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SOUL SUPPORT*

Tolerance

Camomile is the herb of calm

and acceptance. There are

several varieties, but they all

help soothe irritation and

anger. While anger can be the

right response in some cases,

nobody wants simmering

resentment. Yarrow, bergamot,

rose and everlasting (helichrysum)

are also part of Team Serene.

DIY: A mix of orange, bergamot and

camomile calms most feelings of

frustration. If you’re veering into intolerance try

bergamot, lavender and peppermint.

Expert blend: SOS Body Balm (£38;

ilapothecary.com) cools and clears thoughts.

Strength

Juniper is a powerful
detoxifier, both of body
and mind. It’s been used
since antiquity as a spiritu
cleanser, strengthening
mind and consolidating will
power and determination.
Cypress, fir, pine, ginger
and cedarwood are the
back-up muscle.
DIY: A mix of pine and thyme will help
you become more assertive. If other
people are disempowering you, try
cypress and juniper.
Expert blend: Olverum Bath Oil (£32; olverum.
com) feels like marching through a pine forest.

Inspiratio

When you nee
shot of creati
way of thinki
an entirely n
surround yo
uplifting, inspiring jasmine. It was used in
first-century Persia to scent celebrations. Its
sidekicks include ylang ylang, neroli, orange
and palmarosa.
DIY: Jasmine, ylang ylang and orange is a
good mix for creativity. Cypress, hyssop and
pine help release outworn feelings and habits.
Expert blend:Inner Smile Jasmine Mist
(£40; soulmedicine.me) is a heady shot
of inspiration.

Serenity

Lavender is renowned for
soothing anxiety: clinical
studies have shown that
terpenoids in the oil help
switch on the relaxation
response. Sandalwood,
cedarwood, clary sage,
camomile, bergamot and
cypress are also anxiety-busters.
DIY: If anxious and pressurised, try
a blend of camomile, bergamot and
orange. If tense and exhausted,
lavender, clary sage and cypress.
Expert blend:Calming Temple Salve (£6.50;
nealsyardremedies.com). Massage into
temples and pr

Love

Rose is a supreme hea

tonic on all levels. It ca

palpitations but equally

aromatherapists use it to

heal emotional wounds,

particularly to treat hurt and

rejection. Rose brings warmth to

the heart and restores trust. Its

bridesmaids include geranium, neroli,

jasmine and cardamom.

DIY:If you’re insecure and brittle, go for

geranium, patchouli and bergamot. To soothe

fear of commitment, try rose, cardamom

and caraway.

Expert blend:Wild Rose Cream Bath (£14.95;

weleda.co.uk) is a gentle benediction of a bath.

Confidence

If you lack confidence, rosem

is your best friend. It was once

thought to bolster a fragile ego

and to reinvigorate health (it’s

now known to strengthen heart

and arteries). Ylang ylang, rose,

laurel and cypress are allies, too.

DIY:If you doubt your abilities, try

a blend of rosemary and laurel. If

your self-confidence is rock bottom,

rose and jasmine are self-nourishing

and kind.

Expert blend:Patience Bath Oil (£25;

beatitudeproducts.co.uk) is warming,

invigorating and cheering.

Clarity

Frankincense has been

used to still the mind

since antiquity. Recent

research proves its

tranquilising effect.

Sandalwood, patchouli,

vetiver and lemon are

the back-up quartet for

troubled minds.

DIY:Try a mix of sandalwood

and vetiver to counter obsessive overthinking;

or frankincense, vetiver and lemon when you

can’t let the little details go.

Expert blend:Therapie Restore Aura Spray

(£32; roquesoneil.com) – ideal when you can’t

switch off swirling thoughts.

Concentrat

Peppermint has

used since Ancie

yptian times

nerve tonic. Pli

said the “very s

of it alone recovers and re

and aromatherapists often use it to improv

memory and focus and to treat mental fatigue.

Rosemary, laurel, cardamom and marjoram

receive honourable mentions, too.

DIY:Blend rosemary, peppermint and laurel

as a study aid. If you’re feeling indecisive, try

rosemary and clary sage.

Expert blend: Mint Thé Bath & Shower

Therapy (£18; bodhiandbirch.com) is a

wake-up call for mind and body.

oy

f the blues are

beckoning, gently

uplifting geranium is

a great tool for self-ca

Sweet orange, bergam

neroli and rose are its

smiling sidekicks.

DIY: If you constant

beat yourself up, o

for lavender, spiken

and rose. For per

pessimism, go for

hyssop, clary sage and orange.

Expert blend: Vital Energy Aroma Roller (£29,

ila-spa.com) is an instant mood elevator.

You can make your own blends (use six drops per tablespoon of carrier) or buy ready-mixed. The DIY

suggestions here come fromAromatherapy for Healing the Spirit by Gabriel Mojay (Healing Arts Press)

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• If you are pregnant or have any major health condition, seek professional advice before using essential oils.