INVIGORATING

above: right - Use ginger essential oil in foot baths to stimulate circulation.
below: right - The whole foot will benefit from a massage with a lotion containing essential oils. Use sweeping motions to aid circulation.
left - Add spice to recipes with scented vinegars and oils, such as this vibrant chilli and black peppercorn vinegar or this delicious coriander olive oil.

When we are feeling tired and sluggish, fresh and spicy aromas will give us a helpful boost. Ginger, coriander and black pepper are three powerful stimulants, which can either be included in your daily diet or added to bath oils, lotions and muscle rubs. They should be used with restraint, however: ginger and black pepper may irritate sensitive skins.

Fiery ginger, which is used in Chinese medicine for its stimulating properties, warms and brings life to the body, and is especially beneficial for the circulation - sufferers of cold hands and feet should add a few drops of the essential oil to a vegetable base oil to help dilute and spread it, and rub it on to the affected areas each day.

Coriander (cilantro) was also well known to the ancient Chinese who believed its seeds contained the power of immortality. This herb has a fresh and spicy aroma and is useful when you are feeling drained or sluggish.

One of the earliest known spices, black pepper, has been prized throughout history. Its warming effect makes it an ideal muscle rub, particularly before exercise. Combined with rosemary, black pepper essential oil has been used by athletes to achieve faster times and to reduce muscular fatigue and pain. Try it yourself before a workout.

Coriander, ginger and black pepper are also effective aphrodisiacs, particularly for men. One source cites that the women of Senegal weave ginger root into their husband's belt to arouse their sexual interest.