Aromatherapy 101: Using Scents To Enhance Your Wellbeing

Aromatherapy is a popular way to improve your mood, energy levels, and overall health and well-being. Essential oils, which are natural extracts from plants, can be inhaled directly or used with a diffuser, humidifier, or even diluted and applied to the skin. They can also be added to cosmetic products or a bath. Essential oils are a great way to make your home smell amazing, and they offer many therapeutic benefits, such as relieving headaches, promoting healthy sleep, and improving skin conditions.

How to use aroma in a diffuser

Using an aroma in a diffuser is a great way to improve the scent of your home and has the added benefit of helping with anxiety, stress, depression, sleeplessness and fatigue. There are several types of diffusers, but the most popular is the ultrasonic diffuser. This type of diffuser uses water and ultrasonic waves to spread essential oil particles around the room. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use an ultrasonic diffuser:

Step 1: Choose a Location for Your Diffuser

Pick a spot in an open area of a room or office with a solid surface or tabletop. You will need to place the diffuser near an outlet as it needs to be plugged in. If you are using the diffuser on a wooden surface, it is a good idea to place a placemat or towel underneath it to catch any excess water. Avoid placing the diffuser in direct sunlight or near a fan.

Step 2: Add Water to Your Diffuser

Fill your diffuser's water tank with clean tap water that is room temperature. Most diffusers will have a water level line on the inside of the water reservoir to indicate how much water to add. Do not overfill the diffuser as it may not run properly.

Step 3: Add Essential Oils

Add 3-10 drops of your chosen essential oil to the water. You can use a single oil, such as lavender, or create your own blend. Experiment with the amount of oil you use to find your preferred scent strength.

Step 4: Replace the Top of the Diffuser and Turn it On

Place the cap or top back on the diffuser and set any features you would like, such as a night light or colour-changing LED lights. Then, turn on the diffuser and enjoy the wonderful scent!

Step 5: Switch Off and Empty Your Diffuser

Once you are finished using the diffuser, switch it off at the plug socket and then on the unit itself. Pour out any remaining water and clean out the diffuser to prevent residue build-up and keep it in good condition.

How to use aroma in the bath or shower

Aromatherapy is a great way to enhance your bath or shower experience and create a spa-like environment in your own home. The warm water vapour helps open your airways and receive the full benefits of the aromatherapy treatment. Here are some ways to use aroma in the bath or shower:

Plants and Botanicals

Add fresh or dried plants and botanicals such as eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, and chamomile to your bath or hang them from your shower head. The warm water and steam will activate their properties, releasing a refreshing fragrance and offering various benefits. For example, eucalyptus can help with respiratory problems, while lavender and chamomile can create a calming atmosphere.

Essential Oils

Adding a few drops of essential oils to your bath or shower can elevate your experience. Place a few drops in the corners of your tub or shower floor, away from direct water contact. The warm water will slowly vaporize the oil, filling the room with its aroma. Essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, or sweet orange are great options.

Shower Steamers

Shower steamers are similar to bath bombs but are more concentrated. Place them on the shower floor, and the warm water will release the aroma from the oils. You can make your own by mixing baking soda, essential oils, and other simple ingredients.

Diffusers

Using a diffuser is an easy way to fill your bathroom with the scent of essential oils. Place the diffuser in the bathroom, add your chosen oils, and turn it on a few minutes before getting into the shower. This ensures the aroma fills the room.

Aromatherapy Sprays

Create your own aromatherapy sprays by mixing essential oils with alcohol or witch hazel and putting them in a spray bottle. Spritz the shower a few times before stepping in to fill the room with fragrance.

Body Care Products

Incorporate essential oils into your body care routine by adding a few drops to your body wash, shampoo, conditioner, or carrier oil. This allows you to enjoy the aroma while also nourishing your skin and hair.

How to use aroma on your skin

Using aroma on your skin is a great way to unlock the therapeutic benefits of essential oils and improve your overall well-being. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to safely and effectively use aroma on your skin:

Patch Testing

Before incorporating any essential or fragrance oil into your skincare routine, it's crucial to perform a patch test. Apply a small amount of diluted oil to a discreet area of your skin, such as the inside of your wrist or elbow. Wait 24 hours to ensure no irritation, redness, or adverse reactions occur. This simple step can help prevent discomfort and allergic reactions.

Dilution with Carrier Oils

Pure essential and fragrance oils are highly concentrated and should never be applied directly to the skin without proper dilution. Carrier oils, such as jojoba, coconut, or sweet almond oil, are ideal for dilution. They help carry the essential or fragrance oil onto your skin and offer additional benefits like moisturisation and antioxidant properties. The general guideline for dilution is a 1-2% ratio, which translates to about 6-12 drops of essential oil per ounce (30ml) of carrier oil. For fragrance oils, follow the manufacturer's recommendations as potency may vary.

Tips for Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, consider lowering the dilution ratio and opting for gentler oils like lavender or chamomile. Even with diluted blends, always conduct a patch test before application.

Best Practices for Application

When choosing oils for skin application, select those known for their skin-friendly properties. Avoid applying oils near the eyes, mucous membranes, or broken skin. Instead, focus on areas of the body where the skin is less sensitive.

Storage and Shelf Life

Proper storage and shelf life are crucial for maintaining the efficacy of your oils and dilutions. Keep them in cool, dark places and use containers that minimise air exposure. Diluted oils are best used within six months for optimal results.

