Using Aromatherapy: Inhalation
One of the best ways to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy is by inhaling the aroma of essential oils. Below are a few of our favorite methods for incorporating aromatherapy into your life. Take a deep breath and enjoy!
Aromatherapy Perfume. Why not make your own perfume out of your favorite essential oils? Simply dissolve one or two drops into alcohol or a base oil, blend, and apply to skin. Try neroli essential oil for its soothing and hypnotic notes, or jasmine for a touch of exoticism.
Direct Inhalation. Dab a drop of essential oil onto a tissue or handkerchief and inhale it directly. One of our favorite ways to avoid getting seasick is to sniff ginger essential oil this way – or to inhale the essence of the root itself!
Steam Inhalation. This is excellent for skin or respiratory ailments. Add two or three drops of an essential oil to a bowl of steaming water. Then lean over the bowl, head covered with a towel to trap the escaping steam. Close your eyes and breathe deeply through your nose for at least a minute to get the full benefit of the aromatic steam. For a treat that clears your head and your cold, try a blend of eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint essential oil.
Aromatherapy Sauna. Eucalyptus, tea tree, and pine essential oils are ideal for the sauna. Simply add them to the water and steam as usual. These oils work beautifully in the sauna because they are expelled from the body through sweat.
Aromatherapy Candles. Add one or two drops of essential oil to the melted wax of a lit candle. Be careful not to get essential oil on the wick! To inspire sensuality, try a blend of ylang ylang, sandalwood, and sweet orange.
Aromatherapy Diffusers. A tea light diffuser is great basic diffuser that’s easy to use. Simply add essential oils to it in doses of up to six drops. The tea light burning underneath will slowly heat and spread the essence of the essential oil throughout the room. Whether you use a diffuser that’s made of clay, metal, or glass, be sure that you wipe it clean after each use. For a soulful treat, try warming up comforting cedarwood essential oil, noted for its aphrodisiac properties.
Aromatherapy Room Spray. For a refreshing lift to any room, add four or more drops of essential oil to one cup of water. Pour this combination into a spray bottle and spritz where needed! Lemon and grapefruit smell fresh, clean, and light while stimulating the senses. If the scent is a tad too sour, add lavender to soften the effect.