Q&A - Tackling the Menopause the natural way

Q: Can you recommend any particular products or essential oils that may help with symptoms of the Menopause?

A: If your symptoms are relatively mild then aromatherapy can be helpful in relieving many of the symptoms.

It is vital however that any individual suffering severe hormone related symptoms should seek help from their GP. Do not disregard the advice of your GP. If you don't like his or her advice, then ask for a second opinion. DO NOT OPT OUT OF FORMAL CARE without the agreement of your GP and a total understanding of the implications.

Headaches: To soothe and relieve head aches and discomfort we recommend a blend of Lavender and Peppermint Essential Oils. This blend is ideal to relieve discomfort and restore mental focus. Try Potions & Possibilities Head Ease Essential Relief Balm (15g £4.99).

Hot flushes: Any essential oil that can calm the mind is ideal to break this cycle of suddenly feeling warm, and then being so self conscious and focused on it that you inadvertently aggravate the situation. We recommend applying Lavender Oil that has been blended into a cooling Aloe Vera base as and when the flush starts to rise. Try Potions & Possibilities Aloe Vera and Lavender Relief Balm (60g £7.99). Apply it to the source of the flush (usually chest, boobs, throat or back of neck and the wrists). Don't rub it in completely as the fleeting wetness will enhance the cooling effect.

Sleep disturbances: If the sleep problems are stress related try a bath, oil burner or massage blend of Rose, to soothe the mind and balance the emotions, Neroli to counteract nervous exhaustion and Ylang Ylang to lift the spirits and counteract irritability. Alternatively try Potions & Possibilities Ultra Relaxing Bath Oil (150ml £10.99) with Bergamot for calming, Orange Sweet to enhance positive feelings, Lavender to promote rest and relaxation and Geranium to soothe. If however the sleep disturbances are down to a hormone imbalance then try Potions & Possibilities Sleep Easy Bath Oil blend with Lavender, Chamomile and Violet. Or apply our And to Sleep Balm to the pulse points at bed time.

Mood swings: Potions & Possibilities Mood Relief Balm (15g £4.99) helps to lift the spirits and maintain emotional equilibrium. It contains Geranium, which is widely used to calm fluctuating moods, Vertivert which is known as the "oil of tranquility", Mandarin to gently lift the spirits and the herbal extract of Ginseng which is believed to have a rejuvenating effect on the mind. Apply to the pulse points as required.

Weight gain: Aromatherapy can help where eating is stress related by aiding relaxation and reducing stress levels. There are many many oils to try but we particularly recommend Bergamot, Geranium, Frankincense, Sandalwood, Green Mandarin, Neroli, Patchouli and Lavender. Historically Roman soldiers chewed Fennel seeds on long marches to prevent hunger pangs so you could also make up a cheery blend of Lime, Fennel and a touch of Frankincense to help reduce your intake.

Water retention: Geranium and Juniper are both to be recommended. Both blend well with Lavender and Sandalwood for a fabulous massage or deeply relaxing bath.

Essential Oils of the Month: Soothing, stress-busting oils for Mother's Day

Being a Mum is the most rewarding job in the world but there is no denying it can be hard work at times. Daily life is often extremely demanding and it can take very little extra to tip some of us into a state of stress! Stress then makes us feel more irritable and tired and it can also play havoc with our health and appearance.

Coping with an overload of demands generally manifests itself in two ways, with women experiencing high levels of adrenaline, but being unable to switch off and relax, while men more commonly experience feelings of fatigue. Left untreated, high levels of stress can lead to a variety of problems such as sleepless nights, poor hair condition, skin breakouts, eczema, brittle nails and even irritable bowel syndrome.  Feelings of stress and tension can however be diffused if you regularly set aside time to relax, unwind and relieve the pressures of hectic family life.

To encourage relaxation, why not take time out and enjoy a soak in the bath. Add four to 10 drops of therapeutic essential oils to a warm bath. Try relaxing, soothing oils such as Rose, Neroli, Ylang Ylang or Chamomile and mix with milk first to help the oils to disperse. Alternatively try Potions & Possibilities Ultra Relaxing Luxury Bath Oil (150ml £10.99), hand-blended with Bergamot for calming, Orange Sweet to enhance positive feelings, Lavender to promote rest and relaxation and Geranium to soothe. This product is also available labelled ‘For a Special Mum’ making it the ideal Mother’s Day Gift.

