Getting started with aromatherapy

Aromatherapy uses plant based oils including essential oils for wellness. There are a million uses of essential oils ranging from skin treatments, boosting immunity, medicinal benefits , stress reduction to supplements for overall well-being.

I started using essential oils for self-care, and a DIY aromatherapy session seemed fun and easy. Now I have made it a regular part of my life.

So what do you need to get started with aromatherapy?

A diffuser

Investing in a good diffuser makes all the difference. I use an electric diffuser with a built-in timer and night light, and with a few settings to control the intensity of the aroma. You can also use a candle based diffuser, but I find electric diffusers to be more manageable and easy to clean.

Essential oils

This is the fun part. There are thousands of essential oils that exist, with specific uses for each. I started with the more common ones (Rose, Lavendar, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Lemongrass, Tea Tree….) to experimenting combinations with less frequent ones (Peppermint, Grapefruit, Cedarwood, Rosemary….).

Since essential oils are concentrated, you should never apply them directly on the skin. I prefer to diffuse them in the air, and let it do its work. When I get time on the weekend, I also use them for baths in diluted forms.

My go-to combination is a mix of Lavendar, Rose and Jasmine. These essential oils augment the effect of each other, and create a pleasant aroma. I use it for relaxation after a day of work, and for better sleep. Only a few drops are needed; its a trial and error to find what works best for you.

The good part of keeping aromatherapy as a hobby is that it is extremely refreshing, enjoyable and not too expensive. My favorite travel souvenir is a few bottles of essential oils that are grown locally at the place of visit.

Croatia is well-known for production of lavendar scents. On my trip to Split in 2017, I stocked up on a couple of Lavendar essential oil bottles which lasted me for about a year. I recently visited Yercaud, a hill station in Tamil Nadu, India where they produce Rose essential oils. Rose has a very dominant smell – I usually mix only 2-3 drops with another essential oil for a complementary effect.

Essential oils can be found in 100 ml bottles, perfect for a last minute shopping at your travel destination to take on the plane, or simply as a great gift for someone who likes scents and fragrances.