Your Aromatherapy Star Sign - Aquarius (21 January - 19 February)

Ruler: Uranus/Saturn
Colour: Indigo
Element: Air
Season: Spring
Aromatic Affinity:  Cedarwood, Lime, Geranium



Aquarians make great friends and even better leaders due to their considerate and caring ways. They may amaze you with their open minded and unusual ideas. Aquarius is the sign of the future as well the sign of hopes and dreams. Aquarians relish in their unconventional ways, but often their drive to be unlike anyone else can lead others to view them as eccentric and unusual.  They are always looking for a new way to do something, this helps them avoid one of their greatest enemies - boredom.   Aquarians value friendship very much; once you have a friendship with an Aquarian, you can expect them to be loyal. If you find yourself in a bind, ask an Aquarian friend for help. They will not hesitate to be there for you. They are the humanitarians of the zodiac and their altruistic ways naturally draw people to them.

Cedarwood (Cedrus Atlantica)

Cedarwood has a therapeutic effect on the respiratory system and is helpful in all related complaints.  It calms the mind and body and can therefore be helpful in treating stress-related asthma.  It can relieve the pain of arthritis and rheumatism and it can settle irritated skin conditions.  Solomon's Chariot was built of cedarwood, which has historically been used to protect and extend the lives of anyone in contact with it.  It is mentioned frequently in the Bible as a symbol of physical and mental strength and works on the mind and soothe fear and worry and on the body to ease fatigue, anxiety and mental stress.  Cedar is often known as the "Holy Tree of Life" partly because it has a distinctive odour which has a powerful and stimulating effect on the psyche, which is ideal for individuals preparing for prayer and meditation.

Lime (Citrus Aurantifolia)
Lime is often chosen as an alternative to Lemon because of its wonderful scent.  Mentally and physically uplifting, it is often recommended for stress-related fatigue, while it also improves focus and concentration, making it useful for students, car drivers and night workers.  It has an affinity with the respiratory system and is a powerful antiseptic, but care must be taken if the skin is sensitive.

Geranium (Pelargonium Graveolens)

Geranium has a close affinity with the female system and is therefore a popular oil for the aromatherapy beginner as well as the professional.  It helps to treat hormonally unbalanced skin, broken capillaries, blemishes and bruises and a gentle insect repellent.  It also works on the mind to ease grinding teeth, nervous tension, mood swings, irritability, anger and female rages while soothing period related pain and problems, settling the cycle after miscarriage or preparing the body to conceive.  Geranium is emotionally soothing and has a fabulous scent that makes it ideal for room fragrancing.

New Year's Detox - Massage Oil Recipe

If you've overindulged during the festive season why not re-energise both mind and body with our popular range of aromatherapy Detox blends. Try our Detox Blend Massage Oil (200ml £9.99) with essential oils of Juniperberry, Grapefruit, Lime, Sweet Orange and Echinacea. Juniper Oil helps with the digestive system and has a tonic effect on the liver. Or, take a soothing, relaxing bath with our Detox Formula Aromatherapy Bath and Shower Gel (200ml £8.99) with Green Mandarin, May Chang and Cedarwood.


Note: Do not use Juniper Oil if pregnant.

The body, skin and area around the eyes, plus cellulite levels, reflect the excesses of Christmas and these problems are exacerbated for individuals under stress or feeling down. An aromatherapy massage is an ideal antidote as a 'hands on' massage can improve your sense of wellbeing and speed the elimination of toxins. The essential oils aid this process whilst calming the mind. This improved sense of wellbeing can then help to reduce any dependence on caffeine, alcohol and junk food all of which add to the problem.

Why not try 1 drop of Bergamot essential oil and 1 drop of Fennel essential oil to a tablespoonful of Sweet Almond Oil. Then massage in to the body with firm strokes up towards the torso and the heart.  Fennel with its wonderfully aromatic, aniseedy scent is used to stimulate the circulation, eliminate toxins and reduce areas of fluid retention and puffiness around the eyes and body. It also has the advantage of being an appetite suppressant, which is helpful with the post Christmas diet. (Roman soldiers chewed fennel seeds on long marches to prevent hunger & counteract fatigue).  Bergamot often known as 'natures prozac' has a soft citrus scent (it is a significant ingredient in many contemporary perfumes e.g. CK). It has a restorative effect on the skin but most importantly it relaxes the mind and body reducing the need for stimulants and junk food.

