OILS FOR OPTIMAL BLENDING TEA TREE (MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA)

Whether you’re after an energising lift or a cocooning escape from the world’s stresses, there’s an aromatic blend waiting for you. Important: if you are pregnant, you must first seek medical advice before using essential oils

GRAPEFRUIT (CITRUS PARADISE) Note: top

Cutting through the senses with a zesty punch, this uplifting fragrance is expressed straight from the peel of our breakfast fruit. Blend with black pepper for a heady natural defence booster or, for a toning skin tonic, blend with a drop or two of jasmine.

LAVENDER (LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA) Note: middle

Less old lady’s handbag, more mid-summer country meadow, this centuries- old fragrance is a stress-reliever. Compatible with most other oils, its ancient properties are also used to treat allergies, heal sores and burns and settle the digestive system.

CHAMOMILE ROMAN (ANTHEMIS NOBILIS) Note: top/middle

Herbaceous with a fruity zing, the notes of this oil are anti-spasmodic and ease tensions as a natural balancer. Mandarin, neroli and rose are good bedfellows.

BERGAMOT (CITRUS BERGAMIA) Note: top

This light and refreshing oil is expressed from the peel of the fruit of the bergamot tree and is regarded as a staple in the Italian medicine chest. An excellent natural antidepressant, it blends beautifully with cedarwood, jasmine and rose.

SOME NOTES ON BLENDING

Neal’s Yard Remedies aromatherapist Fran Johnson says: “Think about a top, middle and base note to create balance and use a maximum of three essential oils (EOs). Blend essential oils into a base oil or un-fragranced lotion at 2.5% EO to base product for normal skin; and 1% EO to base product for sensitive skin.”

ROSE (ROSA DAMASCENA) Note: top/middle/base

A drop of this powerfully sweet floral aroma goes a long way in your carrier oil. Its balancing and nurturing properties can help alleviate tension and depression, as well as nourish dry skin. Plus, you’ll stay smelling sweet all day.

NEROLI (CITRUS AURANTIUM AMARA) Note: top/middle

The blossom of the bitter orange tree is steam- distilled to capture a soothing yet uplifting fragrance. Used to relieve muscle spasms and palpitations, its sedative properties are often used to unlock emotional troubles. Not to be used on skin that will be in direct sunlight.

Note: middle

The trusty friend of every spotty teenager. A neat dab may work wonders on stubborn blemishes but the medicinal-smelling and stimulating aroma of tea tree in a carrier oil also helps to clear the head of cobwebs. Team with the high notes of eucalyptus oil to help stave off winter colds.

CLARY SAGE (SALVIA SCLAREA) Note: top

The stuff of sweet dreams and inner calm. A sweet, nutty fragrance, clary sage is also used to remedy menstrual problems, soothe hot flushes and banish feelings of anxiety and depression. Note of caution: must be avoided in pregnancy and with alcohol.