Aroma oils, also called essential oils or fragrance oils, have a variety of domestic, therapeutic and cosmetic uses. Essential oils are highly concentrated herbal essences that are distilled or extracted from plant materials. Some aroma and fragrance oils are essential oil diluted in a carrier oil such as olive oil or almond oil. Others are synthetic scents made from chemicals.
Home Fragrances
Aroma oils fill your house with a natural, clean scent. Oil diffusers make scents more subtle and longer-lasting than many room sprays. You can make a simple diffuser by putting few drops of aroma oil on a cotton ball or in a bowl of boiling water. A heat diffuser has a tea light with a small bowl over it to spread the fragrance, and there are more costly nebulizers that turn aroma oils into an aerosol. You can use a single oil in a diffuser or mix your own fragrances.
Cleaning
A 2001 article published in the "Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy" reports that pure essential oils like clove, thyme and cinnamon have antibacterial properties and are effective for disinfecting floors and counter tops in bathrooms and kitchens. Mix five to 10 drops of a disinfecting aroma oil in ¼ cup of white vinegar diluted in a gallon of water for a homemade, ecologically friendly disinfectant that is safer for your family. Adding some pine, juniper or lemon oil to the mix will create the fresh aroma many commercial detergents use.
First Aid
You can apply essential oils like tea tree, chamomile, eucalyptus or lavender to minor wounds, burns or sunburns to soothe pain and help keep the skin clear of infection. Lavender and tea tree oil can be used without dilution on most people, and they have anti-bacterial properties. Chamomile and eucalyptus should be diluted with another oil and can soothe painful skin.
Therapeutic
The research periodical "Science Daily" reports that essential oils like lavender, cedar or peppermint can have therapeutic value in treating pain, stress or nausea. Citrus scents can be energizing while floral or spice scents help some people relax. Smells often evoke memories and improve mood. You can try aromatherapy at home by adding a few drops of aroma oil to your bath, or giving yourself or a partner a massage with almond or olive oil scented with aroma oil. Take a nice scent to work with you by adding aroma oils to an unscented body lotion or hand cream, or use diluted essential oils on your skin as you would perfume or cologne.
References
- "Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy"; Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils and Their Major Constituents Against Respiratory Tract Pathogens by Gaseous Contact; Shigeharu Inouye et al; May 2001
- Science Daily: Teaching the Art of Aromatherapy to Soothe and Heal
- Aromaweb: Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Diffusers
- Quintessential Oils: Essential Oil Uses
- The Real Essentials: Practical Uses For Essential Oils
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