing your products:
For fragrancing rooms and lifting your spirits in various seasons or with various conditions, have a go at some of the following.
This recipe is for an aroma that really brings out the cosiness and comfort of your surroundings. Use 15 drops of orange oil; 6 drops of cinnamon oil; and 2 drops of clove oil, to create a warm and welcoming scent that’ll lift your spirits when the nights are long and the days are short.
To bring some zing back into your life, try this citrus uplift recipe: 4 drops of lemongrass; 5 drops of lime; 4 drops of bergamot; and 3 drops of petitgrain. The resulting smell will bring life back to tired bones and energise a flagging spirit!
If you want to bring summer inside (this is great for homes where not all the rooms get sunlight during the day) you can try the sunny day’s mixture. Mix 6 drops of ylang ylang; 6 drops of sandalwood; and 6 drops of grapefruit.
For special occasions, a romantic meal for example or an anniversary night in, blend 2 drops of frangipani; 3 drops of rose otto; and 2 drops of sandalwood. The resulting smell is sensuous and enticing.
You don’t need to dilute in carrier oils when you’re vaporising the mixture in a fragrance. But do note, as pointed out above, that if you intend to use the oils on skin you must dilute first.
You can also add a couple of drops of the right oil to your bathwater to soother tired muscles or ease aching joints. Again you should take care to properly mix the oil in the water so you get a long lasting and even effect.
For muscle and joint stiffness, the following Aromatherapy Products and essential; oils will help: frankincense, myrrh, marjoram, juniper, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, camphor and roman chamomile. You can experiment with your own combinations in a carrier oil to massage into muscles after a long run or to warm your joints on a cold day. Alternatively look for pre-made aromatherapy products with the right properties. Black pepper and ginger carrier oils are perfect for this.