Category Archives: Uses of Essential Oils

Aromatherapy gift ideas: 6 essential oil recipes for personal grooming

With aromatherapy, you can try almost anything. Apart form self and family use, essential oil recipes can be made into personal gifts and gifted to near and dear ones. Friends and family members who have not had a taste of aromatherapy can be given gifts made from essential oils like shaving cream, scrubber, bath salt, mouth freshener, soap etc. and introduced to the benefits of aromatherapy. This article will provide a few essential oil recipes that can be used to make personal care products.

Aromatherapy gift ideas –  Personal Care: Before trying out each and every recipe, make sure that you know about each and every essential oil you use, their aroma profiles, notes, chemical and physical properties and the healing benefits they offer when diffused, massaged or used as bath water. Similarly, while choosing oils for blends, try with a small amount of the oils to avoid waste of money or time if your oils turn out bad. Work with oils that lend a beautiful aroma and also have a soothing effect on your body.


1. Skin soother:
If you are one who thinks salt scrubs are too hard or rough for you, try this skin soother blend. You will avoid the salt scratches and will also get rid of dead skin. To make the skin soother, mix a generous scoop of brown sugar with two drops of Sandalwood oil. The aroma will be smooth and relaxing. Gently rub the scrub on the skin and wipe out dull winter or dead skin cells.

2. Shaving soap: All your male friends would love this. You can try different blends and make a shaving soap gel that is aromatic and at the same time, antiviral and antimicrobial. Try this shaving soap recipe: ½ cup of grated soap, 2/3 cups of distilled water (boiled), 2 tbsp of melted coconut oil, 3 tbsp of Almond oil, and 1 tbsp of borax. Dissolve the soap in water and put in blender. Add all the remaining ingredients and whip till you get a fluffy consistency. Add scent and start using. If you are making shaving soap using a homemade soap, add more soap for better lather.

3. Shaving cream: This would come with excellent lather and do a good cleansing job. To make the cream, add ¼ oz of stearic acid with 2 tbsp of Olive or Almond oil and melt both together. Then, combine with the mixture, 1 cup of hot water, 1 tsp of borax, and 2 tbsp of grated soap. Beat the ingredients in stearic acid and whip till you get a creamy consistency.

4. Hand lotion: This hand lotion is the simplest you can ever make. Maybe you can surprise your guests by gifting them a bottle of this lotion while they visit your place. You will make them happy and as well as earn the name of a good aromatherapist. To make a hand lotion, blend Vegetable Glycerine and Rose Hydrosol in a pretty jar. See to it both are blended well and start using the lotion.

5. Lip balm: Ingredients you will need – 1 oz of Beeswax Beads, 1 oz of Shea Butter, Mango Butter or Virgin Coconut and 1 oz of liquid coconut carrier oil like Jojoba, Kukui, Avocado etc. Use herbal infused oils like Chamomile for skin soothing and add essential oils for Peppermint, Lime etc. If you want to clean your baby’s diaper rash, add Lavender and German Chamomile. For a softer balm, use less beeswax or less liquid oil.

6. Body Powder: To make body powder, mix 15 to 20 drops of your essential oil blend per one ounce of cornstarch and unscented talc.

Perfumed airs and lively rooms: 4 essential oil air freshener blends

Aromatherapy was initially considered as an aromatic use of essential oils and people bought essential oils to aromate their self, their living spaces and their work spots. Aromatherapy has been in practice right from the time of the ancient Egyptians. Greeks, Romans and Egyptians used essential oils for refreshing their personal spaces and anointing themselves with good scents. Only later, the use of essential oils as a healing massage oil or bath water came to be known. Basically aromatic oils were made to make incense, air fresheners and massage oils. This article will throw light on how to make essential oil air freshener blends.

Essential oil air fresheners recipes: To make an aromatic air freshener, you can try out a simple recipe as the below one. Take a 4 oz of spray bottle with a  fine mist setting and use it for spraying. Do not use bottles that have been previously used for cleaning products or hair products such as shampoo, hair spray etc. Add 30 to 40 drops of your favorite essential oil blend with 1.5 oz of distilled water and 1.5 oz of high-proof alcohol. If you are allergic to alcohol, you can increase the amount of distilled water to 3 oz. But understand that only the alcohol can make the aroma linger for a longer time.


