ALL ABOUT MANDARIN
Mandarin essential oil is euphoric and spiritually up-lifting. It is extremely gentle which makes it ideal for babies, children and pregnant women. The oil can be green, yellow or red. Each type is subtly different. At Angelico we use the red variety which is from the mature fruits and has a more sweet fragrance than the others. Just looking at the colour is joyous.
Mandarin essential oil comes from the peel of the mandarin. If you press your nail across the peel you might see the tiny droplets of oil ping up into the air. That’s it! That’s the essential oil.
In France, Mandarin essential oil is often called the children’s oil. Mandarin’s fruity fragrance is loved by children and adults alike. As it has many properties including being antispasmodic and antiseptic that accompany its mild nature, it is the perfect remedy for many childhood minor ailments. The glands in children stomachs are very active so many childhood illnesses can be accompanied by tummy aches . A simple aromatherapy blend of mandarin and chamomile in jojoba can be used to sooth uncomfortable tummies. Here is a lovely simple aromatherapy blend that will be loved by young children and adults alike.
CHILDREN’S TUMMY ACHE BLEND ( also good for stretch marks )
Blends are usually stronger for adults than for children but as this blend is for use by pregnant women as well as children I have kept it at the children’s dilution for both as pregnant women can have sensitive skin and a heightened sense of smell. Even at this lower dilution it will really help to keep the condition of your skin good and help protect against stretch marks. Of course it will be perfect for children over the age of two who are feeling anxious and might have a tummy ache.
10ml Jojoba
2 drops mandarin essential oil
1 drop chamomile essential oil
Massage children tummies in a clockwise circular motion which will eliminate cramps and tightness. Just a few minutes of this will do the trick.
For pregnant women, use to moisturise tummies, breast and bottoms twice daily to keep skin peachy. Spending a little time really massaging the oil into these areas will encourage elasticity and keep the skin nourished. Breath in the lovely aroma to promote feelings calm and wellbeing.
I am a great believer in memory association and even though Mandarin can be a wonderfully fresh, summer fragrance my memory association of it is of happy, twinkly Christmases when my parents would buy what seemed like huge quantities of them and I was allowed to eat just about as many as I liked. Now, when eating a mandarin I spend as much time breathing in the aroma of the peel - transported right back to those childhood days as I do eating them.
SAINT CLEMENTS ( oranges and lemons ) BLEND FOR VAPORISERS AND DIFFUSERS
Pour one drop each of Mandarin, Orange, Lemon, Bergamot & Grapefruit essential oils into your vaporiser or diffuser for a sparkly, citrus and wonderfully uplifting fragrance in your home or workplace.
If you would like to make this blend of essential oils a little less ‘citrus’, replace one or two of them with Lavender or Rose Geranium essential oil. This will soften the fragrance making it less sharp and give it more longevity. Use your creativity here - you will not be disappointed.
The beauty of citrus essential oil is that they are usually very reasonably priced. This is because they have a generous yield ie, the fruits contain a lot of essential oil compared to say floral oils which are much more expensive. However, they are mostly top notes. This is the term used for the part of a fragrance which you smell first but doesn’t last for very long. The middle and bottom notes last respectively longer. Mandarin, though a top note does just creep into the middle area too. So, even though the delightful, refreshing, sparkly citrus oils will not break the bank, you will find that you need to apply them more often. They are delicate too so you must keep them cool and out of direct sunlight even more diligently than your other essential oil. You will soon know if they have gone off though as they will lose their wonderful aroma and turn a dull brownish colour. Please don’t let that put you off though as they are worth the extra care.
