How to Relax with Aromatherapy

Let your nose lead you to relaxation by employing the art of aromatherapy. That means letting the scents of essential oils from flowers and plants help change your mood from frenetic to peaceful. Many essential oils have a calming effect and some even help induce sleep. Here are some suggestions on how to relax with aromatherapy.

Step1
Drop essential oils into a relaxing bath. One of the best ways to unwind from stress is to take a hot bath. Combine that with the comforting scents of lavender, lemon, geranium, palma rosa, jasmine, or ylang ylang and you'll be floating off to paradise in no time. Combine any of these oils or use one alone. They all have soothing affects on body and mind.

Step2
Put a few drops of essential oil onto a tissue and inhale deeply a few times to move your mind toward calmer thoughts during stressful periods. This is also good for the office. You can keep a scented tissue in your pocket or on the desk to gently waft fragrance to your nostrils. Especially good for this is lavender, which has a rich but subtle scent, and one that co-workers are not likely to object to. And lavender is one of nature's best relaxers.

Step3
Take aromatherapy for a drive. To settle thoughts and nerves while getting through the daily traffic, put a couple of drops of lemon, orange, peppermint or lavender onto a tissue or cotton ball and place near the air vents in the car. Use these oils, which have a calming effect but also help enhance mental clarity. Replace the tissue or cotton ball every couple of days as the scent diminishes. You'll stay relaxed and peaceful during the morning and evening commute.

Step4
Wind down for sleep by scenting the bedroom with relaxing aromatherapy oils. Best for inducing sleep are rose, clary sage, jasmine, bergamot and palma rosa. Place a few drops on a diffuser and let the scent fill the air before you turn down the covers. Keeping the bedroom door closed will help keep the aroma in. You'll have sweet dreams!

Step5
Use essential oils for a relaxing massage. Add 3 to 5 drops of essential oil to any kind of unscented oil, including simple vegetable oil, and enjoy a relaxing massage. Aromatherapy from massage oils is very effective because it envelopes the body in a cloud of soothing scent. Any fragrance that you like will work, but especially good for massages are lavender, geranium, peppermint and lemon.