Natural Wonder

In the technology age, it's easy to forget that some natural remedies can be as effective as traditional medicine. Next time you feel lethargic or headachy, give aspirin a miss and let Mother Nature do her stuff!

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to promote well being and good health.

The benefits of aromatherapy have been well documented for centuries. Oil burners are a popular way to use aromatherapy oils. You can also use drops of oil on cotton wool dabbed onto skin, or a few drops in a warm bath.

To revitalise and increase concentration, burn a couple of drops of lemongrass oil with a drop of rosemary. Lavender oil is said to be emotionally soothing and great to treat headaches. To relieve PMT, use a combination of Geranium, Rosemary, Chamomile and Clary Sage oils. To relieve sinus congestion pop some eucalyptus oil on a tissue and place it under your pillow.

It's not only oil that has healing properties; tea can offer comfort from common ailments too. For difficulty relaxing or sleeping, drink soothing chamomile tea.

For stomach upsets, try Japanese Green Tea -it settles the stomach, and is full of free radicals, which eliminate toxins from your system. Different varieties of tea are found at supermarkets and health food shops.

The herb Echinacea helps relieve cold and flu symptoms, however it can aggravate asthma, so avoid if you are asthmatic.

Instead of reaching for the chemical zit cream, dab tea-tree oil on problem areas; it's a natural antiseptic. The Body Shop has a great selection of affordable tea-tree infused products. When picked, the Aloe Vera plant drips sap which sooths irritated and burnt skin. The best part is, you can grow Aloe Vera in your backyard and pick it freshly for each use!

Check out http://www3.sympatico.ca/derekwatts/Aroma.htm to read more about aromatherapy. Take note of the caution page, detailing oils to avoid for allergy sufferers, pregnant women and small children.

Or have a look at http://www.herb.co.za/herbal.htm for some herbal remedies.

*Please note* none of the above should replace prescribed medicine or medical advice, and should only be used to relieve minor ailments. If you are ill, please see your family doctor.

- Rachael