Change Your Life With Aromatherapy Chapter XII

Glossary

I - Dangerous Essential Oils

The following is a list of essential oils that should never be used by an amateur.  This is a warning in case you purchase oils from a disreputable dealer overseas who may not be aware of the toxicity of these oils.  Chances are that you will never come across them, but you should still be well aware of the dangerous essential oils that should not be used in aromatherapy:

Ajowan Bitter Almond Arnica Sweet Birch Boldo Leaf Spanish Broom Calamus Camphor Deertongue Garlic Horseradish Jaborandi Mustard Onion Pennyroyal Rue Sassafras Thuja Wintergreen Wormseed Wormwood

While these essential oils have their place in other matters, they should not be used in aromatherapy.  They are not considered safe to breath in.  Funny enough that camphor, once a use in all homes for colds, is among the group.  However, camphor today is thought to promote respiratory problems instead of cure them.  Most people who grew up with this remedy, however, lived.

While garlic and onion may be beneficial in our diets, they are not recommended for their scent.  We all know that. Most of the above dangerous essential oils are considered dangerous because of their strong odor and irritant qualities.  Chances are that you will not be seeing any of these oils in any of the places you purchase your essential oils.

II - Where To Purchase Essential Oils

The best place is the internet, although there are more and more stores that are beginning to sell essential oils.  Most of the stores that sell essential oils are independent shops that specialize in new age treatments or spiritualism. 

Hot Rags, which is a national chain store, sells some essential oils. There is usually a Hot Rags store in every mall and it caters to teenagers and those who like the “hippy look.” 

You can also purchase essential oils online as well as all of the bottles and glasses that you need.  If you decide to start a business selling essential oils, you are better off to buy everything in bulk to save money. You can also buy your bottles at an online store that specializes in bottles as they will most likely be cheaper.

Here is a list of some online stores that sell essential oils and all the trimmings:

1. Essential Oil Company. This store sells essential oils and equipment in bulk.  They have just about everything you need to make your products.  They also offer free shipping for orders over $150. There is everything you need to make massage oils, soaps, bath oils, bath salts and perfumes.  You can visit them on the web at www.essentialoil.com

2. Essential Oil Health. They have pure essential oils as well as aromatherapy tips on their site.  They offer pure essential oils as well as blends.  There prices are very reasonable and they stand behind their products.  You can visit them at www.essentialoilhealth.com

3. New Directions Aromatics. They have just about every type of essential oil you can imagine as well as a host of other supplies including wax to make candles, soaps and even clay for aromatherapy masques.  They also sell equipment and bottling supplies.  You can visit them at www.newdirectionsaromatics.com.

4. The Ananda Apothecary. Located in Colorado, their website boasts of essential oils, salts and blends for reasonable prices. There are also many different articles about how to use different oils. 

5. Om Imports has essential oils as well as resins for making some incense. There is also aromatherapy incense and perfume oils available. Their prices are very reasonable and they also sell to retailers.  You can visit them by going to www.omimports.com

6. Birch Hill Happenings has essential oils, carrier oils, blends, base products and even bottles.  They also offer information about using the oils online.  You can visit them at www.birchhillhappenings.com.

7. Pure Essential Oils has bulk essential oils as well as smaller bottles. There are also fragrance oils and even samplers.  Their prices are very reasonable and they have quite a selection.  You can visit them at www.essential-oil.org.

8. Lotus Oils. There is a vast array of essential oils at this online site that also offers resins clays, bath salts and carrier oils.  This is a great place to start as their prices are very reasonable.  You can visit them at www.lotusoils.com.

9. I Herb. A great selection of oils at surprising low prices.  There are both blends and pure essential oils and the website is very easy to navigate.  Visit them at www.iherb.com.

10. My Vitanet. They have a large selection of essential oils and also sell supplements as well as weight bars.  They take Paypal.  You can visit them at www.myvitanet.com.

III -A Guide To 60 Popular Essential Oils And Their Uses

11. Angelica Root. This has a spicy and woodsy scent and is used as a base note in perfumery.  It can be used to treat skin conditions but should be avoided during pregnancy.  It is also phototoxic.

