The essential oils used in aromatherapy stimulate the part of brain that deals with emotion and memory, promoting the release of feel good chemicals. They can lift your mood but their healing properties can also soothe and relieve a host of physical and emotional problems from depression to headaches.

Low mood: Citrus oils have bright, fresh and zesty oils that can lift spirits.

DIY recipe: Blend two drops of lemon and orange essential oil in a vapouriser. Or three drops of grapefruit in a carrier oil added to the bath can also have a positive effect on mood. Bergamot and valerian are also good uplifting oils. Avoid using citrus oils before going out into sunlight as they can make your skin sensitive.

 

Irritability: Geranium, frankincense and rosewood can help combat mood swings.

DIY recipe: Add three drops of geranium, four drops of frankincense and three drops of rosewood essential oils to 20 ml of grape seed oil and massage into the skin after a bath. Lemon is also known for its mood calming effect so try adding a drop to a bath or massage oils.

 

Stress: To induce a more harmonious way of life try incorporating aromatherapy into your daily routine.

DIY recipe: Put two drops of peppermint oil or lemon essential oil onto a tissue and  inhale when stressed to help invigorate or burn in a vapouriser and place on your desk. Add two drops of soothing lavender, relaxing lavender or calming ylang ylang to the bath to help you wind down.

 

Everyday ailments: Niggling day to day ailments can deplete your energy so why not try these DIY remedies.

• Headaches: rub two drops of lavender essential oil onto your temples
• Blocked sinuses: Sniff the vapour of two drops of eucalyptus oil in boiling water
• PMS: Use two drops of grapefruit in a carrier oil as a tummy massage for bloating.
• Insomnia: Mix three drops of lavender and tree drops of rose wood into a bath before bedtime to help you switch off.
• Indigestion: Add two drops of peppermint essential oil to a teaspoon of vegetable oil and massage into the tummy in a circular, clockwise direction.

 

The five aromatherapy essentials

 

These five oils should be in every first aid cabinet. To use mix a few drops of the oil in 20 ml of a carrier oil and either burn in a vapouriser or inhale in a tissue, use as a massage oil or add to a bath.

 

• Tea tree is a natural antiseptic with antimicrobial properties which help treat spots, cuts, bites and stings.
• Peppermint is ideal for digestive troubles such as nausea and flatulence.
• Rosemary can help with painful periods, headaches and muscular pains.
• Eucalyptus is a powerful decongestant and can help with coughs, colds and catarrh.
• Lavender is a soothing oil, excellent for relieving stress and inducing sleep.

Get your daily injection of vitamins and minerals with these power packed foods:

Carrots: A superb internal cleanser that is packed with calcium, magnesium, potassium and beta-carotene. These nutrients are great detoxifiers and good for supporting the liver. Carrots are also believed to support the liver, protect eyesight and help prevent food poisoning.

 

Kiwi fruits: An excellent source of vitamin C, this strange looking fruit also contains a number of important minerals such as magnesium and potassium. It can help remove excess sodium from the body and is a rich source of digestive enzymes.

 

Apricots: A great source of the antioxidant beta-carotene which can help lower the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. They are also rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, folic acid and vitamin C and have a mild laxative effect.

 

Oranges: As well as being rich in vitamin C, oranges contain fibre, calcium, potassium, beta-carotene and folic acid which helps strengthen immune function, lowers cholesterol and maintains cell walls. They act as a cleanser and help tone and stimulate internal systems.

 

Tomatoes: A rich source of the antioxidant lycopene which can help protect against cancer. Tomatoes also contain calcium, beta-carotene, folic acid and vitamin C.

 

Grapes: These are excellent for cleansing the bowels and purple or black grape juice in particular may slow down the development of heart disease as it is associated with decreased activity of blood platelets.

 

Strawberries: These contain high levels of vitamin C and help support the immune system, keep energy levels up and ward off illness. They also support liver function and are good sources of fertility and libido boosting zinc and have a diuretic affect.

A recent study has shown that butyl benzyl phthalate, or BBP, a chemical found in lipstick and nail varnish may interfere with the healthy development of breast tissue. BBP is a man made substance that accumulates in fat tissue and which is part of a group of chemicals that mimic the female hormone oestrogen.

Phthalates are frequently used to make cosmetics glossy or soften plastics and are also found in food packaging, toys, carpets and solvents. Other studies have found a link between them and birth defects, kidney problems and infertility. The concern has been so great that they have been banned in teething rings and babies’ dummies across Europe.

 

Now, according to research from the Fox Chase Cancer Centre in Philadelphia, BBP could increase the risks of breast cancer. Scientists fed rats with BBP which was then absorbed by their offspring via breast milk and the chemical altered the genetic make-up of cells in the young female rat’s mammary glands. The researchers speculated that the same alterations could happen in humans who are over exposed.

 

The Women’s Environmental Network said phthalates were present in four out of five cosmetic products on sale in Britain and is campaigning to see them removed from all cosmetics, including hair spray and moisturiser, because of the possibility that trace elements are being absorbed by the skin.