Scents that soothe

Aromatherapy is for those who are hassled by the constant stress of work and busy lifestyles. Aimed at relaxing your nerves and body, this essential oil therapy puts to use some of the most effective fragrances found in nature:

Peppermint (Mentha Piperita): A drop of peppermint essential oil rubbed into the soles of your feet can help bring your temperature down. It is also a useful remedy for headaches due to digestive issues and sinus congestion. It also helps relieve nausea
associated with travel sickness.

Rose (Rosa damascena): It is one of the most expensive oils and is most used for its beautiful fragrance. An excellent anti-depressant, it is known for its calming effect on the nervous system. It is anti-inflammatory, cooling and soothing — perfect for hot, dry, inflamed or itchy skin.

Spanish sage (Salvia lavandulaefolia): It has a herbaceous and camphorous smell and is good for digestive problems, inflammation and for relieving muscular aches and pains.

 Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia): This oil is an excellent germicidal and antifungal that helps with athletes foot, verrucas, warts and other skin infections. It is also excellent for cold and flu relief.

Wintergreen (Betula lenta): It has a minty and sharp aroma. A native of Canada and Northern America, this essential oil is extracted after a period of fermentation of the leaves to change the properties of the constituents.

 Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata): As one of the floral essences, ylang ylang is excellent for soothing the body physically and mentally. Given its relaxing and sedative effect, it is a pleasant oil to use in a burner to scent your home. It is also said to have aphrodisiac properties.

(The author is a certified aromatherapist and founder, Wikka)