12. Anise. This is a popular plant that tastes and smells like licorice. It is very sweet and is a top note in perfumery. It can be used for colds, aches and flatulence.  It should not be used in women who have a history of breast or ovarian cancer or endometriosis.

13. Peru Balsam.  A sweet scent and very woodsy.  It is used as a base note in perfumes and can be used in aromatherapy for rashes, stress, chapped skin or the flu. 

14. Basil. A sweet scent that has a reek of camphor and is a top note in perfume.  A popular herb for cooking, basil essential oil can be used to treat colds, coughs, flatulence and even as an insect repellent. High doses of basil, however, can be hazardous. 

15. Bay. Bay has a spicy aroma and is a middle note when used in perfumes. It can be used for dandruff, oily skin and sprains.  In the case of someone with kidney or liver problems, or who is taking anticoagulants, it should be avoided.  Those who have a history of prostate cancer or alcoholism should also avoid using bay. 

16. Bay Laurel. Bay Laurel has a fruity scent and is a top note in perfumes. It can be used to treat colds or flue and even tonsillitis. It should not be used in pregnancy.

17. Beeswax. Beeswax has a very sweet scent and is used as a base note in perfumery.  It has no therapeutic value but is valued for its pleasant scent in perfumery.

18. Benzoin.  Benzoin has a woodsy aroma that is very rich and is used as a base note in perfumery.  It can be used for arthritis, chapped skin and stress.  It is relatively safe to use but persons who use it should check for skin allergies. 

19. Bergamot. This has a very citrus like scent and is a top note in perfumery.  It is used to treat acne, cold sores, psoriasis, stress and boils.  It is photo toxic so if you use bergamot, avoid the sun for twelve hours after treatment.

20. Bergamot Mint. Like bergamot, it has a citrus like scent and is minty. It is also a top note in perfumery and is used to treat cramps and upset stomach. 

21. Rosewood. It has a sweet yet woodsy and floral fragrance that is an excellent middle note in perfumes.  It is used to treat acne, colds, headaches and other minor skin conditions. 

22. Boronia. Boronia has a very floral scent and is mostly used in perfumery as a strong top note.

23. Cajeput. Cajeput has a camphor like aroma but is slightly fruity. It is a middle note in perfumery and is used to treat colds, coughs, aches and sore throat.

24. Cardamum. Cardamum has a spicy and woodsy scent and is a middle note in perfumery.  It is used to treat fatigue and stress. 

25. Carrot Seed. Carrot Seed has a woodsy scent and is a medium note in perfumery.  It is used to treat wrinkles, eczema and gout. 

26. Atlas Cedarwood.  There are different types of cedar wood - Atlas and Virginia. Atlas cedarwood has a woodsy scent that is used as a medium note in perfumery.  It is used to treat coughing, stress, dermatitis, acne and arthritis.  It should be avoided during pregnancy.

27. Virginia Cedarwood. This has a scent that is what you smell in cedar chests.  Very woodsy and a medium note in perfumery. It has the same medicinal uses as Atlas Cedarwood but is also used as an insect repellent.  This may be safer to use than Atlas Cedarwood but should not be used by pregnant women.

28. German Chamomile. There are two different types of Chamomile

- German and Roman.  German Chamomile is sweet and used as a

medium note in perfumery.  It has many uses including the treatment of minor skin conditions, earaches, headache, nausea, PMS, stress, arthritis, sprains and stress.  It is relatively very safe to use but should be checked for skin reactions 

29. Roman Chamomile.  Pretty much like German Chamomile and is also a medium but stronger note in perfumery.  There is little difference between German and Roman Chamomile. 

30. Cinnamon. Cinnamon has a spicy scent and is strong middle note in perfumery.  It can be used to treat constipation, low blood pressure, lice and stress.  It should be avoided in people who have a history of liver or kidney problems or prostrate cancer.  It should also be avoided by anyone taking anticoagulants or has a history of alcoholism. 

