The good oil on the Essentials

A-Z of Aromatherapy by Connie and Alan Higley and Pat Leatham offers these tips on the use of essential oils:

1 If they get in your eyes, don't remove them with water because this will drive them deeper into the tissue. Dilute with a pure vegetable oil.

2 Essential oils should only be used topically. They're not approved for internal use.

3 The body absorbs oils fastest by inhalation, and then by application to the feet or ears.

4 When travelling by air, always have your oils hand-checked, because X-ray machines may interfere with the oils' frequencies.

5 Keep your oils away from light and heat. If stored properly, they can maintain maximum potency for many years.