Aromatherapy 101: 5 easy ways to get started
What's the story
For beginners, aromatherapy is one of the easiest and most effective ways of enhancing wellness. It utilizes essential oils for improving physical and emotional health.
Extracted from plants, these oils can be utilized in multiple ways for relaxing, uplifting mood, and enhancing overall well-being.
If you are new to aromatherapy, discovering different techniques can be fun as well as beneficial. Here are some easy ways to start aromatherapy.
Diffusion
Diffusing essential oils at home
Diffusing essential oils is one of the simplest ways to reap their benefits.
A diffuser spreads the oil into the air, allowing you to inhale it naturally.
This way, you can create a calming environment at home or work.
Some popular oils for diffusion are lavender for relaxation, peppermint for focus, and lemon for an uplifting atmosphere.
Using a diffuser is easy; just add water and a few drops of your favorite oil.
Inhalation
Creating personal inhalers
Personal inhalers are portable devices that let you carry your favorite scents with you wherever you go.
They are basically a small tube with an absorbent wick inside that holds the essential oil.
To make one, just soak the wick in your chosen oil blend, and insert it into the tube.
This trick is perfect for quick stress relief or energy boosts throughout the day, without bothering people around you.
Bathing
Incorporating oils into bath time
Adding essential oils to bathwater can take your relaxation game a notch higher after a long day.
The warm water ensures the aroma is released as well as your skin absorbs some of its properties.
To make this method safe, mix five drops of essential oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil before adding it to your bathwater; it prevents skin irritation.
Sprays
Making DIY aromatherapy sprays
Creating aromatherapy sprays is another versatile way to use essential oils around your home or office space.
These sprays can freshen up rooms or linens while providing therapeutic benefits depending on which oils you choose—like eucalyptus for clearing sinuses or chamomile for promoting sleepiness at bedtime—by mixing ten to 15 drops per ounce (30 ml) in distilled water with witch hazel as an emulsifier if desired.
Blending
Blending oils for personalized scents
Not only does experimenting by blending different essential oils give beginners a shot of creativity, but it also allows them to customize according to their preferences and needs.
Whether they want energizing blends like citrus and mint combinations or calming ones such as lavender and chamomile mixtures, start with small ratios.
Adjust until you find the perfect balance that suits individual tastes and purposes.