How To Use Aromatherapy Oil

Aromatherapy is a popular technique that uses essential oils to add cleansing and relaxing scents to different products. Essential oils are distilled from plants and can either be made at home or purchased from health food and beauty stores. Essential oils are, for the most part, safe for all kinds of beauty routines, except for some oils, such as cinnamon, oregano, thyme and clove, which are too potent to be applied directly to the skin.

Step 1

Use in a bath. Add 6 to 12 drops of an essential oil (such as lavender) to a bath just before you step in. Disperse within the water (using your hand or foot).

Step 2

Add to your shower. Plug your shower drain (so the oil doesn't drain out), and add 5 to 6 drops at your feet as you begin your shower). The steam from the shower will help disperse the oils into the air, which will allow you to inhale them along with the shower steam.

Step 3

Inhale the essential oils. You can either do this directly from the bottle or by placing 1 drop into your cupped hands. Bring them to your face and inhale deeply.

Step 4

Use as a compress. Add 3 to 6 drops of aromatherapy oil into a basin containing about 4 cups of warm water. Soak a cloth (preferably a washcloth) in the water/oil mixture, and apply to an area of the skin (especially the face).

Step 5

Add to shampoo. Mix in 3 to 5 drops of aromatherapy oil per 1 oz. of shampoo, and work it thoroughly into your hair and scalp. Leave the shampoo in for five minutes before rinsing it out.

Step 6

Add to massage oil. Combine 10 drops of an aromatherapy oil to 1 oz. massage oil, and gently massage it into your shoulders, neck, legs or any other tense area, using moderate pressure and a circular motion.