How To Use Aromatherapy

In case you haven't been shopping lately, there's been an aromatherapy craze going on. The basic concept of aromatherapy dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who used the essential oils of various plants to help treat and relieve the symptoms of various physical and mental problems. While there are about 300 different essential oils in common use today, you need only 10 for your own home-remedy kit:

Lavender: The most useful and important of the home remedy essential oils, lavender can be used to relieve stress-related problems, headaches, burns, insect stings, and skin conditions.

Tea tree: Since it has antiseptic and antifungal properties, tea tree is helpful for skin problems, athlete's foot, burns, insect stings, cold sores, cystitis, yeast infections and respiratory problems.

Clove: Although the smell may remind you a bit of the dentist's office, clove is a valuable antiseptic that's great for emergency treatment for a toothache.

Chamomile: You're probably already familiar with chamomile's relaxing properties. It can be used for tension headaches, an upset stomach, skin problems, and sore joints and muscles. It's very mild, so it's especially good for children.

Eucalyptus: Used mostly for coughs and colds, eucalyptus is also a good insect repellent.

Geranium: With its lemony scent, geranium is a nice addition to massage oil. It also helps relieve some skin problems.

Lemon: Like geranium, the lemon essential oil is good for skin problems. It's also an effective appetite stimulant and blends well with almost any other essential oils.

Peppermint: This essential oil is a great scent to keep you alert. It's also good for upset stomachs and respiratory problems.

Rosemary: The properties in rosemary make it good for stomachaches, chest and nasal congestion, sore joints and muscles, and headaches.

Thyme: When used in very small amounts, thyme is helpful for minor skin infections and cuts.

- Adapted from The Complete Idiot's Guide To Alternative Medicine, by Dr. Alan H. Pressman and Sheila Buff (Alpha Books)