Wellness

There are many approaches and countless factors that make up a persons overall wellness. HowStuffWorks has extensive coverage on the different types of natural medicine such as DIY remedies and traditional Chinese medicine.

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The scent and flavor known as wintergreen owes its origin to birch, which also flavors many beverages and candies. This essential oil has astringent properties and can prevent dandruff. Learn how birch is used in aromatherapy.

By Kathy Keville

Wardrobes and chests made from cedarwood will repel insects. Cedarwood essential oil is known to fight acne, promote circulation, and clear mucus. Use cedarwood oil to treat insect bites. Learn how cedarwood is used in aromatherapy.

By Kathy Keville

Chamomile is most familiar as a tea known to relax nerves, settle the stomach, and enhance appetite. This essential oil has is gentle enough to use on infants and is good for many skin ailments. Learn how chamomile is used in aromatherapy.

By Kathy Keville

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Cinnamon popularity as a spice has overshadowed its many healing properties. Cinnamon essential oil is used as a mental and physical stimulant. This essential oil has digestive and mood-enhancing properties. Learn how cinnamon is used in aromatherapy.

By Kathy Keville

Clary sage has aromatherapy applications that enhance clarity of mind and fight depression. Clary sage essential oil flavors many beverages, candies, and clove cigarettes. Learn how clary sage is used in aromatherapy.

By Kathy Keville

Cloves have many stimulating properties in aromatherapy. This essential oil has antifungal and antibiotic properties, and can soothe a teething baby's gums. Learn how clove is used in aromatherapy.

By Kathy Keville

Cypress essential oil is great for relaxing muscles, and promoting clarity of thought. This essential oil has antiseptic and blood-stanching properties. Learn how cypress is used in aromatherapy.

By Kathy Keville

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Highly antiseptic eucalyptus oil has long been used to treat all manner of infections. This essential oil has antiviral and antibiotic properties, and can relieve joint pain. Learn how eucalyptus is used in aromatherapy.

By Kathy Keville

Fir is well known as a popular Christmas tree. The tree and its scent were associated with rebirth. Fir essential oil has antiseptic properties and can soothe muscle pain such as rheumatism. Learn how fir is used in aromatherapy.

By Kathy Keville

Frankincense essential oil is widely associated with religious ceremonies and events, and it is a valuable substance for its spiritually uplifting qualities. Learn how frankincense is used in aromatherapy.

By Kathy Keville

Ginger is a popular sushi sidekick for a reason; it has many digestive benefits. Ginger also flavors many beverages and candies. This essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties. Learn how ginger is used in aromatherapy.

By Kathy Keville

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Jasmine's reputation as an aphrodisiac may overshadow its other medicinal applications. This essential oil flavors many teas and can be used as a soothing balm that promotes mental acuity. Learn how jasmine is used in aromatherapy.

By Kathy Keville

Juniper berry essential oil has antiseptic properties, and can also relieve sore muscles. This essential oil has antiviral and antibiotic properties. Juniper can also combat urinary tract infections. Learn how juniper berry is used in aromatherapy.

By Kathy Keville

Lavender is an ancient and popular essential oil with antiseptic properties. Lavender is also shown to improve mental acuity. This essential oil can relieve cramps and soothe muscles. Learn how lavender is used in aromatherapy.

By Kathy Keville

It can seem like there are hundreds of diet plans to choose from. Fortunately, they boil down to just a few categories. Learn how to spot the one that's best for you.

By Adrienne Forman

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Best known for its clean, sharp fragrance, lemon is a major ingredient in many cleaning products, beverages, cologne, medicines, and more. Learn how lemon essential oil and lemon flowers are used in aromatherapy.

By Kathi Keville

Lemongrass is an important medicinal and culinary herb. Its essential oil, known for its lemon/herbal fragrance, is one of the most popular in the world. Learn how lemongrass is used in aromatherapy.

By Kathi Keville

Myrrh is a spiny tree whose essential oil is distilled from its sap. Myrrh has been used since antiquity to treat a variety of skin and mouth conditions. Learn how myrrh is used in aromatherapy.

By Kathi Keville

Breaking the peel of an orange releases its essential oil, which has a distinctive, lively scent. Learn how orange has been used in aromatherapy throughout history to enhance moods and lower blood pressure.

By Kathi Keville

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The heavy scent of patchouli is sensual and exotic to some, yet repellent to others. Patchouli essential oil has antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and other qualities. Learn how patchouli is used in aromatherapy.

By Kathi Keville

Peppermint is the most widely used essential oil. Its powerful, energizing scent is obvious in many edible and nonedible products. Learn how peppermint is used in aromatherapy as a stimulant and digestion aid.

By Kathi Keville

The ancients burned fragrant rosemary branches to improve memory and purify the air. Discover the many ways in which rosemary essential oil is used in aromatherapy today -- from relieving pain to boosting energy.

By Kathi Keville

The woody scent of sandalwood improves with age. Distilled in India from trees grown in plantations, sandalwood essential oil has been used as an aphrodisiac and a sedative. Learn how sandalwood is used in aromatherapy.

By Kathi Keville

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Tea tree essential oil has been called a "medicine cabinet in a bottle" due to its many healing properties, some of which are supported by traditional medicine. Learn how tea tree is used in aromatherapy.

By Kathi Keville

Thyme is cultivated from an evergreen, which gives it its woody fragrance. Thyme essential oil has a strong antiseptic compound that is used in many mouthwashes and cough drops. Learn how thyme is used in aromatherapy.

By Kathi Keville