There are numerous ways to use the oils and probably some I haven't even come across yet. But I'll try to give you a wide scope as to how aromatherapy can be incorporated into everyone's lives - and enrich them too!

Bath
Possibly the most fun and enjoyable method. I personally love the bath bombs made with the essential oils. But the oils can be added directly to the bath water too. Once you have run the bath - and before you get in: drop in the desired oils and disperse well with your hand (a couple of good "swishes" should do it). You could also use a "carrier" to disperse the oils in the bath - like ΒΌ cup cream (cream is a wonderful for dry skin) or bathsalts. You could also use a carrier oil - like sunflower or sweet almond - just be careful though.... the bath may be a little slippery when you're trying to get out. Usually about 10 drops is sufficient for a bath.

Another thing to try is to add 5 to 15 drops of your oils to 1 tablespoon of unscented bath gel. Rub yourself down with it and don't rinse it off for several minutes. This will give the essential oils a chance to penetrate.

Most of all when taking that aromatic bath - RELAX and BREATHE deeply. Enjoy!

Shower
When showering you can add 6 or 8 drops of your choice of essential oils to a washcloth or mitt. Rub/massage yourself down with it and then shower as usual. Just be careful with your choice if you have sensitive skin (some essential oils are skin irritants) and do avoid your delicate areas. Here again you have the option of adding the oils to the unscented bath gel. (see bath section) The oils will have a better chance of penetrating the skin if left on longer.

Massage
Nothing beats an aromatherapy massage when given by a trained aromatherapist. It's relaxing and balancing, the touch is amazing and a properly trained aromatherapist will tailor each visit to your specific needs that day. Alas, this isn't what I'm talking about here though - I am referring to the massages you can give/get at home. You will need some V-6 mixing oil or some other vegetable oil of your choice. Then once you have chosen the oils for the condition you are wanting to treat - you combine them with the carrier oil. The ratio is approximately 10 drops of essential oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil. Be sure to use a glass container - this way no plastic particles will leach into your oils. Simply apply to the area with smooth strokes. There are the fun massages too that you can do at home. Like the foot massage or a neck and shoulder massage. For these - just pick what you like, or what you think smells good. Here's some help with doing that foot massage.

Hot Compress
Add 5 or 6 drops of essential oils to a bowl of water (2 cups worth) - as hot as you can bear it. Disperse the essential oils by stirring well. Soak a face cloth, flannel or small towel in the water, wring out the excess. Then place it on the area to be treated. Leave the compress in place till it has cooled to body temperature and then renew. Treatment is for about 20 minutes at a time. Hot compresses are usually recommended for "old" injuries such as muscular strain, menstrual cramp, cystitis and toothache.

Cold Compress
Add 5 or 6 drops of essential oils to the cool water in a glass or ceramic bowl. Stir well to disperse the oils. Soak a face cloth, flannel or small towel which is large enough to cover the affected area. Wring it out and place on the skin. Cover with an additional cloth and place an ice pack on top. Replace with a fresh compress (by resoaking the cloth) when it becomes warm or dry. This should continue for about 20 minutes. Then rest for 20 minutes before re-applying for 20 minutes. Cold compresses are usually recommended for "recent" injuries such as sprains, bruises, swelling and headaches.

Inhalation
This is often thought of as the "only" way to use aromatherapy, but as you can see there is more to it than just sniffing.

  • Diffusing the oils into the air is fabulous. Of course I am biased, but a cold air diffuser which atomizes the oils into a microfine mist is definitely the way to go. The oils can remain suspended this way for quite some time. The oils retain all their therapeutic properties which can be destroyed by heating them with the very popular candle aromalamps. I do admit to owning one of these too since it lends a very nice atmosphere when entertaining.
    According to research the cold air diffusing (of certain oils) may:
    - reduce bacteria, fungus, mold
    - improve concentration and mental clarity
    - relieve tension and headaches and so on.

  • Place 2 or 3 drops in the palm of your hand. Briskly rub hands together and then cup your hands over your mouth and nose. Breathe deeply.

  • Add 5 or 6 drops of essential oils to a bowl of hot water. Inhale the vapours that rise from the bowl. You can use this very effectively for stuffy noses during the winter months by placing a towel over the head and bowl - making that "steam tent contraption".

  • A couple of drops of oils can be applied to a tissue, cotton ball or handkerchief and then inhaled. Your "sniffy" can be placed in a small plastic bag (ziplock baggie) and used later on. This is especially nice for travelling if your nose gets stuffy when you fly or if you become nauseous - peppermint would be nice.

  • The oils can also be worn as a perfume. Add 20 drops of your favourite oil/blend to 1 tablespoon of Jojoba oil. Personally I like jojoba as it rarely goes rancid.

  • Several drops added to purified water in a spray bottle can be a wonderful air freshener. Simply shake well before each use and then mist your entire house.

  • Potpourri can be refreshed with your favourite essential oil.

  • Drop a couple of drops of your favourite oil onto cotton balls and place in the vents of your home.

  • Essential oils can be used with humidifiers and vaporizers. (Please just check your model first). The ones to try would be peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus and frankincense.

Body Lotions
Add 3-6 drops of your favourite oil or blend to 2 teaspoons of uncented body lotion. Enjoy being soft and smelling great. Please just make a note of the phototoxic oils - most citrus oils etc., don't want you to burn.

Soles of the Feet
This is an extremely popular way to start out and is very effective - and a wonderful thing for children. Peace & Calming blend on the soles of the feet of children makes them sleep like babies again. The oils can be used neat on the soles of the feet (4 - 6 drops total), but do dilute them the first few times to check your personal sensitivity level - and please dilute them in a carrier oil or lotion when using on children.

Laundry
Recent studies have shown that eucalyptus oil kills dust mites. To effectively take care of the problem, add 25 drops of eucalyptus oil to each washload.

Car
Many places sell cute little ceramic or clay pieces. I have a small cherub for instance - hanging from the mirror of my car. When I go somewhere I just drop 2 or 3 drops of the essential oil into the back of it and it diffuses throughout the car. It's wonderful and you can match the oil to your needs. If you need to lift your spirits - Joy is wonderful. When you're driving long distance - Lemon or Grapefruit can 'pick you up' when you're feeling a bit tired.

Your Business Cards
Put a dab of your "signature" oil onto your business cards. This helps people to remember you. Good ones to try would be Joy or Lavender.