MANILA, Philippines—Scents play a vital part in the spa world. For thousands of years, aromatherapy has been used to invoke the olfactory senses with different aromas as a way to achieve wellness.

People have been using the oils or essences of plants to heal and alter the state of mind. Certain smells trigger impressions and feelings and can deliberately and effectively influence our emotional state.

The realm of aromatherapy is concerned with how the body absorbs essential oils and how they affect the body chemistry to regain balance and improve moods and emotions. Depending on the oil and one’s body chemistry, aromatherapy takes between 20 minutes to several hours to take effect.

A great way to bring out certain properties of fragrances at home is to get an aromatherapy kit.
It usually includes an oil burner or a vaporizer, small tea-light candles and essential oils of your choice. An oil burner is normally a two-tiered structure with a dish at the top to hold the water and essential oil blend, and a surface below on which the candle is placed. The best oil burner is the one with a ceramic dish.

To use, simply fill the dish with water, add a few drops of your favorite essential oils and light the candle allowing the aromatherapy experience to unfold. As you inhale a fragrance, the smell directly activates areas of the brain that control impulses and emotions.

There are actually more than a thousand and one ways to make your own concoctions of aromatherapy blends.

Much of the knowledge I gained about aromatherapy came from Judy Chapman’s book “Aromatherapy Recipes from Around the World.” Let me share some valuable information I learned from this book including some “scent-sational” blends that you may try. It is very easy to prepare. All you need to do is dilute these blends with water.

Timelessness

There are days when you simply want time to stop and these recipes are ideal for lazy Sundays.

2 drops lavender
2 drops jasmine
2 drops peppermint
2 drops sage
2 drops marjoram

Endorphin

For a more euphoric state of the mind, these blends are recognized for their mood lifting and energy giving properties.

2 drops lemon or 2 drops grapefruit
2 drops peppermint
2 drops ginger
2 drops melissa
2 drops bay

Meditation

It isn’t always what you do in life that’s significant; it’s more about how you do it. Being present and caring in your attitude can give you strength and inner joy. These blends contain balancing properties ideal for some quiet time to breathe and reflect.

2 drops sandalwood
2 drops mandarin
2 drops of vetiver
2 drops nutmeg
2 drops of juniper

For those who prefer a strong, single scent, the following are the most popular essences that can also be used for vaporizing purposes. They’re applied on the skin during full body massage. Remember that for body massages, these oils must be blended with a carrier oil such as almond oil, grapeseed oil, olive oil, cold-pressed coconut oil. Avoid using mineral oil as this can clog the pores of the skin.

Lavander

Enhances relaxation, healing, calmness and spirituality. Reduces stress, depression, painful menstruation, insomnia and nervous tension.

Eucalyptus

Enhances mental clarity, concentration and spontaneity. Reduces respiratory problems, headaches, irrational behavior, bad odors and great insect repellant.

Peppermint

Enhances concentration, self-confidence, clear thinking, vitality. Reduces burnout, nausea, colds and flu, lethargy and vulnerability.

Rose

Pure rose oil is very expensive and is best purchased diluted in a carrier oil.

Enhances happiness, security, openness, compassion, sensuality and femininity.

Reduces grief, envy, feelings of emptiness, loss of confidence and anger.

To maximize your aromatherapy experience to the fullest, it is best to take note of the following:

Always buy aromatherapy oils that are marked 100-percent pure.

Put essential oils in dark glass and never in clear glass or any plastic.

Store in a cool dark area away from heat and moisture. Ideally in a wooden box.

Never apply essential oil directly on your skin.

Never take essential oils internally.

If you are pregnant, a number of essential oils can be harmful such as chamomile, rosemary and sage to name a few. Consult your doctor for a full list.

Discontinue if you suffer allergic reactions.

Please consult your doctor before following the recipes.

Effective as well as esthetic, aromatherapy is a fascinating way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils. Spas in all four corners of the world use aromatherapy as a route to inner calm and wellness.

It is versatile you can use it as a healing tool, room freshener, deodorizer or incense alternative to recreate the spa atmosphere in your home.

Easy to use and affordable, they also make great gifts. With just a few drops of essential oils, you can create your own aromatic journey and immerse in a world of pure bliss.