Bunions

Q - My foot was operated on in May to remove a bunion and I was wondering whether you could suggest any combination of essential oils, or one of your ready prepared products, which might help to fade the scar. The scar is neat and on the side of my foot, but it is 4.5 inches long. I have been moisturising the scar every day but had heard from someone that Frankincense and Lavender help to reduce scarring. I would be grateful for any advice.

A - Thankyou for your question - hope the following helps.

To some extent all essential oils encourage healthy cell renewal which in turn helps prevent scar tissue formation. Lavender is one of the best known oils and is therefore widely used. However, it is generally accepted that Frankincense is better.

Firstly make sure that you see your doctor to ensure that your wound is healing quickly without infection. From then on into one tablespoon of almond oil blend 1 drop of Lavender and 2 drops of Frankincense. Massage into the skin at least once daily until the scar is only a faint silver line. It is important that you use the blend for no more than 2 days before you make up a fresh batch.

If you prefer something made up then I suggest my night repair cream. Although I market it for the face, in the clinic I use it for all skin healing for the following reasons: I have chosen starflower as a base because it has an even higher level of GLA’s than Evening primrose and therefore it is ideal for repairing damaged tissue. GLA’s are part of the Omega 6 group of Essential fatty acids and they are responsible for building and maintaining healthy cell walls. Hence they can offer critical help in reducing scarring & encouraging healing. From the monastic medicine gardens of the 17th Century through to the Victorian Apocotheries Rose has been valued for its restorative & balancing effect on the skin.

Frankincense also has had a long medicinal history. It was mentioned in the Old Testament - Moses led the Jews out of Egypt in 1240BC and was told by God how to use Frankincense to make Holy Ointment. Pictorial evidence from the tombs of the Pharaohs shows it being blended with oil & used to treat wounds. It was mentioned by the Romans & later by the famous herbalist Culpepper for its beneficial effects on the skin.

You do not mention pain but just incase: How can Aromatherapy help pain? Lavender is a the most well-known pain killer and is used in most hospices and some hospitals. Choose any of the following methods to get it into your blood stream;

1. Add 4 -10 drops to the bath after it has finished running. For children or individuals with sensitive skin add the Oil to a tablespoonful of milk and then add that to the bath, this improves dispersion

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

5. Lavender and Tea Tree are the only two oils that can be applied undiluted directly to the skin.

Can I use essential oils when breast-feeding?

It is a matter of personal choice.

There is no documented evidence to suggest that there are any risks. You are likely to be ingesting more essential oils from your food than in the form of traditional aromatherapy e.g. orange oil in good quality marmalades and mint in your toothpaste.

As Essential Oils are 100% natural many believe that they are much safer to use in the home than air fresheners, scented polishes, fabric softeners and perfume that are artificially created. However, if you are worried use them on clothes or in a burner rather than directly on your skin in the form of massage or the bath.

One problem that does occasionally arise is that individuals use fatigue beating citrus oils and these over stimulate the baby causing agitation. Try Chamomile and Lavender for relaxation and healing, Bergamot and Clary-Sage to beat fatigue and Tea-Tree to prevent infections and strengthen your immune system.

My partner has high blood pressure; what can help?

In conjunction with treatment from the GP he/she may find it useful to use Lemon Essential Oil in a burner or on a lamp ring.

This is the historic treatment. Massage has been proven in clinical trials to reduce blood pressure but lemon can irritate some sensitive skins. As a change try using Lavender and Geranium for ladies, Sandalwood and Bergamot for men in 2 drops in a tablespoonful of Almond Oil or Olive Oil.

These are relaxing Oils compared to lemon, which is often used more as a stimulant. However, they should help reduce anxiety and encourage relaxation, both of which are important in helping reduce blood pressure.

Blending Essential Oils

Q - Can I use two oils for two different complaints at the same time? Tracey Stevenson, by e-mail

A - Yes, you can use two different oils either separately or blended together to treat two separate complaints. For example, someone who has PMT and can’t sleep might need Lavender for the insomnia and Geranium for the PMT. However, you would have to be careful if the oils counteracted each other. For instance, if someone was unable to concentrate you might give them Rosemary and if they couldn’t sleep you might use Lavender.

