Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from plants (flowers, herbs, or trees) as a complementary health approach. The essential oils are most often used by inhaling them or by applying a diluted form to the skin. Many essential oils are used in aromatherapy, including those from Roman chamomile, geranium, lavender, tea tree, lemon, ginger, cedarwood, and bergamot. Aromatherapy is sometimes used for insomnia, but we don’t know whether it’s helpful because little rigorous research has been done on this topic. Aromatherapy is sometimes incorporated into massage therapy for various conditions, such as knee pain from osteoarthritis or pain, anxiety, and other symptoms in people with cancer. One study of aromatherapy using two contrasting scents, lemon and lavender, in people under stress found that lemon had a positive effect on mood but neither scent affected stress indicators, biochemical markers of immune system changes, or pain control.
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. Sometimes it’s called essential oil therapy. Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils medicinally to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit. It enhances both physical and emotional health.
Aromatherapy is based on the usage of aromatic materials, including essential oils, and other aroma compounds, with claims for improving psychological or physical well-being.[rx] It is offered as a complementary therapy or as a form of alternative medicine, the first meaning alongside standard treatments,[rx] the second instead of conventional, evidence-based treatments.[rx]
Aromatherapists, people who specialize in the practice of aromatherapy, utilize blends of supposedly therapeutic essential oils that can be used as topical application, massage, inhalation or water immersion. There is no good medical evidence that aromatherapy can either prevent, treat, or cure any disease.[rx] Placebo-controlled trials are difficult to design, as the point of aromatherapy is the smell of the products. There is disputed evidence that it may be effective in combating postoperative nausea and vomiting.[rx][rx]
Indications and Types
- Acupressure
- Acupuncture
- Alkaline diet
- Anthroposophic medicine
- Apitherapy
- Applied kinesiology
- Aromatherapy
- Association for Research and Enlightenment
- Auriculotherapy
- Bates method
- Black salve
- Bodywork
- Bonesetter
- Bowen technique
- Breathwork
- Camel urine
- Fake COVID-19 treatments
- Cancer treatments
- Charcoal cleanse
- Chiropractic
- Chiropractic treatment techniques
- Vertebral subluxation
- Christian Science
- Chromotherapy
- Colon cleansing
- Coffee enema
- Colorpuncture
- Colloidal silver
- Craniosacral therapy
- Crystal healing
- Cupping therapy
- Dental amalgam controversy
- Detoxification
- Foot detox
- Dry needling
- Ear candling
- Energy medicine
- Correactology
- Esoteric energy
- Therapeutic touch
- Fabunan Antiviral Injection
- Facilitated communication
- Feldenkrais Method
- Functional medicine
- Hair analysis
- Herbal medicine
- Holistic dentistry
- Hologram bracelet
- Homeopathy
- Bach flower remedies
- Biological terrain assessment
- Hypnotherapy
- Iridology
- Ionized jewelry
- Jilly Juice
- Lightning Process
- Hypnotherapy
- Medical intuitive
- Mesmerism
- Magnet therapy
- Manual therapy
- Megavitamin therapy
- Mind-body interventions
- MMS
- Myofascial release
- NATE
- Naturopathy
- Oil pulling
- Orgone
- Orthomolecular medicine
- Orthopathy
- Osteomyology
- Osteopathy
- Ozone therapy
- Parapsychology
- Phrenology
- Psychic surgery
- Psychodermatology
- Quantum healing
- Radionics
- Rapid prompting method
- RBOP
- Reiki
- Reflexology
- Rolfing
- Scientific racism
- ThetaHealing
- Thought Field Therapy
- Urophagia
- Vaginal steaming
- Vision therapy
- Vitalism
- Youngblood transfusion
- Zero balancing
Aromatherapy Massage, Body, and Facial Oils
Aromatherapy massage, body, and facial oils use vegetable and/or infused oils as their core base. They can be made up of one or several base oils, depending upon the problem you are addressing. You can also add essential oils to aromatherapy massage, body, and facial oils.
Cold-pressed vegetable oils are used in aromatherapy practice. Examples include sunflower (Helianthius annuus), sweet almond (Prunis dulcis), jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis), and grapeseed (Vitis vinifera).
Examples of infused oils include St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) and calendula (Calendula officinalis).
RECOMMENDED DILUTION RATES FOR AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE AND BODY OILS
Dilution rates are the number of essential oils per one ounce of base oil.
| DILUTION RATE (%) | ADULTS | INFANTS/CHILDREN |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5-1 | – | 3-6 drops |
| 2.5 | 15 drops | – |
| 3 | 20 drops | – |
| 5 | 30 drops | – |
| 10 | 60 drops | – |
RECOMMENDED DILUTION RATES FOR AROMATHERAPY FACIAL OILS (ADULT USE ONLY)
Dilution rates are the number of essential oils per one ounce of base oil.
| DILUTION RATE (%) | SENSITIVE SKIN | NORMAL SKIN |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5-1 | 3 – 6 drops | – |
| 1 – 2.5 | – | 6-15 drops |
You can use aromatherapy massage, body, and facial oils for:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Chronic pain
- Acute pain
- Muscular and joint pain
- Inflammation
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Relaxation
- Pregnancy massage*
- Childbirth massage*
- Sprains
- Sport injuries
- Skin disorders
- And many other problems!
