Personal Care Even if you're happier spending a week in the woods than an afternoon at the spa, you'll find that aromatherapy has a lot to offer in the way of personal care. Aromatherapy combines the scents and remedies of nature that can be used to enhance grooming, health, and general wellbeing. Massage Massage oil is easy to make and using massage oils can help you tailor each massage session into a one-of-a-kind therapeutic experience. Make your own massage oil by mixing 18 drops of essential oil (you can mix and match to produce scents that are specific to your needs) to 1 oz. of grapeseed, jojoba, or almond oil. A combination of lavender, almond, and marjoram makes a very relaxing oil; almond, lavender, grapefruit, and rosemary will revitalize you; grapeseed, ylang ylang, jasmine, and patchouli will release your sensual side. Our Common Oils section provides additional information on oils that will allow you to relax, rejuvenate, and clarify your senses. Vaporizer If you don't want to purchase a $30 vaporizer, try this inexpensive vaporizing remedy. Add a couple drops of essential oil to a bowl of steaming water, cover your head with a dry towel, bend your face over the bowl, and inhale deeply. Another alternative to store-bought vaporizers is a simple bath. You can relieve the effects of a hangover by combining one drop of juniper, cedarwood, grapefruit, lavender, carrot, fennel, rosemary, and lemon essential oils to warm bath water and soaking for 15 to 20 minutes, and for colds or allergies try adding eucalyptus and lavender oils to your bath. If you would like to vaporize a room in your house, try placing a bowl containing a mixture of hot water and several drops of essential oil on a radiator. Your house will smell spring clean in no time! Compresses Reduce pain and inflammation by applying an essential oil compress to areas affected by arthritis, muscle tension and cramps. Add 10 drops of essential oil to a sink filled with hot or cold water (cold water will help reduce inflammation and headaches and hot water will relax your muscles). Dip a washcloth into the water, wring it out, and place it on the painful or inflamed area. Eucalyptus combined with lavender oil makes an excellent general-use compress. Antiseptic Next time you clean your earrings, try using lavender essential oil rather than rubbing alcohol. Lavender has astringent and cleaning properties and smells wonderful! You can also make your own disinfectant by mixing two drops of bergamot essential oil and one teaspoon of witch hazel extract. Or, for a double-duty lotion that cleanses and moisturizes your skin, mix 1 cup shea butter, 3 drops of tea tree oil, 3 drops rosemary, and 2 drops of lemon. Apply to chapped hands and feet and you'll feel tingly and smooth for hours. Perfume For a simple perfume that won't discolor your skin or cause irritation, add 25 drops of your favorite essential oil to 1 oz. of water or grapeseed oil in a mist spray bottle. You can make a water-based perfume by combining equal parts distilled water and vodka; add 5-10 drops of essential oil to each ounce depending how strong you wish to make the fragrance. Combinations of chamomile and lavender, lavender and orange, rosewood and lemon, and orange and bergamot are especially pleasing. Toothpaste Your mouth can smell minty fresh all day when you make your own peppermint toothpaste. Combine 2 tbsp. baking soda, ? tsp. salt, 4 tsp. glycerine, 14 drops of peppermint essential oil, and mix well. This mixture can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.