However, these oils together would not work as the sedative relaxing effect of the Lavender would negate the "wake up" and stay alert effect of the Rosemary. In that case I would recommend something like Bergamot to relax and help sleep with something gentle like Green Mandarin or Spearmint to help the concentration. These two oils would then complement rather than counteract each other.

Getting ready to give birth ...

Q - I am expecting a baby in just over a week’s time and am looking for some sort of bath oil, particularly for just after the birth. Previously I have had very fast labours and do not want anything specifically for labour. However I have many "fond" memories of the long soaks in the bath after soothing my aches and pains.

A - All essential oils encourage cell regeneration to some extent so you can virtually choose anything that you like for wound healing. However, tea-tree and lavender would always be my first choice. Apart from healing any wounds tea tree will protect against potential infections which can be acquired in hospital. It is also an immune system tonic, which is important after the last stages of pregnancy and labour that can leave you feeling rather depleted. Lavender has a restorative, tonic effect which makes it useful for fatigue. It is also a good “balancer” and an effective painkiller.

As an alternative to lavender you could add geranium. Known as the “poor mans rose”, geranium has several advantages

1) it is helpful for bruising
2) its rich pungent aroma covers the rather medicinal scent of tea tree
3) it has a strong influence in terms of balancing fluctuating hormones
4) it is a mild diuretic so it will help with any remaining puffiness around the ankles or face
5) it is relaxing and calming

You could also add chamomile if the after pains or backache were likely to be a problem. Any of these oils mentioned or a combination of all of them can be used. To use the oils, put them on tissues inside the pillowcase or mix them with almond oil and use for very gentle massage. Although the tummy is a good area to concentrate on for massage, don’t forget the muscles of the neck and shoulders too. These reflect much of the physical pain of labour and the incredible mental focus of the birth process so it is important to relieve the tension in this area. As a traditional alternative use 6-10 drops of the mixture in the bath. But remember to put them in a tablespoonful of milk first to make the oils miscible (i.e. spread through the water rather than sit on top). Do not use almond oil in the bath as it floats on top, makes a messy ring and like other carrier oils could make the bath slippery.

As a final reminder, just remember to spot test everything by trying a little on your wrist. Your body chemistry can behave strangely under the influence of wildly fluctuating hormones and a stressful and often over-warm hospital environment

Sagittarius - Aromatherapy and your star sign

Here's the next insight into your stars and Aromatherpy as identified by Julie Foster:-

Star sign - Sagittarius
Dates - 23rd November to to 22nd December
Ruler - Jupiter
Aromatics - Ylang Ylang, Cinnamon & Rose
Colour - Blue
Element - Fire
Season - Summer

Flu – treating the symptoms the natural way

It’s the time of year when flu can sweep through the population, disrupting families and workplaces. Each year the virus manifests itself in different strains, which make it virtually impossible for the medical profession to treat effectively. For most adults, an attack of flu is a debilitating, uncomfortable and very inconvenient winter illness, which lasts between seven and 10 days.

Mother Nature has generously provided many of the ingredients needed to tackle the symptoms and speed up recovery.

Flu usually causes fever, headache, muscle aches, cold symptoms and weakness. Assuming the flu does not involve very young children, the very old or people already weakened by other medical conditions, most doctors will be reluctant to intervene with the body’s own healing powers. Normally doctors will recommend rest, plenty of fluids and “over the counter” cold & flu treatments.

But aromatherapy treatments can help ease the symptoms in a very natural way, complementing the medical profession’s approach:

Treating fever: Tea Tree & Eucalyptus essential oils have a natural, anti-viral character which can be very helpful to boost the immune system, clear congestion and speed recovery. Inhalation is the most effective method, so try putting a few drops on a handkerchief or in an aromatherapy burner or vaporiser.

Alleviating head-ache, general aches & pains: Lavender essential oil is probably an effective painkiller. Lavender can be dabbed on to the temples or used in a burner or a few drops put on the front of nightclothes. Many people feel much better after a relaxing and pain relieving lavender-scented bath before bed and it has the added advantage of inducing sleep.

I am new to Aromatherapy - which oils should I start with?

