Step-by-step techniques for getting gorgeous at home.

The word aromatherapy has recently joined the ranks of designer and gourmet in being rendered almost meaningless through overuse. Many of today’s mass-produced dishwashing liquids, shower gels, and candles claim its benefits, but most contain only synthetic fragrances. Without essential oils—at all or in sufficient quantities—it’s all aroma and no therapy.

Authentic aromatherapy dates back to the ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Chinese, all of whom called upon the therapeutic properties of plant-derived essential oils to ward off illness, treat injuries, and invigorate the body. Its power can be explained through the science of olfaction—what happens chemically when a molecule of oil is inhaled, says Sharon Roemmel, a registered aromatherapist in Salem, Oregon. Nowadays, “calming down and de-stressing are the main uses for aromatherapy,” she says, “and people often practice aromatherapy without necessarily calling it that, whether they’re bringing in flowers or using bath salts containing essential oils.”

Aromatherapy ABC’s
How to get some of your own serenity in a bottle? Start by doing your research on reputable sellers of essential oils. Keep in mind that the oils should say “essential” on the label, as opposed to “perfume” or “fragrance” oil. Roemmel also urges consumers to research therapeutic and medicinal-quality claims, explaining that in the chain from flower grower to wholesaler, bottler, and shop owner, there’s always the risk of adulteration. Typically, better-quality essential oils will display both the plant’s common and Latin names on the label and be sold in dark glass containers, as opposed to plastic.

Once you’ve done your homework, it’s time to make your purchase. Essential oils can be divided into two basic groups—calming and stimulating—says Jenny Charlton, an aromatherapist and owner of Sensibilities Natural Body Care and Day Spa in Asheville, North Carolina. She recommends that novices keep it simple, investing in a relaxer, such as lavender, geranium, or clary sage, and a pick-me-up, such as peppermint or rosemary. Because there’s a lot to know, Roemmel urges newbies to learn as much as possible about their first essential-oil purchases before investing in more. For example, lavender plants grown in different locales vary greatly in their characteristics; the ones from Spain and Crete are stimulants and too strong for use by children and others at risk. (For a full list of essential oils that are considered unsafe or hazardous, visit the International Fragrance Association’s guidelines at Ifraorg.org or the aromatherapy safety chart at About.com.)

There are other basic safety guidelines to keep in mind before you create your scents. “Essential oils are very concentrated and potent,” says Charlton, so they should be diluted, rather than applied directly to the skin (certain forms of lavender being notable exceptions). You should also avoid contact with the eyes, and to prevent sensitization, which is most common with citrus oils, “rotate your oils, rather than using the same one every day for months on end,” Roemmel advises. Women with sensitive skin should conduct a patch test before using a new oil: Put a diluted drop at the crease of the elbow, and cover it with an adhesive bandage. If there’s any redness, itching, or irritation within 14 hours, remove it immediately with a lotion or vegetable oil, and don’t use it again. In addition, women who are pregnant or breast-feeding, along with anyone using medication or whose health is compromised, should consult with their physician before experimenting with aromatherapy (some essential oils can impact pregnancy, certain medical conditions, and the efficacy of prescription drugs and holistic treatments). Always store essential oils safely away from children and pets, as well as heat, moisture, and light. And be aware of their shelf life: Although some may last for years, others, such as citrus oils, can lose their efficacy within a few months.

Mixing It Up
To get started, pick one of these simple aromatherapy recipes.
Multipurpose Lavender Spray: Add ten to 20 drops of Bulgarian lavender essential oil to an ounce of distilled water in a mister-top bottle. Spritz it lightly on linens for restful sleep, or “shake it first, mist it on your face, and breathe it in,” Charlton suggests (not only will the spray instill calm; it’s also great for freshening up makeup—just take care to avoid your eyes). An added Bulgarian lavender boon? Its anti-infectious properties. “Apply a drop where you feel a pimple starting, and it will disappear fast,” says Roemmel.
Lavender-Geranium Diffusion: Charlton recommends diffusing a mixture of lavender and geranium in your bedroom to promote a peaceful slumber, following manufacturers' instructions. Diffusers come in various forms, from simple candle-heated bowls and battery-operated fans to high-tech nebulizers that ultrasonically bombard the oil into airborne bits. Some nebulizers even have timers, allowing you to preset start and shut-off times, which conserves oil. Also, because nebulizers create smaller, more bioavailable particles, says Roemmel, “for therapeutic use, they’re the preferred method.”
Feel-Better Soaks and Rubdowns: Already luxurious baths and massages can be enhanced with essential oils and even ease common symptoms of PMS. Roemmel suggests these recipes: juniper, grapefruit, and lemon for bloating; bergamot, geranium, and clary sage for irritability; and lavender, clary sage, and Roman chamomile for cramps. Amounts will vary depending on oil strength and whether you use just one kind of oil or a blend. For a calming bath, put a total of two to seven drops directly into bathwater, or combine it first with one cup to one quart liquid milk, or one half to two cups powdered milk, adjusting amounts according to tub size and preference. For a relaxing rub, massage your abdomen and lower back with ten to 30 total drops mixed into one ounce of a carrier, such as jojoba or sweet-almond oil—or ask for help. As Charlton points out, both the giver and receiver benefit from an aromatherapy massage.

Photo credit: Juan David Ferrando Subero

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