Revive your mind

Natural Health, Sept, 2004

When a frenzied work week zaps your energy, rejuvenate with a cooling aromatherapy bath. Francesca Gould, author of the recent book Aromatherapy for Holistic Therapists, suggests blending essential oils of basil, lemongrass and lavender to ease mental fatigue. "Basil helps to clear the mind and aid concentration," Gould says. "Lemongrass has sedative properties, while lavender induces relaxation and increases the other oils' therapeutic effects." Here's how to find bathtub bliss:

* Mix two drops each of basil, lemongrass and lavender with 1 teaspoon of vodka or full-fat milk." If you don't mix the oils with a carrier, they'll float to the top of the bath instead of dispersing throughout the water," Gould says.

* Fill your tub with lukewarm water, add the oils, step in, ease back and breathe deep.