As the name suggests, aromatherapy is a type of treatment that falls into the category of alternative medicine. It makes use of essential oils that are compounds derived from plants. Most people associate aromatherapy for its use as a relaxation therapy, but it is also used to help relieve medical conditions. The antimicrobial properties of essential oils make them useful in the treatment of infectious diseases. In recent times, the use of essential oils in pain management, anxiety cures, and Alzheimer's disease has grown in popularity. However, while it may seem to provide a safe alternate treatment option, know that essential oils are very potent and volatile liquids, and thus, need to be used with extreme caution. One is advised never to use an undiluted essential oil on the skin without the use of a carrier oil. While the remedies given here should help, do not use them as a substitute for proper medical treatment. Aromatherapy to Treat Depression Blend 1

• 1 drop Rose essential oil
• 1 drop Orange essential oil
• 3 drops Sandalwood essential oil

Blend 2

• 1 drop Lavender essential oil
• 3 drops Grapefruit essential oil
• 1 drop Ylang Ylang essential oil

Directions If you want to use either of the blends in a diffuser, then multiply the quantity of each oil by 4, which will give you about 20 drops of the blend. After mixing the oils of the blend you have chosen, pour the mixture into a dark-colored glass bottle, and roll the bottle between your palms. Follow the instructions that come with the diffuser, and add the appropriate number of drops to it. Bath Recipe for Mild Depression

• 2 drops Basil essential oil
• ¼ cup Honey (or almond, canola, soy and safflower oil)
• 1 drop Grapefruit essential oil
• 3 drops Lavender essential oil
• 2 drops Geranium essential oil
• 3 drops Ylang ylang essential oil

Directions Combine the essential oils with the honey. Fill up the tub with warm water, and then pour in the oil and honey mixture. Gently churn the water with your hands, and then soak in the tub for 20 to 30 minutes. Massage Recipe for Mild Depression

• 2 drops Bergamot essential oil
• 2 tbsp sweet almond oil
• 2 drops Geranium essential oil
• 1 tsp Wheat germ oil
• 2 drops Basil essential oil
• 8 drops Lavender essential oil
• 8 drops Ylang ylang essential oil

Directions Mix the essential oils together and pour them into a dark glass bottle. Then add in the sweet almond oil and wheat germ oil. Roll the bottle between your palms to mix. Once or twice a day, massage a small amount of oil at the back of the hands and chest area. Inhale the essences from your hands after application to the skin. You will be in the best position to use essential oils once you understand which oil is used for what purpose. Here are some pointers:

• Drops of peppermint and lemon oils are said to enhance a persons memory.
• A great natural aromatherapy recipe for chasing away the blues is 3 drops of orange essential oil along with 2 drops of ginger.
• One can effectively tackle acne with lavender and tea tree oil.
• Chase away insomnia, and welcome deep sleep with drops of Roman chamomile, clary sage, and bergamot oils.
• While it may not mend a broken heart, warm rose and sandalwood oils can help ease the pain.
• Seek relief from menstrual cramps with drops of peppermint, cypress, and lavender oils.
• improve your immunity with drops of eucalyptus, pine, and peppermint oils.
• Lower your stress levels with soothing drops of Roman chamomile, lavender, and vetiver oils.

Instead of a cure, use essential oils to encourage emotional well-being, and never use them as an alternative medicine.