What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils extracted from plants to enhance and improve psychological and physical well-being. It is a very effective way in purifying and balancing body and mind. The practice of aromatherapy dates back nearly five thousand years. It has been widely used in Egypt, China, India and Greece in medicinal treatments, cosmetic products, and spiritual or religious ceremonies.
Aromatherapy has the functions of producing a feeling of euphoria and peacefulness, relieving anxiety and stress, and reducing pain and discomfort. The essential oils used in aromatherapy can be blended with massage oils for massage therapies or bathing products to relax our body and mind.

About Essential oils
Essential oils are the highly concentrated fragrant essences of plants. They are extracted from the flowers, leaves, or barks of plants by various methods. The blends of different essential oils are infinite. Essential oils can be inhaled or applied to the skin in diluted forms. They have been found to provide both physical and psychological benefits when used correctly and safely.
The scent of the oils can simulate the emotional center of the brain, or "limbic system". The limbic system then transmits the impulse to areas that control blood circulation, hormone level, breathing and memory. The benefits they provide include good circulation, healthy metabolism, relieving stress, reducing anxiety, anti-depression, etc. Custom-blended essential oils are also very beneficial in meeting each individual's needs without losing their aroma characteristics. Perfume oils or fragrance oils are different from essential oils. They are artificially produced and contain chemical substances. They are not able to provide us with therapeutic benefits and sometimes even have side effects from overdosing or blending.

Safety information of essential oil
Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids. They can cause some side effects if not used properly. The following safety guidelines are for your references only. Consult your physician and/or a trained aromatherapy practitioner before using the products.
1. Essential oils should be diluted before using on the skin. Lavender and tea tree are generally known to be oils that can be used undiluted. However, sensitivity reaction could occur in some individuals.
2. Essential oils should not be taken orally. Some essential oils can be toxic if taken internally. Consult your physician or trained aromatherapy practitioner for taking essential oils internally.
3. Perform a patch test on skin for allergic reaction. Add one drop of essential oil to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. Place the diluted essential oil on the inside of your elbow or behind the ear. Wait 24 hours to see if there is any sign of reaction.
4. Some essential oils can not be used during pregnancy or by people with asthma, epilepsy, or other health conditions. After applying the oils, some pregnant women tend to develop sensitivity on the skin. Some essential oils might affect the change of hormones during pregnancy and aggravate the symptoms of morning sickness, nausea, or abdominal cramps.
5. Keep out of reach of children. Never let children use essential oils without the supervision of an adult. Check with trained aromatherapy practitioners about the use of essential oils by children under 2 years of age. Use half of the amount of essential oils for children under 12.
6. Citrus essential oils are often photosensitive. Avoid using the citrus essential oils in the day time since exposure to direct sunlight will cause hyperpigmentation within four hours of application. The photosensitivity caused by bergamot can last for several days.
7. Essential oils are flammable. Keep your essential oils away from fire hazards.

Tip for proper storage
1. Essential oils should be stored at room temperature, and should avoid high humidity, direct sunlight and excessive heat. Sudden change of temperature might shorten the shelf life. Do not refrigerate.
2. Frequent usage will cause oxidation and shorten the shelf life. The shelf life for sealed essential oils is 2 years. They stay fresh for 6 months to a year after opening. Essential oil blends need to be used within 2 months.

Using Essential oils

• Inhalation:
  1. Place 3-7 drops of essential oil in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir to mix and let the aroma evaporate into the air.
  2. Place 3-7 drops of essential oil in a bowl with two 2 cups of hot water. Cover your head with a bath towel, keep your nose 12" away from the bowl, close the eyes and inhale. Stop when there is no vapor. Not recommend to be used by people with asthma.
  3. Place 1-2 drops of essential oil on a tissue, handkerchief, or pillow and inhale.
• Massage:
  Dilute the essential oil with carrier oil. Mix well and massage it onto the skin. The content of essential oil cannot exceed 2%. Keep away from eyes and genital areas.
• Compress:
  Place 2-4 drops of essential oils in one cup of cold or hot water in a bowl and mix well. Soak a wash towel in the water. Wring out and make the towel a cold or hot compress for problem areas. This is used mostly for muscular discomfort, skin problems or insect bites.
• Bath:
  Add 5-7 drops of essential oil to one table spoon of carrier oil. Pour the blended oil in the running water in your bath tub. It can also be used for spa manicure or pedicure. Mix well before using.
• Air Freshener:
  Add 18 drops of essential oils to 4 oz. of water. Mix well and spray in rooms or cars to give a refreshing scent.
• Diffusers:
  Add 3-5 drops of essential oil to 1 oz. of water. Place the blend in a diffuser and let the aroma released into the air.