In aromatherapy, the pure essential oils from plants trigger a mind-body reaction, alleviating physical and emotional symptoms such as muscle pain, nervousness, irritability, headaches, and lethargy. Essential oils and other aromatherapy products are widely available at natural foods stores and through other retailers.

Essential oils are quite potent and can irritate ihe skin, so they should be diluted vath a carrier oil, such as sweet almond or safflower oil, before being used on the skin. As a general guideline, you should add about 5-10 drops of essential oil per 2 tablespoons of carrier oil for topical applications. For baths, essential oils must be mixed with an oil in order to mix well. One option is to dilute the essential oils into a carrier oil as directed above, then sprinkle 6-10 drops of the oil mixture into a hot bath. Or, mix 3-5 drops of essential oil with 3 tablespoons of raw honey and add to a bath. For inhalation, apply essential oil directly to a diffuser, or make a room freshener by adding 10-20 drops of essential oil to a spray bottle containing 1-2 pints of water.

One note of caution: Pregnant women are advised to avoid certain essential oils, including basil, cypress, hyssop, marjoram, melissa, sage, thyme, and wintergteen. To be safe, check with an aromatherapy expert or healthcare professional before using essential oils during pregnancy.

PREGNANCY

Hemorrhoids: Oils that reduce inflammation and provide pain relief include geranium, chamomile, and lavender. Gently massage one of the oils (mixed with a carrier oil) into the rectal area, as needed.