Aromatherapy is the use and study of essential oils for natural health and beauty. Essential oils are derived from many parts of many different plants. Aromatherapy is totally natural, as long as the oils you use are 100% pure and from a reliable source.

Before you try any of these recipes, here are some health and safety warnings and guidelines. I know it's the boring stuff but it's better to be safe!

• Keep essential oils away from children and in a cool, dark place.
• Keep the bottles upright.
• Do not take essential oils internally.
• With the exception of tea tree and lavender, essential oils should never be applied neat to the skin.
• Always dilute them in a carrier oil of one drop of essential oil to 3ml of carrier oil.
• Make sure bottles are correctly and clearly labelled.
• Do not get the oil in your eyes. If you do, rinse with plenty of water.
• Essential oils are flammable and may also corrode polished surfaces, rubber and plastic.
• If you have an adverse reaction to an essential oil, stop using immediately and seek medical advice.
• Be aware of contra-indications, detailed below: -

The main conditions to be aware of are:

· Pregnancy
· Epilepsy - no stimulating oils
· High blood pressure - no stimulating oils
· Low blood pressure - no relaxing oils
· Respiratory problems
· Skin sensitivity
· Photo-toxicity - can encourage burning on the skin

The oils to take care of are as follows:

PREGNANCY

These oils can stimulate uterine contractions to bring about miscarriage

Fennel • Hyssop • Sage • Origanum • Aniseed • Basil • Cinnamon • Clove Bud • Myrrh • Savory • Thyme • Camphor • Marjoram • Rosemary • Juniper • Cedarwood • Nutmeg • Parsley • Lavender • Clary Sage • Peppermint • Chamomile • Rose

EPILEPSY

Sage • Fennel • Hyssop • Rosemary • Camphor • Nutmeg

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Rosemary • Sage • Hyssop • Thyme

LOW BLOOD PRESSURE

Chamomile • Cedarwood • Cypress • Fennel • Juniper • Eucalyptus • Frankincense • Geranium • Hyssop • Sandalwood

RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS

Benzoin • Eucalyptus

SKIN SENSITIVITY

Basil • Lemon • Lemongrass • Lemon • Verbena • Melissa • Peppermint • Pimento Leaf • Thyme • Tea Tree • Cinnamon Leaf • Sweet Fennel • Pine Needle • Parsley Seed • Black Pepper • Clove Bud • Grapefruit • Orange • Rosemary

PHOTO-TOXICITY

This is when certain oils react on exposure to Ultra Violet light (sun, sunbeds and solariums)

Angelica • Bergamot • Cumin • Lemon • Lime • Orange • Verbena • Mandarin • Lemongrass

· Some oils are considered to be toxic (poisonous) and should not be used in aromatherapy at all:

Bitter Almond • Bitter Fennel • Boldo Leaf • Brown Camphor • Costus • Horseradish • Sassafras • Thuja • Wintergreen

· Others have properties which require adequate training in order to use them safely:

Aniseed • Cinnamon • Clove Leaf • Hyssop • Lemongrass • Origanum • Nutmeg • Parsley Seed • Pennyroyal • Savory Red • Thyme

THE RECIPES

BATHS
Adding essential oils to a bath makes the experience even more relaxing, or invigorating, than usual. Add about five drops of your favourite oil to your bathtub, or try one of the recipes listed here (after it has filled), stir the water, and soak for at least fifteen minutes. As a general rule, do not exceed eight drops of total essential oils per bath. Please read all the warnings before using.

· BALANCING BATH
Add 2 drops rose oil, 2 drops neroli oil and 2 drops geranium oil.

· CLEANSING BATH
Add 3 drops geranium oil, 3 drops lemon oil and 2 drops petitgrain oil.

· COLD/FLU BATH
Add 5 drops eucalyptus oil, 5 drops peppermint oil and 4 drops lavender oil. Add 7 drops thyme for chest congestion.

· CONCENTRATING BATH
Add 4 drops violet oil, 2 drops rose oil and 2 drops ylang ylang oil. Eases tension and aids concentration.

