It's so simple to enjoy the healing properties of essential oils.Massage: This is the main method used by professional aromatherapists but, for the DIY treatment, foot massage is an easy and good alternative our feet are easy to reach and nerve endings in the soles of our feet are directly related to specific parts of the body. (See our step-by-step massage on the final page of this feature.) You'll also reap benefits by
massaging your hands. For a massage, the essential oils used are always diluted with a vegetable carrier oil. It's better to avoid using aromatherapy treatments too soon after exercising because your skin won't be able to absorb the oils properly if you're still perspiring.
Inhalation: Add one to two drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot water and inhale the vapour for about five to ten minutes. Keep your eyes closed. With the right oils, this is a good way to relieve colds, coughs, catarrh and nasal congestion. Alternatively, you can sprinkle a couple of drops of oil on a tissue and inhale.
Compress: Soak a flannel in a bowl containing half a pint of water and two to five drops of essential oil. Wring it out and place on the problem area. Use cold compresses to treat sprains, bruises and headaches. Wrap compresses round an ice cube to make them even cooler. Hot compresses can treat boils and period pains.
Ointments: Antiseptic, pain-relieving and muscle relaxant balms containing essential oils can be found in health food shops.
Baths: Add three to five drops of essential oils to a bath and agitate the water to disperse the oil evenly. Diluting essential oils in a little vegetable oil or mixing them with a cupful of unfragranced shampoo also helps and is better for sensitive skin. Always wipe down your bath afterwards so that it isn't left slippery from the oil.
Room fresheners: The antiseptic and evaporative properties of essential oils make them ideal room fresheners. They can create an atmosphere in a room and treat ills, such as colds, at the same time. Apply a few drops to a tissue on a hot radiator or a small bowl of hot water. Or invest in a aroma stream and vaporising ring, available from us.
Perfumes: Use one or two drops of your favourite essential oil fragrance. Some essential oils, such as strong herb and spice oils and citrus oils, shouldn't be used undiluted on the skin as they cause irritations. Flower oils are the most gentle on your skin.