Well oiled

Jan Kusmirek, founder of Fragrant Earth aromatherapy oils

'You can guarantee the best aromatherapeutic experience if you start with the best oils. Organic and wild essential oils are best, as they're free from pesticides or herbicides.

'You only get what you pay for. You're buying for the effect, and if it's not that good to begin with, what can you expect?

'Essential oils have incredible benefits. Blend eucalyptus and lavender and you'll sleep like a log; peppermint aids digestion; and sandalwood is a strong disinfectant that's great for topically treating acne.

'Infuse a room with scent using an aroma burner. A few drops on a light bulb will do the same thing.'

'Most applications of essential oils to the body are actually a 2-3 per cent essential oil mixture with a natural vegetable oil like jojoba or sweet almond, which acts as a carrier. You can also use the oils for massages or in a bath.

'There are two blends that are perfect for Hong Kong: one as a pick-me-up; and one to combat stress:

'Blend one drop of niaouli, which lowers blood pressure, with two drops of bergamot and three drops of the memory aid rosemary.

'Try sprinkling a few drops onto a cotton handkerchief so you can take it with you and inhale as necessary.

'For stress, mix three drops of lavender, one drop of bergamot and one drop of frankincense for a relaxing massage oil.

'You can also apply the oil directly to your skin, but do a patch test first to check for allergies and be careful if you're pregnant - some oils can have adverse effects.

'To start the day I put one drop of an oil on the back of my neck, one on the base of my spine and one on each foot.'