Aromatherapy is the process of using essential oils from a variety of plant sources to affect mood. Aromatherapy is gaining wide spread acceptance all over the world. It is established that certain oils do have antiseptic properties and are potentially less harmful than some synthetics substances that can be used for similar purposes. For example, using drops of peppermint oil along doorways and borders can keep ants out of your home just as effectively as chemical sprays. Aromatherapy is also commonly used in conjunction with massage to increase a relaxation effect.

One of the most common oils used in aromatherapy is lavender. Lavender can be used to treat headaches, by placing a drop behind the neck and on the forehead. It is often included in massage oils for its relaxing properties. Lavendar is well known in the aromatherapy business, but it is just one of hundreds of available oils.

You can find many aromatherapy oils in health food stores. Oils are created from material found all over the earth, with many being used in everyday medicine in Europe and Asia. The harder it is to find the stuff the oli comes from the more money you will pay. It is always a good idea to do some reading before you shell out money on the oils.

Aromatherapy is also used in the home. Many people combine the oils with water, alcohol or other solvents and used them as cleaning products. Recipes for different blends reputed to lift or affect mood are commonly available online, as are direction for making cleaning solutions. Oils like tea tree and sage have antibacterial or antifungal properties and are best for cleaning and disinfecting.

Aromatherapy proponents use oils to make their homes smell good, to stimulate the senses and to produce a myriad of effects. A few drops in the rinse cycle can give your clothes a wonderful scent. It is common to have people make their own lotions, cleansing products or perfumes using essential oils. The advantage is that you end up with a truly unique product. Of course, if you do go about creating your own blends it is important to keep a record of your experiments, otherwise is it very difficult to repeat any given combination.

When used in conjunction with a massage some knowledge of essential oil properties is essential. Sage and peppermint can be used in a foot lotion to provide antifungal and cooling effects. Cinnamon and pepper oils provide warmth for sore, aching muscles. Lavender and orange are restful and can make a massage more relaxing. All these oils need to be cut with carrier oil such as almond oil or a good massage lotion since most oils are too strong to be used neat, or on their own. Cinnamon oil can cause burns if not cut with something else, for example.

Aromatherapy is fun to experiment with and can be an effective way to produce a number of positive effects. There are many, many books you can check out of the library to being your research.

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