ALL ABOUT ROSE GERANIUM ESSENTIAL OIL
Rose Geranium Essential Oil is one of the most feminine essential oils, not just for its sublime fragrance but for the way it can make you feel both strong and beautiful - beautifully strong even! I have used Rose Geranium as a single note in many products but like all essential oils, Rose Geranium really likes company. At Angelico we use Rose Geranium essential oil in our Serums for Combination, Dry and Mature Skins. We blend it with woody notes of Frankincense, Cedarwood and Sandalwood but it also blends well with florals like Rose and Neroli and citrus notes such as Grapefruit and Mandarin to give it a real ‘sparkle’. As you see, Rose Geranium not only has a beautiful aroma, it is wonderfully versatile too. It has the power to minimise the look of wrinkles because it tightens facial skin and slows down the effects of ageing by promoting new cell growth.
Rose Geranium was used by the Egyptians to promote beautiful and radiant skin. Now, Rose Geranium oil is used to treat acne, reduce inflammation, alleviate anxiety and balance hormones. This beautiful oil can also uplift your mood, lessen fatigue and promote emotional wellness.
ROSE GERANIUM OR SIMPLY GERANIUM?
Rose Geranium is the rosier smelling version of Geranium essential oil. It used to always have the word roseum at the end of its Latin name to distinguish one from the other but now the Latin names on Geranium essential oils is nearly always the same for both - pelargonium graveolens. A Geranium essential oil that is not a Rose Geranium has a much more ‘green’ fragrance - a little sharper - but it does share the same properties. Having said that, the more floral fragrance of the Rose Geranium variety is to my mind more fitting to it’s myriad feminine properties.
INTERESTING FACT
Rose Geranium oil can also be used as a natural insect repellant.
Geraniums were originally planted on the periphery of Mediterranean gardens to ward off insects. Now they are a staple for their colour and robustness as they can survive with very little water.
INSECT REPELLING, AFTER SUN BODY OIL
Use this blend after a day in the sun to reduce inflammation and to sooth your skin or when out in the evenings to ward off insects.
15ml Calendula Oil
15ml Borage Oil
7 drops Rose Geranium Essential Oil
5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
3 drops Mandarin Essential Oil
ALL ABOUT BORAGE
ALL ABOUT BORAGE
I down loaded this beautiful free picture from Pexels by Eva Elijas. I love the colours and who would have thought of Borage and Strawberries as a combo? Well….. I’ve totally co-incidentally read recently that it’s good to grow borage and strawberries together as they are believed to stimulate each others growth! (Also borage and tomatoes as borage can act as a natural insect repellent.) For me though, the colours just work so beautifully. Thank you Eva Elijas at Fleur Rustique for this gorgeous picture.
BORAGE OIL SKIN BENEFITS
At Angelico we use Borage Oil in our Combination, Dry & Mature Skin Serums for it’s ANTI-INFLAMMATORY - ANTIOXIDANT properties.
Borage oil skin benefits include anti-infammatory properties which can be helpful with conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and rosacea. If your skin is simply dry, you will love how it calms redness and nourishes even the driest skin. It can also help calm acne and as it is lighter than many other oils it won’t leave your face feeling at all greasy.
Of all plant oils, borage oil contains one of the highest levels of the fatty acid - gamma-linolenic acid known as GLA which is what makes borage oil such a strong anti-inflammatory. GLA is one type of omega-6 “essential” fatty acid that the body cannot make on its own so we must get it from outside sources such as borage oil.
One of the most well-researched uses for borage oil is treating inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema. GLA has been shown to correct deficiencies in skin lipids (oils). When the skin can’t produce enough protective oils of its own the result is increased inflammation and skin flare-ups. In fact, borage has the most potent concentration of gamma linoleic acid found in nature, containing twice as much as is found in the evening primrose.
BORAGE IN FOOD
Add fresh Borage to salads or sandwiches. Flowers can be floated in drinks or candied for use on cake, ice cream, and other desserts. Freeze flowers in ice cubes or drop freshly picked flowers in drinks. You can eat borage stems peeled and chopped like celery.
