Essential oils and aromatherapy can have very powerful effects on one's moods. This is due to the part of the brain that detects smell messages from the note is linked closely to the brain's emotional centre known as a limbic system. Oils can have a powerful effect on the body as they are absorbed through the skin into the body's circulation. Aromatic essential oils were recommended for their soothing purpose by the Hippocrates, the Greek Father of medicine.

Certain essential oils such as geranium, lavender, juniper, lemongrass, sandlewood and ylang ylang are so relaxing, they promote sleep. They can be inhaled by a few drops being sprinkled onto a handkerchief and tucking it under the pillow or the bedroom being scented using a burner. One should note that oils should be varied every four to five days to ensure that their beneficial effect is maintained due to the fact that the body and brain can easily adapt to them.

Essential oils can be inhaled, added to bath water, massaged into the skin or heated in many different ways in order to fragrance the atmosphere. You should always dilute oils that come into contact with the skin with a carrier oil such as avocado, sunflower, almond and wheatgerm oils. It is important to dilute as many of them are concentrated causing a possible skin irritation or adverse effect on the skin.

Natural, rather than synthetic oils such be use wherever possible due to the fact that they have a greater therapeutic effect. It is preferable to use 100% pure essential oils as these are not mixed with alcohol and other additives.
There are many essential oils that are designed to reduce stress and relax the body and mind such as Cedarwood, Chamomile, Clary sage, Granium, Grapfruite, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemongrass, Neroli, Orange, Rose, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Vanillia, Vetiver and Ylang ylang.

When mixing a blend, you should choose the oils whose aromas you like and try experimenting with each using different quantities. If you don't like a blend, try adding more drops of another oil or trying a different oil altogether. You should always keep a record of the types of oils and the number of drops you have used so you can ensure that it is correctly diluted with extra carrier oil. Bear in mind that every five drops of essential oils should be diluted with 10ml of carrier oil.

Aromatherapy can be used in the bath and is very relaxing. You should choose a sensual oil or try blending up to three oils. Add five drops of essential oil to a 30ml tablespoon of carrier oil and mix. Your bath should be comfortably hot and add the oil only when the taps are turned off. The bathroom door should be kept closed to keep in the vapours. You can relax in the water via candlelight.

When your body has been cleansed and socked, dip a sponge into the oil mix and gently massage the body before rinsing. Whilst closing your eyes and lying back, comfortably allow the scent to fill your body imagining it running through your veins promoting relaxation and renewed sense of energy.