31. Citronella. It has a citrus like scent that is used as a top note in perfumery.  It makes an excellent insect repellent and is often used in candles in this manner.  It can also treat fatigue, oily skin and headaches.

32. Clary Sage. Clary Sage has an slightly sweet aroma and is a middle note in perfumery.  It is used to treat gas, sore throats, coughing, exhaustion and stress. 

33. Clove Bud. Spicy and woodsy it is a strong middle note in perfumery.  It is used to treat arthritis, toothaches and sprains as well as rheumatism.  Is should be avoided in people with kidney, liver or prostrate problems or who have a history of alcohol abuse. Those taking anticoagulants should also not take this healing oil.

34. Coriander. Coriander is a spicy and woodsy essential oil that has a nice middle note for perfumery.  It is used to treat aches and pains, indigestion, nausea and fatigue.

35. Cypress. Cypress has a woodsy scent that reminds you of evergreen trees.  It is a middle note in perfumery and is used to treat perspiration, hemorrhoids, oily skin and rheumatism. 

36. Dill. Dill has a sweet scent and is used as a middle note in perfumery.  It is used to treat aches and pains as well as flatulence.

37. Elemi. This has a spicy yet citrus like scent and is a middle note in perfumery.  It is used to treat coughing as well as wrinkles and stress.  It can also be used to put on wounds.  Use sparingly and with caution as research as to the effects of this essential oil have not yet been completed.

38. Eucalyptus. This has a top note in perfumery as it is very woodsy and fresh. It is used to treat cold sores, colds, coughing, flue and sinusitis.  It can be very toxic if taken internally and is strictly for external use only. 

39. Lemon Eucalyptus. Similar to the uses of Eucalyptus but with a lemony scent and a use as a middle note in perfumery.  It can be safer to use than regular Eucalyptus. 

40. Radiata Eucalyptus.  This has a sweet scent and is used as a middle note in perfumery.  It is also used for relatively the same treatments as lemon and regular Eucalyptus. 

41. Fennel. Fennel has a licorice like scent to it and is used as both a top and medium note in perfumery.  It can be used to treat flatulence, nausea, bad breath, obesity and water retention. It should be avoided with people who have a history of breast or ovarian cancer, hyperplasia, endometriosis or prostrate cancer.

42. Fir Needle. This has a woodsy scent and is used as a middle note in perfumery.  It is used to treat colds, coughs, flu, rheumatism and general aches and pains. 

43. Frankincense. Spicy, woodsy and fruity, Frankincense is a base note in perfumery.  It can be used to treat anxiety, stress, coughing and even for scars and stretch marks. 

44. Galbanum. A woodsy and spicy scent that is used as a top note in perfumery, Galbanum is used to treat skin irritations, acne, lice, wrinkles and muscle aches. 

45. Geranium. There are two different types of Geranium - regular Geranium and Rose Geranium.  Geranium has a sweet scent that is used to as a middle note in perfumery.  It is used to treat acne and oily skin and also as a relief for symptoms of menopause.  It should be avoided during pregnancy. 

46. Rose Geranium. Rose Geranium is used for primarily the same purposes as regular geranium but has a more floral scent.  It is also used as a middle note in perfumery. 

47. Ginger. Ginger has a very spicy and woodsy scent and is used as both a middle and base note in perfumery. Ginger is used to treat nausea as well as aching muscles and arthritis.  It can be phototoxic so avoid the sun for 12 hours after use. 

48. Grapefruit. Very citrus like scent and is used as a top note in perfumery.  It can treat dull skin and water retention.  It should not be used in the sunlight as it can be photo toxic.  Avoid the sun 12 hours after using Grapefruit essential oils. 

49. Helichyrsum. A spicy base note in perfumery it is used to treat minor skin conditions, particularly wounds. 

50. Hyssop.  A fruity yet woodsy scent, it is a middle note in perfumery and is used to treat coughing and sore throat.  It should be avoided by anyone with epilepsy or with a fever. It should not be used if you are pregnant or on children.

51. Immortelle. A spicy base note used in perfumery, it is used to treat minor skin conditions, including acne and burns, cuts and irritated skin. 

