Commonly considered to complement alternative medicine, aromatherapy has been around for quite some time. In fact, it was popular during the heydays of the Romans, the Greeks and the Egyptians who used these fragrant oils to embalm their dead.

Fast forward quite a few centuries and today aromatherapy is most often used as a stress-buster and is all about holistic well-being. The secret of its healing lies in the essential oil that is extracted from natural plants such as rosemary, eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender, chamomile and sandalwood, to name a few. Used judiciously, these oils are beneficial for our mind, body and soul.

Cashing in on this new trend, most of the well-known spas in the city like Angsana, Golden Palms, Fussion and Rejuve (Grand Ashok) now have aromatherapy centres that use essential oils in various healing procedures, which include steam inhalation and massage. Available at lifestyle stores and ayurvedic shops, these oils can also be mixed with your bath.

So go ahead, pamper yourself and discover a new you!

Did you know?

• Rosemary oil is used to relieve joint and muscle pain, colitis, bronchitis, gout, dandruff, and eczema.
• Tea tree oil is used for bronchitis and sinusitis.
• Eucalyptus oil is used for asthma, cough, cold and flu.
• Lemon oil is commonly used for nosebleeds, mouth ulcers, warts and anaemia.