AROMATHERAPY is one alternative remedy not to be sniffed at.

The fragrant treatment is used in the holistic treatment of a number of ailments including, stress, migraines, sore muscles, depression, gastric problems, sleep deprivation and concentration.

Louise Green’s treatment room smells amazing before she’s even uncorked her apothecary of essential oils.

The mum of two is an Essex based clinical aromatherapist and advanced massage therapist.

She uses the natural plant extracts, each with a distinct aroma beneficial to us in different ways, to make creams, gels, bath salts, to load oil diffusers and to use in her massage therapy.

“I have always been into natural health remedies and used aromatherapy before I knew much about it,” she says.

She trained at the Institute of Traditional Herbal Medicine and Aromatherapy in London.

Her customers come to see her for a host of different reasons, headaches, acne, stress and anxiety topping the list, or just for a pamper.

“There are a growing number of scientific studies which prove their is a real basis for the therapy,” Louise adds.

The practice can be traced back more than 3,500 years.

Hippocrates, known as the father of modern medicine, maintained 2,500 years ago: “the key to good health rests on having a daily aromatic bath and scented massage.”

The term, aromatherapy, was not coined until the late 1920s.

GRAB TODAY'S ECHO FOR MORE DIY AROMATHERAPY RECIPES.

A word of warning: Home use without professional advice is not recommended for pregnant and post-natal women, elderly or frail people, children and people who take a lot of medication. It is always best to check with a qualified aromatherapist which oils are suitable. Aromatherapy should be used alongside professional medical advice.