Aromatherapist and social activist David Crow founded Floracopeia: Aromatic Treasures for Health, Beauty and Abundance three years ago. Its mission is twofold: to bring organic, fair-trade, community-supported principles to the production, distribution, and sale of essential oils and to educate people about their benefits.

LIME chatted with the essential oil evangelist shortly before a "Fragrance and Consciousness" workshop, one of many he conducts.

Aromatherapy massages. Filet mignon dinners. Spa pedicures.

Lately, it seems that some pampered pooches live better than I do.

I have written about bathing before, but it's time to revisit the pleasure and luxury of bath time. Up until a few months ago, I had never used my bathtub for anything more than a vessel for a daily shower. Now I've turned my tub into a veritable hydrotherapy spa. I've stocked my shelves with a variety of irresistible essential oil bath treatments and even as the warm months approach I continue to bathe — just in cooler water.

Sushi, saunas, raw cheese, microwaves, herbal medicines, alcohol - for pregnant women the list of things to avoid can seem especially long. But there is a healing modality that is not only acceptable to receive during pregnancy (in the final two trimesters) but is also designed to alleviate many of the discomforts that come up during those nine months.

As with any form of medicine, aromatherapy should be approached with caution preferably with the guidance of an experienced aromatherapist. Essential oils should not be used during the first trimester and the many oils (basil, cedarwood, cinnamon, clary sage, clove, cypress, fennel, hyssop, jasmine, juniper, lemongrass, myrrh, parsley, pennyroyal, peppermint, rosemary, sweet marjoram, and thyme) should be avoided throughout the entire pregnancy

When I travel I always pack my toothbrush and alarm clock, but for my next trip I'll also hit the road with a handful of targeted essential oils. According to many aromatherapists - including Canadian Bev Gray, CH, RA, - essential oils are the ultimate travel companion. They can combat many of the health issues that come up during a journey like jet lag, indigestion, colds, and skin irritations.

Until recently I was nothing more than a callous cat lover, indifferent to the ways of the pooch.

Then I moved next to Max. A ten-year old blonde golden retriever, Max is effectively my neighbor's dog, but when I take him on walks around the neighborhood I often pretend he's mine. As passersby stop to "ooh" and "ahh" over him, I smile that smug smile of ownership and make sly comments like "You're such a flirt, Max." I'm attributing my arrested appreciation for dogs to my inability to accept the untraditional treatments currently available for canines. I know there are dogs currently battling depression with Prozac and other dogs on a regimen of alternative therapies, but I've had a tough time accepting it as reality.

What do you get when you combine the elements of aromatherapy with the tenets of shiatsu? You get BuddhaNose, an amazing line of essential oil-based balms, sprays, and salts that ease menstrual cramps, fight the infections that cause colds and flu, and promote peace and tranquility. BuddhaNose is the creation of Amy Galper, an aromatherapist and shiatsu practitioner.

Aromatherapy is a great way to mood-alter safely and quickly. This time of year it’s especially good for uplifting any sun-drought related SADness and warding off colds. Many practitioners say the oils can also clear your energy body and remind you of your connection to the divine.