52. Jasmine. A floral and Oriental scent, it is used as a Middle note in perfumery.  It is used to treat depression, stress, dry skin and even labor pains.  It has also been used as an aphrodisiac. 

53. Juniper Berry. This has a sweet and almost fruity scent and is used as a middle note in perfumery.  It is used to treat cellulites, gout, hemorrhoids and also rheumatism.  It should not be used by pregnant women or in people with liver problems. 

54. Lavender. Lavender has a floral scent and is used as a top note in perfumery.  It is used to treat just about everything -  from acne to vertigo.  It is one of the safest of all of the essential oils and one of the few that can be used directly on the skin.  Lavender buds are also boiled like tea and consumed internally. 

55. Lemon. Citrus scent like lemons only much stronger in an essential oil.  It is used as a top note in perfumery and is also used to treat athlete’s foot, colds, oily skin, acne, and even warts.  Like most of the citrus derived essential oils, it is photo toxic and should not be used in the sunlight. 

56. Lemongrass. Has a lemony scent that is also used as a top note in perfume.  The medicinal purposes of this essential oil are similar to lemon, but it can also be used to treat flatulence and as an insect repellant.  It should not be used on children or with people who have an enlarged prostrate or glaucoma. 

57. Lime. A citrus scent used as a top note in perfumes and treats the same things as lemon essential oil.  As with lemon and grapefruit and other citrus essential oils, it is photo toxic so avoid the sunlight 12 hours after using lime essential oil. 

58. Mandarin. Has a citrus scent and is used as a top note in perfumery.  It is good for wrinkles and minor skin conditions.  It has also been known to treat insomnia.  

59. Myrrh.  Myrrh has a woodsy scent and is used as a base note in perfumery.  It is used to treat bad breath, hemorrhoids, minor rashes and toothaches among other things.  It should never be taken internally.

60. Neroli. Both floral and citrus, this is used as a middle note in a perfumery base and acts as a  treatment for mild depression, insomnia and is a potent aphrodisiac. 

61. Nutmeg. A rich and spicy scent that is used as a middle note in perfumery.  Nutmeg is also used to treat constipation, fatigue, nausea and aches and pains.  It can be toxic if used in large amount. If taken orally to an extreme, can produce effects similar to hallucinogenic drugs. 

62. Orange. There are two types of orange - bitter and sweet. Both are top notes in perfumery and sweet orange, as its name implies, is sweeter. Both are used to treat constipation, colds, flatulence, and stress.  Sunlight should be avoided for 12 hours after using orange essential oil.

63. Patchouli. A woodsy scent that is used as a base note in perfumery.  It is used to treat acne, minor skin conditions, stress and as an insect repellent.  It is also a powerful aphrodisiac.

64. Peppermint. It has a minty scent and is used as a top note in perfumery.  It is used to treat headache, nausea and flatulence as well as vertigo.  It should not be used if a person has a fever and should not be taken internally as it can be toxic.  Those with epilepsy should avoid taking peppermint.

65. Rose. Rose has as a floral scent and is used as a middle note in perfumery.  It is used to treat stress, depression and symptoms of menopause. It is also used as somewhat of an aphrodisiac.  Rose is one of the safest of all of the essential oils. 

66. Sandalwood. Used as a base note in perfumery, the scent is both woodsy and floral and very rich.  It can be used to treat mild depression and skin conditions. 

67. Spearmint. It has a minty scent and is used  as a top note in perfumery.  It is used to treat basically the same minor ailments as peppermint.

68. Tea Tree. There are three types of Tea Tree - Common, Lemon and New Zealand.  Both Common and New Zealand Tea Tree have a middle perfumery note and a woodsy scent.  Lemon Tea Tree has a top note and a sweeter scent.  Uses for all Tea Tree include acne, stress, cold sores, colds, flu, insect bites, migraine headaches, oily skin, warts and athlete’s foot. 

69. Vanilla. Vanilla has a strong, sweet scent that is used as a base note in perfumery.  It is one of the few essential oils that is safe to use directly on the skin.  Vanilla can be used as a stress reliever, but it is mostly used in perfumery. 

