What could be more simple than 'stopping to smell the roses' when needing a pick-me-up? This is the essence of aromatherapy ~ uplifting the heart, mind and body with the scents of herbs and flowers.

For most of us, busy lifestyles and hectic schedules don't allow for the cultivation of herbs and flowers for aromatherapy purposes. Readily available and just as beneficial are essential oils, the distilled 'essence' of the plant. Despite its name, essential oil is not oily; rather, it is volatile and evaporates readily when exposed to air. When inhaled, the essences pass through the respiratory system into the bloodstream where they create physiological effects. They also affect the area of the brain responsible for emotions and memories. When applied to the skin, essential oils penetrate deeply into the cells to rejuvenate and renew them.

Relaxing: Lavender, clary sage, chamomile, petitgrain, neroli, ylang-ylang, tangerine, sandalwood, rose

Energizing: Rosemary, rosewood, patchouli, peppermint, rose geranium, juniper, lemon, lime, cypress

Uplifting: Bergamot, geranium, orange, patchouli, jasmine, rosemary

Antiseptic: Tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender

Muscle Aches: Eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary

Insect Repellent: Citronella, peppermint, pennyroyal, bergamot, cypress, eucalyptus, spearmint

"Take two ounces of Labdanum, of Benjamin and Storax one ounce:
musk, six grains; civet, six graines [six pinches]; Amber-grease, six graines;
of Calamus Aromaticus and Lignum Aloes, of each the weight of a groat;
beat all these in a hot mortar, and with a hot pestall till they come to a paste;
then wet your hand with Rosewater and rowle up the paste suddenly."

SIR HUGH PLATT, Delights for Ladies, 1594

Health Alert!
Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be treated with respect. For instance, it may have taken 5,000 roses to produce a teaspoonful of rose essential oil!
When using oils in the bath do not blend more than two oils together at any time. Do not use the same oil daily for more than two weeks at a time, as sensitivity to that oil could develop. If skin irritation occurs or allergic reaction to any oil, discontinue use immediately! Some oils have a stimulating effect on the uterine muscles and should be avoided during pregnancy. Avoid the following oils if you are pregnant or suspect you might be: basil, clary sage, fennel, hyssop, juniper, pennyroyal, peppermint, sage and thyme. These herbs are safe for pregnant women when used in cooking.

Herbal Baths
Combine equal amounts of rosemary, peppermint, comfrey, lavender, lemon thyme and rose. Place into a bath bag or cheesecloth and drop into the bath while filling for a wonderful herbal infusion. Rub the bath bag on the skin for additional enjoyment.
To soften and smooth the skin add one part oatmeal to one part fresh or dried herbs.
For a simple and soothing bath, place a quarter cup of powdered milk along with six to eight drops of your favourite essential oil into the bath while filling. It was rumoured that Cleopatra's owed her beautiful complexion to daily milk baths.
For a bubbly bath combine 1/4 cup glycerine with 1 cup mild liquid soap (health food stores often carry an unscented liquid soap that can be purchased in bulk), 1 teaspoon sugar and 50 drops essential oil. Use 3 tablespoons per bath.
For a detoxifying bath combine 2 cups epsom salts with 5 drops each lavender, lemongrass, tea tree and orange essential oil for scent. (My favourite combination!)
Try a bath tea for a totally rejuvenating experience. In a muslin drawstring bag or in a square of cheesecloth (use a few layers if it is not tightly woven cloth) place 2 tablespoons each of grated soap, cocoa butter, orange peel granules, lemon peel granules and rose petals. Close the muslin back tightly. If using cheesecloth, tie the square with kitchen string or a pretty piece of ribbon. Along the bag to hang in the running water. Once the tub is filled, drop the bag into the water to dispense the herbal 'tea' or scrub the skin with the bag.

Air Freshener
Place six to eight drops of essential oil in a pan of very hot water or place a few drops onto a cotton handkerchief. (Synthetic blends don't hold the scent very well.) Inhale.
If working with a tight budget, try using inhalants already in your home. Place the peel of a few apples into a small saucepan and cover with water. Add cinnamon, allspice and cloves, then simmer on medium-low for a wonderful apple and spice scent reminiscent of grandma's baking.
Freshen a vehicle with one of the following essential oil blends. Blend A: 8 drops rosemary, 5 drops pine and 2 drops peppermint essential oil. Blend B: 6 drops bergamot, 5 drops rosemary and 4 drops lime essential oil. Just put several drops on a cotton ball or square of cotton fabric, making sure to place it in the car away from any plastic or vinyl surfaces. Enjoy an energizing and uplifting drive!

Massage Oil ~ Sport Blends
To two fluid ounces of base oil (almond or apricot) add 15 to 30 drops of essential oil. The essential oils are usually added at one or two percent; assuming twenty drops per 1ml, this means using one or two drops per 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of base oil. Store in tightly sealed glass bottle.
For stimulation: juniper, eucalyptus and rosemary.
Toning muscles: black pepper, ginger, rosemary, lavender, cypress, juniper, peppermint, grapefruit, orange
Aid respiratory system: eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, geranium.
Aid mental preparation before competition: a blend of rosemary, lemon, lavender, chamomile.
Promote circulation: rose and palmarosa.
Soothe aching muscles: eucalyptus, ginger, peppermint.
Eliminate after-competition stress: lemon, nutmeg, clary sage, orange.

Dream Pillows
Falling asleep can be next to impossible when stressed. For a 'power' sleep that leaves you refreshed in the morning, try tucking a sachet of the following dried herbs in your pillowcase: 1/8 cup each lemon verbena, sweet marjoram and lemongrass, 1 heaping tablespoon rosemary, and peppermint and a dash of thyme and 2 cloves. Make sure the sachet is tightly fastened to avoid spillage. To refresh the sachet nightly, simply give it a squeeze or two! For a restful sleep try 1/8 cup each of dried calendula petals, chamomile flowers, catnip and lavender.