AROMATHERAPY

Keep stress at bay with little rituals

It's easy to get caught up in a busy schedule and neglect our basic needs. Remember that relaxation and stress reduction are vital to maintaining good health.

Here are some suggestions from Martha Stewart:

Take a bath
Very few activities are as refreshing as soaking in a warm bath. It can calm you, ease insomnia or provide and energizing boost. Herbs, essential oils and other natural bath ingredients can do wonders for your skin and state of mind. They'll also fill the room with amazing fragrance. You can make sachets and drop them right into the bath water or bundle several herb sprigs together and hang them from a ribbon under the faucet so the warm water flows throughout hem. You'll probably need to do a little shopping for bath basics; an herbalist or health food store should have everything you need. Small muslin drawstring bags are ideal for filling with herbs to make sachets.

Oatmeal is soothing, especially for dry or irritated skin.
Clay, sea salt and seaweed (powdered or in flakes) are thought to draw out impurities.
Rose petals are delightfully perfumed;
Calendula petals will comfort dry, itchy skin.

Choose a variety of essential oils that suit your taste. Many are reputed to have health benefits:

Lavender is thought to have a balancing effect - calming or energizing depending on what you need.
Bergamot is stimulating
Rosemary is rejuvenating and has a gentle astringent effect Lemon is antibacterial
Eucalyptus is wonderful for relieving respiratory congestion Sage is purifying

Always mix essential oils - a few drops are all you need - with a spoonful of another oil, such as almond or castor oil, before adding to the bath water. This helps distribute the potential essential oils evenly.

Before using any herbal or cosmetic product, it is wise to do a patch test: Rub a small amount of the solution on the inside of your arm, cover and wait 24 hours. If you have no reaction, it is most likely safe to use. Some essential oils are not safe for pregnant women or children. Check with a doctor before using any new product.

Address questions to Martha Stewart:
mstewart@marthastewart.com