Gardening Hints & Tips

Like many, I planned a little gardening this Easter break but then came the snow! Last year our Easter egg hunt around the nature reserve and our garden was a sunny affair - not so this year, but it was just as much fun. We live in an original government land settlement house. During the recession in the 1930s miners from Durham walked all the way to East Anglia and received a house, a small holding and a pig in a sty. Most were homesick and went back but some stayed and made their home in East Anglia. In the 1960s the houses were released for sale on the open market and attracted owners keen to enjoy the smallholdings which are ideal for garden lovers. A visit to Newbourne church and a look at the magnificent quilt and some of the gravestones will tell you more.

My garden is more a playground with a meadow, a trampoline and a path that the children can roller-skate or cycle around. As I write this listening to them sledging down the grassy mound (most people remove spare earth, I wanted it left and the mound is just big enough for a mini sledge) it causes me to reflect on what a garden means. For me it is about play, enjoyment and the mental calm of just sitting and looking at the space and the birds and insect life it attracts. I think this poem sums it up.

Yes, in my simple garden grow,
Far more than herbs and flowers,
Kind thoughts, contentment,
Peace of mind,
And joy for weary hours.

Mary Howitt from The Poor Man's Garden

As well as enjoying poetry I am fascinated by the history of plants in medicine. It is remarkable that if you look at any garden planted before or during the war there will be many medicinal plants to be found.

Did you know?

DO YOU KNOW WHY CHAMOMILE PLANTS WERE DOTTED AROUND MANY PREWAR KITCHEN GARDENS?
Chamomile is known as the "plants physician" and is believed to improve the health of plants growing nearby.

DO YOU KNOW WHY GERANIUM IS KNOWN AS A WINDOW BOX PLANT?
Because it is also a gentle insecticide so it stops flies coming in your house.

As an aromatherapist the historical applications of plants are very much part of my ethos and are relevant to modern practice. I have prepared some tips for gardeners who like a natural approach.

1) For backache after gardening take 4 drops of ginger essential oil, 4 drops of lime and 2 drops of tea tree and add to a tablespoonful of vodka (to help it disperse). Pour this mixture into a bath or if you prefer something ready made try my Luxury Bath Oil or Bath & Shower Gel, blended especially for gardeners. The Heavy Duty Relief Gel for aches and pains is also very effective.

2) To prevent dirt form building up under the nails leave a bar of old fashioned soap in a saucer with a tablespoonful of water. Before going out in the garden drag nails thought the softened, underneath part, of the soap. After gardening the soap trapped under the nails will just rinse away with any dirt particles.

3) For wounds to the hands - prevent infection by dabbing on neat tea tree essential oil to the effected areas before bed. In the morning apply finger and heel relief.

4) To prevent cats pooing in your soil soak sugar lumps with a mixture of citronella and orange oil and leave in a closed tin of salt (you can also add any orange, lemon or line peel too) Shake regularly and reapply the oils to the sugar lumps. Sprinkle the salt very sparingly on the exposed soil and on the border edges.

5) To prevent dogs peeing on fence posts etc. spray with 5ml of geranium, eucalyptus and lemongrass diluted in 20ml of vodka and 75mls of water.

Happy Gardening and I would love to hear from you if you would like to share any natural gardening tips or your personal expertise of the historical use of garden plants. I look forward to hearing from you at julie@potions.co.uk.

Acne Solutions

Gareth Gates, from ‘Dancing On Ice’, Lesley Vainikolo, the English rugby player, Britney Spears and Victoria Beckham aka Posh Spice have all shown clear signs of stress related acne in press pictures this week. Despite the best attentions of the make up artists not to mention the complexion clearing magic of photoshop, it is clear that stress has a significant influence on the condition of the skin.

My professional advice to these celebrities and indeed the increasing number of sixth formers and university students starting to worry about exams and find it reflecting on their skin, is get back to basic's. My first tip is to wash the face thoroughly under the showerhead with bare hands or a spotlessly clean flannel, do not use soap. Then apply a really fresh premium quality tea tree essential oil directly onto the spots, morning and night, and also add a couple of drops to a bath. For a four-week period avoid all use of chemical cleansers and soaps on the face, as well as strong chemical styling products on the sections of hair closest to the face.

To counteract the stress, I recommend geranium (great female affinity) and bergamot (for boys) in the bath. Also try some tea tree either on a burner or dripped on ribbons attached to the bars of a domestic fan. If a moisturiser is still used make sure if contains a high level of evening primrose which is well proven to calm acne prone skin both male and female.

