Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for therapeutic effects. Essential oils are the vital life essence of aromatic plants and flowers in a condensed form. Essential oils have been revered for their fragrance and their restorative effect on the body, mind and spirit for thousands of years. The scent of essential oils is conveyed by the olfactory nerve to areas of the brain that can influence emotions and hormonal response. When used in a bath or massage, the oils are absorbed through the skin and carried by body fluids to the main body systems for a healing effect. The use of Aromatherapy predates written history. Combinations of resins, oils and fragrant plants were used in some form (ceremonial, medicinal or pleasurable reasons) in most ancient civilizations.

There are many different ways to benefit from aromatherapy:
1. You can breathe the aromatic vapors using an aroma diffuser. An aroma diffuser has a small container that is filled with water and heated usually by a candle. Add 6 to 10 drops of an essential oil or water in the bowl of an aroma diffuser. The aromatic vapors of the essential oils are diffused as the water is heated.

2. You can create an air-freshener to freshen the air at home, work or in the car. Add 50 to 75 drops of an essential oil in two ounces of pure water in a mist spray bottle.

3. You can simply take the cap of the bottle and breathe the aroma deeply. It is most effective and you can use it anytime and anywhere.

4. You cab create a potpourri and place it in a small bowl. Dry some flowers, herbal leaves or use cardamom, cinnamon leftovers or dried citrus fruits and place them in the bowl. Pour 25 drops of essential oil in the dry potpourri. Mix thoroughly and cover tightly for a few days until the dry potpourri has absorbed the essential oils. Leave the bowl open until the fragrance has vanished and repeat the exercise.

5. You can try direct inhalation of the aromatic vapors, especially when you have breathing problems due to a common cold or have a sinusitis headache. Add a few drops of an essential oil to a bowl of hot boiling water, place a towel over your head, and breathe deeply for about 5 minutes.

6. You can absorb diluted oils through the skin in a bath. You can take a full bath in the tub full of warm water and the up to 15 drops of essential oils. You not only breathe the vapors but also absorb the oils through the skin. Alternatively you can take a foot or hand bath for localized effect.

7. You can take a massage too for quick effect. Create massage oil by adding 18 drops of the essential oils to 1 ounce of pure vegetable oil (e.g. almond). You ca take a full massage or localized spot massage at the pressure points.

8. You can also take a compress. Add 6 drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot or cold water. Submerge a soft cloth in the water, wring it out and place it on the area needing healing. Hot compresses are good for muscular pain and cramp relief, and cold compresses are useful for swelling or headache.

9. You can create your own perfume or best of all; you can use the age-old 'agarbattis'. Nowadays you can also get smoke-free ones, in case you are allergy-prone.

The inhalation of the essential oils can stimulate of sedate the body systems or organs. They can indirectly raise or lower blood pressure, and also aid in the normalization of hormonal secretion. The inhalation method can be useful for respiratory systems. Local application of diluted oils on various points (spinal nerves, chakras and meridians) is effective for certain aches and other conditions. Massages aid in relaxation as well as a physiological action through the nervous system. Certain oils are anti-microbial, antiseptic, anti-fungal or anti-inflammatory properties. Aromatherapy can cure many disorders, but for the best results it should form part of a holistic heath regime. Look beyond the symptoms to the cause of the illness. While heredity plays a part, origins of most illness lies in our lifestyle, mental state and diet.

Aromatherapy requires a great deal of self-commitment. Consult a professional for best effect. The following is a summary of essential oils and method of application for some common illnesses:
1. High Blood Pressure - Lavender, Ylang-ylang. - Baths, massage, perfumes
2. Constipation - Rose, Rosemary, Marjoram, Fennel - Bath, massage over abdomen
3. Bruises - Fennel, Marjoram - cold compress, essential oil ointment
4. Burns and scalds - Lavender - apply neat to small burns or a compress to larger areas
5. Sprains - Eucalyptus, Lavender, Rosemary - Cold compress, ointment
6. Insect Stings - Lavender, Tea Tree - Apply neat
7. Gingivitis - Tea Tree, Myrrh, Cypress - Mouthwash
8. Dandruff - Chamomile, Juniper, Rosemary, Lavender, Tea, Eucalyptus - Scalp massage, hair oil, hair tonics
9. Arthritis and Rheumatism - Chamomile, Cypress, Ginger, Marjoram, Rosemary, Lemon, Eucalyptus, Juniper, Coriander, Lavender - Bath massage, ointment, food/hand baths
10. Cold, Flu, Sinusitis, Cough - Juniper, Eucalyptus, Tea-Tree, Peppermint, Pine-needle, Marjoram, Lavender, Lemon, Garlic (capsules), Cloves, Cinnamon- baths, steams, inhalations, massage oil for chest, room fumigation
11. Depression - Bergamot, Chamomile, Lemon, Orange, Coriander, Geranium, Lavender, Neroli, Petitgrain, Sandalwood, Clary-sage, Patchouli, Rose, Ylang-ylang, Taget - Baths, massage, skin and room perfumes
12. Insomnia - Chamomile, Lavender, Sandalwood - baths, massages, skin and room massages.

This age-old tradition can be used very effectively. Please ensure that you use pure essential oils only, and avoid this therapy if you are allergy-prone. There are several books and web-sites available on this topic, and professional aromatherapists are also becoming common.