BODYLINE      

Aromatherapy: The Essential Oils
Essential oils are the concentrated aromatic oils of plant leaves, flowers, seeds, barks, roots, and the rinds of some fruits. Rose, peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil are a few of the commonly used essential oils. 
They, along with many other oils, have been used since ancient times for the practice of aromatherapy, which is the use of essential oils for healing and for pleasing and satisfying the senses. The benefits of essential oils can be acquired through inhalation or external application. 
Through the sense of smell, aromatherapy stimulates the part of the brain dealing with emotions and memory. They affect mind, mood, and feelings, while at the same time causing physiological changes in the body.
Rose is commonly used in potpourri for its pleasing scent and it can give a sense of well being. 
Eucalyptus is good for chest colds when mixed with a small amount of oil to be rubbed on the chest and inhaled. 
Essential oils are not only used through inhalation, but have external benefits for the body as well.
Essential oils are found in several cosmetic formulations, including perfumes, lotions, soaps, bath oils, and sport rubs. They are used as a mean of reviving and enhancing beauty. 
Rosemary is known to increase circulation in the skin and scalp, and is commonly found in soaps and hair care formulaas. 
The oils can also maintain or heal the skin. Tea Tree Oil is antiseptic and antifungal, making it useful topically for acne, insect bites and athlete's foot.
Miss Bodyline's advice column
Q: My hair is looking rather dull and dry lately. Is there anything I can do to add a bit of shine to it?
A: One of the most common complaints I hear from my clients is that their hair isn't shiny enough. 
Often the culprit is over processed hair. The more chemicals you put on your hair, the less shiny it will be. 
The key to shiny hair is good hair health, not necessarily the products you use. 
Adding shine back into your hair begins in the shower. As unpleasant as this may seem during the winter months, a cold-water rinse is a great way to boost up the gloss. The cold water will close, and thus smooth, the cuticle, making it appear shinier. If you're not willing to torture yourself in the name of beauty, go for as cold a rinse as you can stand, and then use a finishing creme during and after your blow-dry to add shine.
As for silicone products, I usually recommend that people avoid them. Although they do add shine, silicone-based products are often difficult to wash out, resulting in a buildup in the hair that only serves to dull it rather than add shine. Another popular remedy is a vinegar rinse. This is fine if you use it sparingly -- too many vinegar rinses will only dry out your hair.

Until next time,
Miss Bodyline.