Note: Use Almond Oil as the massage base not baby oil. Plant oils have small molecules that sink in leaving a smooth, non-sticky surface. This facilitates the deep massage/contact needed to treat cellulite effectively. Baby oil sits on top of the skin giving too much slippage to the hands, which prevents the massage from being therapeutic.

Your Aromatherapy Star Sign - Sagittarius (23 November - 22 December)

SAGITTARIUS (23 November – 22 December)


Ruler: Jupiter
Colour: Blue
Element: Fire
Season: Summer
Aromatic: Ylang Ylang, Cinnamon and Rose


The Sagittarian Personality

Sagittarians are extroverted, cheerful and optimistic. They believe that things will turn out well, and they trust much to luck. Not much gets them down and they usually rebound quickly from depression, illness or stressful life events.  Sagittarians are altruistic and will sacrifice time, energy and money to help others. They’re generous to a fault and will give their last dollar to someone in need or spend it all on drinks for everyone in the room. 

Sagittarians love to travel and often believe that it is a better educator than school. They like to meet people in foreign lands and learn foreign languages. When traveling, they’d rather camp out with the locals than set up in a fancy hotel. Most Sagittarians also like outdoor pursuits such as hiking, camping or kayaking.  Sagittarians value freedom far above security. As a result, many don’t settle down in a relationship too easily. They find the majority of partners too clingy or restrictive, and even those Sagittarians who do settle down will look to the horizon with longing from time to time.

Sagittarians are friendly people who need a wide variety of acquaintances to spend time with. They don’t like to sit around the house and usually prefer large, exuberant gatherings to small, cozy nights at home with one other person.  Many Sagittarians move from city to city and job to job, always in search of a new challenge or new social interactions. They have trouble finishing what they start, but they cope well with change, adversity and diversity, and their sunny personalities ensure that they make plenty of friends along the way.

Aromatherapy Oils for a Sagittarian

Most Sagittarians prefer earthy, strong floral fragrances, that evoke memories of distant lands and far away shores.

Ylang Ylang (Cananga Odorata)

Ylang Ylang, known as the ‘flower of flowers’ in folklore, is a sweet floral oil that will lift the sprits and counteract general irritability. It is a popular treatment for insomnia and depression, slowing down breathing and helping to reduce panic-related palpitations. In the Philippines where it originates, the ylang ylang flower is much revered and historically the oil extracted from the magnificent flowers has been blended with coconut oil and used to fight malaria and prevent wounds from becoming infected.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum)

The benefits of Cinnamon have been recognised since ancient times and it has also been used as a perfume and incense. It is warming for the body and uplifting for the mind, helping to soothe nervous exhaustion and feelings of failure. It is also used to ease a sluggish digestion, aches and pains and a shivering fever and is beneficial for stiff joints and muscles due to age or over-exertion. It is also warming for areas of poor circulation and is comforting if distressed. Cinnamon has been regarded as a ‘precious oil’ by many cultures and as such it makes a luxurious addition to any massage, room or bathing blend.

Rose (Rosa Centifolia)

Rose Oil, which is extracted from the petals by distillation or solvents, is in my personal opinion beyond compare for treating stress related conditions, particularly depression and anxiety. It has a very gentle but strong uplifting effect on the psyche and a balancing effect which can help individuals to “see problems in proportion". Many aromatherapists believe that Rose can mimic the effect of hormones so it is often used to treat psychological problems linked to female bodily functions such menstruation, child birth, PMS or post natal depression.  Rose Oil is one of the most valuable oils in the world, so if you're looking for something a bit easier on the pocket, try our Rose Light Oil, which has all the benefits, but at a fraction of the price.