70. Ylang Ylang. A sweet and floral fragrance that is used as a base and middle note in perfumery.  Ylang Ylang is used to treat anxiety, mild depression, stress and is a powerful aphrodisiac. 

Note that the conditions listed above are mild conditions.  Those who have severe medical conditions are urged not to attempt to treat themselves but visit a physician. 

Essential oils should not be used directly on the skin, with the exception of lavender and vanilla. 

Essential oils should not be taken internally - they are for external use only. Lavender and chamomile are often dried and sold as teas; however, the essential oils should not be taken orally. 

Aromatherapy oils are safe when used as directed.  If you have a condition that is not clearing up after treatment with aromatherapy, or if the problem is getting worse, see you doctor.  

Change Your Life With Aromatherapy Chapter X

Where To Sell Your Aromatherapy Products

Many of us who use the internet for business purposes still find it amazing that some businesses do not have a website.  If you decide to get into the aromatherapy business, make sure that you develop a professional looking website.  One way to draw people to your website is through content. Continue to post articles on your site about the benefits of aromatherapy to make sure your site comes up in the search engines.

Do not limit your selling only to your online website.  Craft fairs are an excellent place to sell your products.  There are craft fairs in every town throughout the year.  Some people actually make their living selling products by traveling to craft fairs all year long.

Craft fairs are actually better than the internet when it comes to selling aromatherapy.  Make sure that you set up your booth to appear pleasant and tranquil and have some incense burning.  Put some products out for samples and make sure they are displayed pleasantly. Use wrappings such as ribbons, nice bottles and tissue paper. If you can, get labels with a logo and name and number on it of your corporation so that customer can place re-orders. 

Decorative packaging is key to selling aromatherapy products.  People will not only want them for themselves, but for gifts for other people. You can actually have quite a lucrative business by selling aromatherapy products.

Another place you can sell your products are independent beauty salons.  While salons that have full service spas will have their own line of products they wish to sell, other salons do not.  You can offer the salon a commission if they allow you to place your products in their store and if they sell. 

Salons are not the only places where you can sell your products. Boutiques that are independently owned will want to carry your products if they look professional.  Make sure that you have labels on the bottles and that soaps and other items are wrapped in proper papers with labels.  The more professional the product appears, the more money it can sell for and the better chance you have of it being accepted into an upscale boutique.

Offer “healing gift baskets” for people.  Gift baskets are popular and can be a profitable business all on their own.  Start an aromatherapy gift basket business and watch your business start to boom.  Can you imagine a more appropriate gift for a person coming home from surgery or someone who just had a baby than a pretty basket packed with aromatherapy goodies?

You can not only enjoy aromatherapy in your home and with your family, but you can also make a profitable business as more people are beginning to discover the joys of aromatherapy. 

Change Your Life With Aromatherapy Chapter IX

Get Started In You Aromatherapy Business

Now that you have learned so much about this miraculous healing remedy of aromatherapy and what it can do, you can choose to incorporate it into your every day life.  Be forewarned, however, that aromatherapy is addictive.  Once you start making bath salts and massage oils, you will want to make more and more things. 

The list of what you can make when it come to aromatherapy is long. In addition to what we described throughout the book, other items you can make to incorporate aromatherapy include shampoos, soaps, moisturizers, lotions and potpourri.  The possibilities are endless.  You may decide to start making “healing baskets” for friends and relatives. You can purchase some pretty bottles and containers and decorate them with ribbons.  The choices are endless. 

Once you have really mastered the art of making aromatherapy products at home, you may want to begin to sell your products. Before you do this, you should be aware of one caveat:

We live in a very litigious society.  Be careful whenever you sell any sort of healing product to people because they are likely to sue if something goes wrong.