Below are a few essential oil recipes that can be used to make air fresheners:

1. Air Freshener Blend 1: To make this blend, add 20 drops of Lime to 14 drops of Bergamot, 4 drops of Ylang Ylang and 2 drops of Rose. Mix well and use in your air freshener or diffuse the oil through the room.

2. Air Freshener Blend 2: This would make a sweet aromatic blend as Lemon and Lavender are involved. Add 15 drops of Clary Sage to 9 drops of Lemon and 6 drops of Lavender. Mix the ingredients well and use them in an air freshener. If you want to add some other oil for more aroma, do so.

3. Air Freshener Blend 3: This is for the fresh and peppy spirited. Add 15 drops of Bergamot to 15 drops of Spearmint and mix well. You can increase the amount of spearmint if you like its aroma.

4. Air Freshener Blend 4: A complete Rosemary blend. Everyone will love it and you can use it anywhere – in your living room, bedroom or even toilet. As Rosemary is both uplifting and aromatic, you can use it with any oil. To make this blend, use 20 drops of Rosemary, 8 drops of Grapefruit , 4 drops of Peppermint and 2 drops Spearmint. Blend well and use with air freshener.

Safety first, therapy next: 5 rules to stick to in pet aromatherapy

Pet aromatherapy is becoming popular these days. With awareness about essential oils growing day after day, people have started administering aromatherapy for animals, the results of which have been successful so far. But aromatherapy for pets is not an easy joke as the metabolism and biology of an animal – be it a horse or a cat or a dog – is different from that of human beings. Though essential oils can be used to remove fleas, ticks, treat arthritic pain, throat infection etc. in animals, you need to be very careful in their application. Sickness due to wrong application of oils can be unbearable and troublesome. So avoid using oils that are not recommended for animals. This article will throw light upon the safety guidelines you need to follow while using aromatherapy for pets.

Safety guidelines for pet aromatherapy:
Animals are very different from human beings when it comes to medicating themselves. They have an innate ability to self-medicate themselves through herbs, plants and other naturally occurring substances. Pets like cats heal wounds just by licking. Dogs too have a separate mechanism for curing their sickness. So, you need to be watchful on whether a particular therapy is to your pet’s liking or not.


Below are a few tips on how to do this:

1. Seek permission from your pet: No this is not a silly advice. We mean what we say. Seek permission from your pets before applying any essential oil on its body. You can easily find out if your dog or cat likes the particular oil or not. If you keep an array of oils, chances are, your pet will choose the oil of its liking and guide you through the application process. Do not force any essential oil on your pet. It can turn to be very annoying to your pet and to you. Your pet may either respond with sickness or react vehemently. Understand that forcing an animal into an scent is like forcing you into something extremely unpleasant or hateful to you.

2. Beware of cat aromatherapy: Aromatherapy is generally not recommended for cats. This is because of their liver’s inability to metabolize essential oils and eliminate them. This leads to toxic buildup of essential oils in the cat’s body, leading to adverse health conditions. However, hydrosols are said to be non-toxic on cats. To avoid trouble, check with a holistic veterinarian or aromatherapist before using hydrosols on cats.

3. Allow your pet to guide you: If you allow your pet to guide you in the application of oils, you will do good to both your pet and yourself. However, if such an application brings forth hives, breathing problems, skin rashes etc. in pets, discontinue it immediately and consult a professional therapist for advice.

4. Don’t keep oils within reach: Horses are said to eat whole bottles of essential oils. So NEVER keep your oils within the reach of your animals. A drop of a strong oil can cause serious problems in animals. It can even turn fatal to your pet.

5. Use sparingly, with professional advice:
Do not use essential oils for more than 2 weeks without professional advice. Even if your animal shows interest in the use of aromatherapy, avoid using oils for a long time. Use for about a week or so and check the results of your therapy and then, decide on whether to continue or not. Also, use only therapeutic grade oils that have been tested and proven to be useful. If your animal becomes ill on account of the therapy, consult a holistic veterinarian.