INTERESTING FACTS
The Celts referred to Borage as borrach, which means 'courage'. Borager could also come from the French word borrache, which means 'hairy' or 'rough', and which could be a reference to its bristly stems and leaves. The Greeks and Romans believed that the herb was a source of courage and comfort, and there are references to the flowers being embroidered into medieval tapestries and the colours of jousting knights. The blooms were even floated in drinks consumed by Crusaders before battle. The American settlers carried borage seed with them on their long journeys across the Atlantic Ocean.
Taken from the H2G2 website.
DRY SKIN BODY OIL BLEND
This blend is fantastic for dry skin especially legs.
Sometimes hard water can create dry skin on the body.
A good trick is to apply this oil before you shower or bath.
After too if you wish.
Use instead of lotion and be amazed!
20 ml Borage Oil
10ml Calendula Infused Oil
10 drops Frankincense Essential Oil
3 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
2 drops Lavender Essential Oil
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR CONCENTRATION AND FOCUS
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR CONCENTRATION AND FOCUS
We are slowly adding more organic essential oils to our range and this month we have Rosemary and Spearmint. I know most essential oils like old friends and like old friends, there is always something new I can learn about them and that is thrilling don’t you think? I think I might make that a thing….. to find out something I didn’t know about my oldest friends. Big digression there!! …and good reason to make use of these two wonderful new oils to help me focus! In these days when many of us are forced to work or study at home, a little help can go a long way so here are my recommended essential oils and how to use them to help you focus on what you need to do.
Most people who use essential oils know that Rosemary is the go to oil for diffusing into the air when you are studying or working. Research indicates that inhaling rosemary oil helps prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical important for thinking and concentration.
An interesting piece of hearsay is that Roman soldiers were said to have kept a sprig of Rosemary behind their ears during long battles to keep them awake!!
Spearmint is a lovely alternative to Peppermint and unlike other mint varieties, contains no menthol making its aroma sweeter, more gentle and more appealing to children. Like Rosemary it also aids concentration but in a more soothing way. Combined they make a lovely blend to work by.
HERE’S HOW :
Pour 3 drops of Spearmint and 3 drops of Rosemary essential oil into a diffuser and heat as instructed by diffuser directions.
No diffuser? Simply fill a bowl with warm water and pour 3 drops of Spearmint and 3 drops of Rosemary essential oil into the water. The heat from the water will diffuse the fragrance.
Dip a cloth into the fragrant water described above and place the cloth on a radiator to diffuse the fragrance around your home.
Simply put one drop each of Spearmint and Rosemary essential oils onto a hanky or tissue and keep it in your pocket to inhale as needed.
Make a pulse point blend by filling a 10ml bottle with any Base Oil and adding 3 drops of Spearmint Essential Oil and 3 drops of Rosemary essential oil. Dab onto wrists and/or temples whenever needed.
Put 1 to 2 drops of essential oil into the palm of your hand and rub hands together. Inhale as needed.
(Choose either of the above oils combined or on their own, depending on your preference)
We hope you liked this article on essential oils for concentration and focus. Thank you for reading :)
AROMATHERAPY FOR ALL
Way back when I was at ballet school, The Royal Ballet created a splinter group called Ballet For All that toured the country introducing ballet to people who had never really seen or understood it. There was even a TV series. When I got into aromatherapy I was driven by the same concept to make Aromatherapy For All. To make aromatherapy products affordable and understandable to everyone and anyone who was interested. That was so many years ago that I seem to have slipped into the belief that most people now know how to use essential oils but recently I have realised that is not the case. I write often for magazines, giving people recipes for aromatherapy at home from simply diffusing essential oils to turning them into skincare and health rituals. At Angelico we sell the highest quality Organic Essential Oils and Organic Base Oils. We have now added a ‘How To’ page on our site so that you can really start to learn how to create your own tailor made aromatherapy products and remedies from essential oils and base oils. Apologies if you have heard it all before but just like way back then when my quest was to make Aromatherapy for All, I am revisiting the concept here. There are many people and sites that teach in depth aromatherapy but I am more interested, for the purposes of this piece, in making aromatherapy accessible, simple and most importantly safe enough for everyone to use. Do let me know if you have any questions once you have read below. I am always happy to help.
