We get lots of requests for guides to essential oils, and here we have put together a Winter warmer list of essential oils to burn, put in your bath, or add to a massage oil.

Frankincense
The original Christmas smell...this wonderful aromatic oil has long been used in the East as an incense, and as a anti-ager in beauty preparations. It is warming and grounding with a rich, sweet-balsamic undertone. It is also used to calm nervous conditions and has a positive effect on anxiety, tension and stress-related illnesses. Add to lavender to make a soothing end of day preparation to add to a bath or burn. By adding 1 drop to a 50g pot of Vitamin E you also have an effective anti-ageing moisturiser.

Bergamot
This is a fresh citrus fragrance ideal for its uplifting effect - invaluable when you have lots to do but no time. It has longed been used in Italy (from where is originated) as a treatment for skin conditions such as acne, pimples and eczema, and can also be used as an insect repellent. Its fresh, sweet fruity smell also works well when combined with the sensuous Ylang Ylang to make a massage oil. Add 2 drops to 50ml of water with a tablespoons of distilled Witch hazel to make a great skin toner.

Lavender
This oil is incredibly versatile - it has relaxing, sedative antidepressant qualities. It is soothing and antiseptic on the skin if it is burnt. With its sweet, flora -herbaceous scent and balsamic-woody undertones, it is one of the most well-recognised essential oils. A drop massaged into the temples can relive tension, and a drop in your bath or on the pillow at bedtime promotes restful sleep. For clearing the "fug" in a room after a party just mix lavender, cypress and rosemary oils to make a lovely fresh room fragrance.

Ylang Ylang
This sensuous oil has long been used as a beautifier and aphrodisiac. It has a distinctive sweet, floral-balsamic, slightly spicy quality, which combines well with Bergamot to make an attractive fragrance. In the Far East it is used for cosmetic and skin care, to prevent fever and fight infections, and is spread on the beds of newly married couples! To make a sensual massage oil: add 1 drop of Ylang Ylang and 2 drops of Bergamot to 20mls of carrier oil.

Cinnamon
This smell often reminds us of Christmas due to its inclusion in cakes, biscuits and mulled wine! It has a warm, spicy comforting aroma. It has been used, due to its anti-spasmodic qualities, for digestive and menstrual problems, rheumatism, kidney troubles and as a general stimulant. Make a seasonal room fragrance by blending 2 drops of cinnamon and orange oil and one drop of clove oil. Yummy.

Clove
This oil has pain-killing, antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties. It has a distinctive aroma - sweet-spicy with a fruity-fresh top note - which combines with other seasonal scents to create a warm, comforting smell. The most notable use of clove oil or cloves in domestic medicine is a treatment for toothache, and as a tea to relieve nausea. If you are suffering from toothache put one drop of the oil on a cotton bud and gently rub the gum under the painful tooth relieve the pain.

Orange
Oranges have a distinctive aroma with anti-depressant and sedative properties. Made from the peel, it has similar properties to the more expensive Neroli oil, extracted form Orange blossom. Its warm, spicy, citrus fragrance reminds people of sunny climes, which is cheering in Winter. Add to cinnamon and clove to make a wonderful seasonal room fragrance (see above).

Pine
Refreshing, alpine - this Christmas tree fragrance can be used to make a cleaning room freshener (try putting a few drops on burning logs if you have a real fire). It can be used in steam inhalations, instead of eucalyptus, to relieve the congestion of colds or sinusitis. Pines kernels have also been used as excellent restoratives after a long illness. Apparently Native American Indians used Pine to prevent scurvy, and to put in mattresses to repel fleas!

Peppermint
Traditionally used as a calmative for indigestion. If suffering from indigestion, drink the tea after meals. For colicky upsets and stomach cramps, add 1 drop to 20 ml of carrier oil and massage in a clockwise direction over the abdomen. It is also excellent as a treatment for tired, sweaty feet - try putting 3 drops of peppermint oil and a handful of sea salt in a bowl of warm water, and soak.