Essential oil is derived from plant secretions, the oil is loaded with medicinal properties that can help you relax; relieve fatigue, stress, and depression. When the right mixture of essential oils are combined for massage their therapeutic effects is increase. Light vegetable oils such as Sweet Almond, Grapeseed or Sunflower are the best oils to start with.

Mixing essential oils: To find a complementary blend, place two or more open bottles under your nose at the same time. They should smell balanced and not too strong. Use less of the dominant scent. Using a strong blend, though, without assessing your skin sensitivity first can result in allergic reactions. But eventually you may want to add more essential oil to have a greater effect on some health problems. For home use the general dilution rate should be 1 per cent (i.e. a maximum of 20 drops per 100 ml of base oil). Once you have mixed your oils, store in a cool, dark place and use them immediately, as they are perishable.

Procedure in mixing essential oils:

1. Before you begin, wash and dry your hands and make sure that all your utensils are very clean and dry. Have your essential oils at the ready, but leave the lids on the bottles until they are required. Carefully measure out approximately 10 ml (2 tsp) of your chosen vegetable oil.
2. Gently pour the vegetable oil into your blending bowl.
3. Add the essential oil, one drop at a time. Mix gently with a clean, dry cocktail stick, or toothpick, to blend.

Common Massage oil and its benefits:

• Lavender sedates the nervous system and can calm stress. It may also help induce sleep. For deep relaxation, it is recommended to combine 5 drops lavender with 1 drop Roman chamomile and 1 drop comforting neroli.
• Lemon is an excellent germ killer and good for varicose veins and reducing swellings.
• Mandarin oil has a mild sedative effect and is safe for children. Add 7-10 drops to a bath; add 3 drops to a humidifier.
• Ginger’s warming and anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for lower-back and joint massage.
• Eucalyptus is ideal for treating most respiratory problems and relieving muscle tension, eucalyptus loosens flu-related congestion. To make a natural vapor rub, add 1 ounce melted beeswax to 1½ cups sweet almond or vegetable oil; pour into small containers. Mix in 30 drops of essential oil per ounce of base, shake, and let it harden. Apply to chest and back.

• Geranium relieves PMS symptoms, stress, and anxiety. It also helps clear up eczema, treats burns, and repels insects. Blend a few drops with massage lotion and apply to skin.
• Jasmine oil can help ease muscle pain, relieve tension and nervousness, and soothe coughs.
• Cypress oil can help diminish the appearance of varicose veins, arthritis, asthma, and cramps if used every day. You can also use this to control foot odor and perspiration just add 2 drops to a hot footbath.
• Peppermint stimulate circulation and relieve pain, it is perfect for soothing tired, sore feet.
• Tea tree has antiviral, anti-infective and antiseptic properties. It can help in cases of dandruff, bronchitis, ringworm and athlete’s foot.
• Rose has tonic, and antiseptic properties that is good for insomnia and nervousness.
• Sandalwood has antiseptic and antidepressant effect that is good for nervousness, and skin moisturizer.