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that each have different and overlapping properties. Some essential oils have contra indications or precautions that should be followed but so long as you follow the instructions on the bottle you will find that they are invaluable to your daily life. By combining different essential oils in a ‘blend’, you can create endless fragrances that can have both physiological and/or phycological effect. Except for in a few cases, essential oils should not be used neat. They should be diluted into base oils which are also known as a carrier oil.
BASE OILS - ALSO KNOWN AS CARRIER OILS
Base oils used to be just that - base oils - used mostly as a base for the more active essential oils and as a basic moisturiser. Now though, there are myriad base oils and we are far more knowledgeable about what they are capable of. Base oils come in many different weights - some are thick and viscous, some are light and some are medium weight. Some are more easily absorbed by the skin than others. They can be antioxidant, antiviral, help to smooth fine lines or even help to regulate oil secretion. Their possibilities are endless.
BLENDING
In Aromatherapy 'blending' is the term used for combining essential oils and base oils which results in a 'blend'.
By combining essential oils and base oils you can create any number of products for yourself, your family and your friends. The possibilities are literally endless. For the creative people amongst us the lure of making something unique is powerful but it can be as simple as adding one drop of essential oil to some carrier oil to make a brilliant moisturiser with no added nasties that can often cause problems in commercial products. Here are a few ways to get started, including some simple recipes for you to try out.
MASSAGE / MOISTURISING OILS FOR BODY
The rule of thumb here is approximately 3% essential oil to base oil and the way to achieve this is to take 10ml of base oil which is approximately one dessertspoonful and add 5 drops in total of essential oil. So 10ml base to 5 drops essential oil. To 20ml base of base oil you add 10 drops of essential oil in total.
For example;
RELAXING BODY OIL
5ml (1 x teaspoon) Peach Kernel Base Oil
5ml (1 x teaspoon) Jojoba Base Oil
2 drops Chamomile Essential Oil
3 drops Lavender Essential Oil
MASSAGE / MOISTURISING OILS FOR FACE
Here we want the dilution to be half that that we use on the body so I use just 1% To achieve this add just 2 drops of essential oil in total to 10ml of base oil.
For example;
FACE OIL FOR MATURE SKIN
10ml Red Rosehip Base Oil
1 drop Rose Geranium Essential Oil
1 drop Frankincense Essential Oil
MASSAGE / MOISTURISING OILS FOR CHILDREN
For children over 2 years of age the dilution for body oil is the same as for adult face so approximately 1% or 2 drops of essential oil to 10ml of base oil.
For example;
HAPPY MASSAGE BODY OIL FOR CHILDREN
5ml (1 x teaspoon) Calendula Base Oil
5ml (1 x teaspoon) Jojoba Base Oil
2 drops Mandarin Essential Oil
MASSAGE / MOISTURISING OILS FOR BABIES
For Babies under 2 years of age please see our AROMATHERAPY FOR BABIES leaflet/section.
BATHING
There are many ways to add essential oils to your bath.
NEAT
Add 6 to 10 drops of essential oil into the bath after the water has run to stop the oils from evaporating. Swish the water around to prevent sitting on the individual drops of essential oil. Do not have the water too hot.
For example;
REVITALISING BATH
3 Drops Bergamot Essential Oil
3 Drops Grapefruit Essential Oil
2 drops Mandarin Essential Oil
BATH OIL
This is great for dry sensitive skin as it will nourish and protect the skin from harsh water.
Add 6 to 10 drops of essential oil to 10ml of base oil which is approximately one dessertspoonful. Mix together and add to your bath water after the water has run to limit evaporation of the essential oils.
For example;
DEEP RELAX BATH
10ml Borage Base Oil
3 drops Frankincense Essential Oil
2 drops Rose Geranium Essential Oil
4 drops Lavender Essential Oil
BATH SALTS
Add 6 to 10 drops of essential oil per cupful of un-fragranced bath salts such as Magnesium Salts or Dead Sea salts.
