SITUATED in Covent Gardens, Neal’s Yard is a haven for herbs, aromatherapy oils and alternative medicinal accessories. There is also a substantial collection of books on new age therapies and alternate medicine and lifestyle. Almost all the oils and herbs are organic and of high quality.

The range of oils is also impressive and you find most essential oils including the wonderfully soothing and relaxing lavender, ylang ylang and cedar wood, the antiseptic pine, eucalyptus and tea tree and the stimulating rosemary, grapefruit and lemon. The oils are most commonly used in baths or mixed in a small amount of massage oil or then they may be used in conjunction with an aromatherapy lamp in order to purify and scent the air.

The same ingredients are used in making their own brand of bath and skin care products. The lavender soap has wonderful fragrance, is very mild and lasts and lasts. As only natural ingredients are used the fragrances are subtle and the products are less likely to cause allergic reactions or adversely affect the skin.

Usually humming with activity there is a distinct herbal aroma in the shop and the salespeople are always helpful and willing to provide advice. There is a smaller branch in Camden Town and a more limited selection of products are also available in Selfridges (Bond Street) and Liberty (Regents Street).