Beat the dread of winter: 4 ways to combat winter blues with essential oils

Winter can be frigid and downright bleak sometimes. This is possible especially in the United States where winters are becoming colder than ever. But winter is not an all-bleak season. It is actually the season of holidays and festivities. A season where we get together with friends and family to celebrate life and love. But this also is the season where people can fight with depression, mood changes or blues. Devoid of the natural light of the sun, people can lack the pep and energy to do things or be as active as they are in summer time. No wonder Shakespeare asked his lover, “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” With so much scope for seasonal stress, it is better to be prepared to beat the winter blues. This article will elaborate on how to use essential oil blends to combat depression that strikes during winter.

Essential oils for winter blues: Winter blues do not strike all and sundry. It is mostly caused due to heavy stress, jam-packed schedules, overeating of unhealthy food, lack of exercise, reduced sleeping hours or too much of traveling. People who are away from families (during Christmas) or those who have lost their loved ones, or ones who have painful memories of the past, stressful health issues or financial stress etc. may also go through winter blues. In brief, the cause can be overdoing the holiday season or not being able to be enjoy well or physiological changes on account of bleak weather and dropping temperatures. The shorter daylight hours can too have a huge impact on your psyche and body.
Beating the winter blues is possible with aromatherapy. By aromatherapy, we do not mean the fragrance oils that are shelfed neatly in stores, we mean the essential oils that are pure extracts from plants, herbs, barks, flowers and other plant parts. Why is aromatherapy useful? There are several reasons. Aromatherapy gives instant relief from body pain or any other problem in the physiology due its close communion with the limbic system of the brain. Essential oils for stress or fatigue, relax you, uplift you and energize you with liveliness. Aromatherapy can warm up your spirits and fight out any blues syndrome you may have. Above all, they are natural, pure and do not have any side effects, whatsoever.

Blends for beating winter blues: When you live in a gray-skied, bleak winter world, you can naturally become subject of blues. Blues do not mean depression, but lack of energy, activity or vivacity in life. You feel moody, unwilling to do tasks and unhappy or down in the dumps. To fight the sadness, your first respite should be Citrus oils. Essential oils like Orange, Lemon and Grapefruit are ideal to rejuvenate you with enthusiasm and life. You can use such oils in diffusers or add them in bath water or  as massage oil.

1. Winter Blues Blend 1: Add 3 drops of Orange to 2 drops of Grapefruit and combine well. Mix with carrier oil if you want to massage on to body. A total of 10 drops of the blend will do for massaging, while you will need about 20 drops for diffuser use.

2. Winter Blues Blend 2: Orange is the prime ingredient here. Combine 4 drops of Orange with 1 drop of Ylang Ylang. You will be refreshed and ebullient on using this blend.

3. Winter Blues Blend 3: This is a Bergamot special. Use 3 drops of Bergamot oil with 1 drop of Neroli and 1 drop of Jasmine. Add to a carrier oil for use as massage oil. Or, pour into diffuser and perfume your living space.

4. Winter Blues Blend 4: Add 3 drops of Grapefruit to 2 drops of Cypress. Combine well and add the blend in your diffuser for your advantage.

Use your horse sense: 6 tips in applying essential oils for horses

Aromatherapy is an alternative system of medicine not just for humans, but for animals too. Ticks, fleas, pain and infections can be treated using essential oils in animals. While dogs and horses respond well to aromatherapy, cats are a bit allergic to oils as they cannot metabolize them in their liver. Owing to this, cats are often administered with hydrosols which are non-toxic and yet useful. This article will provide information on how to use aromatherapy with horses.

Essential oils for horses: A horse is a big animal compared to a dog or a cat. Its reaction (if adverse) to aromatherapy will be intolerable and hence you need to be careful before you start off with application of essential oils in horses. Below are a few tips on how to handle horses when you are administering them with aromatherapy oils:


1. Consult a vet: Consult a holistic vet before you start off with anything. Though horses respond to essential oils well, you cannot be sure of anything until you test it. Anyhow it is safe beforehand to do a checkup or consultation with your vet. Consider going to a holistic veterinarian who would not ignore aromatherapy as humbug.

2. Dilute each essential oil: This is important. Essential oils are natural substances. But that does not mean they are non-toxic substances. Highly concentrated, essential oils can cause adverse behavioral and physiological changes in human beings. To avoid trouble, dilute each and every essential oil before use. Add 2 to 3 drops of essential oil to 5 ml of base oil. For base oil, choose whichever pleases you. Avoid strong or thick carrier oils. Also, do not offer more than 5 oils at a time.

