Aromatherapy to Relax or Recharge - Part 2

I just love essential oils: their benefits, their intriguing fragrances, and the fact that they can be used in a myriad of ways whether it be physical, mental, spiritual, or for the home. The following formulas are what I call my "harmonizing aromatherapeutic oil blends" which can be adjusted to suit your particular emotional and physical needs. You may want to create all three versions so that you'll have the appropriate one on hand when you need it. CAUTION: These formulas are for inhalation only. Do not apply directly to the skin; they may cause irritation.



Base Ingredient:



1 tablespoon unrefined almond, jojoba, apricot kernel, or hazelnut oil. Jojoba oil will have the longest shelf life of several years. The other oils will keep, unrefrigerated, for up to 1 year.



Calming Blend: For excess stress, restlessness, or trouble sleeping, or if the weather outside is cold, dry, and irritating to your body, add 1/2 teaspoon lavender, 1/2 teaspoon sweet orange, 1/2 teaspoon sweet marjoram, and 1/2 teaspoon bergamot essential oils.



Cooling Blend: For times of irritability, impatience, fiery disposition, or chaos, or if the weather outside is hot and uncomfortable and your skin is extra sensitive, red, itchy, and inflamed, add 1 teaspoon lavender, 1/2 teaspoon German chamomile, and 1/2 teaspoon rose geranium essential oils.



Stimulating Blend: If you're feeling slow and lethargic, in need of an energetic lift, and maybe a bit congested, or if the weather is dreary, cool, and damp, add 1/2 teaspoon basil, 1/2 teaspoon lemon, 1/2 teaspoon peppermint, and 1/2 teaspoon rosemary essential oils.

Blending Directions: Combine the base oils with the blend of your choice in a 2-ounce, dark-colored glass bottle and cap tightly. The blend needs one week to synergize and develop, so shake your formula vigorously twice daily for 7 days. After one week, place a few drops on a soft handkerchief or tissue and inhale the comforting herbal aroma as needed. The aroma can also be inhaled directly from the bottle.

NOTE: The information for this article was sourced from the book, "Organic Body Care Recipes", by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Publishing, 2007. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author. The author disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only. Please use appropriate caution when working with essential oils.