*consult an aromatherapy massage practitioner qualified in this specialist area of massage for further advice.
Aromatherapy Creams and Lotions
Aromatherapy creams and lotions can be used for either your face or your body. You can purchase an unscented white lotion or cream base from a cosmetic supplier and then add your own blend of essential oils to it. Alternatively, you can learn to make your own cream or lotion base first, and then add your blend of essential oils to it.
RECOMMENDED DILUTION RATES FOR AROMATHERAPY CREAMS AND LOTIONS
Dilution rates are the number of essential oils per one ounce of base oil.
| DILUTION RATE (%) | SENSITIVE SKIN/INFANTS AND CHILDREN | NORMAL SKIN |
| 0.5 – 1 | 3 – 6 drops | – |
| 1 – 2.5 | – | 6 – 15 drops |
| 3 | – | 20 drops |
| 5 | – | 30 drops |
| 10 | – | 60 drops |
You can use aromatherapy creams and lotions for:
- Skincare
- Skin issues such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis
- Wound healing
- Scar reduction and appearance
- Toning the skin
- Improving circulation
- Soften and soothe the skin
- Emotional issues
- Balance sebum production
- Skin aging
- Detoxification of the skin
- Skin hydration.
Aromatherapy Baths
You can add aromatherapy, in the form of essential oils, vegetable oils, and salts to the bath, if you use a suitable dispersing agent. A dispersing agent, such as a soluble, coconut emulsifier, or bath gel, helps to ensure that the essential oils, vegetable oils, and bath salts are properly diluted in the bathwater.
In general, you can use approximately 2 -12 drops of essential oil to one teaspoon of the dispersing agent, depending upon the essential oil and/or the dispersing agent. Note that vegetable oils will make the bathtub slippery.
Aromatherapy baths are useful for:
- Stress and anxiety relief
- Helping with chronic pain
- Helping with muscle and joint pain
- Improving stiffness
- Detoxifying
- Stimulating circulation (including lymph)
- Skin health
- Fatigue and exhaustion.
Aromatherapy Steam Inhalation
Aromatherapy steam inhalation is particularly useful for colds, flu, sinus infections, and congestion in the nose and chest. It may also help with respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis.
Adult Use: To make an aromatherapy steam inhalation:
- Add up to 6 drops of essential oil (adult use) to each ounce of boiling water.
- Fill up a bowl with the required amount of water.
- Place the bowl on a table and sit down at the table.
- Cover your head with a towel.
- Lean over the bowl and breathe through your nose.
- Make sure to keep your eyes closed.
- Discontinue immediately if irritation occurs.
Suggested essential oils for adult use for aromatherapy steam inhalation include blue gum eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), lemon (Citrus x limon), and thyme ct. linalool (Thymus vulgaris ct. linalool).
For Use with Children (5 years and up): Adult supervision is recommended at all times. To make an aromatherapy steam inhalation:
- Add 2- 3 drops of essential oil to each ounce of boiling water.
- Fill up a bowl with the required amount of water.
- Place the bowl on a table and sit your child down at the table.
- Cover their head with a towel.
- Help your child to lean over the bowl and instruct them to breathe through their nose.
- Make sure your child keeps their eyes closed.
- Discontinue immediately if irritation occurs.
Suggested essential oils for adult use for aromatherapy steam inhalation include rosalina (Melaleuca ericifolia), lemon (Citrus x limon), and sweet orange (Citrus sinensis).
Aromatherapy Sprays
Aromatherapy sprays are made up of essential oils, water, and a dispersant such as a solubol. The soluble ensures that the essential oils are diluted properly in the water. Use aromatherapy sprays as body and facial sprays, to energize or clear space, as a room spray, in massage practice, or simply to cleanse the air. They can be used for both emotional and physical problems.
Note that hydrosols are different to aromatherapy sprays. Hydrosols are the complete plant distillate extracted directly from the plant. An aromatherapy spray is a combination of essential oils added to [distilled] water.
Add up to 15 drops of an essential oil blend to one ounce of [distilled] water. If you’re using aromatherapy spray on your face, use half of this amount.
Aromatherapy Diffusion
There are many different types of aromatherapy diffusers. Check the aromatherapy manufacturer’s guidelines for instructions for use, before adding an essential oil blend.
Use an aromatherapy diffuser for:
- Stress and anxiety
- Setting the mood (romantic, seasonal etc.)