· EXTRA RELAXING BATH
Add 10 drops lavender oil and 5 drops marjoram oil. Only to be used right before bed.

· FEMININE BATH
Add 4 drops ylang ylang oil and 4 drops petitgrain oil. Tension reliever, preferred by women.

· HOT SUMMER'S DAY BATH
Add 3 drops juniper oil and 3 drops patchouli oil. Best effective in a cool bath.

· INSOMNIA BATH
Add 4 drops chamomile oil and 2 drops lavender oil, 4 drops neroli oil, and 4 drops marjoram oil.

· INVIGORATING BATH
Add 3 bergamot oil, 3 drops petitgrain oil and 2 drops lemon oil. This bath is helpful for winter dullness.

· JET LAG BATH
Add 3 drops of rosemary oil, 2 drops of lemon oil and 2 drops of frankincense oil.

· MASCULINE BATH
Add 2 drops cedarwood oil, 2 drops bay oil and 2 drops lemon oil.
Can also be applied to the skin DILUTED IN CARRIER OIL before showering.

· MENS RELAXING BATH
Add 3 drops pine oil, 2 drops chamomile oil and 2 drops lemon oil.

· MENTAL CONFUSION BATH 1
Add 6 drops Melissa oil, 4 drops bergamot oil, 6 drops lemon oil, 2 drops lemongrass oil and 2 drops lavender oil.

· MENTAL CONFUSION BATH 2
Add 4 drops rosewood oil and 4 drops patchouli.

· MUSCLE ACHE BATH
Add 2 drops ginger oil, 3 drops eucalyptus oil and 4 drops rosemary oil.

· NO MORE NERVOUSNESS BATH
Add 6 drops geranium oil, 2 drops basil oil and 2 drops neroli oil.

· PAIN RELIEVING BATH
Add 2 drops geranium oil, 3 drops cypress oil and 2 drops lavender oil. Especially effective for relieving period cramps.

· PMS BATH
Add 3 drops lavender oil and 3 drops clary sage oil.

· RELAXING BATH
Add 2 drops lavender oil, 2 drops bergamot oil and 2 drops cedar wood oil.

· RELAXING BATH 2
Add 2 drops bergamot, 4 drops patchouli oil and 6 drops frankincense oil.

· REVIVING BATH
Add 2 drops orange oil, 2 frankincense oil and 2 drops geranium oil.

· SENSUOUS BATH 1
Add 3 drops jasmine oil, 3 drops of sandalwood oil and 3 drops ylang ylang oil. An intimate bath, more feminine than masculine.

· SENSUOUS BATH 2
Add 3 drops cedarwood oil, 2 drops frankincense oil and 2 drops of lime oil. Stress relieving as well as sensuous.

· SHOCK REDUCING BATH
Add 4 drops cypress oil, 2 drops sandalwood oil and 2 drops cedarwood oil.

· SOOTHING BATH
Add 2 drops galbanum oil, 2 drops lavender oil and 2 drops geranium oil. Relieves anxiety and frustration.

· SUMMER BATH
Add 3 drops lemon oil, 3 drops rosemary oil and 3 drops peppermint oil. Most effective in a cool or lukewarm bath.

· TRANQUILIZING BEFORE BED BATH
Add 2 drops neroli oil, 2 drops rose oil, 2 drops lavender oil and 2 drops ylang ylang oil. Flowery, great after a stressful day.

· WATER RETENTION BATH
Add 6 drops juniper oil, 6 drops geranium oil and 6 drops cypress oil.

· WELCOME TO THE WEEKEND BATH
Add 2 drops geranium oil, 2 drops neroli oil and 5 drops lavender oil.

FACE CARE

Essential oils can be used to treat blemishes or acne, or can be used in facemasks or washes to balance and tone healthy skin. Please read all the warnings above before using.

Acne Medication: 8 drops tea tree * 6 drops bergamot * 4 drops lavender: in .75 oz of jojoba oil. Apply to face every evening, massaging around, not on, the pimple. Mix recipe with cream for daytime use (do not go into sun while using). Add a few drops of carrot oil to the mixture after skin has cleared to reduce spotting from previous breakouts.

