The Aromatherapist Welcome All. My name is Monique Bidois and I'm very excited to have this opportunity to be your online aromatherapist for The Aromatherapy Company. We are thrilled with the response we have already had so far. Keep up the questions. Monique Bidois If you have any questions for Monique- feel free to email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Q: Sometimes after a long day my feet are swollen and ache, are there any essential oils that can help with this? Mary Stanton, Christchurch, New Zealand A: Prepare a foot bath using warm water and 4 drops of lavender oil to relax tired feet. Also try 3 drops of bergamot oil to ease swelling. For a natural deodorising remedy try adding a mixture of 3 drops of peppermint oil and 3 drops of lemon oil to the foot bath. Q: I have been suffering from hay fever lately and was wondering if there is some kind of natural remedy which could ease these symptoms? Leigh Andrews, Auckland, New Zealand A: To help prevent the full effects of hay fever or allergies, put 1 drop of Lavender Oil with one teaspoon of carrier oil and massage into the sinus area. Carry this with you throughout the day in a small bottle or put it on a tissue and inhale when needed. Q: Are there any natural anti-septic remedies you can recommend? Peta Lloyd, Te Awamutu, New Zealand A: Put a few drops of lemongrass or tea tree oil in a burner as they have antiseptic properties that can help to prevent the spreading of colds and flu. Lemongrass can also help with headaches and anxiety. Q: I often have trouble sleeping and I was wondering if there were any essential oils that may help? Sue Grey, Hamilton, New Zealand A: Have a warm bath with a few drops of Lavender Oil added or try a few drops of Lavender Oil on your pillowcase which should help promote a restful sleep. Q: I have a very busy and sometimes stressful lifestyle, could you recommend a quick pick me up? Joan Paterson, NSW, Australia A: A balance of exercise, healthy food and at least 8 glasses of water per day will help your mind as well as your body. To help your day along, burning oils with a citrus base at your work place can help to stimulate your mind. During time out from your busy day help yourself relax by burning a blend of lavender,chamomile and sage, or add a carrier oil and use in your bath or as a massage oil. Getting enough sleep is very important for keeping your mind focused. Q: I have been feeling very tired and fatigued lately- are there any essential oils you can recommend to counteract my feelings of tiredness? Anna Heart, Hamilton A: Try adding 2 drops of Rosemary Oil and 2 drops of Basil Oil. Make sure the oils are mixed well into the bath and light a candle in the room instead of an electric light. Q: What essential oils do you recommend to have around the house? Amanda Wright, Matamata, New Zealand A: There are 6 essential oils I would recommend to have around the home: Bergamot Essential Oil - Citrus Bergamia (Italy) Bergamot's fresh and lively flower fragrance makes it a popular oil. It's sedative and yet uplifting characteristics makes it ideal to use in a burner, bath or massage for anxiety, depression or tension. Bergamot's quality encourages confidence, concentration and balance. Eucalyptus Essential Oil - Eucalyptus globulus (Australia) Eucalyptus is refreshing and a stimulation oil that has antiseptic and antiviral properties. It helps stimulate the immune system and is suitable for all respiratory conditions, muscular soreness, rheumatism, headaches and nervous exhaustion. It clears the mind promoting concentration and clarity. Geranium Essential Oil - Pelargonium graveolens (France) Geranium has a balancing effect on the nervous system. It relieves anxiety, depression and lifts the spirits. It is an ideal oil for treating stress and regulating the hormonal system. Due to its balancing nature, it is perfect in skin care clearing sluggish, congested skin and keeping skin supple. Lavender Essential Oil - Lavendula angustifolia (France) The mother of all oils, Lavender is a caring nurturing oil that has many uses. Of all the oils, this is the most versatile and essential in a first aid kit. It is useful for treating nervous disorders including depression, migraines and insomnia. Its antiseptic properties make it ideal for treating coughs, colds, flu as well as burns and ulcers. Lavender encourages compassion, emotional balance, comfort and security. Lavender can be applied directly to the skin. Rosemary Essential Oil - Rosmarinus officinalis (France) Rosemary has been used medicinally for centuries. It is considered an excellent tonic for the liver and gallbladder and is used in the treatment of gall bladder infections. It is a valuable oil for many respiratory problems ranging from the common cold through to asthma. Rosemary is a good analgesic and can be used in massage, baths and compresses to relieve arthritis, overworked muscles and help circulatory problems. It strengthens mental clarity and awareness and is an excellent brain stimulant, perfect in a burner for studying! Tea Tree Essential Oil - Melateuca alternifolia (Australia) Tea Tree makes a marvelous addition to any first aid kit. It has powerful antiseptic properties making it good for fighting bacteria, viruses and fungi. A warming, stimulating oil, it works well in a massage blend treating muscular aches and pains.