- Insomnia
- Purify the air
- Increase motivation
- Reduce fatigue
- Increase mental alertness
- Relaxation
The essential oil blend that you use will dictate different outcomes.
Always make sure that you are aware of your surroundings before setting up an aromatherapy diffuser, particularly in a public or shared space. Pay attention to:
- Chemical sensitivities of others
- Allergies of others
- Pregnant women
- Babies and young children
- Pets
- Seniors
- People with medical conditions.
Different types of inhalation
Direct inhalation
This is one of the simplest ways of using aromatherapy – inhaling an essential oil (or essential oil blend) direct from a tissue, cotton-ball, or direct from the bottle. This is a good method to use in situations of shock, grief, anxiety, panic attacks, and respiratory conditions that require immediate attention.
| Method of Application | Amount of Essential Oils | Instructions for Use |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Inhalation (Tissue or Cotton-ball) | 2 – 4 drops | Hold tissue/cotton ball in the palms of the hand and take a couple of deep breaths through the nose. Alternatively, take a few “bunny-sniffs.” Use as needed. |
|
Direct Inhalation (Bottle) |
3 – 5 drops | Add a total number of drops of the essential oil blend to a small bottle. Cap and shake. Uncap and waft gently under the nose. Inhale deeply once or twice, or sniff gently. Use as needed. |
Direct palm inhalation: Direct palm inhalation is the act of placing the essential oil blend directly onto the palm of your hands and inhaling it. Again, this is a great technique for the symptoms of acute emotional distress. It can encourage you to relax, breathe, and uplift or calm.
Safety Note: Only gentle essential oils such as lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) should be used for direct palm application. Avoid “hot” or caustic essential oils for this method of application.
Inhaler tubes: Inhaler tubes are a popular method of aromatherapy use for on-the-go. They are portable, discreet, and easy to use. Inhaler tubes can be used for respiratory problems, emotional issues, panic attacks, anxiety, shock, grief, and colds.
From Where To Buy
- PREMIUM THERAPEUTIC GRADE CITRONELLA OIL:SVA Organics Citronella Oil is obtained by steam distillation extraction of Cymbopogon Winterianus grass. It is 100% Pure & Natural, Authentic, steam distilled Citronella Essential Oil. Our CITRONELLA Oil is not tested on Animals. We care for you!
- EXTERMELY BENEFICIAL FOR AROMATHERAPY: Steam Distilled Citronella Oil has a soothing scent that wakes up your mind and spirit. Just add a few drops to a bath or in a diffuser and get relieve from stress throughout the day. Its soothing & calming aroma makes it one of the best essential oils for aromatherapy & massage practices.
- AMAZING FOR YOUR SKIN CARE: SVA Organics Citronella Oil is not just a perfumery oil for massage and aromatherapy, it can be beneficial for nourishing your skin as well. You can apply it topically to experience incredible benefits of citronella oil that makes your skin smooth & naturally healthy. It protects your skin against environmental factors and improves skin elasticity.
- PERFECT FOR HAIR CARE: Citronella Oil is perfect essential oil for your hair care formulations. It is good to use topically for hair & scalp as it stimulates hair growth, nourish dry scalp & improves hair thickness. It has been used in cosmetic formulations & beauty products like skin creams, lotions, soaps, hair shampoo, hair conditioners and more.
- 100% AUTHENTIC & RISK FREE PURCHASE: SVA Organics is committed to providing our customers with high quality authentic products that deliver an extraordinary experience. In a time when quality seems to be compromised by price by others, we are determined to be different and continue to offer the genuine quality we are known for. If you are ever unsatisfied with the quality of the product, you will receive a guaranteed full refund/replacement from us.
or
- HIGH QUALITY CITRONELLA OIL: 100% pure, gentle, and effective natural citronella essential oil. No toxins, additives. Unfiltered and undiluted. Therapeutic grade. Steam distilled. Non-GMO. Sourced in Indonesia. Packaged & bottled in the USA.
- MADE WITH LOVE: UpNature was founded by two brothers with a vision to provide 100% all natural products for easy, effective, & natural solutions for health & well-being, so everybody can live happier and healthier lives.
- GREAT FOR AROMATHERAPY: Place in a diffuser to help prevent and treat fevers and headaches, and help remove toxins! Also a natural diuretic.
- SAFETY PRECAUTION: For external use only. Recommended Essential Oil Safety is to dilute with a carrier oil before applying to your skin to minimize adverse reactions. We recommend that you patch test the oils for topical use. Dilute a small amount of the essential oil with a carrier oil of choice to clean skin on the inside of your elbow or wrist. Cover with a bandage and leave for 24 hours. If a rash or redness appears, discontinue use of product.
- 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE: We offer a full 100% 365 days money back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with Up Nature Citronella Oil, we will refund your entire purchase.
References
