Which ones would you recommend a beginner to use to experiment with when it comes to blending?

Hi Cate,

It depends on what you want to do with the oils. Whether you want them for healing purposes, holistic purposes, fragrance/beauty, etc.

I've created a few starter's kits for people just like you who don't know where to start:

http://www.aromalchemy.com/aromatherapy/starterskits.html

If you don't want an entire "kit" then simply review my summary page about oils...

http://www.aromalchemy.com/aromatherapy/ouroils.html

This page gives a brief description of each oil's properties...this way you can pick and choose which ones best meet your specific needs. If you click on the "learn more" link for each oil, you'll get a page which further details the oils' properties and also provides sample blends using that oil.

I have very dry, sensitive skin. Is there an oil or something that can be added to a bath or something to relieve the itching and soften my skin without causing further problems? I can get a rash from the fragrance and I'm allergic to soy, which is good for most everyone else. - Becky V

Becky,

One word of caution: patch test any essential oils before adding them to a bath if you can have sensitivies. I had a previous roommate who used to break out in a rash from some essential oils, but not others.

I use some old Japanese folk techniques in my skin care regime, and they recommend rice bran a lot for the skin. Make a little cotton or silk pouch, put in some fresh rice bran, soak in warm water and rub all over your skin. It's great for dry skin.

- Rae