Aromatherapy is one of the most sought-after forms of complementary therapy. It uses therapeutic grade oils from named botanical species, which are known to cause a positive effect on the body. One of the reasons it has become so popular in the past few years is due to its holistic approach to treating emotional, mental and physical conditions of the body.
Many of the essential oils used in the therapy contain anti-inflammatory properties and other powerful features that can help treat and prevent diseases as well as enhance the overall well-being of both the body and mind. The aromatherapy supplies you choose will depend on your purpose – do you want something to minimise your stress, or do you need it to treat a burn? When shopping for aromatherapy supplies it is also important that you pay extra attention and be cautions for each oil and its application method.
The most common ways to use essential oils are to apply them to the skin, inhale or ingest them. For each of these ways, there are various types of application methods. For example, essential oils can be applied topically using sprays, baths, compress, or can be applied with massaging them into the skin. Choosing an application method will depend on the effect that you want to achieve and the oil you select.
Inhaling Essential Oils
You can inhale essential oils using different techniques and devices.
- Diffuser – a device in which you place the essential oil so that the oil evaporates and frees its scent.
- Dry Evaporation – with this method you apply several drops of the oil on a cotton ball and leave it to evaporate into the air.
- Steam – here you add drops of the oil into a bowl of steaming water which quickly vaporises the oil.
- Spray – you place drops of the oil in a water-based solution, shake it and spray it into the air to deodorise the space.
Applying Essential Oils Topically
There is also a variety of techniques to apply essential oils on the skin. You should know that there are many oils that cannot be applied directly to the skin without being diluted. To prepare a solution you will need a carrier oil that can be a vegetable or nut oil.
- Compress – the oil is diluted in a carrier oil and applied directly on the affected area.
- Gargle – the oil is added to water to create a solution that you’ll use to gargle and spit it out.
- Bath – the oil is added to bath water right before you step in it.
Internal Application
Although there are several ways essential oils can be applied internally, including suppositories and oral ingestion, experts suggest that these oils should be ingested only under the supervision of a professional in the field.