Whether you want to use Essential Oils for their therapeutic qualities or just because they smell nice, there are several different ways to use them:

• Compresses - Soak cotton wool or lint in a basin of either warm or cold water. Add up to 5 drops of essential oils, wring out the lint and place on the affected area. Cold water is best used for headaches and migraines, whereas warm water is often better for stomach aches.
  
  
• Foot Baths - Ease cold, aching feet or chilblains by soaking feet in a warm footbath with up to 10 drops of essential oils added. Soak feet for 15-20 minutes.
  
  
• Inhalants - For colds, mood changes and insomnia place 6-8 drops of essential oil onto a tissue or handkerchief and inhale gently. Be careful if you are asthmatic.
  
  
• In the bath - One of the most widely used methods! This is really good for easing skin complaints and stress. Use up to 6 drops in a warm bath. Try to stay in the bath for 20 minutes to get the best results.
  
  
• Room Fresheners - Put 6-8 drops of oils in a room burner, light bulb burner or other oil vaporiser. If you don't have these, then place a saucer of water with the oils, in a warm spot. This is a great way to add atmosphere to a room and deodorise at the same time.
  
  
• Massage Oil - You must always measure precisely when making a massage blend. In aromatherapy, less is always more; so don't be tempted to add more essential oils than stated.

For a back massage, add 3 drops of oil to 5ml (approx 1tsp) of Sweet Almond oil (or whatever carrier oil you have chosen to use).

For a Full massage or if you are making some to store, use 15 drops of essential oils in 50ml of Sweet Almond oil. If you are blending an oil for someone who is elderly, ill or a small child, then use half the amount of essential oils stated. Please make sure that you look at the cautions of essential oils before you use them!