Heather Rowe • November 9, 2023
Aromatherapy for Newbies!
Aromatherapy is a practice that uses the power of scent to heal and transform. Essential oils, the concentrated essence of plants, are the heart of aromatherapy. Each essential oil has its unique properties and can be used to address a variety of physical, emotional, and spiritual issues.
If you're new to aromatherapy, below are nine tips to help you get started!
- Choose your essential oils with care. When selecting essential oils, it's important to choose high-quality, pure, and unadulterated oils. Avoid synthetic fragrances and perfumes, as they can be harmful. Check out your local all-natural grocers for safe selections.
- Dilute essential oils before using them topically (on your skin). Essential oils are very potent and can irritate the skin if used undiluted. A good rule of thumb is to add 2-3 drops of essential oil to 1 ounce of carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil. I have sensitive skin and rosacea, and I use tea tree oil mixed with some rosehip oil on my face regularly.
- Do a patch test before using any new essential oil. This will help to determine if you have an allergic reaction to the oil. To do a patch test, apply a small amount of diluted essential oil to the inside of your forearm (I always use my inner elbow fold!) and wait 24 hours. If you experience any redness, itching, or burning, discontinue use of the oil.
- Use aromatherapy to create a mystical atmosphere in your home. Add a few drops of essential oil to your diffuser to fill your home with a calming and uplifting aroma. You can even use essential oils to create your own natural cleaning products and air fresheners. I use a pyrex liquid measuring cup with one cup of water to 7+ drops of lemon oil (I like strong scents but follow your nose!) and microwave it for 1-2 minutes to easily wipe up microwave messes and freshen it up.
- Enhance your spiritual practice with aromatherapy. Essential oils can be used to create a sacred space for meditation, prayer, and other spiritual practices. Choose essential oils that promote relaxation, focus, and connection to the divine. Lavender is an absolute favorite of mine for this.
- Use aromatherapy to support your emotional well-being. Essential oils can be used to address a variety of emotional issues, such as stress, anxiety, depression, and grief. Choose essential oils that promote feelings of calm, joy, and peace. Lavender is a good one for calm, as are bergamot, lemon, spearmint, and ylang-ylang.
- Use aromatherapy to promote physical healing. Essential oils can be used to support the body's natural healing process. Choose essential oils that have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties. Thyme, eucalyptus, and peppermint work well.
- Use aromatherapy to boost your energy and immunity. Essential oils can help to improve your mood, increase your energy levels, and strengthen your immune system. Choose essential oils that are invigorating and stimulating. Lemon, lime, grapefruit, and pine are recommendations.
- Use aromatherapy to connect with the magic of nature. Essential oils are a gift from Mother Earth. Take time to appreciate the beauty and fragrance of each oil and allow its magic to work within you. I am obsessed (my husband would probably say "addicted") to woodsy essential oil scents. I love all of the tree scents, particularly cedar and black spruce. I love making my home smell like a forest, especially when I haven't been in one for a bit!
As you explore the magical world of aromatherapy, trust your intuition and experiment with different oils and blends to find what works best for you. With a little knowledge and practice, you can use aromatherapy to enhance your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Here are some additional bonus tips to enhance your magical aromatherapy practice:
- Cleanse your space. Before you begin using aromatherapy, take some time to cleanse your space physically and energetically. This will help to create a clear and receptive environment for the magic to unfold.
- Set an intention. Before you use an essential oil, take a moment to set an intention. What do you want to achieve with this oil? Are you looking to relax, heal, or connect with your higher self? Help with anxiety and stress relief? Want to feel happier?
- Be mindful. When you inhale an essential oil, take a few deep, mindful breaths. Allow the scent to fill your lungs and circulate throughout your body. Feel the energy of the oil shifting your consciousness.
- Enjoy the journey. Aromatherapy is a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Relax, enjoy the process, and let the magic work within you.
To learn more, check out these books: "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, Revised and Expanded: Over 800 Natural, Nontoxic, and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health, Beauty, and Safe Home and Work Environments" here on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3SnFPfN or "The Beginner's Guide to Essential Oils: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started" here on Amazon: https://amzn.to/42rBAEn.
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