FYI

Aromatherapists advise using only natural essential oils, not the synthetic or diluted variety. One way to determine the purity of an oil is to place a drop on a piece of paper. If it leaves a mark after it dries, it is a synthetic oil.

Price is also an indication. Pure rose and jasmine oils usually sell for more than $50 per one-quarter ounce.

For more information about aromatherapy, here’s a sampling of sources:

* National Assn. of Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA)--a nonprofit educational organization in Boulder, Colo. Call (800) ASK-NAHA for information about courses, local referrals and publications available for a donation.

* American Alliance of Aromatherapy publishes periodicals and operates a Web site at https://www.aaoa.org. (800) 809-9850.

* Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, 16018 Saddle String Drive, Tampa, FL 33618.