Try not to confuse yourself with using too many Oils to start with.

I would suggest trying Lavender, Tea-tree, Rosemary and Lemon. These oils are versatile, easy to use, safe and cover most of the common conditions that you may wish to deal with in the home environment – including common ailments, home fragrancing, stress relief and fatigue.

Lavender is distilled from the flowers and leaves of the herb and is a widely used Essential Oil that is an effective anti-depressant. It is a well known treatment for insomnia and has a restorative, tonic effect which makes it useful for treating individuals with fatigue or lethargy. It is also a good “balancer” and an effective pain killer.

Tea Tree Oil is taken from the leaves of the Australian Outback Tea Tree and is anti-septic, anti-viral and anti-fungal. Many people call it “nature’s antibiotic”. It has the additional property of being a powerful immuno-stimulant helping the body to fight back when disease or injury threatens it. It is therefore useful on treating colds, flu and other infectious illnesses that are common in the school or office environment. It can also be extremely effective in the treatment of skin problems.

Rosemary. Again from the herb, this has a stimulating effect on the nervous system and is commonly recommended as a tonic during periods of stress. It is clinically proven to improve memory and concentration and can combat work related fatigue or improve focus as an aid to study. It is an effective hair tonic and is reputed to promote growth and improve condition.

Rosemary has a similar action to Eucalyptus so it is an excellent oil for treating colds and flu and clearing the sinuses. It is also a warming oil that is helpful in treating muscular aches and pains. (Avoid in pregnancy or if epileptic).

Lemon, in common with Orange and Lime, is refreshing and mentally and physically uplifting. It is ideal as a stimulant to maintain concentration and alertness. It has an affinity with the respiratory systems and is therefore commonly used for treating breathing problems such as asthma. It is a powerful antiseptic that can be used on wounds but care must be taken if the skin is sensitive. Research has shown that lemon stimulates the white blood cells that are responsible for fighting infection.

I have asthma, what Essential Oils can help?

Historically the citrus oils have been used. There is no clinical evidence to suggest there is a scientific reason for using these, although there are plenty of anecdotal reports.

I have had excellent results using frankincense in conjunction with the citrus oils. This is because frankincense is a useful oil to deepen breathing and prevent the feelings of panic that can so often accompany an asthma attack.

Why is Aromatherapy different to the tablets from a GP?

In many ways it isn’t different at all. Firstly, the actual products can be very similar, for example aspirin is a synthetic copy of the plant Willow Bark. Secondly, the aim of both forms of treatment is to get the molecules into the blood stream.

When you take a GP’s tablet the molecules get in by travelling through your gut wall. In aromatherapy Essential Oils enter by being rubbed into the skin or the molecules are breathed in and enter via your lungs - if you have ever seen anyone using an inhaler you will know that is the quickest way to get a drug into the body.

Remember, aromatherapy isn’t new - until the First World War it was all there was. On the battlefields of the Somme, Lavender was all they had to help pain, sterilise wounds and help sleep.

Potions goes to Hospital

Julie Foster of Potions & Possibilities has always had a different approach to selling her luxury toiletries and aromatherapy products. Whereas most budding retailers would choose a prime location and then set up shop, Julie has always considered where her potential customers might be and taken her shop to them. For over ten years now she has exhibited at premium countryside events and top consumer shows such as Country Living Magazine.

Never one to stand still, she is opening a concession at the busy Ipswich Hospital site.

"I know from the visitors to my site at Martlesham or questions asked via my website that Nurses, Mid-wives and palliative care specialists all embrace a more holistic approach to the care of their patients. The other aspect to their interest is the stress under which they work and the impact of shift patterns. I will also be able to cater more easily for the visitors who want to take in a present with a difference. Whether it is a bottle of tea tree and lavender for a soothing post natal bath, a basket of fragrant treats for a patient or a natural fatigue remedy for a Nurse, we will be much more accessible"

The hospital prescence is only one aspect of Julie’s business strategy which embraces growth and builds her British brand credentials in a market sector that is rapidly being overwhelmed with cheap imports from the Far East. She has also diversified into training with the development of a private training school for holisitc and beauty skills and qualifications with the “Academy of Health & Beauty" at Martlesham.

