Aromatherapy uses concentrated oils—called essential oils—that are extracted from the flowers, leaves or other parts of a plant. The oils, which carry the plant’s scent, are said to have healing properties. Students have a hard time getting into aromatherapy because essential oils can be expensive and students just don’t know what to do with them, says Lowen Millspaugh, assistant wellness manager at The Merc, 901 Iowa St. Millspaugh recommends using high-quality organic oils, ones that are grown without any herbicides or pesticides. “You don’t want to put that stuff on your body,” Millspaugh says. With a little guidance, aromatherapy can be easy. And with these recipes, students can use essential oils to make their own relaxing spa treatments.
For a soothing facial steam, fill a bowl with hot water and add a few drops of essential oil. Pick an oil according to your skin type: lavender for normal skin, rose for dry skin and clary-sage for acne-prone skin. Drape a towel over your head, covering the bowl to lock in the steam. Then wait while the steam opens your pores and lets the oil penetrate your skin. “It’s a nice treat,” Millspaugh says. “A nice little home spa treatment.”
Making your own bath salts is another way to use essential oils. In a quart-size Ziploc bag, combine ½ cup each of kosher salt and Epsom salt. Add a few drops of food coloring, close the bag and shake until the color is spread evenly. Then add five to 10 drops of your favorite essential oil and shake again. Lavender is especially relaxing, and the Epsom salt will relax your muscles and soften your skin. This recipe makes enough for two baths: simply pour half the bag into the bath and swirl with your hands until the salts dissolve.
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