Benzoin, Bergamot, Camomile, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Hyssop, Jasmine, Juniper, Lavender, Marjoram, Melissa, Neroli, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood, Verbena and Ylang-Ylang.

Anxiety in some circumstances is a perfectly normal and healthy response. It is normal, for example, to feel a little anxious before a demanding interview or examination, and the anxiety may even be useful - spurring us on to complete revision or preparation. It is normal for a parent to feel anxious if a child is late returning from some outing, but not normal to feel anxious every moment that the child is out of sight.

Anxiety only becomes a problem when it is excessive - i.e., where the response is out of proportion to the threatening situation, or prolonged; or where anxiety is experienced without there being any objective, external reason for it. Unfortunately, twentieth century life gives rise to many genuine sources of anxiety, whether it be motorway driving, unemployment or the ultimate fate of our planet. Abnormal anxiety can give rise to many physical symptoms, ranging from tight muscles, through digestive problems, migraine, allergies and insomnia to heart disease, and is a predisposing factor in many other serious illnesses.

In aromatherapy we have a valuable alternative to the psycho-tropic drugs and muscle-relaxants that are commonly used in treating anxiety allopathically. Any of the sedative oils may be of help, and there are many for the therapist to choose from: Benzoin, Bergamot, Camomile, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Hyssop, Jasmine, Juniper, Lavender, Marjoram, Melissa, Neroli, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood, Verbena and Ylang-Ylang. In choosing from such a wide range, the therapist will be guided by what he/she knows about the personality, lifestyle and background of the person needing help, the source of anxiety and also their individual preference for the smell of different oils. The personal choice of a person you want to help is often very revealing. They will often pick instinctively the very oil that most closely corresponds to their present state, and this can sometimes tell the aromatherapist more than a whole chapter of talk. For, although all these oils fall under the heading of sedative, there are subtle differences in their properties and effects which may make one more appropriate than another in any situation.

Obviously the caring approach of the therapist will count for a great deal helping with anxiety, and massage with essential oils should be the basis of treatment because it will allow reassurance, love and concern to be expressed in the most direct, non-verbal way. Aromatic baths with essential oils are very valuable between treatments, especially if insomnia is part of the picture, as it so often is with anxiety. If the person concerned has a special liking for any of the essential oils used in treatment, they can be encouraged to use tiny amounts of that oil as a persona! perfume, and to use a room spray so that the effect of the treatment can be prolonged.

Aromatherapy works harmoniously with all such de-stressing techniques as autogenics, yoga, meditation or simple relaxation excrcises. An aromatherapist working on holistic principles may often be able to teach one or more of these techniques, or will know other teachers from whom they can be learnt.