Your mind is a beautiful thing. Its ability to recall moments from the depths of your past is unbelievable and unique.
Even more fascinating is your mind’s ability to recall these events and good memories on a whim, simply through different visual cues or even scents which are linked with those specific memories.
Once your mind links a certain memory to a scent, it is able to recall that memory and all of the feelings associated with it instantly when that specific scent is detected.
Have you ever noticed a specific aroma, like honeysuckle or pumpkin spice, and were instantly transported to your childhood or high school years?
It happens to all of us, and the best part is that this momentary transition is timeless and without any limitations. It’s truly beautiful.
Most of the time these moments occur on their own without our direct influence, like when you are on your way to work and pass by a bakery, then suddenly get an image of your grandmother baking delicious homemade bread when you were ten.
But there is a way to produce these memories intentionally. It’s called aromatherapy. This art involves using specific oils and scents to induce these relaxing moments and help your mind de-stress, your body unwind, and your spirit revitalize.
There are a few different ways to use scents and plant extracts for this purpose. You can create a mixture at home and relax while clearing your mind or you can make a mixture with a carrier oil which you can apply to your skin to induce a relaxed state throughout your day.
Which carrier oils should be used?
Applying undiluted essential oil directly to your skin or any other part of your body is not a good idea. Doing so will create an overpowering smell which will cloud your senses.
Instead of helping you heal and relax, they will irritate and annoy you, defeating the purpose of aromatherapy.
You will need to mix some essential oils together with carrier oils before applying the mixture to your skin. These oils are used simply to deliver your essential mixture onto your skin.
Carrier oils usually do not have any scent to them, although some variations can contain a very slight hint of the original plant which was used to derive the oil.
Another reason why carrier oils are perfect for scent delivery is because of their thick molecular structure.
Since the molecules of carrier oils are rather large in size, the oil doesn’t penetrate your skin easily, this allows for the scent which is mixed into the oil to reside on your skin and keep you connected to the relaxing memories and feelings.
This is the only common property between all carrier oils. The differences between them include how thick the oil is, the types of vitamins and minerals that they carry, and the types of compounds found in the oil that may promote healing and well-being.
Some oils contain elements in them which make them perfect for improving your skin’s condition. They contain healing fatty acids such as omeg-3 which can rejuvenate and revitalize your skin’s conditions.
Furthermore, some nut oils have increased levels of Vitamin A and E, which are absolutely vital to keep your skin healthy and elastic.
Some call these oils “fixed” oils, which makes sense because they don’t evaporate or dissipate like essential oils do.
Another variation between oils is whether they are saturated or unsaturated. If oil is well saturated this means it is thicker and isn’t absorbed into your skin as easily, meaning it stays on the surface of your skin for a longer amount of time.
Unsaturated oils give you the illusion that they get absorbed by your skin very quickly, but in reality, these oils simply evaporate rapidly and just look like they are being absorbed into your skin.
The reason for choosing one oil type over another completely depends on your application purposes.
If you are interested in using aromatic oils during a massage session then a saturated oil is most likely the best choice because it will keep your skin nice and oiled throughout the whole session, all while releasing the scents of the mixed in essential oils.
Other situations, like a quick oil rub before heading out to work or the gym, call for unsaturated oils because you want to feel less sticky and oily throughout the day.
Each situation will demand a specific type of oil saturation, and with time you will be able to quickly determine the best type to choose.
Finally, the color and light smell of carrier oils can also be a deciding factor. While generally very faint, all oils will have some sort of base scent.
It is important to choose base oils which will work well with whatever essential oil you are planning to mix with it.
Oils that have been unrefined are generally a bad idea, as they usually smell very strongly of food and we don’t think you want that effect unless you like smelling of freshly cooked French fries.
Cold-pressed oils are always best since they are always kept well below 110 degrees. Exceeding this temperature can damage oils, and you should not use these oils for aromatherapy.
It is always best to use natural, organic oils as they will give you the most benefits when working with scents and aromas.
How to mix essential oil blends
Creating fragrance oils and scented blends isn’t really too difficult of a task, but you have to be patient and take time when you are creating these mixtures.
Start with the carrier oil, we suggest about one-ounce worth, and then add just one drop of the essential oil you wish to start with, mix everything up well and take a sniff.
Don’t overdo it. You need to only get the hint of the scent from the mixture so that you can figure out what other essential oils to add. The final result is completely up to you.
If you are looking for something more spicy or rugged, go ahead and experiment until you are where you want to be. Although we do suggest more mellow and smooth scents, something relaxing and calming.