Dry Skin Wash: 10 drops sandalwood oil * 10 drops bois de rose oil * 10 drops lavender oil: in 2 tablespoons of avocado oil.

Hair Treatment: 2 drops rosemary oil * 1 drop lavender oil * 1 drop bay oil: in 20 ml olive oil. Use as a scalp massage, or apply to hair, cover for half an hour, and shampoo as usual.

Problem Skin Wash: 10 drops myrrh oil * 10 drop sPalma Rosa oil * 10 drops frankincense oil: in 1 tablespoon of Borage oil and 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil.

Reviving Face Mask: 2 drops petitgrain oil * 2 drops lemon oil * 2 drops ylang ylang oil: in 20 ml of iced water. Mix with enough crushed almonds to make a paste. Apply as a facemask. Let dry, then rinse off.

Sun care Blend: 14 drops lavender oil * 1 drop peppermint oil: in 4-8 oz. of cold water. Use in an atomizer on sunny days, spritzing yourself as needed.

FOOT CARE

Your feet are the most abused part of your body especially for people who spend a good deal of their time at work on their feet. Un jobs like waitressing or as a cashier, feet can become extremely sore and worn out. These recipes, coupled with massage of the foot, will restore your tired dogs to their former glory. Please read all the warnings above before using.

Aching Feet Massage: 2 drops chamomile oil * 2 drops eucalyptus oil: in 20 ml. of carrier oil. Use sweeping strokes and gentle circular pressing motion for optimal results.

Corn and Verucca Foot Massage: 2 drops lemon oil * 3 drops tea tree oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil. Use over a period of time, rather than for one night only.

Soothing Foot Massage: 4 drops lavender oil * 3 drops rosemary oil: in 20 ml. of carrier oil. Relaxes feet and refreshes fatigue.

Stimulating Foot Bath: 2 drops bay oil * 2 drops ginger oil: in a large bowl of hot water. Soak feet in mixture for ten minutes.

Therapeutic Footbath: 4 drops lemongrass oil * 4 drops lavender oil: in a large bowl of hot water. Can also be used to control excessive perspiration on the hands or feet.

MASSAGE

Perhaps the most popular way to use essential oils, massage combines the healing art of aromatherapy with the healing art of touch. Self-massage is just as effective as being massaged by another person, and lack of a partner is no excuse for not trying these relaxing recipes. Always use essential oils diluted in a carrier oil- never place them directly onto the skin. Please read all the warnings.

All -Purpose Face and Neck Massage: 3 drops violet oil * 2 drops rose oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil. Add vitamin E for extra richness.

Anti-Tension Massage: 2 drops petitgrain oil * 2 drops lavender oil * 2 drops sandalwood oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Especially effective on the neck, shoulders, and temples.

Backache Massage: 2 drops eucalyptus oil * 2 drops lavender oil * 1 drop lemon oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Focus on areas of tension with fingertips.

Bedtime Massage: 3 drops sandalwood oil * 2 drops chamomile oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil.

Calming Back Massage: 4 drops ylang ylang oil * 3 drop jasmine oil * 2 drop geranium oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil.

Circulation Improvement Massage: 6 drops lavender oil * 4 drops rosemary oil * 2 drops vetivert oil: in 4 oz. of sesame oil.

Face and Neck Massage: 2 drops galbanum oil * 3 drops neroli oil: in 20 ml carrier oil.

Hand Massage: 5 drops lime oil * 5 drops thyme oil * 5 drops eucalyptus oil * 5 drops cajuput oil: in 4 tablespoons carrier oil.

Leg Massage: 2 drops cypress oil * 2 drops lime oil * 1 drop lemon oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Massage on calves, using gentle pressure on varicose veins.

Mature Skin Massage: 2 drops myrrh oil * 2 drops lavender oil * 2 drops neroli oil: in 20 ml wheat germ oil.

Pain-Relieving Massage: 3 drops pine oil * 3 drops eucalyptus oil * 3 drops frankincense oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Especially effective on sore joints.

