Your Aromatherapy Star Sign - Cancer (22 June - 23 July)

CANCER (22 June – 23 July)
Ruler: Moon
Colour: Violet
Element: Water
Season: Winter
Aromatic: Frankincense, Rose and Jasmine

Frankincense (boswellia carteri)

Frankincense slows down and deepens breathing, which is why it is so conducive to prayer. It is of benefit to those who cannot "switch off" and is an ideal oil for chronic worriers, relieving nervous agitation, feelings of panic and palpitations. It is also very helpful for mature or damaged skin and can be used to treat irregular periods, catarrh, laryngitis and asthma. Pictorial evidence from the tombs of the Pharaohs shows that Frankincense has been used since 1500BC.

Rose (rosa centifolia)

Rose oil, which is extracted from the petals by distillation or solvents, is in my personal opinion beyond compare for treating stress related conditions, particularly depression and anxiety. It has a very gentle but strong, uplifting effect on the psyche and a balancing effect which can help individuals to “see problems in proportion." Many aromatherapists believe that Rose can mimic the effect of hormones so it is often used to treat psychological problems linked to female bodily functions such menstruation or child birth, PMS or post natal depression.

Jasmine Absolute (jasminum officinale)

Jasmine is a precious oil often referred to as the “King of Oils.” It engenders a feeling of optimism and is an excellent choice to counteract feelings of mental and physical exhaustion, helping to increase courage, confidence and optimism and battling the fear of the unknown. It has an affinity with the female reproductive system and is a key ingredient of most classic perfumes dating back to the C16th. It is also beneficial for irritated or sensitive skin.

Natural solutions for summer ailments

With holidays just around the corner we've put together a range of Summer Health Essentials to help you deal with everyday summer ailments! From sunburn to stings, follow my natural health advice on treating the dreaded summers ills that can often make our life a misery!

Sunburn or Prickly Heat

Try Potions & Possibilities’ Aloe Vera and Lavender Relief Balm – a cooling and soothing natural gel which is recommended for after sunbathing and when the skin or body is overwarm. Ideal for sunburn or prickly heat (Urticaria).

You can also help relieve the prickly heat itching by applying your own aromatherapy blend. Apply Chamomile Essential Oil, a natural anti-inflammatory, diluted in Sweet Almond Oil with just a touch of Tea Tree.

Avoid those bites and stings

Use our Heavy Duty Insect Repellant – Pure Citronella blended into a natural base of skin nurturing Aloe Vera Gel which gently coats the skin without scenting the air around you or clashing with your perfume. It can also be applied to problem areas like hair and eyebrows as well as directly on to the skin without staining or causing irritation.

If you are unfortunate enough to suffer bites apply neat Tea Tree immediately to stop the itching.

Hayfever

Historically, the advice has been that during the non-hay fever 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 Essential Oil regularly in a soothing warm bath, as many believe that it acts to calm the reaction in a similar way to antihistamines. You can also use other methods of enjoying the oils, i.e. a burner, massage or simple inhalation.

Feet fit for summer sandals!

Soothe and refresh tired, hot feet with our new, cooling Tea Tree & Mint Foot Spray. The crisp, rejuvenating power of Wild Mint is blended with pure Tea Tree for a therapeutic, antiseptic, antifungal treatment that leaves the feet feeling energised, comfortable and ready for action!

And, for unsightly, dry, cracked heels try our Finger & Heel Relief Balm with Benzoin, Tea Tree, Comfrey and Calendula. Apply 4 times a day initially then once or twice per day once comfortable.

Luscious summer lips

Our Lip Relief and UV Protection Balm is extremely effective for adults and children alike. With Tea Tree and Spearmint essential oils, Propolis and moisturising Vitamin E, this balm will soothe and protect all summer long. Receive a free Lip Balm when you spend £30 or more online (subject to availability - valid for a limited period only).

Jet lag? Travel fatigue? Irritable?

Try our Travel Relief Balm - a natural Aloe Vera Gel combined with therapeutic essential oils. Fatigue beating Lime is combined with relaxing Cedarwood, Ylang Ylang to prevent irritability and Echinacea for its protective qualities. Apply to the pulse points as required.

Feel free to email me with any other questions.

Happy and healthy holidays!

Julie