Aromatherapy is all about recalling good feelings and memories, but discovering which scents bring those feeling and memories up will need to be done by you. No one knows what scents you are linked to except you.
When should essential oils be used?
Now that you know how to use carrier oils, you might also need some examples on how to mix carrier oils with essential oils or how to use essential oils by themselves without the support of carrier oils.
Keep in mind, there are no limitations. If you think that using essential oil works in whatever situation you want to use it in, then the best thing to do is to try it and see if it works for you.
In the meantime, here are some examples of perfect moments to use essential oils to get you started:
Saunas
It might sound a bit odd to use aromatic substances in a sweaty sauna, but trust us with this one.
Adding a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil to a cup of water and then pouring some of it onto a heat source to release the scent into the air can do wonders for your body and even your sore muscles.
This will also create a scented environment which will allow you to relax more and feel better both mentally and physically.
Homemade Air Freshener
This is a very effective way to substitute those expensive and sometimes potentially harmful store-bought air fresheners.
Simply grab a spray bottle, add six drops of an essential oil of your choice, fill it with water, shake well, and go to town on items or locations in your home. Try not to use this formula on wood and upholstered furniture as it might stain.
Handkerchief
There is absolutely nothing wrong with adding one drop of scented oil to your most used handkerchief and applying it to your nose.
Depending on the type of oil you use, this can induce relaxation, can calm you down, or can de-stress you on demand. This is perfect for on-the-go applications.
Steam
This is similar to the sauna method but can be done anywhere in the home. Boil about two quarts of water, add a few drops of essential oil, and make a towel tent over the pot with your head underneath and inhale the fragrance over the next ten minutes.
Be very careful not to burn yourself when you choose to use this method. This can be perfect for those who have succumbed to an irritating cold or have blocked up sinuses, using the correct oil and can deliver relief in a matter of minutes. This can also be an excellent way to deep cleanse your skin.
Baths
There is almost nothing more relaxing than a nice hot bath at an end of a long, work-filled day. You can make this experience even more stress reducing via the use of some essential oils.
The best way to do this is either by mixing a few drops of your favorite scented oils with about a teaspoon of carrier oil or by adding it to your body soap. Shake the mixture together very well and introduce it to your bath.
The same can be done with Epsom salts or even baking soda. Add about ten drops of your essential oil mix, one cup of either Epsom salt or baking soda, shake everything in a sealed bag, and add it to your bath. Just ten minutes in this bath mixture will re-energize you and get you ready for tomorrow.
Massage
We all know the wonders that a proper massage can do for your body and mind. With the addition of scented oils, this experience can be taken to a whole new level.
Mix about fifteen drops of the essential oil of your choice with about one ounce of grapeseed oil and proceed to use it as you would any other massage oil. Your body and mind will experience relaxation like you have never thought was possible.
Which essential oils should I start with?
Deciding where to start can be a bit daunting if you don’t have any prior knowledge of essential oils. Here is a short list of a few essential oils which you should have in your apothecary. Each one of these has its own beneficial properties.
Lavender
Lavender contains anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antidepressant, antiseptic, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties.
Marjoram
Marjoram works as a natural analgesic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, antiseptic, antibacterial, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, and vasodilator.
Tea tree
Tea tree oil has antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, balsamic, cicatrisantic, expectorant, fungicidal, and insecticidal properties.
Peppermint
Peppermint can reduce stomach aches, relieve headaches, improve mental focus, clear the respiratory tract, releases tight muscles, and boost energy.
Bergamot
Bergamot has antibiotic, disinfectant, analgesic, digestive, and vermifugal properties.
Rosemary
Rosemary has analgesic, antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
The above oils aren’t the only oils you should consider. There are many other beneficial and useful essential oils which can help with your overall health and well-being.
You should consider researching the right oils for your specific needs so that you are utilizing the most beneficial oils for you.
Guide to Aromatherapy Using Essential Oils Review Summary
Aromatherapy is a wonderful art. With the right amount of research and a little bit of dedication, you can improve your life greatly. The best part is that this art doesn’t require countless hours to perfect.
All it takes is a few minutes of preparation and patient discovery to create the scent mixtures you find most relaxing. Another wonderful aspect of aromatherapy is the price.
The cost of essential oils and carrier oils is rather affordable, which means anyone can benefit from all the wonderful things this art and therapy combination has to offer.
Do your research, find the best scented oils for your needs, spend just a few dollars, and enjoy your newly found practice to its fullest extent. No limitations, no barriers, just you, your mind and your creativity.