3. Assess the reaction of your horse: You have to do this every time you use essential oil therapy. You need to know if your horse likes it or not. You need to gather the degree of interest too. Decipher the mood of your animal before you start off. This is because an already stressed animal can react badly to aromatherapy.

4. Choose a quiet time: Important for your horse and you. Choose a time that is not food or play time. Let your horse loose in the stable so that it is free to roam. Do not keep the oils close to the horse’s nostrils. Keep at a distance of say at least 8 inches. Since your horse is free, it will come near the oils if it likes them. Then, observe the reaction of your horse.

5. Look for signs of interest: If a horse is interested in an essential oil, it will smell it for a long time, will curl its lips, follow the aroma and even nibble the bottle for sometime. Use the oil twice a day. Don’t overdo as it can have severe reactions. If your horse is just moderately interested, it will take a few sniffs and turn away from the bottle, keep its ears forward, have slightly flared up nostrils and can be easily distracted. In case of moderate interest, use the oil only once  a day. If the horse is not interested at all, it will turn away from the aroma, with ears back. Never use the oil in which it is not interested.

6. Application methods: It is better to open the particular oil bottle and keep it near your horse’s nostrils. The horse’s senses are sharp and hence, it will absorb the aroma into its olfactory system and brain quickly. Sometimes, your horse may indicate that it needs the oil to be applied in a particular spot. Notice its actions and do accordingly. When your horse starts inhaling the oils, it may go into a trance-like state. Never worry. Understand that it is keenly intaking the oils into its blood stream. Do not offer the oils for more than 1 to 14 days. If your horse does not show any interest even after 3 days of inhalation, stop administering the oil and switch to others.

Bubble-gum recipes and boo-boo blends: Aromatherapy for your little kiddo

Aromatherapy is not all about serious or medicinal stuff. It can be fun too. You can use aromatherapy for your kids too. Yes, you can make your children great essential oil blends and treat them to the scent of health. You can make them essential oil recipes that would drive away their fear, frustration and blues and make them jump and play in joy. You can make them sociable, jovial and funny with your blends. You can energize them, make them proactive and sharp-minded with your plant oils. Above all, you can cook great fun recipes to drive off their fear of monsters, teachers and injuries. This article will provide you all possible tips and recipe ideas to make your child live in happiness and excitement.


Essential oil blends for children: These blends are ideal for kiddos of any age. In fact, you (if you are an adult) can try them yourself to become a child once again.

1. Bubble Gum blend: Made for bubble gum lovers. If your child is one, this is the way to please him or her. Make the blend and use it in a diffuser in your child’s room or add it in his/her bath water. You can even pour some in your air freshener. Children love bubble gums and this recipe is sure to register aromatherapy as a great fun idea in their minds. To make the recipe, mix 4 drops of Grapefruit oil with 2 drops of Ylang Ylang and 1 drop of Eucalyptus Radiata. When you are done with the blending, follow the safety precautions and use the recipe in  a way which would suit your child.

Note that certain oils can have contraindications or side effects on children and adults. For instance, Grapefruit is photo-toxic and hence this blend should be used with caution when used as a massage oil. Better, do not use it as massage oil. Also, take care that your child does not touch or drink even a drop of the oil. Keep it out of reach of pets and kids and enjoy the aroma of bubble gum pervade your home.

2. Boo-boo Juice blend: Fear is a constant in the lives of children. They fear monsters, injuries, surprise attacks, unknown enemies…in brief, they live in a world of imagination which is entirely different from ours. If your little one is stuck with some sort of “boo-boo” fear, this recipe can cure all that. In fact, the recipe can act as an antiseptic and first-aid to treat any injury major or minor. To prepare the recipe, saturate a cotton ball with witch hazel. Then, apply one drop of Lavender to saturate the cotton ball and ask your little one to smell the boo-boo juice. The aroma of Lavender can be pretty soothing and your kiddo will definitely love it. After calming your child, gently apply the cotton ball (with Lavender) on the wound or injury. If your little one is interested, allow him or her to do the medicating and sit and watch.