"I have been involved in training for several years now - when we supply to an International Spa for instance it is expected that we back the product launch with staff training. This is taking it one step further with professional qualifications on offer. The clients attracted to private training tend to be mature career changers and those already involved in the health sector and those who want to learn for the sheer joy of it"

Baby Massage

Question - I have just had twins. Would you recommend any massage blends for the babies? I’ve been told I should only use Chamomile, Lavender and Yarrow. Is this true?

Chamomile and Lavender are indeed the most acceptable oils for a new-born baby and should form the body of any blend. However, subject to spot testing I would also recommend Geranium, Ylang Ylang, Frankincense, Sandalwood and Bergamot added in minute quantities. As well as benefiting the baby they would be of great benefit to Mum in terms of relaxing and healing and engendering confidence.

Another point that shouldn’t be forgotten is that by adding a whisper of another oil, such as Sandalwood or Bergamot, the blend is likely to be transformed into something that appeals to the masculine senses and helps relax Dad too. After all, massage is a two way process and the masseur should benefit as much as the recipient. In my experience fathers can be as traumatised and stressed by the birth process as the mother, even if it is mental rather than physical.

Yarrow is a very unusual oil. It shares many of the same characteristics as Chamomile so my personal suggestion is that whilst it would add interest it won't be of any further practical help and you would be better choosing something that would be helpful in a different way such as Tea-tree (antiseptic) or Neroli (calming). Yarrow is also new on the aromatherapy market so it has not been extensively tested and there is some evidence to suggest that there may be a risk of skin sensitisation. In addition, there is not a huge demand for it so the price is generally very high and there is always the risk that as it is not in demand it has been sitting on a shop shelf longer than desirable.

I would recommend almond oil for the massage base.

The quality of essential oils ...

Q I like to scent my own pot pourri, what is the difference between Lavender fragrance oil that I can buy cheaply on the market & Essential Oil supplied by Aromatherapy companies like yours?


A Lavender fragrance oil is a synthetic scent i.e. it is made from artificial petrochemical type materials.

Lavender Essential Oil comes from the Lavender plant. It is the Essence of the plant that would be left if you removed all the fibrous material from the plant & took out all the water.

Essential oils have been used as medicines for thousands of years. For instance lavender essential oil was used on the first world war battlefields of Flanders where it was used to ease pain & treat insomnia & anxiety. Many people prefer the Essential oils for fragrancing because when one smells something, it is because the molecules of the substance are entering the lungs & then the blood stream via the nose & the respiratory system.

With an increase in asthma & similar problems people are turning more to Essential Oils because plant molecules are small & naturally occurring & therefore rarely cause any problems. Anyone who has ever sprayed an artificial room fragrancer & then felt their chest tightening as they breath it in will have experienced the effect of the large petrochemical molecules coming into contact with the delicate walls of the lungs.

Question - As a child I remember laundry smelling of Lavender - how

Answer - The rinse water would have had Lavender added to it. These days you can cheat by putting some lavender essential oil on a clean hankey & adding to your tumble dryer, then store the hankey in your airing cupboard with the laundry.

Question - I would like top make my own bath salts what should I use as a base & how can I colour them

A My favourite base is Epsom salts which were a common bath treat in Victorian times (available from most high street chemists in kilo bags) mixed with the pure natural sea salt. You can also buy from Potions & Possibilities £14.99 for 5 kilos.

Mineral rich salts are believed to have a beneficial effect on aching joints but blended with essential oils they can be wonderfully relaxing. . Add no more than 4 drops of essential oil per tablespoon & blend well. For colour, use food colouring or frutit tea leaves & mix well.

Use Lavender Essential Oil for aches & pains & sleep problems. Geranium Essential Oil as an aid to relaxation & Peppermint Essential Oil for fatigue & to help concentration

I like to use Essential Oils in the bath to relax after a hard day but I notice that they float on top and do not disperse.

Put them into a tablespoonful of milk first and then drop into the bath - they will disperse beautifully.

I am permanently anxious and worry over the slightest thing

There are many Essential Oils that may help.