Blissful Bathtime Blends

Now the nights are drawing in, most of us will start thinking about having long, hot soaks in the bath, to warm us up.  Aromatherapy oils have long been used to alter moods and help with all kinds of ailments, especially during the winter months.  So, if you're feeling a little under the weather and need a little boost, why not try out some of these aromatherapy bath blends.








Uplifting Bath Blend

For a totally rejuvenating bath, to revive even the most exhausted body, try this luxurious blend mixed with 1 tablespoon of milk, to help disperse the oils.

2 drops of Bergamot Essential Oil
2 drops of Rose Essential Oil or Rose Light (if you're on a budget)
2 drops of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Joint & Muscle Bath Blend

For all those winter aches and pains, why not try this soothing blend mixed with 1 tablespoon of milk to help disperse the oils.

3 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
2 drops of Petitgrain Essential Oil
2 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil

Calming Bath Blend

Finally, to help relax and de-stress after a long, hard day, this aromatic blend will clear the mind and relax the muscles, to aid sleep.  Blend the oils with 1 tablespoon of milk, to help disperse the oils into the bath water.

3 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
3 drops of Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

If you don't have the time, or don't feel confident in blending your own oils, why not try our ready made Luxury Bath Oils.  These ready prepared blends of the finest essential oils are mixed with a richly moisturising coconut oil base, which doesn't leave a greasy film around the bath.  At only £10.99 each or 2 for £20, they will give you a luxurious spa experience in your own bathroom.

For a rejuvenating, uplifting bath, try our Fatigue Relief Clinical Bath Oil.  Alternatively, if you're struggling to switch off at night, our Sleep Easy Clinical Bath Oil will help you unwind and fall asleep naturally.  Finally, for all those wintry aches and pains, or after a particularly strenuous workout, our Joint & Muscle Ease Clinical Bath Oil will helps relax the muscles and ease any joint pain.

Your Aromatherapy Star Sign - Libra (24 September - 23 October)

Dates - 24 September to 23 October

Ruler - Venus

Colour - Green

Aromatic - Rose, Geranium & Clary Sage

Element - Air
Season - Spring

Librans are one of the most admired signs in the zodiac because of their kindness and compassion towards others. They make wonderful friends and great lovers who make you feel loved and appreciated.   Because a Libra values beauty so much, they may sometimes become too focused on outward beauty and forget to look deeper into a person's full character. Libras do not handle criticism very well, which often makes them seem insecure.

Rose (Rosa Centifolia)
 
Up to the Middle the Ages the rose played an essential part in the materia medica being used for lots of different disorders including digestive and menstrual problems, headaches and nervous tension, liver congestion, poor circulation, fever, eye infections and skin complaints. The rose has traditionally been associated with Venus, the Goddess of love and beauty. Today rose oil inspires emotional calm and stability without sedative effects. It has a very gentle but strong, uplifting effect on the psyche and a balancing effect which can help individuals "see problems in proportion".  Many aromatherapists believe that Rose can mimic the effect of hormones, so it is often used to treat psychological problems linked to female bodily functions, such as menstruation and childbirth, e.g. PMS or Post Natal Depression.  The aroma is powerful and comforting.
 
Geranium (Pelargonium Graveolens)
 
Geranium has a close affinity with the female system & is therefore a popular oil for the aromatherapy beginner as well as the professional. It helps to treat hormonally unbalanced skin, broken capillaries, blemishes and bruises.  It also works on the mind to ease nervous tension, mood swings, irritability, anger and female rages, while soothing period-related pains and problems.  It is emotionally soothing & has a fabulous scent that makes it ideal for room fragrancing. It is a gentle insect repellent, hence its folk use as a window box plant.
 
Clary Sage (Salvia Sclarea)
 
Clary Sage has a euphoric effect, which makes it a useful oil for treating stress-related nervous tension and fatigue.  Some people find it helpful in the treatment of migraine and it can also reduce pain associated with back ache and muscle stiffness.  The medicinal application of Clary Sage began prior to the birth of Christ.  The Egyptians used it as a cure for infertility, whilst the Greeks and Romans believed that it could prolong human life.  It was one of the Anglo Saxons' nine sacred herbs and by the sixteenth century it was grown in every medicinal herbal garden.  It became known as "clear eye" as it was believed to cure eyesight problems.  Under the guise of its therapeutic properties, it was often added to beer and wine, however it was possibly appreciated more for the fact that it enhanced the effect of alcohol, making weak beer seem more potent.  Avoid during pregnancy.
 

