How to Make Aromatherapy Oils

Aromatherapy uses the essential oils of plants, such as peppermint, lavender or rose, to promote general health and well-being in a natural, non-toxic way. Aromatherapy can alleviate stress, combat nausea and vomiting, assist in pain management and help people fall asleep without medication. Although you can buy premixed aromatherapy products in stores and online, they are often expensive. Save money and have fun at the same time by making your own oils.

Things You'll Need

• Cooking pan
• Herbs and flowers, bought or from your garden
• Knife
• Vegetable oil
• Cooking thermometer
• Strainer
• Funnel
• Container with lid (such as a mason jar or spice bottle)

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Instructions

Instructions

• 1

  Fill the cooking pan with your chosen flowers and/or herbs, chopped into pieces.

• 2

  Fill the pot with the vegetable oil until the flowers/herbs are covered, with about a 2:1 ratio of oil to plants, and press the plants down into the oil. Extra-virgin olive oil is best, but you can also try safflower, almond or any salad oil.

• 3

  Boil the pot over a medium to medium-low heat until the mixture reaches 150 to 160 degrees F (with a standard meat/candy thermometer).

• 4

  Remove the pot from the stove and allow the mixture to cool before straining out the plant materials.

• 5

  Discard the plant materials and pour the oil through the funnel into the bottle or jar and cap tightly. Store it in a cool, dark location.