Some people who have anxiety attacks like to carry the bottle with them and use it like smelling salts when they are affected. In that case Bergamot is good because it will not make you sleepy. Geranium is ideal in the office to calm nerves because it is subtle and pleasant.

Can Aromatherapy be beneficial in dealing with hayfever & allergies?

Historically the advice has been that during the non-hayfever period “grassy” and/or floral oils should be used in the bath to increase tolerance. Geranium and lavender are good choices.

During attacks use Chamomile in the bath regularly, as many believe that it acts to calm the reaction in a similar way to an anti-histamine.

Second pregnancy but a new problem

Q This is my second pregnancy, and in comparison, the first one was a dream. This time around my back is covered in spots around my shoulders. I haven’t changed my products and so can only assume it's a hormonal thing. Any suggestions for getting rid of them?

A A second pregnancy is physically & mentally demanding at a time when you are already under pressure caring for one child. This can comprimise your immune system leaving you vulnerable to viral infections including colds and bacterial infections such as spots. As you suspected, pregnancy hormones can aggrevate this problem.

Assuming that the problem is acne (always check with your midwife) then aromatherapy will help.

The recommendation is to wash the affected area daily in water (no soap or gel) with a spotlessly clean (rough) flannel to cleanse & exfoiliate. Then apply a good quality 100% pure Tea-Tree Essential Oil onto the spots .

My son has acne and is becoming depressed, is there anything I can suggest to him?

The simplest advice is to wash the face thoroughly under the shower head with bare hands or a spotlessly clean flannel, i.e. do not use soap. Apply Tea-Tree directly onto the spots morning and night and add a couple of drops to the bath.

For a four week period also try encouraging the avoidance of chemical cleansers and soaps on the face, as well as strong chemical styling products on the sections of hair closest to the face.

For the depression element use Geranium (for girls) and Bergamot (for boys) on a lamp ring or left on a tissue near the radiator. If a moisturiser is still used make sure if contains a high level of Evening Primrose.

Do you have any advice for the after-effects of an anaesthetic and a major operation on my legs?

You are right to expect some after affects of an anaesthetic but nowadays they are much more sophisticated and will generally clear quickly. It is important to be relaxed prior to the operation and there are many oils that you can burn or bathe in to help this. My favourite relaxing blend at the moment is two drops of each of the following in a bath or burner; Bergamot, Green Mandarin and Frankincense.

After the operation the initial issue will be to reduce the risk of infection. Putting a blend of oils on a tissue to breathe in is very effective. Use a basis of Tea-tree and add Spearmint to mask the scent and offer gentle stimulation to clear the effects of the anaesthetic. A touch of Geranium in the blend will also aid relaxation. Later on Frankincense with a touch of Chamomile and Tea-tree blended into almond oil will reduce the formation of scar tissue and help fade any angry colouring. However, use no more than 4 drops total per tablespoon and remember to spot test first.

Does Aromatherapy help prevent ageing?

There is nothing proved in this area. However, there is some evidence to suggest that Essential Oils can help cells regenerate which is why they have so long been associated with wound and scar healing as well as for their cosmetic advantages.

The Oils are also chemically composed of very small molecules that will penetrate and condition the skin. Synthetic oils, on the other hand, are composed of larger molecules that sit on the surface of the skin. This prevents water evaporating from the surface of the skin on a temporary basis but has no long term value.

Finally the act of massaging an oil into the skin improves circulation on the surface which helps to remove impurities, increase bloodflow and is therefore beneficial for skin health.

How to keep the insects away - Thailand Holiday

I've had a question in from Evelyn who is off on her hols shortly and needs some help:-

Q Lemon Eucalyptus oil - I've heard it's a good repellent against mosquitos. As I'm going to Thailand soon for a couple of weeks I thought I'd get some. However I'm not sure how best to use it, would it mix with shower gel, can I dab a drop or two direct on my skin, put it on my clothing, or what? Please help.

A Hi evelyn,

Spot test prior to going to ensure you are not allergic.

Mix 2 drops per teaspoon into body lotion, hair gel, sun cream and yes can go on clothing. If you want to spray it - mix with vodka to disperse. No point in mixing with a cleansing product i.e. shampoo or shower gel as soap would destroy it.

Have a fabulous time!
Julie