Aromatherapy
Using Essential Oils:
viii. Sauna: Add two drops of eucalyptus or pine oil per 1/2 pint (330ml) of water and throw over the coals to evaporate. These are great cleansers and detoxifiers.
ix. Jacuzzi Or Hot Tub: Relax by adding 10-15 drops of sandalwood, geranium or ylang-ylang, or simply bubble over with the stimulating effects of pine, rosemary and neroli.
iv. Baths: Run hand-hot water and then add 5-19 drops of the essential oil to suit your mood. Close the door, keep in the vapors, and soak for 15 minutes. For sensitive skin it is better to dilute the oil in a base oil first, like sweet almond, apricot or peach kernel. Essential oils can mark plastic baths if they are not dispersed thoroughly. Wipe the bath straight after use.
x. Room Sprays: To make a room spray blend ten drops of essential oil in seven tbsp of water. One tbsp of vodka or pure alcohol added to the solution will act as a preservative but this is optional. Shake well before filling the sprayer.
xi. Pillow Talk: Perfume your pillow with 2-3 drops of oil. Choose a relaxing oil to unwind or one for insomnia if you have sleep problems. For a different mood, try an aphrodisiac like ylang-ylang or be extravagant and use rose or jasmine, the two most expensive pure oils.
xii. Perfumes: The finest perfumes are traditionally blended from pure essential oils, particularly the flower extracts, though these days synthetic aromas tend to be used, particularly for cheaper perfumes. The art of the perfumier is subtle and skilled, and difficult to emulate at home as it is hard to find a medium to use as a substitute for alcohol. If you have a favourite oil or blend of essences you can use it all over in a body oil (three per cent solution), or make a very concentrated blend (25 per cent) to dab behind ears, knees and on wrists and temples.
xiii. Pomanders: Hang porous corked bottles in the wardrobe. The essential oil is absorbed by the clay and released slowly. Fill with the fragrance of your choice; try melissa or bergamot, or cedarwood to keep away moths.
xiv. Pot Pourri: Add a few drops of an appropriate flowery or spicy essential oil to refresh tired pot pourri, or make your own.
