My relationship with essential oils started whilst working as an actress in Repertory theatre. I loved my work but life in the theatre was physically, mentally and emotionally challenging and I knew I needed something my doctor could not prescribe. The first bottle I purchased was Lavender, aromatherapy’s most popular and widely used oil, often referred to as the ‘mother’ of essential oils because she ‘cares for and calms, listens to and remedies a thousand ills’
(P Mailhebiau).

Immediately, I realised the versatility of essential oils, certainly of lavender, using them at the first sign of a cold, for aches and pains, to help sleep at night or simply when needing some calm & comfort. Essential oils are so versatile they can be added to a bath, used in steam inhalations, added to creams and ointments and best of all in conjunction with the powerful touch of massage.

I have bought many bottles of ‘Lavandular Angustifolia’ since my first tentative purchase and even though my repertoire of oils has expanded somewhat (65 to be precise), to me, lavender still remains the mother of essential oils. It is now a permanent part of my family’s first aid kit, essential with two young and energetic children who get umpteen bumps and scrapes. I only have to open the bottle and my daughter sighs, saying with a smile, it makes her feel ‘so happy’.