These are just a few ideas for incorporating aromatherapy into your life to lessen stress. A word of caution though- it’s not a good idea to use essential oils full strength on your skin, as they can be highly irritating. Instead dilute them first with a carrier oil. One of the best to try is almond. For those unsure as to what a carrier oil is, let me explain.
Carrier Oils
Carrier oils, also referred to as base oils or vegetable oils, are used to dilute essential oils before they are applied to skin. They “carry” the essential oil onto the skin. Different carrier oils offer different properties and the choice of carrier oil can depend on the therapeutic benefit being sought. Carrier oils are generally cold-pressed vegetable oils taken from the fatty portions of the plant. Carrier oils do not evaporate or impart their aroma as strongly as essential oils do. Examples of carrier oils are sweet almond, avocado, grape seed, apricot kernel, peanut, olive, pecan, sesame, macadamia nut, evening primrose, walnut and wheat germ.