In order to continue your business without worrying about getting sued by some money hungry lawyer, you  should do the following before you sell a thing that has to do with aromatherapy:

•                    Add a disclaimer to the product stating that it is not for medical use;

•                    Incorporate your business

A disclaimer will let people know that you are not making any sort of medical claims about the product.  You have to be very careful about selling “healing products” on the market today because people will be very quick to file a lawsuit if it doesn’t work.  You cannot go about saying that you can cure someone with terminal cancer with lavender ­it is not only wrong, but you are giving the family false hope.

That being said, there are cases where people who were written off as “hopeless” by doctors, have bounced back using aromatherapy or other alternative therapies.  We have to get out of the mindset that doctors are not God.  They have a lot of the answers, but not all.  And every once in a while, something happens that stumps them.  Where there is life, there is hope.

You should be cautioned, however, about preying on people who are seriously ill and promising them cures.  This is not only inaccurate and unproven, but it is bad karma.  Don’t do it.  Promote your product as a way to treat minor . After all, if pharmaceutical companies can sell “cold medicine” over the counter, you can also sell aromatherapy products.  The only difference is that your stuff will actually work and won’t have any side effects. 

Put a legal disclaimer on all of your products and literature that this is made for the following:

External use only.  Keep away from eyes.  Keep away from children. Not meant to be a substitute for medical treatment. Do not use on sensitive skin. Do not use on broken skin areas.  Do not use in mouth or genital area.

The other thing you should do is incorporate.  Not all businesses need to incorporate, but those who sell items such as aromatherapy healing products are wise to incorporate their business.  This can protect your personal assets. 

A corporation is like a separate entity.  It can open bank accounts, file taxes and be sued.  The owner of the corporation is the stockholders. The names of the stockholders are not public record; the names of the officers running the company are public record.  In most small businesses, the stockholders and the officers are the same people. 

It is not difficult to open a corporation.  You need a tax number from the federal government called an FEIN and you need to file Articles of Incorporation with the state.  The fee to file Articles of Incorporation varies from state to state.  It is usually around $100.  The form is simple to fill out and there are various places online that can do this for you cheaply.  Although corporations are required to hold annual meetings of stockholders and officers as well as have a corporate resolution whenever a decision is made,if you are the only one in the corporation, you can do this any time you want.  It can be written on a piece of paper.  Save yourself the money and skip the “corporate book and seal” deal.  You don’t need it in a small corporation that is not offering public stocks.  In fact, you don’t really need to do anything except pay your taxes and file an annual report, which you will get from the state and, essentially, gets mailed back signed stating that nothing has changed.

For a small fee, you can protect yourself against any sue happy lawyer that wants to sue you for selling their client massage oil that made them break out for a few days and caused them “mental distress.”

Aromatherapy products can be a big business and quite profitable. You just want to be sure that you protect your own personal assets.  If you selling your products under the corporation, they cannot go after you personally for anything. 

Change Your Life With Aromatherapy Chapter VIII

Aromatherapy Incense

Incense has been used for thousands of years, mostly in religious ceremonies. Ancient Egyptians used incense to heal as did the ancient Chinese. Today, incense is still a vital part of certain religious ceremonies, particularly in the Catholic and Orthodox religion. People also use incense for a variety of different reasons, in most cases, to mask certain odors.  Incense can also be incorporated into you aromatherapy lifestyle if you use pure essential oil powders to make your own incense.

Today’s incense are usually cones or sticks and are made, like everything else, with synthetics.  Sure, they have a pleasant fragrance, but you are not getting the same benefits as you can get with incense made from pure and natural products. 

If you decide to make your own incense, realize that it takes a bit of time to get it right.  The incense cones that you create will be hand crafted, as will the sticks.  They may not look as uniform as those you buy in the store, but they will have more healing powers than anything made with synthetics. 

To make incense at home, you will need powders as well as essential oils.  The essential oils should be the same as the powder so that it compliments the product,  You also need to purchase Makko powder, which can be purchased at the same places where you buy the essential oils and powders.  ‘

Sandalwood is one of the oldest and most pleasant aromas. To make sandalwood incense at home, use about half sandalwood powder to half Makko powder.  Put both in a bowl and add about four drops of sandalwood essential oil.  You then need to mix it together to make a dough.

