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.

Essential Oil of the Month - Juniper

January is the perfect time to detox your system after an over-indulgent festive season. Juniper essential oil (Juniperus Communis - extracted from dried, crushed Juniper berries) has a tonic effect on the liver and helps with the digestive system, particularly in cases of over-indulgence and obesity. It is also a calming oil that relieves anxiety and soothes stress related symptoms and mental exhaustion - just what you might need after a hectic Christmas! It is believed by many to have a 'purifying' effect on both the mind and body and until the 1950's aromatic twigs of Juniper were burnt in French hospitals to cleanse the atmosphere.

Juniper has an affinity for the urinary system helping to strengthen and detox the urinary tract, kidneys and bladder and helps with the inability to pass urine particularly in cases of cystitis, kidney stones and when the prostate gland is enlarged. It is helpful for cellulite, fluid retention and premenstrual bloating and can also help regulate the menstrual cycle and ease painful periods. It assists with the elimination of uric acid and therefore relieves pain in cases of gout, rheumatism and arthritis.

Juniper Oil is also very effective when used in a cream or lotion base for acne, eczema, oily skin, weeping eczema, psoriasis, dandruff and inflammation.

Blends well with: Bergamot, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemongrass and Lime.

IMPORTANT: Avoid in pregnancy.

Essential Oils for the more experienced Aromatherapist

Introduction
Aromatherapy is the modern name given to the use of pure aromatic Essential Oils from herbs, trees & flowers which have historically been used for medicinal purposes. From the time of Moses (1240BC) until the end of the First World War plants provided the only source of medicines. In the last 15 years there has been a revival of interest particularly for the treatment of stress related complaints, family first aid and every day aches, pains, illnesses and emotional problems. The oils in this collection have been chosen by Aromatherapist, Julie Foster, as four of the most precious, with wide ranging applications in modern aromatherapy and for their fascinating medicinal folklore histories.

Frankincense (Boswellia Carteri)
Applications: Frankincense, distilled from the gum which seeps from the bark of the frankincense tree, is a particularly useful oil in treating anxiety and hyperactivity. It has a warm spicy scent and is known to be almost overwhelming in its ability to relax the mind whilst inducing a “higher state” of consciousness. Frankincense is known to slow down and deepen breathing which is why it is so conducive to prayer. Deeper breathing can help those suffering from stress related asthma or fatigue because it enables the body to acquire more oxygen. It also helps to slow down speech which for some people can be enough to slow their minds down and reduce feelings of panic and overwhelming emotion. Frankincense is a sedative so it can help with stress related insomnia and it is helpful in calming the digestive tract, reducing symptoms of indigestion, irritable bowel and bloatedness. It has a balancing effect on the skin so many Aromatherapists use it to treat people whose skin reflects stress-related problems such as eczema or spots.

Blends well with: Sandalwood, Geranium, Lavender, Bergamot and Orange.

Historical note: Frankincense is one of the jewels in the aromatherapy crown. There is probably no civilisation in the East or West that has not prized Frankincense - Egyptian, Persian, Babylonian, Assyrian, Greek, Roman and Hebrew cultures all attached great importance to its use as a purifier and Holy Ointment. It is mentioned in the thirtieth book of Exodus in the Old Testament because as Moses led the Jews out of Egypt in 1240BC he received instructions from God to use Frankincense to make Holy Incense. The Egyptians were the first to use Frankincense in 1500BC. Pictorial evidence from the tombs of the Pharoes has shown that they blended it with animal fat and honey for use as a cosmetic face mask. The Romans used it as a medicine with Avicenna the Greek physician, responsible for treating the Roman Emperor, writing: “It strengthens the wit and understanding of man”. Culpepper the English 16th century herbalist wrote: “there is little that can be better for depression, poor memory and to strengthen the nerves”.

Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum Nobile)
Applications: Chamomile distilled from the herbal flowers is one of the best oils available for treating anxiety and insomnia. It has a calming and anti-depressive effect. Chamomile has a profoundly balancing effect on the emotions which makes it ideal for the hyperactive, workaholic types or the chronic worriers. It is a useful oil to use to help treat stress related skin conditions such as allergies and eczema. It is generally believed to stimulate the immune system so it is useful for those people who tend to succumb to “bugs” when they are working very hard.

Blends well with: Bergamot, Geranium, Lavender, Sandalwood, Clary Sage, Rose and Frankincense.

Historical note: Chamomile has been used for over 2000 years for treating nervous complaints. Its name derives from the Greek 'Kamai' meaning 'ground apple' because of its fresh fruity scent. It was called 'Maythen' by the Saxons and was revered as one of their nine sacred herbs. It was later adopted by the Christians and dedicated to Saint Anne who was the mother of the Virgin Mary. In the language of flowers Chamomile stands for 'patience in adversity'. It is often known as the 'plants physician' because it seems to improve the health of the plants within its immediate vicinity.

Clary Sage (Salvea Sclarea)
Clary Sage is recommended for physical and mental relaxation particularly for individuals who are suffering from stress related insomnia. Although Clary Sage has a sedative action it is also uplifting and can engender a euphoric state in some people. It is calming for the digestive system and can be helpful for indigestion and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It also has a good reputation for relieving the pain associated with menstruation and stress related migraine.

Blends well with: Lavender, Sandalwood and all of the citrus oils.

Historical note: Clary Sage, from the Latin word 'Clarus' meaning clear, has been used since medieval times for its healing properties. The great herbalist Culpepper referred to it as "clear eye” because it was believed to cure any eye problems and it was also known as “eye-bright”. Historically it was made into a tea with Chamomile to treat 'female hysteria' which today would be referred to as panic attacks. A similar brew was also made to cure headaches and migraine.

Administering Essential Oils Safely
As with conventional medicine the objective is to introduce the substance into the blood stream. Inhalation and skin absorption are two of the fastest ways and therefore a variety of methods (as follows) can be used. Remember Essential Oils are pure plant substances which have been used for thousands of years so they can be trusted to help with family health problems in a safe and natural way.

1. Add 4-10 drops to the bath after it has finished running. (For children or individuals with sensitive skin mix with a tablespoonful of milk first to aid dispersion and then add to the bath)


2. Add 2 drops to a tablespoon full of Sweet Almond Oil or good quality Olive Oil and massage into the affected area or back


3. Put 2 drops onto the pillow or the front of night clothes or onto a handkerchief.


4. Put 4 drops into a small dish of water on top of an aromatherapy burner.

Note:
For children under 10 use half quantities
If pregnant, epileptic or suffering from liver problems then please seek advice from us or another qualified Aromatherapist. Essential Oils should never be taken internally and are best stored in a cool, dark place with the cap firmly in place. Keep out of the reach of children.

Julie Foster
Aromatherapist
BA (Hons) ITEC, MFHT, MFHL

A Fresh Start to the New Year - Natural Home Fragrancing

If one of your New Year's resolutions is to be kinder to yourself and the planet why not throw out all your plug-in or spray air fresheners and try our more natural, therapeutic approach to home fragrancing. Not only will this reduce the chemical intake in your house but it will also help to enhance you and your family's physical and emotional wellbeing!

Kitchen and/or Dining Room
Blend Lemongrass and Palmarosa. Both are pungent citrus oils that can mask smells without being overpowering and without clashing with the delicious aromas of fresh coffee or baking. Many people make the mistake of using Lemon in the kitchen. The molecules in Lemon oil are very small which means the oil is volatile i.e. it disappears quickly. If you do want to use Lemon or Lime then combine it with a touch of Vanilla. Vanilla is a base note (with big molecules) and it will help hold the scent of the citrus oil in the air.

