Essential oils evaporating from the surface of the hot water affect the brain within minutes via the olfactory organ. Essential oils are absorbed through the lungs after being breathed in along with the air and steam, and in part they are absorbed through the skin, then, they reach the different tissues and organs via the bloodstream. Aromatherapy baths may be helpful for motor problems, muscle tension, gynecological complaints, and sleep problems. To prepare mix 5-10 drops of essential oils in 1 tablespoon of milk, cream, or bubble bath, then add the mixture to the bathwater. The recommended length of the bath is 10-15 minutes.
Aromatherapy bathing may also be beneficial used partially to refresh and rest the feet, as well as for the treatment of certain fungal infections. To prepare, drop 5-10 drops of essential oil on 1 teaspoon of salt or sodium bicarbonate, then stir into a dish (about 2 liters) of warm water, and soak the feet for about 10-15 minutes. It has a pleasant, refreshing effect if you massage the feet while you soak them.
 

We can freshen up the air in our environment, and create a wondeful aroma in our home or workplace by using essential oils in an aroma lamp or vaporizer. Essential oils first have an affect on the limbic system of the brain when breathed in. The inhaled essential oils may ease fatigue, improve our general well-being, and help us fall asleep. During the cold and flu season, it is good to vaporize essential oils several times a day, because this may create unsuitable conditions for the development of airborne germs, and at the same time we can improve the functioning of our immune system. For vaporization, we should add 6-10 drops of essential oil to a container filled with water placed on the radiator, or an aroma lamp. (There are no exact guidelines available regarding the amounts of essential oils to be used in vaporization. Everyone should determine for themselves through experimentation the amount of essential oil that needs to be vaporized in order to achieve a nice aroma in the given space.
The air can also be freshened and/or disinfected by filling a pump-sprayer with 300 ml of water, adding 8-12 drops of essential oil, then shaking thoroughly, and then pumping the mixture into the air.
Another frequent method for breathing in essential oils is achieved by adding a few drops on a tissue or the edge of a pillowcase, and breathing in the scents as they vaporize. Place 1-1 drop of essential oil on a paper tissue, and breathe in first through one, then through the other nostril. We do not recommend this method for children under 5-7 years of age.

An effective application method in the case of rheumatoid complaints, sprains, strains, bruises, and respiratory illnesses if the treatment area is not sensitive to pressure or touch. The applied essential oils increase blood flow in the area, and act as mild anaesthetic/pain relievers, and - applied to the chest or back - are effective as cough suppressants and expectorants. For rubbing in, mix 6-10 drops of essential oils with 1 tablespoon fatty oil or 70% alcohol.

Cold (warm) compresses are recommended in the case of sudden onset of complaints (rapid, acute), such as the treatment of pain and swelling due to injury, or for reducing fever. The heated compress should be changed regularly. Warm compresses are usually recommended for the treatment of chronic, recurring symptoms and pain, (e.g. menstrual cramps, back pain, intestinal cramps, joint inflammation, gout). Warm compresses improve the blood and lymphatic circulation, open up pores, and ease pain. To prepare a compress, place 4-5 drops of essential oil, previously mixed with a tablespoon of honey, into a bowl of water (approximately 2 liters), and stir thoroughly. Next, dip a soft piece of cloth into the bowl, let it soak through with the essential oil and water mixture, wring it out slightly, and place it on the surface to be treated. Cover the warm compress with a towel, then, after 20 minutes dry off the damp surface.

Dissolve 10-15 drops of essential oils in 70 ml of 100% alcohol, then, after 48 hours, add 2 tablespoons of water to the mixture and gently shake the bottle. After this, let the mixture stand for another 48 hours, then strain through a paper filter. If the fragrance is too strong, it can then be diluted with additional water. To use as fragrance, pour the mixture into abottle with a pump. To use as after shave,simply rub a few drops onto the face.

The inhalation of essential oils is a „more intensive” form of breathing them in through the air as described above, where the concentration of essential oils entering the system is higher, and the effects are faster and stronger. For this reason, inhalation is an effective method for the treatment of hoarse throats, heavy breathing, and respiratory illnesses that cause coughing. For the purposes of inhalation, we should add 3-8 drops of essential oil to 1 liter of hot water. Breathe in the rising steam through the nose or mouth for at least 5 minutes (the water vapor helps loosen and purge accumulated mucus). The inhalation should be carried out one-three times a day, and, depending on the seriousness of the illness, this should be repeated for several days, or perhaps even weeks. Following the inhalation, it is recommended that you stay in the room where the treatment took place for about an hour. Inhalation is usually not recommended for children under 5 years of age, and certain essential oils (e.g. peppermint, eucalyptus) are also not recommended.

Massage is a treatment in which the hands are used for stroking, kneading, rubbing, pulsating, and gentle hitting, which has a beneficial effect on the skeletal muscles, blood and lymphatic circulation, and improves general well-being. The oils used for massage usually contain plant-based fatty oils and a small amount of essential oil (to prepare massage oil, mix 6-10 drops of essential oil in 1 tablespoon of fatty oil). The essential oils used for massage mainly exert their beneficial effects by entering the skin and the deeper tissues and circulatory system, however, the benefits of the essential oils that are vaporize and inhaled during the massage may also be felt. The plant-based oils used in the preparation of massage oils are not only important vehicles for delivery, but are also rich in the oleic acids and essential fatty acids found in the protective layer of the skin, so they add - among others - skin-softening and skin-nourishing effects to the beneficial characteristics of essential oils found in massage oils.

Sauna use has a beneficial effect on the improvement of the immune system, to ease the complaints of respiratory diseases, improves muscle tone and mood. The above effects of sauna use can be increased with the addition of essential oils and their mixtures sauna oils . Add 2-5 drops of the essential oils/mixtures or sauna oils to the water in the ladle, then pour onto the hot stones. The procedure can be repeated as desired.
Sauna use is not recommended in certain cases (e.g. high blood pressure, heart problems, some acute inflammatory processes), so prior to sauna use we should consult a doctor. We should acclimate ourselves to sauna use gradually, and avoid overheating. Essential oils are somewhat flammable, so we should not pour them undiluted onto the hot stones, mix them with alcohol, or store them in the hot sauna. During their use we should take individuals' possible sensitivity to oils into consideration, and after use, we should ensure that the sauna cabin is thoroughly aired out.