Once you have the thoroughly blended, you can roll it into long sticks. This is probably the easiest way to make the incense.  There are actually spaghetti makers that you can use to perform this process that will make the sticks come out more even; however, you should not use the same machine to make spaghetti.  If you have an old spaghetti maker around, you might give it a try.

Just like spaghetti, you will want to make sure the sticks dry out on waxed paper before they are ready to use.  It takes a couple of days for them to dry completely. You want to make sure to cut them so that they are compatible with your incense burner.  Incense burners that burn sticks are usually long, wooden instruments or boxes. 

If you really want to get creative, you can also make cones out of the dough.  The cones will probably not look like those in the store, but they will be just as effective when lit.  You do need to make sure that any home made incense is completely dried out before using. 

Sandalwood is a woodsy fragrance that is very rich.  It has been used in the past to treat everything from stress to bronchitis.  Because of the pleasant fragrance, we also illustrated how sandalwood oils can be used to scent your hair simply by sprinkling a few drops on your brush and brushing your hair as usual. 

Although aromatherapy incense may not look as good as the incense you purchase in the store, it can be a lot of fun to make and is really very simple.  Once you have made an enjoyed your own incense made out of all natural essential oils, you will not want to go back to using store bought oils again.    Make sure that you have a proper incense burner to light the incense and never leave it burning unattended. 

Change Your Life With Aromatherapy Chapter VII

Aromatherapy Infusion

While the previous chapters talked about using aromatherapy on your skin, many people who have sensitive skin may think that they cannot enjoy the healing benefits of this art because of a sensitive skin condition.  Wrong! If you have sensitive skin, you can still enjoy aromatherapy as it was truly meant to be enjoyed - just by scent.

We talked about using aromatherapy in perfumes as an aphrodisiac. Not only does the perfume cause the person who is using it to become aroused, but it can cause others who catch the scent o also become aroused. In this way, another individual is responding to aromatherapy through scent. 

You have probably noticed different oils in the store that claim to give the benefits of aromatherapy.  Most of these oils are synthetic and do little more than cosmetically cover up odors in your home.  While having your home smell nice is a good bonus, it is not main use of aromatherapy.

When inhaled into the lungs, essential oils cause the same reaction in an individual as they will when applied to the skin.  This means that you can just enjoy heating the oils in an infuser and breathing them in to cure what ails you. Infusers are sold in a variety of different places.  Essentially, they are containers that can heat oil and send it wafting throughout the room. They can be heated either by candle or by electric.

Years ago, when ill, people would heat “vapors” in a pot, put a towel over their head and breath in the fume.  The vapors were usually camphor.  This would promote easier breathing and clear up congestion in the head and lungs. 

Today, people who get sick rush to the drugstore and buy synthetic pills to ease congestion.  No one ever thinks of home remedies that had been used for generations to cure minor ailments.

This is not to say that someone with pneumonia or a serious illness should ignore medical advice and try to cure themselves using essential oils.   That would be irresponsible and foolish.  However, someone who has a stuffy nose does not have to rush off and take pills.  There are other avenues that are more natural and even more effective.

The same goes for depression.   Chronic depression or depression that lasts for more than two weeks is a serious illness and should be treated by a physician.  Someone who is suffering from anxiety attacks that are causing them to miss work or hyperventilate should seek medical help. Someone who has a broken leg or infected finger should go to a doctor. 

That being said, someone who is a little bit upset because they broke up with a boyfriend or girlfriend or may just be suffering from the blues does not need to rush to the doctor to get on SSRIs.  Someone who is a little anxious about taking an exam for school does not need tranquilizers and someone who is sore because they work out a lot should not resort to addictive pain medication or even abuse over the counter pain pills.  There is another way to treat minor ailments and conditions and that way is aromatherapy.

Furthermore, there is nothing to say that using aromatherapy in conjunction with medications cannot do wonders.  Many people are enjoying the benefits derived from this alternative medicine that has been effective for thousands of years. 

