Do you have any suggestions for my cold sores?

Dab undiluted Tea-tree onto the cold sore regularly. This is perfectly safe, however, you need to sure that it is fresh and good quality. Lemon is also anti-viral but may well sting and be inappropriate if you have sensitive skin. Your immune system is clearly low so you should review your diet and stress levels. My personal favourite “de-stressing oils” include Bergamot, Geranium, May Chang, Frankincense, Clary Sage and Green Mandarin.

Aromatherapy and your star sign - Aries

As promised, here's the next set of star sign information for you from Essential Oils in Harmony with the Star Signs & Planetary Rulers

Astrological Sign - Aries
Ruler - Mars
Colour - Scarlet
Aromatic Essential Oils - Basil, Orange Sweet, Benzoin
Element - Fire
Season - Summer

Cellulite - a natural way to improve its appearance

Q I heard fennel oil is a good oil to rub with a carrier for thighs, bottom etc for cellulite - is this correct?

A An interesting question!

In terms of cellulite there is sadly nothing clinically proven to help despite what the beauty industry may have us believe, however massage can certainly improve the appearance for several days afterwards.

I massage a lot of women and I generally find their mental picture of it is far in excess of the reality and to some extent they are worrying without good cause.

Using a carrier oil (preferably almond oil) is much better than baby oil because it has much smaller molecules so it sinks in and allows the masseur to really manipulate the muscles (to put it indelicately "get a grip"). It allows some slippage i.e. it prevents any drag on hairs etc but not so much slippage like baby oil (big molecules sits on the surface) that your hands just end up sliding around the skin and tickling the recipient which is irritating rather than soothing.

Although massage can help with improving the appearance of cellulite, it is more relevant to help improve the circulation which removes excess fluid from the area. It is the fluid close to the surface of the skin and the way it settles around uneven areas of fat distribution that makes the appearance so much worse.

To make massage more pleasant and to perform some physiological functions essential oils can be added to the carrier oil. I recommend (subject to spot testing) gently stimulating oils such as green Mandarin , Spearmint or possibly a little lemon eucalyptus. Another essential oil which is useful particularly if the client has hormone related puffiness and is troubled by fluid retention as well as cellulite is Geranium

Recipe

1-3 tablespoons of carrier depending on how bigger body area you are covering and how much moisture the skin will absorb. Then 4 drops of essential oils per tablespoonful eg 1 drop rosemary, 1 drop spearmint, 1 drop green mandarin and 1 drop geranium..

Other oils which may be helpful; include Palmrosa, Bergamot, Lavender and Fennel.

Professional note - Fennel

Fennel is often used for female related abdominal and breast puffiness and for cellulite because it is believed to soothe hormone imbalances.
It has a fresh aromatic grassy, aniseed scent which is craved by some clients. It is believed to be an appetite suppressant - Roman soldiers chewed fennel seeds on long marches to prevent hunger) and it is also helpful to counteract the effects of fatigue.

SLS and Parabens - some information

Q I am confused -is natural better for my kids I don't like chemicals

A It is confusing for all but here are some facts

1) Everything you touch & handle is composed of chemicals but they are either organic (plant or animal matter) or synthetic (man made). Both organic & synthetic have the potential to harm you e.g. peanuts & strawberries cause more allergies than any synthetic food additive known. There is a myth that if it is "natural" it is hypoallergenic that is not true. Almost every substance natural or otherwise known to man would upset the bodies chemistry (arguably increasing the risk of cancer) if taken internally (by mouth) to excess. In aromatherapy we are talking external application i.e. via skin or breathing & the amount ingested is tiny.

2) Natural products often have synthetic sounding names. Sodium Laureath sulphate is actually processed coconut oil & is safe. Manufacturers who spread scare stories & say "we don't use it" generally use ammonium laureath sulfate which is the same thing but has not been around so long & has not had the level of safety analysis.

3) There is no organic (soil association standard)for toiletries as yet. "we use organic ingredients" (as we do) is meaningless because neither I nor anyone else can find an organic sterilising fluid to sterilise the bottles or the storage containers! Those who are using the organic marketing tool are often (not always) doing it to make more profit. The mainstream oils such as lavender are widely available as organic stock & the raw material is the same price as non-organic when purchased in 50litre drums as I do. Organic doesn't neccessarily mean better quality. It is the soil, sunshine & general weather conditions that make the difference

4) Your main protection is to buy from sources whose reputation is critical to their business. For instance the man on the market stall with unlabelled products (poss from Eastern Europe or Russia) isn't really bothered about repeat business. For someone like me the reputation & quality of my products is everything.

Aromatherapy and Foot Care

Most people would probably think of peppermint as a common ingredient in a blend for treating the feet.

I prefer to use spearmint as it is so much more interesting to use & adds something a little special to the treatment. Spearmint is cooling like peppermint and is an equally effective deodorant, however it has a softer more rounded scent which blends so much betterand leaves a delicate lingering scent. Peppermint can be a little pungent & overwhelms any other oils that are being used whilst spearmint balances the blend & is often described as “more comforting” when used in therapeutic environment.

If however you are a total peppermint fan, I am very happy to recommend a pre blended Foot Relief Cream that you will certainly find wonderful.

Aromatherapy and your home

For fabulous bed linen wash, with no powder at 60 degrees to kill house dust mites and other pathogens. Put 12 drops of lavender essential oil into the rinse water or put a hanky with 12 drops of essential oil sprinkled onto it in the dryer with the sheets etc.

Another environmentally friendy idea is to put a cut grapefruit in a stocking in the dishwasher and run a cycle to refresh and clean the machine.