Getting started with aromatherapy is not particularly difficult and can be done with only a couple of items but it can also be a very complex science. It is generally considered by most people to be anything that smells good or is pleasant inhaled or used in a massage. However, aromatherapy is a much more precise science and is actually more than just the aroma. It is in fact the entire area of plant medicine using what are called essential oils. Essential oils are concentrated, flammable, easily evaporated liquids extracted from plant material.
So to get started in aromatherapy you need some essential oils. There are literally hundreds of different oils available and often the chemical components are synthetic versions of the same plant oil. Often the essential oils are mixed together to produce an almost infinite number of effects and aromas. Avoid purchasing synthetic perfume or fragrance oils for use in aromatherapy. They may smell good but do not necessarily provide therapeutic or psychological benefit. Some good beginner essential oils and the oil's general therapeutic benefit are:
1. Eucalyptus - colds, throat infections and general aches and pains;
2. Geranium - anxiety, nervous tension and skin related problems;
3. Clary Sage - antidepressant, nervous disorders;
4. Lavender - all stress related conditions like headache, depression, tension, insomnia;
5. Jasmine - antidepressant, good for indifference and apathy;
6. Lemon - Indigestion, poor circulation, asthma;
7. Sandalwood - depression, nervous tension, nausea;
8. Peppermint - muscle pain, indigestion;
9. Rosemary - muscle and mental fatigue, headache, cold;
10. Petitgrain - irritability, depression, apathy and skin problems;
11. Tea Tree Oil - cuts, acne, insect bites.
These are just a small sample of the 100s of essential oils that you can get at any of dozens of aromatherapy stores on the Internet. To start, get two or more of these essential oils that interest you. Make sure you get oils whose aroma you suspect you will enjoy so that you derive the full benefit from them. If you are not sure what to get start with eucalyptus and lavender. These two mix well together and offer a wide range of benefits.
There are many different ways to experience the benefits of these oils but the three most basic ways are; inhaling the oil, rubbing it directly on your skin, or mixing the oil in a full bath or a hand or foot bath. You do not necessarily need special equipment to inhale the fragrances. A simple spray misting bottle will work. Simply mix a small amount of the essential oil with water in the bottle and spray the air in your room. You will want to experiment some with the ratio of water to oil but be aware that the oils are very concentrated and you won't need a lot of the oil. An even simpler method is to apply a few drops of the oil to a clean cloth or tissue and breath threw the cloth or dilute the oil with water in a bottle and breath from the bottle. To use essential oils for massage you don't want to dilute the oil in water. Instead you want to use what are called carrier oils. Sweet almond oil is an excellent carrier oil for use in aromatherapy massage. To use the oil in a bath simply add 5 to 10 drops after the bath is ready and gently mix the bath to disperse the oil throughout the bath.
It is best to store essential oils in a cool dark place. Bright light can damage the oils so make sure they are in dark amber or blue bottles. Once you get started with aromatherapy, don't be afraid to slowly mix and match different oils and have fun with them.