When using aromatherapy as a mood enhancer in an infuser, you do not need to dilute the oils.  You can use any oils that you want, or a combination of oils, to set the mood.  Here are some ways you can use aromatherapy in a variety of different infusers:

Aromatherapy Mood Enhancer Recipe

5 drops of orange 5 drops of jasmine

sure that you do not use the scents that are sold in the craft stores as they are usually not true essential oils but synthetic scents. Follow the directions on the box to make the candles.

Put them into an infuser that is either plugs into an electric socket or is heated by a candle and allow the scent to permeate the room. 

Aromatherapy Romantic Mood Enhancer

This is simple - put a couple of drops of patchouli, jasmine or Ylang Ylang on the light bulb in your room.  The light bulb can be used to heat the oil and will spread the scent in the room.  All of these oils are potent aphrodisiacs. 

Aromatherapy Relaxing Infusion

Get an electric infuser that is used to heat potpourri oil and put it in your room on your dresser. Add the following:

10 drops chamomile 2 drops vanilla 2 drops lavender

This will allow you to really relax as the scent takes over the room. 

Scent has quite a bit to do with how we feel. The scent sends a signal to our brain and releases endorphins.  You can actually put yourself in a better mood by scent, which is the basic concept of aromatherapy.

When we talk about aromatherapy today, we are discussing the use of essential oils to promote healing.  However, the scent is a vital aspect to the healing powers involved in this alternative medicine.  Even when you are using essential oils in a topical way, you are still breathing in the scent and getting the full effect of the true treatment.

You do not only have to use aromatherapy to heal.  You can just use the essential oils as a way to make your home smell nice for all who visit. Because they are so concentrated, essential oils work well in homes where there is smoking or pets.

Other ways to use essential oils as an infusion method is to make your own candles.  Candle making is not difficult.  You simply need to melt wax and add color and scent.  The color is actually optional.  You have to put the melted wax into a container or mold with a wick so that it can be lit.

Making your own candles using essential oil is one of the best ways to continue to get the same effect of the oil.  To make your own candles, go to a craft store such as Hobby Lobby or Michael’s and pick up a large brick of wax along with some wicks and wick holders.  Wick holders are little metal fragments that keep the wick affixed in the mold.  You can keep the wick straight by tying it around a pencil and laying the pencil across the top of the container.

 You will have to heat the wax in a pot on the stove or, preferably, over a double boiler.  The wax will seem like it is taking forever to melt, but once it starts, it melts very quickly so be prepared to remove it from the stove as soon as it melts all the way.  You will see that the white chunk of wax is now clear.

You can then add about 10 drops of your essential oil to about every cup of wax.  There are also dyes you can purchase to color the candles.  Blend it with a spoon and pour the wax into jars or a mold. Allow the candles to set in room temperature over night.  Make sure that the wicks are standing up straight before the wax sets.  A candle without a wick is useless. 

When you light the wick, it will begin to melt the wax and the scent will be given off into the room.  You can light the candle any time you want and begin to get the effects of the essential oil immediately.

If you have never before made candles, get a candle making kit. Candle making with essential oils not only promotes healing, but can be a fun thing to do for the entire family.  Young people in particular like to make candles. One  of the first crafts that kids make in school is the old “milk carton candle.”  Your children and you will not only enjoy making the candles, but also be able to benefit from the pleasant and healing scent that they emit. 

9 i e `� .� sooth aching feet by rubbing firmly with your thumbs into the souls of your feet as well as the heel.

This aromatherapy massage treatment can also be used on the body and is especially good at relieving joint pain for arthritis sufferers.

There are many other uses for aromatherapy massage.  Once you become familiar with the concept of aromatherapy and the different uses for essential oils, you can make your own blends and treat a variety of minor ailments such as:

•                    Insomnia

•                    Menstrual cramps

•                    Bruises

•                    Mild depression

•                    Stress

•                    Memory improvement

•                    Anger relief

Aromatherapy massage is one of the most effective alternative healing methods used today.  Although it has been used for centuries, the demand for massage therapy has doubled in the past decade.  It looks as if many people have discovered the benefits of healing through aromatherapy massage treatment and are on their way to feeling good naturally.