Flowers, herbs, spices and plant fibers are the sources of essential oils which are extracted by pressing, distillation, or extraction. Essential oils may contain beneficial vitamins or nutrients that are beneficial to the skin when used topically . Some examples of essential oils used in aromatherapy are listed below. Uses Perhaps the simplest way to use aromatherapy is to simmer herbs in a saucepan with water. Essential oils can be used in a diffuser purchased at a health food shop, perfumery, or specialty shop.
Some devices use a candle or lightbulb to heat the oil and release the volatile scents.
Specially made, small ceramic pottery will provide a lighter scent. The oil is placed within the partially glazed pottery and the oil seeps through the unglazed portions to become volatile. Massage is another way to employ aromatherapy. The essential oils should not be used undiluted but rather are combined with a carrier oil such as corn or olive and then massaged into the skin. A general guideline is to add three drops of essential oil to 1 teaspoon of carrier.