Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years to help with relaxation, healing, preventing disease and giving us a sense of well-being. Natural oils are extracted from plants, flowers, trees and fruit and the scents from these affect our body. Aromatherapy primarily works through smell, one of our five senses, and is linked to moods and emotions. Smells can trigger pleasant memories and associations that enhance our lives and by using the right essential oils we can also make adjustments to our lifestyle that will keep us healthy.

Energy levels in the body have long been associated with stress - if they are too low, stress follows. However, there are a number of oils that can boost our energy and help keep stress at bay. A combination of grapefruit, pine needle and Litsea cubeba oils can give the body's energy levels a much needed lift. Grapefruit oil has a fresh and zesty aroma that is refreshing to the body and invigorates the mind. Pine needle has a crisp, clean aroma and its antiseptic quality refreshes the brain. Litsea Cubeba has a sharp, fragrant aroma similar to lemongrass and gives a positive energising effect.

Unwinding at the end of a long day is important to give the body a chance to recover. Failing to do so can lead to dip in our immune system so take some time out with a combination of aromatherapy oils. Chamomile has a warm, sweet aroma that relaxes and comforts the mind. The body benefits from its soothing quality and it works well with lavender, rose and lemon oils. Clary Sage has a nutty aroma and as a relaxant is extremely powerful. This works well when blended with lavender and bergamot oils. Petitgrain oil comes from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree. Its aroma is woody and it has a relaxing yet uplifting effect. It works well when blended with rosemary and citrus oils.

Confidence in our lives is paramount to achieving success at work and at home. Having low self-esteem is damaging to decision making but aromatherapy has a few oils that can give us a hand and increase our self-worth. Sandalwood has a warm, woody and sweet aroma that is uplifting and sensual to the mind and also settles emotions. The body benefits from its soothing and relaxing qualities and the oil works well blended with Frankincense and Rose. Ylang Ylang comes from flowers of tress native to the Philippines and has an exotic and sweet aroma. It is an effective aphrodisiac that uplifts the spirit, comforts, and boosts confidence.

These oils and more can be used in number of ways. Adding a few drops to a bath is a wonderfully relaxing experience but do not exceed a maximum of 8 drops. If using citrus oil only use 3 drops as it can be irritating to sensitive skin. You can also add aromatherapy oils to a vaporiser that can be sprayed in a room to create a soothing environment.

To find out the full benefits of aromatherapy, contact your local aromatherapist and discuss how you feel aromatic oils can benefit you. A trained practitioner can advise you on what oils work well for various conditions and problems. They can tailor a blend of oils just for you and also book you in for an aromatherapy massage where you get the full experience of the essential oils, physical and emotional.

Shaun Parker