aromatherapy

Beneficial properties of aromatherapy oils include treatment of common ailments, promotion of good health and emotional well-being. Some essential oils can be used for relaxation, while others are for revitalization and rejuvenation. They can be combined or used individually, and many contain anti-bacterial, anti-viral or anti-fungal properties, making them ideal to use in household cleaning and personal care products.

"I like to use lemon essential oil with a carrier oil to dust my house. If someone has been ill, I switch to a mix of peppermint and lavender."--R.D.

Several brands of essential oils are available at Mountain Books & Gifts, most for under $10.

Aromatherapy has been around for more than 6000 years, with origins traceable throughout religious, medical and social practices of all major civilizations. The term "aromatherapie" was first used in 1928 by a French chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse to describe the theraputic action of aromatic plant essences.

His work was taken up by Dr. Jean Valnet, who found the essences effective for treatment of wounded WWII soldiers. Marguerite Maury pioneered the application of aromatherapy to beauty therapy and massage with her book, " The Secret LIfe and Youth". Today aromatherapy has evolved into an exact science, harnessing theraputic effects from essential oils extracted from various plants, and researchers are still only beginning to understand the scientific foundations of the oils properties.