This boo-boo blend will make your child happy and fearless. The next time the child meets with an injury, it will calm itself by asking for the Boo-boo blend.

Afraid of your own shadow? 8 essential oil blends for fear and loneliness

Fear is a constant in the lives of many people. Some people can be easily frightened so much so that almost anything can make their blood run cold. Living with phobias and fears will paralyze your day to day life and completely annihilate your sense of happiness in the long run. A life of panic is worse than a life of disease and all those who have had several panic attacks would know what is meant here. There are several therapies to treat fear and most of them are psychological, involving help from a psychologist. Though this therapy helps most of the time, there are times when the patient becomes completely dependent on his or her psychotherapist. This is dangerous as absence of the therapist can set off another series of panic attacks in the patient. It is during these times aromatherapy can help. Essential oil blends can act on the limbic system and relax your tensed nerves, thereby, relieving you for fear and loneliness.

Aromatherapy for treating fear:
Essential oils cannot offer a complete cure for fear. But they sure can help by providing a temporary relief to the situation. Below are a list of essential oil blends which can assist in relieving you of fears and phobias:


1. Fear Relief Blend 1: This blend is ideal for use in times of fatigue and depression. If you are down in the dumps because of your fears, you should never think of anything but this blend. Add 3 drops of Grapefruit with 2 drops of Bergamot and use it in your diffuser, bath water or as massage oil.

2. Fear Relief Blend 2: If you are extremely nervous or panicky and in dire need of relaxation or peace of mind, you can use this blend. Combine 2 drops of Clary Sage with 2 drops of Roman Chamomile and 1 drop of Vetiver to get this aromatic blend.

3. Fear Relief Blend 3: This Jasmine blend is aromatic and invigorating. Add 2 drops of Jasmine or 2 drops of Neroli with 2 drops of Frankincense and 1 drop of Clary Sage. Use the blend as diffuser or add it in bath water. You will feel relaxed and calm after inhaling these aromas.

4. Fear Relief Blend 4: This is a simple blend, but is most effective. Add 3 drops of Sandalwood with 2 drops of Orange and use it in bath water or in massage oil preparation.

Aromatherapy for loneliness: Loneliness is often a cause or a byproduct of fear. If you are afraid to the core, you also feel lonely and dejected to your wit’s end. Try the following blends to treat loneliness:

5. Loneliness Blend 1: Add 1 drop of Rose with 2 drops of Frankincense and 2 drops of Bergamot. Rose activates and uplifts your spirit, making you feel more sociable and lively.

6. Loneliness Blend 2: This blend too involves Bergamot. Take 2 drops of Bergamot and combine it thoroughly with 3 drops of Clary Sage. Ensure that the ingredients are blended well and then use via diffusers or add in bath water.

7. Loneliness Blend 3: It’s Bergamot again. If you feel fatigued, lonely and depressed, then this blend is the ideal recipe. Add 2 drops of Roman Chamomile to 3 drops of Bergamot and mix it with your bath water or massage oil preparation.

8. Loneliness Blend 4: Frankincense can also lift your spirits and make you more jovial and friendly. Add 2 drops of Frankincense with 3 drops of Clary Sage and use it in your diffuser or add in your bath water.

You can use the above blends as diffuser blends, massage oils, bath oils, bath salts or air fresheners. You will need the following quantities of the blend for use – 20 drops for diffuser oils, 15 drops for bath oils, 5 drops for bath salts, 10 drops for massage oils and 30 drops for air fresheners.

Why essential oils can be toxic to cats

Aromatherapy and cats don’t go together. If people, aromatherapists or essential oils suppliers, fool you into believing that essential oils are safe for use in cats, know that it is all humbug. Though aromatherapy as such is not harmful, use of essential oils can be very toxic to cats. Unlike puppies, dogs and humans, cats do not have the capability to metabolize the essential oil molecules they receive through aromatherapy. There is no way of them eliminating such accumulated bouts of aromatherapeutic oils, which sets off build up of toxins in your cat’s body. In the long run, this becomes even fatal for the cat. This article will detail on how aromatherapy using essential oils can be toxic to use. We will also discuss on replacing essential oils with hydrosols for cat aromatherapy.

