| Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for physical | | | | One of the simplest ways to use lavender or |
| and emotional well being. They are comprised of | | | | peppermint is to make your own body lotion. |
| naturally occurring chemicals that work in synergy | | | | Purchase a high quality, unscented lotion and add |
| with one another. Unlike prescription drugs, the | | | | thirty to forty drops of either oil or a combination of |
| healing properties of essential oils date back | | | | the two oils. |
| thousands of years. | | | | Essential oils are naturally antibacterial and antiviral and |
| Two of the most versatile essential oils are lavender | | | | are effective for treating colds and flu. Fill a bowl |
| and peppermint. Think of these two oils as yin and | | | | with water, heat carefully, then add a few drops of |
| yang. Lavender is warm and relaxing, while | | | | lavender and peppermint. Put a towel over your |
| peppermint is cool and invigorating. | | | | head, close your eyes and inhale. When the water |
| Each morning, add eight to ten drops of peppermint | | | | cools, take a washcloth and use as a compress to |
| essential oil to a fragrance burner filled with water to | | | | cover your forehead. This helps relieve headaches |
| help wake you up. Peppermint is also helpful for | | | | and sinus pressure. |
| fighting the afternoon blahs and has a natural cooling | | | | Replace your room fresheners and their inherent |
| effect. Put a drop or two on a cotton ball, close your | | | | chemicals and ozone depleting propellants. Add |
| eyes and inhale deeply. If you are prone to | | | | several drops of lavender or peppermint essential oil |
| headaches, mix one-eighth cup carrier oil, such as | | | | to a spray bottle filled with distilled water and gently |
| sweet almond or extra virgin olive oil to 12 drops | | | | shake before misting your room. Use lavender as a |
| peppermint and massage your temples, neck, and | | | | linen mist and peppermint on your counters and |
| forehead. | | | | floorboards to deter household pests. |
| In the evening, add nine drops of lavender to your | | | | Did you know there are approximately 70,000 |
| bathwater, dim the lights and take several deep | | | | synthetic chemicals now used in commercial |
| breaths to help you relax. Try a few drops directly | | | | products? What health consequences do these |
| on your pillowcase or on a cotton ball if you have a | | | | chemicals pose with daily exposure? Use essential oils |
| difficult time getting to sleep. Lavender can help | | | | as an alternative to these products for everyday |
| balance your emotions, relieve stress and aid in | | | | health and well being. A few words of caution - with |
| lowering blood pressure. It is beneficial for the skin | | | | the exception of lavender and tea tree, essential oils |
| and can be used for blemishes, scrapes, sunburn, and | | | | should never be applied undiluted, directly to your |
| rashes. Add a drop or two to a wet cotton ball and | | | | skin. Handle with care and feel good that you are |
| apply to the affected area. | | | | helping yourself, your family, and your environment. |