Learn the Fragrant Art of Aromatherapy

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Shop around to find the many aromatherapy massage oils, bath oils, and skin- and hair-care products that are available these days. You also can buy pure essential oils to make your own creations. When you go to buy essential oils, you’ll notice that they vary greatly in price. Their cost is reflected in how difficult the plants are to cultivate and the oils to produce. When you consider that it takes about 600 pounds of rose petals to produce a single ounce of rose oil, it’s no wonder rose oil is so expensive.

EASY, EVERYDAY AROMATHERAPY

One simple way to use aromatherapy is as a bath oil. Add 3 to 6 drops of pure essential oil to the bathtub (or to a Jacuzzi or hot tub — it won’t corrode if it’s pure essential oil). You also can make a massage and body oil by adding 6 to 8 drops of essential oil to 1 ounce of any vegetable oil or a commercial, unscented massage oil base. Because they are so light, sweet almond oil and jojoba oil are especially good as massage oils. Be careful when using peppermint, cinnamon and citrus oils, especially orange, in skin products. These are “hot” oils that can redden skin and produce a burning sensation.

Fill a room with fragrance by gently simmering a pot of water and adding a few drops of essential oil, which will dissipate into the air. You also can purchase an electric aromatherapy diffuser to which you can add your own essential oil. Place water in the receptacle and add a few drops of essential oil. A candle diffuser also will work, although the scent usually will last only an hour or so. Combine different oils if you’re feeling creative.

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Although they’re often less expensive, avoid synthetic versions, which also can be labeled “essential oils.” The increasing popularity of aromatherapy means there are many products available, but even some of those sold in health-food stores are made with synthetics. Aromatherapists worry about the effect of these oils’ synthetic ingredients, especially since many of them contain petroleum compounds and other potential toxins.

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