Essential oils and toxicity in cats: Cats do not have the same liver as humans or dogs. They cannot stand any strong aroma, leave alone the effect of essential oils (diluted or concentrated). If you administer a cat with essential oils through diffusers, it may accumulate in the animal’s body and grow toxic day after day. Since cats have very thin skin, essential oils rubbed on to the body are easily absorbed into the blood stream. This in turn causes skin problems and liver disorders, leading to vomiting, dizziness, clumsiness, loss of appetite and reduced immunity etc in the cat. It has been found out that even a single drop of diluted essential oil (with a strong aroma) can set off several physiological changes in a kitty. In cats, physiological changes are often associated with psychological changes and hence, disturbance of physical or biological rhythm can upset a cat’s moods, causing anxieties, stress and panic.


Lavender cat: Aromatherapy has been used for cats for several years. Only recently, studies have revealed that essential oils can be very toxic to cats. A special concept called Lavender Cat, created by Dr. Khan revealed the amount of toxicity involved in administering essential oils to your beloved kitten. Sue Martin, in an article titled ‘Be wary of aromatherapy claims for cats’ states why plant oils are  harmful to cats: Essential oils usually consist of hydrocarbons in the form of mono-functional compounds with volatile aliphatic and aromatic substances. Many of the terpenoids in the essential oils are rapidly absorbed and used in the cat’s system to be metabolized in the liver. Normally, these terpenoids and their metabolites are conjugated with glucuronic acid and glycine. But cats are deficient in this because they do not have glucuronidation (elimination mechanism required to excrete toxic wastes from essential oils) and hence results in slower exit of essential oils. This in turn leads to build up of toxicity and thereby, health problems in cats.

Toxic essential oils: Some of the essential oils which are potentially toxic to cats are: Peppermint oil, Lemon oil, Lavender oil, Melaleuca oil, Tea Tree oil, Cinnamon Bark oil, Wintergreen oil, Thyme oil and Birch oil. Oils containing phenol are also toxic to cats.

Which is a safer alternative? You can replace essential oils with hydrosols in cats. Though derived during essential oils preparation, hydrosols are just byproducts which are much safer than strong, concentric oils. Since cats can tolerate them, they are not toxic. Hydrosols can be spritzed on the cat for deodorizing or flea or tick control purposes. Some of the hydrosols work well as ear cleaners or stress-calming agents too. You can combine and be as creative as possible with your hydrosol blends as there is not toxicity or concentrated plant oil involved.

Scent your life with love: 5 fragrant essential oil blends you’ll adore

Essential oils are not just healing oils, they are fragrant oils too. They have the aromatic potential to scent your life with love, joy and happiness. A waft of Lavender can lull you to sleep, a streak of Rosemary can brighten your mood, while a strain of Peppermint can make you feel enthusiastic and happy about life. Essential oils have strong aromas which cannot be replicated effectively by synthetic or chemical perfumes. Since the intensity of their aromas are highly concentric, their scents last long, more than synthetic aromas. On delving deep, you would understand that it is the aromas or scent of essential oils which brings forth an instant reaction from your brain. This article will provide recipes on how to make fragrant blends using essential oils.

Fragrant essential oil blends:
The memory of a scent is far-fetched. It can rise up a whale of emotions, a series of unexpected associations and even conjure up something from your childhood. A fragrance has such power and hence essential oils should not be handled with care. The following blends will invoke, cure and heal a number of emotions (from love to playfulness to fun) and help to attain a state of peace and calm.


1. For your man: The man of your life will surely love this. You can massage it on to him, or if you are a man, do a self-massage. This blend yields a deep, mysterious and masculine scent which is strong and powerful. To make the blend, add 4 drops of Frankincense to 4 drops of Myrrh, 2 drops of Sandalwood and 1 drop of Vanilla. Use the blend in your massage oil preparation for best results.

2. For stunning aroma: This blend idea was created by Jenine Stanley and this yields a stunning, aromatic perfume for daily use. Add 10 drops of Cedarwood to 5 drops of Juniper, 25 drops of Bergamot Mint and 10 drops of Lavender. Mix the ingredients and use Jojoba oil to blend everything well. Use as perfume or pour into diffuser to scent your living space.

