By Victoria Slater

"There is a remedy for every illness to be found in nature" Hippocrates (460-377BC)

Hippocrates is still recognized today as the Father of Modern Medicine. He believed that by using oils the body's own healing mechanism was stimulated. Many plants and herbs have healing properties and he encouraged their use.

More and more people today are rejecting conventional medicines and their side effects and turning to the natural healing alternative. Essential Oils stimulate not only the body, but also the mind and spirit, therefore treating the human being as a whole. Essential Oils do not cure a condition, they help the body begin the natural healing process and allow you to achieve balance, harmony and a sense of well being.

We use essential oils to treat our children, and ourselves whether it be clearing the head during a head cold, or preparing a vaporizer to stimulate concentration before an exam. There are many ways to use Essential Oils, including inhalation, massage, vaporizer (or burner), bath, compress and swab.

*Remember Essential Oils are powerful and too large a dose can be toxic.
If a recipe indicates 4 drops, do not use 8 drops and assume it will give twice the benefit. It is vitally important to use 100 per cent pure oils.

We hope you experiment and enjoy the benefits of some of the following Aromatherapy treatments.

Bronchitis:
Add 5 drops of Cedarwood Oil to 1 tbspn of Sweet Almond Oil and massage into the throat and chest. Alternatively, add 2 drops of Cedarwood Oil to a bowl of near boiling water, drape a towel over your head and breathe deeply, for maximum steam inhalation.

Concentration:
Vaporize 2 drops each of lemon and Rosemary oil to aid concentration and lift your mood.

Appetite Loss:
Vaporize 3 drops of Sweet Orange Oil while preparing food to stimulate your appetite. This will also lift you mood.

Cellulite:
Add 3 drops of Orange Oil to 1 tbspn of vegetable oil and massage into the affected area in a circular motion to help reduce cellulite.

Insomnia:
Add 3 drops of Bergamot Oil into a hot bath, swirl and soak for at least 15 minutes. Let your mind wander and relax your whole body.

Menstrual Cramps:
Add 5 drops of Basil Oil to a basin of hot water. Soak a small cloth and apply to the pain area. The warmth will help relieve the pain.