By Nancy Sim

Want to relieve some stress—perhaps the kind that comes from an exhausting spouse or an egotistical boss? Instead of damaging your visa card at the nearest mall, why not spend a less expensive night in your bed or tub with some aromatherapy? Recent studies have shown that different smells derived from specific oils produce different emotional and physiological reactions, which help to heal and rejuvenate the body in a number of ways. Most understand aromatherapy simply as a means to relieve stress however it also has the ability to tend to digestive problems, headaches, insomnia, and eczema. And upon doing so, it also helps to detoxicate the body, increase blood circulation, and boost the immune system.

In order to get the therapeutic experience, essential oils—extracted from plants and flowers by steam or water distillation—can be used in several different ways. The essential oil should always be diluted preferably with a heated liquid and used sparingly.

• Skin Massages : It is said that one of most energizing uses of essential oils is through a body massage. In order to maximize the quality of your massage, simply add up to 15 drops of your preferred essential oil per one ounce of your massage oil (also know as the carrier oil). Essential oils give a much more enhanced experience than an ordinary massage as it able to balance out the serene relaxation with a bit of therapeutic energy. Users are advised not to add too many drops of the essential oil into the carrier oil as skin irritation may occur.
• Oil Burner : If you’re simply trying to spend a quiet night in bed as a stress reliever, add a few drops into the oil burner and give it enough time to permeate the room and take you into a more peaceful state of mind. Remember to dilute the essential oil—as always—preferably in water. Adults are advised to use about 5-10 drops, children 2-4, and babies approximately 1-2.
• Bath : Thinking about a nice, steamy bath? Instead of coming out pruned, why not step out of your tub feeling revitalized? While you’re waiting for the water to fill, put your essential oil into yet another use and add 6-10 drops into the hot bath. Bask in your self-created lap of luxury and let your skin absorb the aromatic moisture.
• Inhalation : If you’re time limited and in need of a quick stress reliever, boil some water and as soon as the steam starts to form add 2-3 drops of the essential oil. As soon as you do this, hover your face over the water to capture the oil-scented steam. For best results, use a towel or a cloth of some sort and pull it over your head to make sure you capture the most steam as possible.

Most Popular Scented Essential Oils

• Peppermint : digestive disorders
• Rosemary : muscular pains, mental stimulant
• Sandalwood : depression, anxiety & nervous tension
• Tea tree : respiratory problems, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, & anti-viral
• Lavender : headaches, insomnia, burns, aches, pains

Like other consumer products, the price of essential oils are very much indicative of the quality of the oil. The more expensive the oil the more potent the scent tends to be.

Warning : People with high blood pressure and epilepsy are advised not to use certain essential oils. Women during pregnancy should avoid the following oils : basil, cedarwood, clary sage, cypress, fennel, jasmine, juniper, sweet marjoram, myrrh, peppermint, rosemary, sage, and thyme.