3. Sweet diffuser blend:
If you are the kind who would use essential oils only in diffusers, you would surely like this. This is a sweet, aromatic blend that has a Florentine streak to it. To make the blend, add 1 drop of Jasmine to 6 drops of Sweet Orange and 3 drops of Patchouli. Combine the ingredients well and use in your diffuser. This would make a huge difference to your home environment and make home sweet and pleasant.

4. Intimacy blend:
An intimacy blend that would set you in mood for a romantic evening with your loved one. To prepare this blend, add 6 drops of Rose Absolute (diluted with Jojoba oil) with 6 drops of Sandalwood, 4 drops of Black Pepper, 2 drops of Ginger CO2 and 2 drops of Ylang Ylang. Combine the ingredients well and blend into Jojoba or any other favorite carrier oil of yours. Massage on to the body and tune yourself for a romantic evening.

5. Valentine blend:
This is a fragrant blend to pep up your desire for love. To make the blend, add 2 drops of Sandalwood to 2 drops of Ylang Ylang, 1 drop of Jasmine and 1 drop of Black Pepper. Combine the ingredients well and use in your bath water or inhale through a diffuser.

Moon cycle or mood cycle? Aromatherapy oils for PMS relief

It is often considered a curse. Some people call it a monthly disorder. Others treat it as a mood-syndrome that rhymes with the moon cycle. Only a few see it as a periodical cleansing of toxins from the body. We are talking about Premenstrual Syndrome or what is better known as PMS. PMS is common among women who menstruate. It is a collection of disorders which ranges from headaches, stomach disorders, breast swelling to extreme mood swings and unusual behavior. Though not all women experience severe PMS, most women have it, thanks to the increase in stress levels and lifestyle changes.

Though PMS symptoms last only for 3 to 5 days, it can be very debilitating. Women throw temper tantrums, go through a short state of depression and irritability during this period. Though there are many oral pills to treat the symptoms, nothing offers instant and natural relief as aromatherapy. In many ways, aromatherapy essential oils are the best remedies for PMS. You can find great relief to any kind of Premenstrual Syndrome symptom by taking an aromatherapy massage or inhaling a diffuser oil or bathing in aromatic water.


Essential oils for menstrual cramps: PMS is characterized by depression, irritability, mood swings, migraines, backaches, temper tantrums, breast tenderness and swelling, water retention etc. Women often tend to be touchy during this period so much so that any frustrating incident can make them highly reactive and emotional. One can avoid the pain of PMS by using essential oils in a variety of ways. Some of the essential oils which help with PMS relief are Neroli, Rose, Jasmine, Clary Sage, Lavender, Geranium, Marjoram, Rose and Chamomile.

1. For moody behavior: Nothing can beat Clary Sage in treating depression and mood swings. Women  tend to be emotionally hyperactive during PMS and hence a dose of Clary Sage would be helpful in keeping them normal and down to earth. Temper tantrums can be reduced by using Lavender, Neroli, Jasmine and Rose.

2. For bloating and breast tenderness: Breast tenderness and heaviness is common during this period. Women suffer from the pain of swollen breasts and bloated bodies. To alleviate these symptoms, you can use Juniper Berry, Patchouli, Grapefruit and Carrot seed oils. Birch oil can also be used as it is a natural pain reliever.

3. For water retention and headaches: Juniper Berry is the ideal antidote for water retention. If you are afflicted with headaches, inhale Lavender, Marjoram or Rose for relief.

It is better if you use all these remedies a couple of days before your PMS starts. Sometimes you may experience symptoms like hypertension, acne and fatigue. You can use the appropriate essential oil blends for the same.

4. For uplifting mood: If you are down to the dumps, try this aromatherapy recipe. Add 9 drops of Geranium oil with 6 drops of Chamomile, 3 drops of Clary Sage, 3 drops of Angelica, 2 drops of Marjoram and 2 oz of vegetable oil. Blend everything together and massage the oil on to the body or add a few drops in your bath water. The recipe is a great mood enhancer which gets you out of the blues even if you don’t have PMS.

5. For migraine relief: Add 6 drops of Lavender to 3 drops of Juniper Berry, 2 drops of Birch and 1 drop of Patchouli and mix the ingredients well. Include a tsp of the blend in your bath water or foot massage preparation. You will get instant relief from your migraines.