Another important but simple step is to destroy and replace any cosmetics or skin care products that you have had open longer than six months as they will have started to oxidise (go off) and may well be colonised with bacteria or fungus and in this state may aggravate or infect stressed skin.

If you would like any further advice about problem skin from a qualified aromatherapist please email me at info@potions.co.uk.

Julie

Pain Relief, Relaxing Reading and Calmly Encouraged Labour

Professor Kathy Sykes’ programme on BBC2 about alternative therapies got off to an excellent start with a positive look at the power of hypnotherapy and visualisation to help manage pain, relieve IBS and deal with psychological issues and addictions. My students as well as anyone studying Paul McKenna’s techniques or discovering NLP will know just what a powerful tool these techniques can be. I am really looking forward to next weeks programme. Massage or aromatherapy are excellent ways to facilitate an intense state of relaxation which enables the client to easily engage in the visualisation techniques needed to enhance their physical and mental health and overcome problems such as fear, anxiety or addiction.

As Professor Sykes explained there is inadequate scientific understanding of why these techniques work, but they do. In my practice at the Academy of Health and Beauty the top ten conditions treated are: anxiety, arthritis pain (knees and hands), migraine, low self esteem, neck and shoulder pain, overeating/smoking, exam stress, IBS, pregnancy niggles and family stress. If anyone would like to know more about using visualisation and hypnotherapy techniques with massage then please contact me at julie@potions.co.uk.

As well as watching the occasional bit of quality TV I relax by reading poetry. At the moment I am sharing my childhood favourites with my five and seven year olds. The vintage book most enjoyed is A.A. Milne's "Now We Are Six". I have included a poem which I think it is about enjoying your own company. The ability to be comfortable and occupy oneself, on ones own, is a valuable skill and important to pass on to my small children.

I think to myself...

And nobody knows what I say to myself....

What is it going to be

I can think whatever I like to think

I can play whatever I like to play

I can laugh whenever I like to laugh

There's nobody here but me.....

When I am reading poetry I like to maximise the relaxing effect by using my burner with a few drops of essential oil. Clary sage, green mandarin and frankincense have got to be the oils of choice for that spaced out, meditational, almost alcoholic feeling (without the alcohol or the hangover of course!). Try that blend in the bath too.

Please be aware you must not use clary sage if you are pregnant, it can bring on labour. As a trained professional, I have previously had a strange request for a massage treatment from someone who was past their due date and desperate to start labour. Although there is no clinical evidence to show that it should work, only anecdotal, I have had some success! The massage blend that I use is one tablespoonful of almond oil containing four drops of clary sage to bring on labour, four drops of cedar wood for courage, two drops of may chang, the oil of tranquillity and two drops of chamomile, in the language of flowers chamomile means patience in adversity. Please make sure you seek professional assistance from a trained professional before undertaking this type of massage.

If you have any questions about blends or techniques please email me at julie@potions.co.uk.

Julie Foster, MD Potions and Possibilities Ltd, www.potions.co.uk

01394 386161

Toe Cleavage

What have the Spice Girls, Kylie Minogue, Madonna, Katie Price, Demi Moore, Celine Dion and Nicole Kidman all got in common? The answer is that, unlike their faces, their feet reflect the ageing process and a little too much time spent crammed into killer shoes!! A quick flick through Hello, Heat or OK magazine will show feet that are desperate for attention, particularly around the toe cleavage area.

Toe cleavage (the crack between the big toes and the second) shown, to great effect, in sky scraper, designer shoes is a sexy hint of what lies above. However the dry crepey skin on show from some stars hints more at neglect, extreme dieting and chemical tanning agents than glamour.

Rehydrating and conditioning the feet is a great pre-holiday pampering treat that you can do at home and is a great girls night in treat with a friend.

Arrange tissues, a bowl and two soft polythene sandwich bags on a table next to your chair and place a towel on the floor. Warm two tablespoonful of premium almond or oil to a comfortable temperature (putting it in a dish over a bowl of hot water from the tap is usually enough). Add two drops of spearmint essential oil, one drop of tea tree and two drops of lime. Mix it with your hands and apply liberally to the feet from the ankles down concentrating on the toe cleavage area. Slip the polythene bags onto your feet, over the wet oil. Then wrap the towel round until you have a warm parcel and rest for 30 minutes (which just happens to be the perfect duration to watch the news or a favourite soap opera!!).

For maximum effect rest your feet on a warm wheat bag for additional heat. Afterwards remove the bags, tissue off the residue and gently massage the area. You will find that the oil has penetrated quite deeply and your skin, particularly around the toe cleavage area, will be soft, supple and extremely sexy. What’s more those killer heels will feel infinitely more comfortable.