Here are our Top 5 Oils for a stress free Mother’s Day

• Frankincense: helps to balance the emotions and is good for treating symptoms of stress and nervous tension.
• Geranium: revitalises the body and regulates hormonal balance.
• Neroli (orange blossom): a relaxing, powerful aid for relieving mental or emotional stress and anxiety and can help in promoting restful sleep. Neroli Light is also an effective and cheaper option.
• Petitgrain: clears the mind and eases mental fatigue. Aids insomnia and sedates the nervous system.
• Ylang Ylang: soothes frayed nerves and calms irritability.

Luxurious Mother's Day Gift Ideas

If you're looking for an extra special gift idea for this coming Mother’s Day look no further than the ‘Special Mum’ range from our expert aromatherapy company, Potions & Possibilities.

Many would agree that Motherhood is one of the hardest (yet most rewarding) jobs in the world. Coping with the pressures of juggling a family and a busy lifestyle often mean that those precious moments for Mum to relax and unwind are few and far between.

Perfect for Mother’s Day gifts, Potions & Possibilities have a luxurious selection of ultra-relaxing aromatherapy toiletries for hard working Mums. Designed to lift the spirits, enhance wellbeing and counteract the stresses and strains of modern day life, these wonderfully therapeutic and natural toiletries are sure to please every Mum this Mother’s Day.

Choose from ultra-indulgent, Luxury Aromatherapy Bath Oils (150ml £10.99) dedicated to a ‘Special Mum’,‘Special Mummy’ or 'Special Mother-in-Law' – with essential oils of Bergamot for calming, Orange Sweet to enhance positive feelings, Lavender to promote rest and relaxation and Geranium to soothe. Or for Mums in a hurry we recommend our ‘Special Mum’, or ‘Special Mummy’ therapeutic Bath & Shower Gels (200ml £8.99), hand blended with Palmarosa to soothe the mind, Frankincense to condition the skin, Geranium and Ylang Ylang to enhance emotional wellbeing and Grapefruit and Echinacea to energise and protect. Products are also available with ‘Special Grandmother’ and ‘Someone Special’ labels.

For that extra special gift we have our Luxury Gift Collections which contain only the finest quality aromatherapy toiletries from the Potions & Possibilities range (prices range from £9.99 - £14.99). Thoughtful, therapeutic and beautifully presented in attractive gifts or boxes our wonderful gift selections are guaranteed to make every Mum feel special this Mother’s Day. Try our exclusive Relaxing Mother’s Day Gift Bag (only £14.99) which contains a Special Mum Bath & Shower Gel, a handmade Rose & Cinnamon Soap and our exquisitely fragranced Stress Ease Bath Salts made from an intensely relaxing blend of Geranium, Lemongrass and natural sea salt. Other gifts include our Mini Relaxing Gift Box (£9.99) and our Relax and Unwind Gift Box (£14.99).
Order online at http://www.potions.co.uk/ or call us on 01394 386161.

Happy Mother's Day!!

Your aromatherapy Star Sign - Pisces (February 20 - 20 March)

PISCES (20 February – 20 March)
Ruler: Neptune/Jupiter
Colour: Blue
Element: Water
Season: Winter
Aromatic: Clary Sage, Bergamot and Lavender

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.

Bergamot (Citrus Bergamia)
Bergamot oil, expressed from the rind of bergamot fruit, is an anti-depressant with an uplifting effect on the mind. It can be helpful in calming an overactive mind and relieving physical symptoms such as palpitations and twitchy muscles. It has been reported in several journals to be useful in treating psychiatric cases where it has been found to quell fears and improve mental focus. Bergamot can also be useful in treating stress-related problems of the digestive tract such as irritable bowel syndrome. The bergamot tree was introduced to the new world by Christopher Columbus in 1520. By 1800, at the time of Napoleon’s domination of Europe, it was at the height of popularity for both medicinal and perfumery purposes, with most herbalists and physicians of the time mentioning its valuable medicinal properties for soothing the mind and healing infection in their manuscripts. In African voodoo culture, Bergamot has been historically used to drive away evil spirits and protect individuals from physical danger.

Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)
Lavender is distilled from the flowers and leaves of the herb and is a very well known, widely used and inexpensive essential oil which is an effective anti-depressant. It is a good “balancer” so it is useful in helping people to recover from mood swings, is a well known treatment for insomnia and is equally good for relieving tension headaches. It has a restorative, tonic effect which makes it useful for treating individuals with debilitating fatigue or lethargy and it is an effective pain killer and anti-spasmodic so it is valuable in treating tension related “aches and pains” of a muscular nature. The name derives from the Roman word 'lavare' which means 'to cleanse'. It refers to the Roman custom of scenting baths with the leaves and flowers of the plant. Matthiole the Sixth Century Botanist regarded lavender flowers as most effective against conditions of melancholy. Lavender was popular in the monastic medicinal gardens of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries and even earlier than that, in the twelfth century, Abbotess Hildegarde dedicated a whole chapter in her herbal to the medicinal uses of lavender. Lavender has been used since pagan times to purify the air and the mind. This is linked to another of its pagan uses which was to drive out wicked spirits and, later on, witches. Gerard in his Sixteenth Century Herbal said that the flowers helped to cure 'lovesickness' and keep one chaste. The Victorians thought that it was an excellent headache cure and would often wear a sprig under their hats.

Q&A - Aromatherapy for Nasal Congestion

Q: Can you recommend any essential oils that will help with nasal congestion?

A: A stuffy nose is caused by inflamed blood vessels in the membranes lining the inside of your nostrils. For most people home and alternative remedies can be helpful in relieving the symptoms. Try a few drops of Chamomile, Geranium and Lavender on a tissue inside your pillowcase or nearby. Chamomile has a natural anti-inflammatory action, Lavender is antibacterial and Geranium is known for balancing the hormones and helping you to relax.

Three other oils that may help are Benzoin, Tea Tree and Myrrh. Avoid ‘hot’ oil such as Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Basil and any of the camphoric treatments such as ‘Vicks’ or ‘Olbas Oil’ as they are stimulants and, in the long term, can irritate the mucous membranes.

If there is an element of anxiety, which may make your breathing faster and shallower, try Frankincense. A very nice blend for a vaporizer/burner or bath would be Frankincense, Chamomile and Geranium.

If any oils have scents that are not to your taste, mask them with something sweeter like Geranium, Bergamot or May Chang. Also, only use good quality oils and discard after 6-12 months.

Essential Oils of the Month - Valentines' Specials

If you’re wondering how to make Valentines Day extra special this year why not experiment with the sensual, therapeutic power of essential oils. Essential oils can bring about positive chemical changes in the body resulting in noticeable effects on our mood and physical responses. Whether to relax and soothe or stimulate and revitalise certain essential oils can play a major role in the art of passion!

Here are Potions & Possibilities favourite aromatherapy oils to get you in the mood this Valentines:-

Jasmine
Jasmine is a precious oil often referred to as the ‘King of Oils’. It has an exotic and sensual aroma and has historically been used as an aphrodisiac. Jasmine engenders a feeling of optimism and is an excellent choice to lift the spirits and counteract feelings of mental and physical fatigue. For a less expensive option try our Jasmine Light (5% in jojoba oil).

Neroli
Neroli is a warm, sweet oil which has been revered for centuries for its positive effect on the human psyche. It can impart feelings of calm, joy and security and is a wonderful emotional tonic with aphrodisiac powers. For a less expensive option try our Neroli Light (5% in jojoba oil).

Patchouli
Patchouli is renowned for its profoundly relaxing and hypnotic effect. This musky scented oil helps to enhance libido and overcome anxiety and fatigue. Many aromatherapists blend it with a touch of sharp citrus to make an atmospheric room fragrance.

Rose
Rose is a fabulous tonic for the soul and has been prized by all cultures since the beginning of civilisation. Its warm and uplifting aroma calms nerves, opens the heart, eases emotional wounds, helps to improve libido and to overcome impotence and frigidity. It is also thought to improve male fertility. For a less expensive option try our Rose Light (5% in jojoba oil).

Sandalwood
Seduce your man and arouse his passion with Sandalwood - a wonderful aphrodisiac that is profoundly appealing to men. Sandalwood can help to remove inhibitions and boost libido.

Ylang Ylang
Ylang Ylang known as the ‘Flower of Flowers’ in folklore is a sweet, exotic, soothing oil. It is an excellent aphrodisiac, helping to encourage euphoria and intimate feelings between couples. It can also help with low self esteem, anxiety, impotence and frigidity. Many aromatherpists prefer to use it blended with a touch of Lavender or citrus oil.

Use your oils in the bath, oil burner or for massage and simply enjoy!

Happy Valentines!

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

AQUARIUS (21 January – 19 February)

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

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 to 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 respiration 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 is 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.