How to Incorporate Aromatherapy Into Your Garden

Aromatherapy is a great way to bring the scents of a garden indoors. Imagine how many bundles of lavender it takes to fill a tiny bottle. So when diluting essential oils with water or oil, aim for a ten-to-one ratio.

Essential oils from plants and flowers can be purchased in small bottles. They're highly concentrated, and you can mix them with oil or water to create scents for your home. Just be sure to store your concoctions in a glass container like a bottle or atomizer (mister).

To make massage oil, mix one drop essential oil to ten drops of carrier oil. Or, for a spray you can use on yourself, your linens and anywhere in your home, mix two percent essential oil to 98 percent water. Mix well, and enjoy the scent wherever you choose.

Gina has a great tip for scenting your laundry: use ten drops of a clear essential oil like lavender or peppermint on wet towels or dry socks before you put your clothes in the dryer. Don't worry about staining your laundry with the oil; just be sure to use a clear essential oil.

A great way to start your day is to use essential oils in the shower. All you have to do is place a few drops on the shower floor before you get in. You won't slip on the oil, because these are actually liquid vapors, not oils. She suggests using grapefruit, tangerine or peppermint to wake you up. It's a wonderful way to start your day.

If you enjoy the luxury of taking a bath, draw your bath first, and then just before you get in, add eight to ten drops of essential oil and swish it around.

Or, you can try a candle source diffuser. It has a copper well that holds water over a candle. Add three or four drops of essential oils to the water. It heats up slowly and evenly.

Another diffuser that works well in the bedroom is an electric fan diffuser. You pull the tray out and add a few drops of essential oil to the cotton pads, close it, and run it all night. For this Gina recommends lavender, marjoram, chamomile or clary sage for sweet dreams.