Aromatherapy (essential oils) have many wonderful uses. In my experience, they're brilliant in helping to manage stress and support relaxation.

What Are Aromatherapy Essential Oils?
Essential oils (EOs) are highly aromatic oils extracted from plants. Unlike artificially created perfume oils, they have powerful healing properties, and unlike vegetable oils expressed from nuts and seeds, they are usually not actually oily.

Aromatherapy essential oils (or just "essential oils")have been used for healing, beauty treatment and body care for centuries. They are the most concentrated form of any botanical, providing a concentrated dose of natural healing in a single drop.

Inexpensive Aromatherapy Essential Oils for Relaxation
Some essential oils can be wildly expensive. However, there are a number of very useful oils that are very affordable.

The following EOs are helpful for relaxation. If you are purchasing them, make sure that they are true essential oils and not artificial perfume oils.

Essential oils can be used in a number of ways, however you should never ingest them or take them orally.

The safest way to use them is to put a few drops on a tissue or cotton ball and inhale. (But don't hold the tissue or cotton ball too close to your nose -- they can be very strong.)

If they are to be used on the skin, you should always dilute them in a carrier oil -- a maximum of five drops per ounce of oil. (Essential oils really go a long way.)

Please see the cautions for using essential oils at the end of this page.

Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes for Relaxation

Calming Blend
Blend these essential oils in a small glass container, and then use it in one of the ways described at the bottom of this section.

* 4 drops Lavender * 2 drops Geranium * 2 drops Ylang Ylang * 2 drops Sweet Orange (or Tangerine)

Deep Relaxation Blend
Combine these aromatherapy essential oils in a small glass container, and then use the blend in one of the ways described at the top of this page.

* 3 drops Lavender * 3 drops Tangerine (or Sweet Orange) * 1 drop Ylang Ylang * 1 drop Patchouli

How to Use the Blends
For massage, dilute 3-5 drops of the EO blend per ounce of carrier oil (such as grapeseed or jojoba oil).

For diffusion, use the blend (undiluted) in an electric nebulizer, or add with water to the bowl of a simple candle-powered diffuser.

Or simplest of all, place a few drops on a tissue or cotton ball and sniff!

For the bath, use 1-4 drops of the essential oil blend mixed with 1/4-1/2 cup bath salts, or with 2 ounces of milk (not non-fat milk). A word of caution: especially without the milk, the aromatherapy essential oils can sit on top of the water rather than mixing in, allowing them to make undiluted contact with your skin. Do a patch test before using them in the bath, to make sure that the oils don't irritate your skin or other tender parts. (And believe me, they can!)

Purchasing Essential Oils

If you try only one essential oil, make it lavender. It has a multitude of uses and benefits, is really affordable, is readily available at many stores, and is marvelous for helping you relax. It's useful for many other things as well, including skin problems and bug bites. I always have some at hand; I even take it with me on vacation.

Storing Essential Oils
Essential oils are volatile and will not last forever. They should be stored in a cool, dry place away from light. Cover them tightly after use.

Cautions
Keep all essential oils out of the reach of children. If you are pregnant or nursing a baby, have heart disease, epilepsy, high blood pressure or diabetes, seek the advice of a health professional before using any essential oils.

Test all products before using. Apply a small amount (diluted) to the skin on your inner arm. Don't use topically if redness or irritation occurs.

Keep all essential oils away from eyes and mucous membranes. If redness, burning, itching or irritation occur, stop using immediately and consult your medical provider if self treatment is not effective. If irritation does occur, apply vegetable oil, not water, to the affected area and wipe clean. Then follow up with soap and water.

I hope you enjoy using aromatherapy/essential oils as much as I do!