Relaxing Full-Body Massage: 3 drops neroli oil * 2 drops jasmine oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil.

Relaxing Massage: 2 drops geranium oil * 2 drop rose oil * 2 drops lavender oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Can be used effectively as a face and scalp massage. Relieves anxiety.

Sensual Body Massage: 2 drops patchouli oil * 3 drops geranium oil * 3 drops rose oil: in 20 ml carrier oil.

Stimulating Body Rub: 1 drop peppermint oil * 1 drop myrrh oil * 2 drops lavender oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. This is an excellent winter rub.

Summer Stimulating Massage: 2 drops lemongrass oil * 3 drops orange oil * 1 drop rosemary oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Good for back and shoulder massages.

Uplifting Massage: 2 drops bergamot oil * 2 drops orange oil * 2 drops petitgrain oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Good
early-morning body rub.

Varicose Vein Massage: 2 drops lime oil * 2 drops cedarwood oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Rub lightly, using only fingertips.

Wrinkled or Puffy Face Massage: 2 drop rose oil * 1 drop violet oil * 1 drop geranium oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Rub lightly on face, using only fingertips.

MOISTURISERS

When used in moderation, essential oils can make very effective moisturisers that can relax or invigorate. Do not use these on broken or cut skin. As a general rule, do not to exceed ten drops of total essential oils per lotion, and try to keep it around five for maximum effectiveness. Please read all the warnings before using.

Cellulite Rub: 2 drops bay oil * 2 drops lemon oil * 4 drops lavender oil: in 20 ml sesame oil.

Chapped Lips: 3 drops chamomile * 2 drops benzoin: in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.

Dull Complexion Moisturizer: 2 drops orange oil * 1 drop lemon oil * 1 drop lime oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Good also for thread veins.

Oily Skin Moisturiser: 2 drops cedarwood oil * 1 drop juniper oil: in 20 ml carrier oil.

Rich Moisturiser: 3 drops myrrh oil * 2 drops rose oil: in 20 ml carrier oil.

Stretch Mark Treatment: 1 drop frankincense oil * 1 drop sandalwood oil * 2 drop lavender oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Rub in lightly, using only fingertips.

Winter Weather Moisturiser: 2 drops patchouli oil * 2 drops sandalwood oil * 2 drops myrrh oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Use almond oil for more sensitive skin, and sunflower oil for oily skin.

STEAM FACIALS

To use essential oils in steam facials, put the correct amounts of the essential oils you are using into a bowl, and add boiling water from a teakettle. Put your face near, but not in, the steam, cover your head and the bowl with a towel, and breathe deeply for a few minutes. Please read all the warnings before using.

Combination Skin Steam Facial: 3 drops lavender oil * 3 drops geranium oil * 2 drops lemon oil: in a bowl of hot water.Very helpful for oily skin, an astringent.

Deep Moisturizing Steam Facial: 3 drops sandalwood oil * 2 drops rose oil: in a bowl of hot water. Good for normal and combination skin.

Depression and Anxiety Inhalant: 3 drops frankincense oil * 2 drops chamomile oil: in a bowl of hot water. Use with deep breathing.

Dry Skin Facial: 2 drops chamomile oil * 3 drops jasmine oil: in a bowl of hot water. Very moisturizing.

Mature Skin Steam Facial I: 2 drops neroli oil * 3 drops rose oil: in a bowl of hot water.

Mature Skin Steam Facial II: 3 drops galbanum oil * 2 drops frankincense oil: in a bowl of hot water. Deep cleaning.

Pre-Bedtime Steam Facial: 3 drops jasmine oil * 2 drops ylang ylang oil: in a bowl of hot water. Relaxing.

MISCELLANEOUS

Essential oils can be used in so many different ways. In this section, I have included all the recipes, which do not fit anywhere else. Room fresheners are included here. Please read all the warnings before using.

Carpet Deodorizer: 35 drops eucalyptus oil * 30 drops lavender oil * 25 drops rosewood oil: in 4 cups of Borax. Mix well in a bowl. Sprinkle onto carpets and let sit for 10-15 minutes. Vacuum up.

