Chloe Adisson answers:

OK great question—I happen to be an expert on aromatherapy.

First let’s review the definition of AROMATHERAPY: massage of body or face using preparations of fragrant essential oils extracted from fruits, herbs, or flowers. Aromatherapy also includes INHALING these fragrances for health and wellness. You ask for “aromatherapy blend recipes” which is pretty general. Better to ask what your PURPOSE is? Do you plan to use it for massage oils, giving facials, a beauty foot treatment, or for inhalation like making candles or in a diffuser? Keep in mind some essential oils clash and are NOT CHEMICALLY compatible! Be careful. Also be aware of allergic reactions. Having said that, do not (and I repeat DO NOT) use synthetic or “fake” essential oil fragrances. The health and beauty benefits only happen with true, genuine essential oils.

Remember “aromatherapy” is based on and around ESSENTIAL OILS themselves. So the more knowledge you gain about them is basically what will help you determine, choose, or create your perfect recipes. Aromatherapy works by application on the skin (such as massage or facial) or can be inhaled (as in aromatherapy candles or diffusers). For example, my dentist used a Lavender Essential Oil diffuser on my first visit, when I had to have major dental work done—it was simply amazing how calm and wonderful it made me feel. PLUS it smelled simply heavenly!

In your search for recipes, you need to consider your primary reason for how your blended recipes will be used. Will you use them for massage body oils? Are you thinking of facials? Will you use them for making diffuser blends to be inhaled? Determine THAT before you begin your search, then visit a number of websites that offer “therapeutic grade” essential oils. Also, keep in mind, pure essential oils are usually FAR too potent to use directly on the skin. Most “carrier” oils suit the bill here. Jojoba is my favorite but Grape Seed Oil or even Olive Oil are good carrier oil bases. Many websites offer research articles on scientific studies about the healing properties of essential oils like: which oils blend best together, whatever ailment(s) being sought to alleviate, or of well-being you’re trying to achieve.

There are a myriad of excellent websites out there. Explore some and see what works best for you. However, I can personally recommend two, which I have used for many years. They are both reliable, reputable, and reasonable basic sources for information and products and you’ll see them in my “Source” referenced where I give credit.

Chloe Adisson answers:

This is a good link, it is about skin care. It is my site.

Http://ihgc.net/dec2006_livinggrowing1.htm

As for aromatherapy, that will depend upon your skin type.

If you email me your skin type [oily, dry, or other] I can send you some aromatherapy recipes for your skin.

Chloe Adisson answers:

Crush 2 tablespoons of dried mint leaves and blend with 1/2 cup coarse salt for scented bath salts. Can substitute dried rose petals, honeysuckle flowers, lavender buds, chopped lemon rind, etc. Also try borax powder or epsom salts instead of salt, for different effect.

Make body oil using 2 ounces dried herbs* and 1 pint vegetable oil (grapeseed oil works well). Chop herbs very fine, place in glass container and add just enough oil to cover. Heat oil for about 5 hours at about 80 degrees F. Use a slow cooker set at lowest temp, a double boiler, gas oven with pilot light, or outdoors in sun. (Sun takes 2 to 3 days, depending on ambient temperature.) Put oil through a fine kitchen strainer, pressing out with the back of a spoon. If necessary, re-strain using a paper coffee filter. Stored in a cool place, herbal oil will keep several months; stored in the fridge, even longer.

*Lavender, chamomile, chickweed and calendula are good for skin. Rose is good for mature skin. Rosemary is stimulating. Basil is soothing for cramps, especially digestive. Fennel seed is good for PMS.

Chloe Adisson answers:

Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from nature’s herbs and flowers. The aroma is inhaled, or applied to the skin, and each of the oils (or combination thereof) addresses a specific disorder. It appears that the body is able to utilize the healing properties of the oils through the olfactory system of the body, and so initiate the healing process. Aromatherapy practitioners would also have an understanding of the psychological and emotional factors of illness.

This website has some great information, recipes and articles about Aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy Blends – http://www.aromatherapy-blends.net

Chloe Adisson answers:

The link below will take you to a site which some informative information and recipes in relation to Aromatherapy such as:
* Aromatherapy and Natural Skin Care Articles
* Free Aromatherapy Recipes
* Essential Oil Guide

http://aromatherapyandnaturalskincare.com.au/index.php?essential_oils=29&Learn%20and%20Discover

Hope this helps