Aromatherapy Essential Oils: Which Is Perfect For You?

The use of essential oils in aromatherapy can be used singly or in combination, depending on the aspired result. However, it is mandatory to learn about the effects and proper usage of a given essential oil(s) before using them in aromatherapy.

The common method of applying essential oils in aromatherapy is through body massage. When it is applied topically, not only is it absorbed by your skin but inhaled as well. From the skin, it makes its way into your bloodstream and into the cells where they are stimulated and directed towards your brain's limbic system. The limbic system serves as a central control system that affects your breathing, blood circulation, and memory. Hence, you can experience holistic benefits from undergoing aromatherapy essential oils.

Essential oils are categorized according to the rate at which they evaporate. Hence, they can be tagged as “top note”, “middle note”, or “base note”. What difference does each note makes? Read on.

• Top Note

This type of oil is strongly scented and are therefore the most uplifting ones. On average, their scent lasts in between 3 to 24 hours. Among the oils categorized under this note are as follows: bergamot, coriander, basil, clary sage, lemon grass, eucalyptus, peppermint, neroli, thyme, and sage.

• Middle Note

This type of essential oil is more long-lasting as it can reach as much as 3 days. It is also recommended for body and metabolic functions. Middle note oils examples include chamomile, geranium, balm, fennel, juniper, rosemary, hyssop, and lavender.

• Base Note

This is the most lasting of all 3 oil notes since it is the slowest to evaporate. Indeed, it can last for as much as one week and is most suitable for delivering a soothing and comforting scent to the body. Base note oils include the following: clove, ginger, frankincense, cedarwood, sandalwood, jasmine, and rose.

If you want to create the most effective essential oil blends for your aromatherapy, then it is recommended that you utilize all three notes in combination. For beginners, you need to realize that there are no specific rules when creating aromatherapy blends. All you need to do is find the required and suitable type of oils to use in order to achieve the desired effect.

For best results, examine below the suggested oils for certain conditions before making your own blend.

Below is a list of common health conditions and suggested essential oils you can use to provide relief:

*For Acne:

Use either teatree oil, lavender, or cajeput and combine it with a carrier oil. Add a few drops into a cream or lotion, then massage directly into your skin. You can also utilize a few drops and use it as a toner.

*For Asthma:

You can use lavender, frankincense, or clary sage. When combined with a carrier oil, you can massage it against your breast bone until your chest is relieved from any feeling of tightness.

*For Constipation:

Rosemary or basil is combined with carrier oil and massaged directly in your abdomen. You can also include a few drops in your bath and soak for at least 15 minutes.

*For Migraine:

Recommended oils include chamomile, lavender, or marjoram. Get yourself a compress and add a few drops of the essential oil, then place it on top of your head.

*For Sore Throat:

Take a few drops of lavender, teatree, or lemon oil and massage it against your neck and shoulders in a downward motion.

*For Muscle Aches:

Suggested oils include ginger, marjoram, and black pepper. You can add a few amount of the oil into a compress and apply directly onto affected area.

Below are common mental and psychological conditions and their corresponding essential oils to soothe your mind:

*For Anxiety:

You can find relief from anxiety with a fully body massage that incorporates cedarwood, lavender, and bergamot essential oil.

*For Depression:

There are two options for treating depression: you can use oils like Jasmine or Neroli in a full body massage or use them as inhalation.

*For Stress:

To relieve one from stress, a few drops of chamomile, cardamon, or sandalwood essential oils are used to massage the neck, back, or shoulders. It can also be included in your warm bath for overall stress relief.

*For Panic Attacks:

As with depression, you can treat panic attacks by using essential oils for full body massage or as inhalation. Among your choices of essential oils to use include frankincense, ylang ylang, and neroli.

*For Mental Fatigue:

You have four choices of essential oils: rosemary, peppermint, cardamon, and lavender. There are three methods of using the essential oil combination, either for massage, inhalation, and in bath.

*During Bath: To use essential oils and experience its benefits through soaking them in bath, you need to perform this in an enclosed area. Make sure it is a warm bath and the tub is full. Then, you can add about 10 drops of the essential oil combination and make sure it is fully incorporated. You will know when its ready because the scent begins to rise from the steam. By this time, you can now get into the tub and soak yourself for at least 15 minutes.

*During Massage: Essential oils are widely used during massage since it is one of the best ways to maximize its healing properties. Other factors increase in attaining a calming and therapeutic effect include the strokes of the massage and the appropriate use of oil. However, it is advised to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil before applying unto skin since most of them are highly concentrated.

*Skin Application: Aside from healing ailments, essential oils are also known for hair and skin care. To apply essential oils in your skin, you will most often need a carrier oil or lanolin free lotion or cream. This will serve as your skin care product. The key to greater success with using essential oil for skin care is to determine what exactly you want to achieve. Is it fighting scar tissues or cellulite? Consequently, your choice of essential oil will vary as well.

*In The Air: In some cases, people utilize essential oils to fill their surroundings with a pleasant aroma that produces a soothing and calming effect. It is possible to use essential oils with humidifiers, diffuser, spray bottle, or vaporizers.