Essential plant oils are beneficial, providing you prioritize high-quality. Synthetic fragrances should be avoided at all costs, due to their allergenic tendencies. Be wary of clear bottles and low price oils, since these are often fragrances which aren’t natural or therapeutic. Oils should be diluted accordingly, and cold-pressed. Almond, apricot kernel and grape seed oil are among the best selections because they aren’t overpowering, and lend well to blending. When choosing your own oils, our Blank Patch is a great way to enjoy your own blend.

Aromatherapy requires a well-ventilated area because overexposure can result in nausea and headaches. It’s important to keep oils away from the eyes, mouth, and broken skin. Oils are very powerful and can be toxic when ingested, so do so at your own peril. You should store essential oils in the refrigerator, remembering they only have a shelf life of around one year.

The extraction process, which usually involves pressing or distilling, produces the essential oils used in aromatherapy. These emit fragrances which are taken in with the air we breathe, where they enter our bloodstream. The human body has millions of cells for detecting scents. Our nose is an influential sensory organ which affects health and consciousness. Smells are often associated with pleasant memories, which are evoked with certain scents. Because scents travel along the neurological pathway, they stimulate neurotransmitter production, commonly associated with mood regulation. Consequently, aromatherapy can alleviate stress, fear, and anxiety, while usefully killing germs, viruses, and bacteria.