This refers to a special method
of extracting essential oil. Start with a cup or two of olive or other
vegetable oil and add about half that amount of your preferred botanical. You
then heat the mixture at a low temperature everyday for a couple of weeks.
Between the heating sessions, just keep the mixture in a tightly closed pot.
When the aroma is what you want, strain the mixture into a dark glass
container. It will last for quite a long time and you can use it for massage,
with carrier oil, or soak in a warm bath adding a few drops of oil. If you plan
to make soap or lotion, it will add a very pleasant essence. Infusion is also a
method of using a bag of dried plants or herbs and letting it soak in water.
There are companies who make fragrant tea bags for the bath. Some spas offer aromatherapy oil infusion.
This usually refers to a total body massage with an infused essential oil.
As far as finding the tools and
ingredients you need to create your own essential oils, the Internet, retail shops,
books, and speaking with those already experienced are all possible options.
You can make large or small batches depending on your needs. Most people who
are interested in home aromatherapy will only need relatively small amounts,
but it might still be really enjoyable to take yourself through the whole
process.
Finding the right essential oil or
combination of oils for you is the most difficult. That doesn’t mean that it’s
hard work or tiring, it’s just that learning what oils make you feel best and
you have a rapport with. It’s probably safe to say that if the aromas appeal to
you, the odds are that it will also make you feel heavenly. You can study the
table on which oils are recommended for which part of the body and with other
oils.
Any recipe will explain how to
mix oils and create blends for specific purposes. There are a number of books
available with thousands of possible combinations. We have listed a few at the
end of this book but don’t be afraid to hit the library or bookstore of your
choice and find the ones that look interesting to you. You will learn how to
blend oils to use in massage, bath, infusion dispersers, inhalers, and to make
soap, lotion, hair products, pet products, and even furniture polish. Your
rooms will smell fresh and aromatic and all your guests will feel welcomed,
relaxed, and probably won’t want to leave any time soon.
