The benefits of aromatherapy have been known for centuries. Subtle but powerful, essential oils can be used for relief of many common ailments. Making homemade aromatherapy diffuser oils adds an even greater benefit, since the potency and aroma of the oils can be adjusted to your needs. The oil blends can be customized specifically for your requirements, and the purity of the oils will never be in question. Lastly, a significant cost savings can be realized when essential oils are crafted at home.

How To Make Essential Oils

The first thing you’ll need to determine is what type of carrier oil you’ll use. Sweet almond oil or jojoba oil is typically recommended for use in essential oils. Next, determine which herbs and flowers you need. An essential oil can be a single note, for example straight lavender or rosemary. Or it can be a blend of several oils, all focused on a specific quality. If you’re making a blend to invigorate and energize, try using spearmint, peppermint, rosemary, orange or lemon in various combinations.

The herbs, flowers and oil all need to be in the correct proportions in order to get the most benefit. Typically, it’s recommended to use one quarter ounce of herbs for each cup of carrier oil. Start with the smallest amount first, and then adjust as necessary.

There are three different methods for making essential oils – all methods involve some sort of heat source. One method is to add all the herbs and flowers to a crockpot and then add the carrier oil. Cook this on the lowest setting from four to eight hours.

The second method involves using an oven. Mix the ingredients together as above in a glass baking dish. Set the oven temperature at 150 degrees, setting the timer for two hours. Don’t let it go any longer than that, as too much heat will ruin the delicate oils.

Thirdly, mix all of the ingredients together in a glass mason jar. Use a rubber sealing ring on the jar instead of a metal one, since metal can react with some of the oils. Set the jar in full sun for a minimum of two weeks.

At the end of the process, strain out all of the herbal mixture with cheesecloth. The leftover oil is your pure essential oil and is ready to use. The oils should be placed in dark glass jars. Since the oils will start to decompose after about six months, it’s important to label your jars with the exact date they were created, as well as what herbs or flowers were used. Store your essential oils in a cool, dark and dry location to preserve their shelf life.

Your oils can now be used in a number of different ways. Place them in a diffuser, use a few drops in a warm bath, or use them in a relaxing massage. For a quick pick-me-up after a long day at work, place a few drops of energizing oil on a tissue and place it in your car’s air vents.

Essential oils have many beneficial uses – producing your own oils insures quality and purity that only add to their benefits.