This treatment also helps avoid unsightly heel cracks and will keep athletes foot at bay!! Click on any of the links to order some of my premium essential oils and I hope your feet are more gorgeous than the celebrities soon!!

Julie

Using Aromatherapy to Help Animals

On Sunday my husband and I with our two children walked the course at Poplar Park Horse Trials through the beautiful Suffolk countryside near Hollesley. The horses were spectacular and the riders fearless. I did see some horses extremely nervous, when they where being put into their horse boxes. My tip is to try a little chamomile in oil massaged on to their muzzle. As with humans, it has a profoundly calming effect and can, in many cases, solve the problem.

Many years ago I used to exhibit at the Lowther driving trials and I was interested to see one of the owners using my heavy duty relief gel on himself to relieve aching muscles and also on his horse. In America complementary medicine is as big for animals as it is for humans. Certainly I get many questions particularly relating to horses, dogs and cats.

I would love to hear from you and if you would like to discuss any of the issues raised or suggest any new topics then please email me at info@potions.co.uk.

International Women's Day

I was lucky enough to speak at two celebrations for International Women's Day. The first was on the subject of ‘Natural Remedies to Beat Fatigue’ and was at an event held at Endeavour House by Suffolk Council . The second was at the Suffolk Police headquarters and was on the subject of ‘Entrepreneurship’.

Interestingly, when I tell my story there is one issue that seems to generate a lot of interest – what made me follow my dream? When I meet groups of people I am always struck by the number of them who wish to change their lives. In my case, the motivating factor which precipitated the move from the corporate world of management in the motor trade to retraining as an aromatherapist and setting up my business was a bowel cancer scare and a colostomy (thankfully now reversed).

A brush with serious illness certainly makes one revaluate life and get on with doing what you want to do. I am keen to publicise the issues surrounding bowel cancer and am happy to talk to anyone facing a colostomy to reassure them. I know from experience that the fear is worse than the reality. My wish, is that a celebrity who lives with a colostomy will speak up in the same way that celebrities with breast cancer allow their stories to be publicised to support and inspire other sufferers. Someone once told me that Cliff Richard lives with a colostomy and that the Queen Mother had one. If it is true I do wish that someone close to them would tell us - it would be so reassuring (particularly in the case of Cliff Richard) to know that it is something that can be managed effectively.

Coldsores

I happened to be looking in the sports pages of The Daily Mail and The Mirror at the weekend and could not help but admire the football stars. Without mentioning any names I noticed the unmistakable signs of a coldsore on one of our football heroes.

Coldsores are caused by the Herpes Simplex virus which is also responsible for genital "herpes". Herpes Simplex is "systemic", which means it is in all of us (like bacteria in the gut) but is usually harmlessly. However, when the immune system is compromised by stress, drugs or overwork, either physical (like our footballers) or physiological (city highfliers, young mums, students) it can occasionally lead to highly infectious outbreaks of the blisters/sores, most commonly on the lips.

My star tip for treating coldsores is to dab undiluted tea tree (must be therapeutic quality and fresh) onto the cold sore regularly. When it is healed, take preventative action eg St Johns ointment, lip protect or tea tree in the bath. Undiluted tea tree is safe and effective, however, you need to be sure that it is fresh and of good quality. Lemon is also anti-viral but may well sting and be inappropriate if you have sensitive skin.

Coldsores are a clear indication that your immune system is underperforming so stress related lifestyle issues should be addressed. My personal favourite "de-stressing oils" include Bergamot, Geranium, May Chang, Frankincense, Clary Sage and Green Mandarin.

The other thing I noticed when admiring the footballers complexions, in the paper, was that they were either wearing make up or had been photoshopped (my husband says definitely the latter), so that they looked at their best. One or two still showed unmistakable signs of acne. Treatment tips for manly acne coming next week.

In the meantime if you want a natural way to maintain lips and a complexion as blemish free and healthy as David Beckham or Michal Owen then you can rely on tea tree from natures medicine chest. Please click on any of the links to see my unique choice of essential oils, or visit my website at www.potions.co.uk.

Please Note: Advice form your GP should always be sought prior to self treatment.

Headlice Question & Answer

Q -I am so thankful that when I googled head lice your page was the first one that came up!

My 3 year old and I are currently being tormented by lice. I went to your website and immediately ordered tea tree oil, tea tree shampoo, and geranium oil. Thank you for those tips because quite frankly I can't handle putting any more poison on my head that doesn't even do what I thought it was supposed to do! But I do have one question...with the tea tree oil and the geranium oil is there a spray mixture (possibly with water) that I can use to spray my furniture? Thank you so much for all the useful information!!!

