The word ‘essential’ means that the oils are derived directly from the plant or material itself; sometimes they’re called ‘volatile oils’. The oils can be extracted in a number of ways, all of which give a wonderfully pure fragrance that remains unadulterated by involvement from man. So if you buy an essential oil of jasmine, that is exactly what it will smell like.

How Can I Use Essential Oils?

- A Relaxing Massage

Buy a massage base oil and fragrance it with your favourite scent. Just a few drops of essential oils are needed and, if you like, you can blend two, three or more oils to create your own unique cocktail of aromas. Massage is a marvellous way to aid relaxation that everyone can enjoy; it has both physiological and psychological benefits that can be enhanced by the use of certain oils; for example, lavender is renowned for its relaxing and sleep inducing properties.

- Indulgent Bath Time

If you love to relax in a warm scented bath, essential oils will increase the pleasure of that special ‘me’ time. The warmth of your bathwater will help the oils release their perfume and allow them to be absorbed into your skin, leaving it soft and lightly perfumed. Why not find out a little more about the properties of each oil so that you can match them to your mood, for example you could try rosemary for its stimulating property or ylang ylang to sooth and calm.

- Luxurious Cosmetics

The trouble with buying cosmetics over the counter is that you might like what they do, but you might not like the perfume that accompanies them. With a range of cosmetic bases you can create your own face and body creams, bath products and lotions all scented with the fragrance you enjoy the most. The base products are made from high quality ingredients that are effective and readily absorbed into the skin.

- The Scented Home

What could be more welcoming than walking into a home that is scented with stimulating citrus or the fresh warmth of bergamot? Our homes are places where we can indulge our taste and show our personality, so it makes sense to match that flair with perfumes for each occasion. In the summer, choose the light scent of lavender; at Christmas try tangy orange; and for autumn suppers how about the soft smell of sandalwood? Put a few drops of essential oil on to dried flowers, leaves, bark or even pebbles and shells, to create a light background fragrance that personalises your home.

Q. Who invented them?
A. They were invented by an Australian herbalist called Ian White who, with a long line of herbalists as descendents, was taught to use herbs, plants and flowers by his grand-mother. Use of plant materials in his everyday life led White to put together 64 Essences that treat common problems including stress and nervousness.

Q. Are they used in a similar way to Bach’s Flower Remedies?
A. It is necessary to take a higher dosage than that recommended by Dr Bach for his Remedies. For general use, seven drops should be taken both morning and night, but for acute problems this can be increased and the Essences used as required.

Q. Which would you recommend – Bach or Australian?
A. Australian Bush Flower Essences are claimed to be fast and effective because they use the unique energy pattern of the plant material to restore balance to the individual, prevent illness and enable a person to reach their full potential. When taken over a longer term, they claim to heighten awareness and lower negativity. Both Australian and Bach Remedies claim to promote instant relief for some conditions, as well as long term alleviation of more difficult problems such as recurring anxiety.

Little medical or scientific research has been done into the flower remedies as a whole, let alone a comparison between the two types. In general, people find both helpful, making their choice on how easy it is to find their presenting problem amongst those listed. Some people prefer the direct approach of the Australian Essences, whereas others are more able to identify their underlying negative feeling and treat that with a Bach Flower Remedy.

The interest in supplements and homeopathy has grown enormously over the past few years. On these pages you will find products for infants and children; food supplements such as seaweed and hemp seed oil; trusted staples like cod liver oil, and a vast range of vitamins and supplements for adults through all life stages.

Soap is available in clear or white flakes ready to melt. Decide on the perfume for your soap and buy essential oils and vegetable oils to give the soap a lovely smooth moisturising texture on the skin. With handmade soap moulds you will be able to easily produce professional looking bars of soap in no time.

There’s no better way to start this craft than by treating yourself to a book from the a bookshop. Titles such as ‘Milk Based Soaps’, ‘The Natural Soap Book’, and ‘The Soap Maker’s Companion’ will give you a clear no nonsense guide.

Try the natural and environmentally friendly creams and soaps from Laughing Bird, all made with luxuriously pure essential oils; or the beautifully packaged Barefoot Botanicals cosmetics made with Rose Mosqueta oil, a powerful anti-aging ingredient from the Chilean Andes.

You’ll also find healing and soothing creams made from organic herbs in the Granary range; shampoos and scalp treatments from La Shanna; gorgeous soaps from Norfolk based The Natural Soap Company, plus a choice of bath time brushes and loofahs.

Wholefoods are high quality products that will help to increase your intake of beneficial fats and fibre, often lacking in the modern diet. Wholefoods are not over processed or refined and hence retain their useful properties without unnecessary additives.

On offer are seeds, nuts, flours, rice, fruit, cereals and much more. There is plenty of choice to aid a programme of healthy eating that is low in harmful fats and high in fibre.

The range includes incense made with gums and herbs, on sticks and as cones. Burn incense grains sprinkled over instant charcoal disks, or choose incense sticks or cones to use anywhere around the home. Alternatively, burn the smudge sticks used by the Native Americans for their cleansing and purifying properties.

Take a look at a delightful choice of terracotta burners together with a lovely box that makes a perfect container for your incense sticks.

Infusions of herbs are popular and easy to make by adding the dried herb to boiling water and infusing for 5 to 10 minutes. Roots and barks are prepared in a similar way but are simmered in boiling water for 10 minutes before being strained and cooled. Powders are taken by mixing with a small quantity of water.

If you like strong flavours, try the Dalgety range from the Caribbean in enticing flavours such as lemon and ginger or peppermint. For something different, choose nettle or lime blossom from the Salus Organic range.

Herbal capsules offer a convenient way to take herbs. Capsules are suitable for vegetarians and include additive free and organic choices. On these pages you will find a wide variety of herbal remedies from Pukka Ayurvedic Herbs, Rio Trading and Bio-Health.

Herbs can work exceptionally well, but not every product suits every sufferer of a condition.