When you first start exploring the world of aromatherapy, there are a dizzying number of options available. So many scents, so little time! But even a beginner can master an aromatherapy recipe, whether you want to make bath salts or massage oil. We'll prove it below!

The Basics

The first step is figuring out which aromatherapy recipe to use; what kind of scent do you have in mind? Something floral may be like lavender, or perhaps you're thinking something spicy, like myrrh.

Experiment by going to a store that has sample bottles of different essential oils on display, sniffing each, and making a note of how each scent makes you feel. Try to pick scents that create similar sensations, like lavender and mint, which are both soothing.

You should also learn more about the properties of each essential oil. Some are good for healing chapped skin, for instance, while others are better suited for skin toner or simple inhalation. Check with a licensed aromatherapist if you plan to follow a therapeutic aromatherapy recipe to make sure you know how to handle each ingredient safely.

Next, decide what type of product you want to make. There's literally an aromatherapy recipe out there for anything you can think of. Double-check the list of ingredients and you're ready to go!

Simple Projects

An aromatherapy recipe can be as simple as adding one drop of essential oil, like eucalyptus, to carrier oil like apricot kernel oil, to make invigorating massage oil. Be careful to use less than 10 drops of the essential oil per ounce of carrier oil. Too much essential oil will cause skin irritation.

Bath salts are another easy aromatherapy recipe. Again, combine less than 10 drops of a soothing essential oil like lavender, with about two cups of either sea salt or Epsom salts. Add several drops of moisturizing carrier oil like sunflower oil.

Need another recipe? Try making an air freshener. Take 20 to 30 drops of a clean-smelling essential oil like lemon or pine, and add to an ounce of distilled water. Put it in a spray bottle - inexpensive and easy to find in the travel-size supply section of any drugstore - and start spritzing after giving the bottle a good shake.

Don't forget to write down each aromatherapy recipe and take notes on how you liked each product, and which you'd like to make again!