Special Considerations

While essential oils offer therapeutic benefits, their efficacy and safety can vary depending on individual health conditions, age, and other factors. Pregnant women, children, and individuals with specific health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before using essential oils on the skin.

Incorporating into Your Skincare Routine

To incorporate essential oils into your skincare routine effectively, follow these steps:

• Cleansing: Add essential oils to gentle, unscented cleansers to enhance their purifying effects.
• Toning: Use a mist infused with essential oils like rose or chamomile to refresh and balance the skin's pH after cleansing.
• Moisturising: Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to a carrier oil or unscented moisturiser and apply to your skin for deep hydration and nourishment.

Remember, always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil to prevent skin irritation.

DIY Skincare Recipes

Creating your own skincare blends allows you to personalise your routine to your specific needs. Here are some simple and effective recipes:

• Soothing Lavender Moisturiser: Mix 3 drops of lavender essential oil with 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil. Apply this blend before bedtime to soothe and hydrate your skin.
• Brightening Citrus Toner: Combine 2 drops of lemon essential oil with 1 cup of distilled water and a tablespoon of witch hazel. Use this toner for its brightening and tightening effects.

Safety Tips and Considerations

While essential oils offer a natural alternative to chemical-laden skincare products, their potency warrants caution:

• Patch Test: Always perform a patch test to ensure you don't experience an adverse reaction to a new oil.
• Sun Sensitivity: Be aware that citrus oils can increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight. Use them in your nighttime skincare routine to avoid potential sun damage.
• Consultation: If you have sensitive skin or existing skin conditions, consult a dermatologist before incorporating essential oils.

How to inhale aroma

There are several ways to inhale essential oils, each with its own benefits and considerations. Here is a guide on how to inhale aromas effectively and safely:

Direct Inhalation

The simplest method is direct inhalation from the bottle. Open the bottle and inhale deeply a few times. Ensure that the undiluted oil does not touch your skin. Alternatively, add a few drops of essential oil to a tissue or cotton ball and hold it to your nose, inhaling as needed. This method allows for easy control of the aroma strength and is convenient for on-the-go use.

Steam Inhalation

Fill a bowl with hot water and add a few drops of essential oil. Place a towel over your head and the bowl, creating a tent. Close your eyes and inhale the steam for several minutes. This method is ideal for a more concentrated and direct inhalation experience. Repeat this process a few times throughout the day if desired.

Diffusers and Vaporisers

Diffusers and vaporisers are devices that disperse essential oils into the air. There are various types available, such as fan diffusers, evaporative diffusers, nebulising diffusers, and ultrasonic diffusers. These tools can be particularly effective for filling a room with aroma and are often combined with heat to aid in the evaporation of the oils. However, it is important to note that applying heat to essential oils may alter their chemical composition and remedial properties. Therefore, it is recommended to use a diffuser that does not rely on heat, such as an ultrasonic diffuser, to preserve the integrity of the oils.

Aromatherapy Accessories

You can also invest in aromatherapy accessories made with absorbent materials like lava stone. These can include bracelets, necklaces, and keychains. Add a few drops of essential oil to these accessories and carry them with you throughout the day, inhaling as needed. This method provides a subtle and consistent aroma experience.

Precautions

While inhaling essential oils is generally safe, there are some important precautions to keep in mind:

• Always follow the dilution guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
• Ensure proper ventilation in the room when diffusing or vaporising essential oils.
• Limit diffusion to 30-60 minutes at a time and take regular breaks.
• Be cautious if you have pets, especially cats, as diffusion may negatively affect their health.
• Not all essential oils are suitable for inhalation. Avoid administering a dose that is too high to prevent toxicity or poisoning.
• Consult a doctor before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any health concerns.
• Keep essential oils out of the reach of children.
• Perform a patch test before using any new essential oil to check for potential skin allergies.

How to use aroma in a humidifier

Adding aroma to a humidifier can be a little tricky, and it's important to understand the potential risks involved. Firstly, it's crucial to know the difference between humidifiers and diffusers. Humidifiers are designed to add moisture to the air, especially during dry seasons, to alleviate issues like dry skin, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes. On the other hand, diffusers are specifically created to disperse aromatic oils into the air, providing therapeutic benefits and pleasant scents.

Now, when it comes to using aroma in a humidifier, it's generally not recommended to add essential oils directly into the water tank of your humidifier. This is because essential oils are highly concentrated and can damage the internal components of your machine. They can erode the plastic parts, clog filters, and even alter the scent and potential benefits of the oil when exposed to high heat. Therefore, for the safety and longevity of your humidifier, it's best to avoid adding essential oils to its water reservoir.

However, if you're set on enjoying both the moisture and fragrance benefits simultaneously, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, check if your humidifier has an essential oil tray, ring, or filter. Some newer models of humidifiers are specifically designed to be essential-oil friendly and come with designated features for adding oils. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions to see if your humidifier supports the use of essential oils.

If your humidifier doesn't have these features, you can opt for an ultrasonic diffuser, which uses electronic frequencies to create a mist of water and oil particles. While ultrasonic diffusers do add some moisture to the air, their water reservoir is typically smaller than that of a humidifier, so they may not be ideal as a primary source of humidity. Alternatively, you can use a nebulizing or atomizing diffuser, which creates a vacuum to turn oil into vapour without diluting it.

In conclusion, while it may be tempting to add essential oils to your humidifier for a pleasant aroma, it's generally safer to use a diffuser designed for this purpose. By following the manufacturer's guidelines and considering the alternatives mentioned, you can effectively use aroma in your living space without risking damage to your appliances.

Frequently asked questions