Living in the Sedona area, it is hard not to notice the myriad of spa opportunities available, some of which incorporate aromatherapy; however, most spa treatments are expensive and vary widely in what they offer. So why not make some of your own aromatherapy spa products at home?

Using Essential Oils in Spa Products

An essential oil is a natural plant extract and is the only type of oil (when compared to synthetic fragrance oils) that has therapeutic properties. There are many different types of essential oils that you can use in spa products; just be sure to check individual essential oil profiles first for any contra-indications for use.

If you are unfamiliar with the use of essential oils, consult an experienced and qualified aromatherapist for further advice before using them. It may also be useful to purchase a book on the subject of making your own aromatherapy lotions and oils.

Aromatherapy Spa Products for the Bath

You can add essential oils to bath spa products such as bubble bath, scrubs, bath salts and bath fizzies/bath bombs. If you are looking for calming properties, try adding lavender or chamomile essential oil to your base product. Other popular essential oils for aromatherapy spa products for the bath include rose, geranium, patchouli and frankincense.

Aromatherapy Spa Products for your Hair

You can also add essential oils to your hair shampoo and conditioner; the type of essential oil that you choose depends on the type of hair that you have, such as dry, greasy, damaged or thin hair. Rosemary essential oil is a popular choice to add to hair shampoo because it is reputed to have hair stimulant properties. However, lemon, geranium and lavender essential oils are also suitable for aromatherapy spa hair products.

Aromatherapy Spa Products for your Skin

This is a wide subject area to cover because there are so many different aromatherapy spa products that you can make for your skin and a wide variety of complimentary essential oils for your skin type. Examples of aromatherapy spa products for your skin include lotion, moisturizer, cleansing creme, face masks and body butters. Rose, geranium, lemon, orange blossom and lavender are popular essential oils for your skin, but there are many more too.

How to Make Aromatherapy Spa Products at Home

Use a base spa product that does not already have any fragrance added to it; use the recommended amount of essential oil for your chosen base product, as indicated by the supplier, a reference book or the advice of an experienced and qualified aromatherapist. You can also take a basic course in making your own aromatherapy spa products too.

Making your own aromatherapy spa products for personal use at home is both fun and cost effective; you also get to make a product specifically designed for you – and you can use it in the comfort of your own home!

For further information on making your own aromatherapy spa products, contact Sharon Falsetto.

Sources:

• Author's personal experience
• Worwood, Valerie Ann, 1991, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy US: New World Library