Children's Calming Mist: 10 drops allspice oil * 10 drops chamomile oil * 10 drops mandarin oil * 10 drops vetivert oil: in 4 oz. water. Mist into rooms where hyperactive children play.

Citrus Air Freshener: 20 drops orange oil * 10 drops lemon oil * 7 drops grapefruit oil * 5 drops cedar wood oil: in 4 oz. water.

Floral Air Freshener: 20 drops rose * 10 drops orange * 10 drops clove: in 4 oz of water

Guilt Reliever: 8 drops sandalwood oil * 8 drops neroli oil * 4 drops geranium oil: in 20 ml. of carrier oil. Use as a massage, paying special attention to the temples.

Insect Repellent: 10 drops jojoba oil * 10 drops geranium oil * 5 drops cedar wood oil * 5 drops sweet bay oil * 5 drops lime oil * 5 drops pine oil: in 2 oz. of vodka. Sprinkle around outside where insects are the most annoying.

Memory Lapses: If you find yourself the victim of frequent problems with your memory, use rosemary to counteract the problem. It works as a room spray, as an inhalant, or on a cold compress applied to the forehead and temples.

Mint Air Freshener: 5 drops peppermint oil * 5 drops spearmint oil * 2 drops peru balsam oil: in 4 oz. of water.

Pet's Calming Mist: 5 drops lavender oil * 5 drops chamomile oil * 2 drops mandarin oil: in 4 oz. of water.

Scent For a Winter Fire: 4 drops ginger oil * 4 drops sandalwood oil * 4 drops orange oil. Sprinkle mixture onto logs 15 minutes before starting fire.

Working Spritz- Productive: 3 drops peppermint oil * 2 drops lemon oil * 2 drops juniper oil: in 1 oz of water.

Working Spritz- Focused: 3 drops basil oil * 3 drops rosemary oil * 2 drops lemon oil: in 1 oz of water.

Working Spritz- Stress Free: 4 drops geranium oil * 4 drops lavender oil: in 1 oz of water.

Working Spritz- Clear Thinking: 3 drops rosemary oil * 3 drops lemon oil * 3 drops basil oil: in 1 oz of water.

MEDICINAL

Aromatherapy can be used to treat minor pain, in conjunction with a doctor or homoeopathist's treatment. If you are experiencing severe physical pain, or discomfort of any kind, do not rely on aromatherapy alone to alleviate your symptoms. Visit a licensed medical practitioner. Please read all the warnings before using.

Athlete's Foot: 3 drops lavender oil * 2 drops tea tree oil: in 4 oz. of hot water. Soak foot in water for at least 15 minutes.

Eucalyptus oil may be substituted for tea tree oil.

Bronchitis Bath: 6 drops eucalyptus oil * 2 drops hyssop oil * 2 drops sandalwood oil.

Bruises: 2 drops lavender oil * 2 drops fennel oil: in cold water. Wring out a cloth in the water and apply as a cold compress to affected area.

Cellulite: 5 drops fennel oil * 4 drops rosemary oil * 2 drops juniper oil * 4 drops lavender oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil.Massage into affected area.

Constipation Massage: 6 drops rosemary oil * 6 drops thyme oil: in 1 oz. olive or almond oil. Massage on abdomen in a clockwise circular motion.

Cough and Cold Treatment Bath: 3 drops tea tree oil * 2 drops lemon oil * 2 drops pine oil. Soak for at least 15 minutes in bathtub to relieve tightness and congestion.

Cramps Bath: 5 drops marjoram oil * 5 drops basil oil.

Cystitis Bath: 3 drops lavender oil * 3 drops sandalwood oil * 2 drops cedarwood oil.

Dermatitis Bath: 4 drops geranium oil * 2 drops juniper oil * 2 drops lavender oil.

Diarrhoea Massage: 5 drops lavender oil * 5 drops patchouli oil * 5 drops cypress oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil. Massage onto abdomen in a clockwise motion.

