REFRESHING

above: Soothing lime blossom tea.
below: In addition to their aromatic leaves, many herbs have beautiful flowers. Bergamut flowers range from bright pink, red and purple to white.

Citrus fragrances are the first ones to look for when you are seeking an uplifting and cooling effect. Their aromas are light and zingy, and they have healing and cleansing properties. Lime, lemon and grapefruit are all sharp and refreshing, ideal when you are feeling hot, tired and drained of energy.

Possibly the most cleansing of the citrus oils, lemon sharpens the mind and dispels confusion. In a room spray, it gives a clean, fresh, harmonizing aroma. Lime is good for nervous exhaustion and stress-related disorders and grapefruit awakens the spirits; it is useful when feeling lethargic and low.

As well as bearing cheerful bright flowers, bergamot has a light citrus aroma and is useful as a room freshener, eliminating stale, musty odours and cooking smells. When your spirits are flagging, there is no easier remedy than a refreshing cup of Earl Grey tea, which gets its distinctive aroma and taste from bergamot essential oil.

Alternatively, opt for the clean, woody aromas of a shady evergreen forest. The scent of pine is strong, dry and balsamic; its effect is refreshing, cooling and enlivening. Pine is helpful with excessive perspiration, fatigue and stress-related disorders. Cypress also has a fresh balsamic odour and its effect is cooling and calming. The essential oil blends well with bergamot and other citrus essences.