Kate Magner

For those people who enjoy the process of putting together unique and usual blends of essential oils, creating your own aromatherapy recipes can be a soothing and enjoyable task. Before making any aromatherapy recipes however, there are three vital things a person should know.

* Cinnamon, clove, hyssop, and sage are not suitable essential oils for home use.
* Basil, clove, cinnamon, fennel, hyssop, juniper, marjoram, myrrh, peppermint, rosemary, sage, and white thyme are some of the essential oils which should NOT be used during pregnancy.
* Bay, clary sage, ginger, juniper, pine, and tea tree are some of the essential oils that should not be used for steam facials.

Another thing to be aware of is essential oils that are photosensitizing. Wait at least two hours after applying any of the citrus essentials oils such as lemon, lime and orange, but especially bergamot to your skin before going out in the sun.

There are several different categories of aromatherapy recipes from which to choose, such as bath, foot care and massage.

BATH

For a nice soothing bath try 2 drops of galbanum oil, 2 drops of geranium oil, and 2 drops of lavender oil to relieve anxiety and frustration.

If insomnia is a problem try 4 drops of chamomile oil, 2 drops of lavender oil, 4 drops of neroli oil, and 2 drops of marjoram oil.

Does the man of the house need to relax but does not like to smell “girly”? Try this relaxing aromatherapy recipe of 3 drops of pine oil, 2 drops of chamomile oil, and 2 drops of lemon oil.

FOOT CARE

Another aromatherapy recipe section is for foot care. If you come home at night with poor, tired aching feet, here are a couple of aromatherapy recipes that could help.

For aching feet try 2 drops of chamomile oil and 2 drops of eucalyptus oil in 20 ml. of carrier oil. Use sweeping strokes and gentle circular pressing motion for optimal results.

To invigorate your feet try 2 drops of bay oil and 2 drops of ginger oil in a large bowl of hot water. Soak your feet in the mixture for ten minutes.

MASSAGE

Most people enjoy a nice relaxing massage. Here is a massage aromatherapy recipe to try.

For a soothing massage try 4 drops of lavender per tablespoon of carrier oil, 1 drop of petitgrain per tablespoon of carrier oil and 1 drop of frankincense per tablespoon of carrier oil. This blend may also be added to a warm bath (about a capful of the massage oil blend).