Making scents of it

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils made from plants and flowers. The different chemical makeup of oils generates scents or aromas, and is thought to induce a range of emotional and physiological reactions.

Essential oils can be applied in different ways, including directly rubbed onto the skin, added to bath water or vaporized in an oil burner.

Aromatherapy has been practised in some form or another in many cultures for thousands of years, but has not yet undergone the same scientific scrutiny as conventional medicines or even some other complementary therapies. Studies have shown that aromatherapy can play a role in the treatment of some complaints, including:

• Digestive problems
• Eczema
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Stress

Essential oils to try

• Eczema – sometimes known as dermatitis, eczema is an inflammation of the skin that produces flaking, scaling and itching. Occasionally fluid-filled blisters are present. Try: geranium and lavender
• Headaches – the most common causes of headache include allergies, eyestrain, stress, tension, hunger and exposure to irritants such as perfume. Try: chamomile and peppermint
• Insomnia – habitual sleeplessness, repeated night after night. This means either not being able to fall asleep when you go to bed, or waking up and not being able to get back to sleep. Try: chamomile and lavender
• Stress – a term used to describe any reaction to a physical, mental or emotional stimulus that upsets the body's natural balance. Try: lavender and sandalwood