The use of essential oils goes at least as far back as ancient Egypt where oils such as frankincense and myrrh were used in significant quantities in
religious and medicinal settings such as the practice of embalming the bodies of the dead or during the coronation of a Pharaoh.  The Greeks, Romans,
Arabs, Chinese and Indians were all regular users of essential oils.

More recently, with advances in medicine and the manufacture of synthetic drugs, aromatherapy lost its traditional use and popularity.  Indeed, at
the beginning of the 20th Century, the practice of herbal medicine was made illegal by the British Pharmacy and Medicines Act of 1941*.  In the last
few decades, however, a desire to return to more natural and holistic healing techniques has led to a resurgence in the demand for alternative
remedies for both medical and spiritual ailments.  At the same time, the detailed scientific study of the chemistry of aromatherapy and its effects
on the body has shifted aromatherapy out of the spiritual fringe and into mainstream science, although many misconceptions of what aromatherapy is
and does, still remain.

Aromatherapy works by restoring the harmony and balance of your body through the application of aromatic oils by massage, by inhalation or by
compression.

Psychologically, aromatherapy can be used to soothe or stimulate depending on one's needs.  It can induce deep relaxation and a feeling of
contentment and well-being.  It can aid concentration, lift your mood, calm, de-stress and aid sleep.

Physiologically, aromatherapy can aid deep muscle relaxation, ease areas of muscular tension, aid lymphatic drainage, boost immunity levels, increase
circulation and skin tone and increase energy levels.  Undoubtedly, some of these effects are part-psychological, but the benefits of massage are
well known.

We know that when we inhale essential oils, it stimulates our 'smell memory'.  For example, inhaling a lemon and lime blend makes most people feel
invigorated and alert whilst lavender or rose evoke feelings of comfort and relaxation.

As a practicing Nurse, I feel that aromatherapy has a significant role to play as a complement to modern 'western' medicine.  All of my core range of
products are suitable for people of all ages.  They are applicable to any ailment but because 'standard' medical practice has specific legal standing,
unlike most complementary medicines, there may be times when the advice or permission of your General Practitioner or other legally registered
medical professional may be required.

If you are in any doubt at all or have concerns about your condition, please just ask me; I would be happy, with your permission, to seek the consent of
your GP for your treatment if required.  Examples of this may be for pregnant women or where specific treatments such as chemotherapy etc are
already in use.

Please use and enjoy!!

Lizzy x

* Lawless. J (2002) Complete illustrated guide to aromatherapy. Element Books Ltd