Essential Oils for Aroma Therapy

An essential oil is the purest extract of a particular plant, flower, tree or fruit. Inhale any scent for a calming or energizing effect on your limbic system---the area of the brain that controls your emotions and desires. As nature's pharmaceuticals, essential oils can remedy or stave off illness and help heal wounds.

You'll only need a few drops to make a difference.

Lavender

From the Latin "lavare" or "to wash," lavender has a clean, calming scent and an antiseptic quality that makes it the go-to essential oil. Apply directly to a burn to lessen pain and prevent scarring. Inhale or diffuse it to help get rid of a headache, lift you out of the blahs or drift off to sleep.

Lemon

For those slow, sluggish days, sprinkle some sunny, refreshing lemon oil onto a handkerchief---or even into your dishwater for an added bonus of de-greased plates and brighter, stronger fingernails.

Peppermint

After a sweaty workout, dissolve a few drops of mood-lifting peppermint oil into your bath for some cooling, antispasmodic relief. To combat nausea, inhale from a tissue. Sweeten your breath by adding a drop or two to a little water.

Sandalwood

It may be a little more costly, but a few drops of this spiritually enhancing sedative goes a long way to help you relax and find your inner peace. Sandalwood is also an aphrodisiac, so use it in your bath or in an aromatherapy diffuser when you're planning a romantic evening.

Tea Tree

This Australia-produced oil helps cure what ails you, from spider bites, tooth pain and acne to dandruff, yeast infections and athlete's foot. As an antibacterial with a comforting aroma, tea tree oil is safe to apply directly to wounds and blisters. For sore gums, blend a few drops with baking soda on your toothbrush, but be careful not to swallow.

Eucalyptus

For congestion, either rub some eucalyptus oil on your chest or put a few drops in a bowl of simmering hot water with a towel over your head to breathe in its purifying vapor. Eucalyptus also keeps insects away.

Roman Chamomile

Especially good for babies, Roman chamomile calms and de-stresses. Diffuse the nursery with diluted Roman chamomile oil for a better night's sleep. Mixed with lavender and applied to a warm compress, Roman chamomile is good for headaches and sunburn. Its anti-inflammatory properties help with arthritis, so you can add a few drops to a hot bath or mix with jojoba oil for a soothing massage.

Rosemary

A token of remembrance, stimulating rosemary actually does sharpen your memory---something to keep in mind when you're deep into your studies. Leave some in a diffuser on your nightstand for a good morning pick-me-up. Note: Don't use rosemary if you're pregnant, have high blood pressure or are prone to seizures.