Five essential oils for the family

A few drops of pure essences can magically enhance your home and health. For a thriving family and humming habitat just add these five essential oils.

- CAROLINE ROBERTSON

Can you remember the smell of your mother’s perfume, your childhood garden or your favourite herbal tea? Even recalling smells can conjure feelings associated with that time, place or person. Aromas immediately evoke emotions via the limbic system, which are deeply embedded in our memory.

Powerful properties in concentrated plant and fruit essences can be applied to address mental and physical imbalances. Aromatherapy oils also enhance an ambience — think of the welcoming smell of wild orange or the romantic sent of rose. When we walk into a home infused with essential oils it can put us at ease or energise us. Having an essential oil first equips one to treat common complaints such as peppermint for tummy ache and lavender for anxiety.

Aromatherapy has been among the most widely used holistic therapies since French chemist RenéMaurice Gattefossé coined the term in the 1937. Growing appreciation of the physical, psychological and spiritual benefits of essential oils has led to the exploding popularity of aromatherapy. Oils are routinely added to personal care products, cleaning commodities, medical care and interior decorating items. Many households now enlist essential oils in diffusers, oils, creams, powders, sachets and washes to handle hygiene and health needs.