Lounge
Bergamot, Orange Sweet and May Chang with a touch of Frankincense. As the day moves to evening more Frankincense can be added to increase the relaxing effect. Frankincense is another base note and helps to fix the scent in the air.

Hall and Stairs
May Chang is wonderfully fresh and has an uplifting bouquet.

Bedrooms
Ylang Ylang, Petitgrain and Lavender for a rich, sensual scent without being overpowering. In children’s rooms the Ylang Ylang should be replaced with soothing Chamomile.

Toilet and Shower Areas
My personal favourite, Lemon Eucalyptus with a touch of Tea Tree and Peppermint. Fresh, antiseptic and pungent enough to disguise any unwanted odours. Reminiscent of the bathing areas of luxury spas.

Bathrooms
A more relaxed approach – Lemon Eucalyptus with a touch of Tea Tree but softened with generous amounts of Lavender and Sandalwood.

If your oils are good quality, pure essential oils and they are clear then you can, in most cases, drop them straight onto a dark carpet or rush matting without any stain (do spot test first). This is ideal in the kitchen, hall or bathroom areas. If you don’t want to do this then be creative:-

• Put the essential oils on to your duster and wipe surfaces


• Put tissues, which have had oils dripped on to them., behind warm radiators


• Use flame free vaporisers such as the Aromas Stream or bowls of water with oils in them left in warm areas
  

Julie Foster
Aromatherapist
BA (Hons) ITEC, MFHT, MFHL

New Year's Detox

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 Juniper Berry, Grapefruit, Lime, Orange Sweet, Vanilla 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 Oil (150ml £10.99) with Bergamot, Petitgrain, Lemon, Lavender and Milk Thistle.

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 acerbated 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.

My recommendation is to try 1 drop of Bergamot essential oil and 1 drop of Fennel 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.

Julie Foster
Aromatherapist
BA (Hons) ITEC, MFHT, MFHL

Your Aromatherapy Star Sign - Capricorn (23 December - 20 January)

CAPRICORN (23 December – 20 January)

Ruler: Saturn
Colour: Indigo
Element: Earth
Season: Autumn
Aromatic: Sandalwood, Rosemary and Lemon

Sandalwood (Santalum Album)
Sandalwood is very much a soft comforting oil, emotionally comforting to men and women. It is very kind to the skin and has a balancing effect, bringing dry or oily skin to a state of equilibrium. It is a well known antidote to nausea and it generally calms the digestive system. It also has a soothing effect on the nervous system, calming the nerves and inducing sleep. The therapeutic properties of Sandalwood have been known since the fifth century BC. The wood has been considered sacred by most civilisations and was used to build temples whilst the oil has always been used in the embalming processes of ancient civilisations. The Indians believe that Sandalwood imparts energy into those using it and that it has the power to enlighten the mind. The Japanese use Sandalwood in their worship of and communication with Buddha whilst the Moslems believe that Sandalwood will purify body and soul and carry prayers heavenward.

Rosemary (Rosemarinus Officinalis)
Rosemary, meaning ‘rose of the sea’, has an energising effect and can be a tonic during periods of stress or to aid memory and concentration whilst studying. It has a similar ‘clearing’ action and scent to Eucalyptus so it is popular in winter, helping to ease throat, chest and sinus infections, and is often included in blends for the joints and muscles to treat aches, pains and stiffness. Rosemary also stimulates hair growth and improves shine and condition while improving the condition and appearance of skin in peripheral areas. In addition, it works on the mind to improve poor memory function and treat fatigue and lack of direction. Avoid in pregnancy or if epileptic.

Lemon (Citrus Limon)
Lemon has long been respected for its ability to lift the spirits and is often recommended for stress-related fatigue. It also boosts mental performance and can be used by students or drivers to maintain concentration and stay alert. It has an affinity with the respiratory system and helps to treat viral infections including those passed via air conditioning in aeroplanes and offices. Lemon is also a powerful antiseptic but care must be taken if the skin is sensitive.