By Mattie MacDonald


Think about how the smell of cinnamon, vanilla or freshly cut grass makes you feel. It can bring back certain memories or make you feel happy, relaxed or energized. This is because the sense of smell is more powerful than any of the other senses. Learn how to use essential oils at home and you can channel this sense for therapeutic purposes too.

Aromatherapy is based on the idea that certain smells can have certain effects on the body. The right smell can help you relax, lift your spirits and energy levels, fight infections or reduce pain. It's not a substitute for proper medical treatment when you're suffering from serious ailments but it can help reduce those everyday aches and pains.

The main tool used in aromatherapy is different essential oils. They contain the basic fragrance of a plant in a highly concentrated form. There are different ways to produce these oils. Most often, the flowers, roots or leaves of a certain plant are heated up and then distilled to get the concentrated fragrance. Some plants, however, contain quite a bit of oil and you simply have to squeeze it out. Citrus fruits are an example.

Another important tool to have is an aromatherapy burner. It has a container in which you place a few drops of oil and a candle underneath to heat up the oil. This causes vapors to be released. If you're looking for something to help you focus, look no further than a few drops of grapefruit or basil oil in your aromatherapy burner.

You can use your essential oil on your skin too. However, oils are too strong to use on their own and you need to dilute them with a carrier oil such as grapeseed or almond oil. Tea tree oil is great for treating wounds because of its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. For sore muscles, massage the skin with an oil containing lavender, pine or clary sage.

When you're suffering from a winter cold, there's a great way to open up clogged sinuses and relieve coughing. Simply add some peppermint and eucalyptus oil to a steam inhaler and let the vapors do their work. If you don't have a steam inhaler, use a bowl of boiling water instead, with a towel over your head to trap the steam. Add some lavender oil too to help you sleep.

If you like making your own cosmetics, try experimenting with aromatherapy oils too. Add a few drops of your favorite to a facial mask or a hair conditioner. It's also incredibly easy to make your own signature fragrance by mixing the combination of oils you like best with a base of alcohol, such as vodka or rubbing alcohol. Let this mixture develop for a week or two and shake it daily to spread the fragrance throughout the bottle.

Many chain stores sell basic aromatherapy oils such as tea tree and lavender. You'll find a greater variety at your local chemist or health-food store. If you're looking for a very specialized oil, though, it's best to order it online.




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