A -Thank you for your feedback. I agree, I have young kids and I am not prepared to use harsh or potentially dangerous chemicals. With regard to the spray that is simple to do. Make up 100ml of spray (no more as there is a small risk of it oxidising (going off).
Dissolve 1ml of essential oil tea tree (25 drops) and 1ml geranium in 30ml of budget vodka (stronger the better try a polish store if you have one) then make up to 100ml with boiled then cooled water then put in a spray. Shake well before use, keep out of direct sunlight or extreme heat and use within 1 month (note this spray is also a good immune protector if travelling or flying, as not only is tea tree an insecticide it is also antiviral and antibacterial (geranium is anti bacterial).

Do not spray directly onto furniture without spot testing first. Another tip is to put tea tree and geranium straight onto a hanky in the drier and just enjoy the fabulous protectively scented garments coming out of the dryer.

Let me know how you get on by posting a comment or if you would like me to answer you question directly please email me at julie@potions.co.uk.

Julie

Massage for Pregnancy and Birth

Wednesday 5th March saw a sell out workshop held by consultant aromatherapist Julie Foster for Birth Partners (male and female), Midwives, Therapists and interested parties.

This helpful workshop was a light hearted ‘hands on’ session to prepare the pregnant mum and her birth partner or anyone who might be massaging her. Julie guaranteed no embarrassment, just lots of practical advice to help even the most reticent of birthing partners get involved.

The workshop covered:-
1) Pain relief - from low level back ache to birthing pains, Julie showed course attendees how to offer effective relief.
2) Non verbal communication - ie alternatives to asking "does it hurt" when you know you should keep quiet.
3) Positive strokes – Julie taught correct massage techniques in an easy to understand way.
4) Don’t stop now!!! - top tips for the birth partner so he/she can keep going hour after hour after hour after hour...
5) Dignity matters - professional advice and simple techniques for draping towels in order to expose the massage site.
6) Pay back - the birth partner deserves a massage too! Julie gave easy low energy routines for the pregnant woman to practice on others.

This course is run for ladies who are about to give birth or just pregnant and we will be running this popular event again so ask about the next one now by calling Julie and her team at 01394 386161.

Oscar Dresses - Perfect Posture

Following the Oscars ceremony, magazines and newspaper have been flooded with beautiful pictures of the glamorous attendees, nominees and winners in dresses by the top designers, including Galliano, Versace, Dior and Oscar de la Renta. Actresses Cameron Diaz, Katherine Heigl, Renee Zellweger and Cate Blanchett looked stunning gliding down the red carpet. The Times newspaper commented that that the correct posture was vital to the look of the dress, and their ultimate place in the picture pages of the most glamorous publications.

Nowadays big bulky handbags are a must have accessory, and it is not unusual to see a star carrying a baby. Both of these can exacerbate problems of hunched stiff shoulders and a rounded back. If this is a problem you share, then come and enjoy a posture correction massage with expert masseur Julie Foster in Suffolk. Julie says "we use a unique combination of warm crystals, hot oils,massage and visualisation techniques to relax those tense muscles, loosen up hunched shoulders and extend that aching neck for a fabulous silhouette on which even an off the peg dress looks fabulous!!

To see the full range of treatments we offer at The Academy of Health and Beauty click here.

Jordan's Dental Discovery - Aromatherapy Solutions

Jordan aka Katie Price made a recent announcement in Hello and OK magazines that her dentistry was less than satisfactory, not to mention painful when she and, her husband, Peter Andre indulged in some of their ‘unmentionable’ bedroom activities (politeness prohibits me!!).

This has prompted some of my clients to ask about using aromatherapy to deal with pain from dentistry and reducing fear of dentists.

My advice for pre-dentist nerves is to breathe in, bathe in or massage with clary sage, bergamot, cedar wood and green mandarin. Clary sage promotes euphoria, it has a similar effect to alcohol i.e. numbs awareness. Bergamot is natures Prozac and when you are happy your pain threshold rises dramatically. Cedar wood gives courage, strength and fortitude whereas green mandarin can soothe those jangling nerves.

For after dentist pain breathe in, bathe in or massage with chamomile the oil of patience in adversity, it is known as nature’s steroid and reduces inflammation.Tea tree reduces any risk of infection, lavender for pain and spearmint to stimulate the healing process.

You can purchase all of these essential oils at my online shop by clicking here.