Eczema Massage: 3 drops bergamot oil * 3 drops geranium oil * 6 drops juniper oil * 3 drop lavender oil: in 20 ml massage oil.

Fever Compress: 3 drops tea tree oil * 2 drops bergamot oil: in 4 oz of iced water. Wring out a piece of fabric in water, and apply to forehead or back of neck. Re-apply when it has warmed to body temperature.

Hangover Bath: 3 drops rosemary oil * 3 drops rosewood oil.

Hangover Compress: 1 drop peppermint oil * 1 drop rosewood oil * 1 drop lavender oil: on a cool, wet rag. Apply to temples for ten minutes.

Headache Inhalant: 1 drop rose oil * 1 drop basil oil * 1 drop orange oil * 1 drop rosemary oil.

Haemorrhoids Bath: 5 drops cypress oil * 3 drops juniper oil * 3 drops frankincense oil.

Hives Massage: 4 drops chamomile oil * 4 drops melissa oil: in 20 ml carrier oil.

Hot All-Purpose Poultice: 5 drops cypress oil: in 4 oz. of hot water. Wring out a piece of fabric in the water. Apply to stomach for stomachache or period cramps.

Indigestion Massage: 4 drops peppermint oil * 4 drops marjoram oil * 4 drops coriander oil * 4 drops fennel oil * 4 drops basil oil: in 1 oz olive oil. Massage gently into stomach.

Inflammation-Reducing Compress: 3 drops clary sage oil * 2 drops geranium oil: in 4 oz. iced water. Wring out a piece of fabric in water, and apply to forehead or back of neck. Re-apply when it has warmed to body temperature.

Insect Bites: 1 tbsp. Aloe Vera * 5 drops chamomile oil. Apply to affected area until skin no longer itches.

Muscle Pain Poultice I: 3 drops ginger oil * 3 drops eucalyptus oil: in 600 ml hot water. Wring out a piece of fabric in water, and apply to forehead or back of neck. Re-apply when it has cooled to body temperature.

Muscle Pain Poultice II: 3 drops petit grain oil * 2 drops eucalyptus oil: in 600 ml hot water. Wring out a piece of fabric in water, and apply to forehead or back of neck. Re-apply when it has cooled to body temperature. Good for period cramps.

Nausea Inhalant: 1 drop lavender oil * 1 drop peppermint oil.

Puffy Eyes: 1 drop chamomile oil: on a cool, damp ball of cotton wool. Apply to closed eyes for ten minutes.

Period Cramp Poultice: 3 drops juniper oil * 2 drops clary sage oil: in 600 ml of hot water. Wring out a piece of fabric in water, and apply to forehead or back of neck. Re-apply when it has cooled to body temperature.

Pre-Menstrual Stress Massage Oil: 10 drops rose oil * 8 drops ylang ylang oil * 7 drops bergamot oil * 5 drop geranium oil: in 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. Rub gently onto abdomen, using more massage oil if needed (do not increase essential oil amounts).

Skin Rash Compress: 3 drops cedar wood oil * 2 drops lavender oil: in 600 ml iced water. Wring out a piece of fabric in water, and apply to forehead or back of neck. Re-apply when it has warmed to body temperature.

Sore Eyes: 1 drops fennel oil: on a cool, damp ball of cotton wool. Apply to closed eyes for ten minutes.

Sprained Ankle Massage: 5 drops chamomile oil * 5 drops peppermint oil * 5 drops cypress oil: in 3 tablespoons of carrier oil.

Sunburn Bath: 6 drops peppermint oil * 4 drops lavender oil.

Tired Eyes: 1 drop chamomile oil: on a cool, damp ball of cotton wool. Apply to closed eyes for ten minutes.

Urinary Tract Infection Bath: 10 drops eucalyptus oil * 10 drops sandalwood oil. Add to a lukewarm bath.

Varicose Vein Bath: 5 drops cypress oil * 5 drops geranium oil.

All recipes kindly donated by Natz P

Disclaimer: Neither Lee nor Cathryn can be held responsible for anything untoward that should happen after you try these recipes and techniques.