Your Aromatherapy Star Sign - Leo (24 July - 23 August)

LEO (24 July to 23 August)

Ruler: Sun

Colour: Orange

Element: Fire
Season: Summer
Aromatic: Sweet Orange and Ginger

Leo Personality Profile


The Lion loves to rule the jungle and take care of the pride. Leo enjoys being the center of attention and commands the best in life. At the same time they are usually warmhearted and love to generously provide for friends and family.   People with a Leo sign are generally outgoing, confident and friendly.

Sweet Orange (citrus sinesis)

Sweet Orange is refreshing as well as mentally and physically uplifting and is commonly used to treat nervous tension and stress-related complaints. It has an affinity for the respiratory systems and is therefore also commonly used for treating typically wintertime problems of colds and flu. In addition, it is frequently used as an antiseptic and is also believed to be soothing and a good diuretic to relieve menstruation-related problems. The orange has a reputation as a Mediterranean fruit whereas, in fact, it originated in Asia and was brought to Europe by Arab physicians in the first century AD. Its medicinal properties have been long recognised, however it is the Chinese who have refined the medicinal applications throughout history.

Ginger (zingiber officinale)

Ginger is a warm and familiar oil which is ideal for treating stress related fatigue. It can reduce the pain and inflammation of muscular injury through overuse and it can stimulate the appetite and remedy indigestion. It has also long been recognised as a powerful aphrodisiac. Ginger has been used as a traditional remedy for thousands of years, used medicinally by the Pharoes of Egypt and with records of its use in Greek and Roman times too. In the South Pacific islands it has always been revered as a sacred herb which has magical healing powers. Village witch doctors are believed to heal wounds by chewing splinters of the root and then applying the resulting mixture of root and spittle to the wound. In other areas in the Pacific, the women weave it into belts to be worn by their husbands to increase their potency and desire.

Your Aromatherapy Star Sign - Cancer (22 June - 23 July)

CANCER (22 June – 23 July)


Ruler: Moon
Colour: Violet
Element: Water
Season: Winter
Aromatic: Frankincense, Rose and Jasmine



Personality:  Cancer is a Cardinal water sign, ruled by the moon.  As the fourth sign of the zodiac, the Cancer individual is a deeply emotional person inside, but is smooth and confident on the outside.  Their first love is of home and family and they are nurturing and caring in the family setting, creating a cozy, comfortable, safe existance behind the doors of their own home.

Frankincense (boswellia carteri)
Frankincense slows down and deepens breathing, which is why it is so conducive to prayer. It is of benefit to those who cannot "switch off" and is an ideal oil for chronic worriers, relieving nervous agitation, feelings of panic and palpitations. It is also very helpful for mature or damaged skin and can be used to treat irregular periods, catarrh, laryngitis and asthma. Pictorial evidence from the tombs of the Pharaohs shows that Frankincense has been used since 1500BC.

Rose (rosa centifolia)
Rose oil, which is extracted from the petals by distillation or solvents, is in my personal opinion beyond compare for treating stress related conditions, particularly depression and anxiety. It has a very gentle but strong, uplifting effect on the psyche and a balancing effect which can help individuals to “see problems in proportion." Many aromatherapists believe that Rose can mimic the effect of hormones so it is often used to treat psychological problems linked to female bodily functions such menstruation or child birth, PMS or post natal depression.

Jasmine Absolute (jasminum officinale)
Jasmine is a precious oil often referred to as the “King of Oils.” It engenders a feeling of optimism and is an excellent choice to counteract feelings of mental and physical exhaustion, helping to increase courage, confidence and optimism and battling the fear of the unknown. It has an affinity with the female reproductive system and is a key ingredient of most classic perfumes dating back to the C16th. It is also beneficial for irritated or sensitive skin.