Many of those reading this article will have had first hand experience of the benefits of Aromatherapy, perhaps by way of a visit to a professional or more likely, by experimenting with some of the better known essential oils purchased at a local body health care shop.

In this short article I am not concerned with the general uses of essential oils but rather how they can be specifically used in the ELT classroom as mood enhancers, stress relievers and confidence builders, by offering a number of my own recipes.

Let's start with some methods of application.

A bowl of water can be placed near a radiator to which the oils can be added;
A small towel can be saturated in water. This is then wrung out and the drops of oil shaken onto the towel. The towel is then draped over the radiator to release the scent.
A plant spray can be filled with water, oils added and the mixture liberally sprayed around the room.

Before using oils always check for contra-indications, as a small number of the oils should not be used in cases of pregnancy, high blood pressure etc. Here are some of my own recipes you might like to try:

To ward off germs and colds, so easily passed around the classroom in European winters: 3 drops of Lavender, 2 drops of Eucaplyptus, 2 drops of Pine.
For exam classes beginning to feel the stresses and strains of the course: 3 drops of Bergamot, 3 drops of Geranium, 3 drops of Jasmine.
For exam classes the day or so before taking the exam, when nerves are clearly showing: 2 drops of Clary-Sage, 3 drops of Lavender, 2 drops of Rose.
For holiday courses, where the students tend to be over-excited: 3 drops of Camomile, 2 drops of Sandalwood, 2 drops of Rose.
For classes where students seem apathetic and unwilling to participate freely: 2 drops of Grapefruit, 2 drops of Rosemary, 2 drops of Ginger. 6. For classes that find it hard to concentrate: 3 drops of Cedarwood, 2 drops of Frankincense, 2 drops of Ylang Ylang.

Once you have used oils to provide fragrance and atmosphere, you will probably want to develop your own recipes and begin to get a feeling for which oils blend well together, the properties they possess and those that work best with your own class. Enjoy the experience and have fun!