For example;
MUSCLE RELAXING BATH SALTS
1 cupful Dead Sea Salts add to this;
3 drops Myrtle Essential Oil
2 drops Cypress Essential Oil
1 drop Black Pepper Essential Oil
Mix together and pour into bath
SHOWER
Add 6 to 10 drops of essential oil to the shower tray before you get into your shower. The steam will diffuse the fragrance.
For example;
HEAD CLEARING SHOWER
3 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
1 drop Peppermint Essential Oil
2 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
DIFFUSING & INHALATION
You can add up to 10 drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot water for inhalation. Place a towel over your head and breath in the vapours to clear airways or to steam to cleanse your face.
For example;
ROOM FRAGRANCE
Add a few drops of essential oil to an un fragranced candle where the little puddle of wax appears after lighting. Alternatively add a few drops to a damp cloth or absorbent paper and place on radiators or add to electric or candle vaporisers as instructed by the supplier. Usually 6 drops in total is the correct amount.
For example;
CUTS, STINGS, SPOTS & BITES
Even though essential oils are not usually used neat, there are a few instances in which neat essential oils work brilliantly. Just one or two drops of neat Lavender or Tea Tree essential oil works brilliantly on cuts stings or bites and neat Lavender essential oil on light burns is brilliant.
Lemon and/or Tea Tree essential oils are often used on warts and verrucas with great success.
RINSES
I love to fill a bowl with warm to cool water and add just a few drops of essential oil to it. This can be used to refresh and/or clean your face or body. If you have been in the sun for too long a few drops of lavender in a bowl of cool water, soak a flannel in it and place on over heated skin to cool it.
For example;
SUMMER FOOT COOLER
Fill a bowl with cool water and add 6 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil to it. Swish around to dissipate the Essential Oils then soak your feet in it for at least 10 minutes - bliss!
SPOTTY SKIN SPLASH
Fill a bowl with warm water. add 4 drops of Tea Tree essential Oil. Swish the water around to dissipate oils and use to wash face.
CLEAN SURFACES
As just abut all essential oils are anti bacterial, it’s a great idea to use them to wipe over kitchen and/or bathroom surfaces leaving them not only clean but smelling fabulous.
For example;
ST CLEMMENTS SURFACE FRESHENER
Fill a bowl with warm water and add 5 drops of lemon essential oil and 5 drops of sweet orange essential oil. Swish the water around to dissipate oils and use a cloth to wipe down surfaces.
LASTLY
Aromatherapy is not an exact science so quantities are approximate but with essential oils, less is often more so always bare this in mind. There are many more ways to use aromatherapy in your day to day life - this is really just the tip of the ice berg but its a very good start. Have fun!
ONE MORE THING!
If you want to make and store your blends, we have a selection of amber bottles available on our site.
AROMATHERAPY FOR BABIES
Mothers are inundated with wonderful looking baby products that promise so so much but often innocently cause all sorts of problems. Shampoo for new born babies for instance is completely unnecessary and can cause almost instant cradle cap. Heavy creams that promise to protect and moisturise can seal in moisture which sounds good but can mean that your baby’s skin is literally damp all day long. If that dampness is not totally sterile it can also mean you are sealing in germs!
Babies can be extremely resilient and may not have a problem with any of the products mentioned above but if you are struggling with any of the conditions listed below, give my advice a go. I know you will be pleasantly surprised with the results and the ease with which essential oils can be incorporated into your busy schedule.
NAPPY RASH
BABY ACNE
DRIBBLE RASH/REDNESS
SNUFFLES
SLEEPLESSNESS/ RESTLESSNESS
TUMMY ACHES
You will notice that the instructions for the use of each essential oils for babies below are mostly the same. You can combine essential oils if you want to use more than one at a time. They often work better when combined as they are synergistic which means they work better with others than alone and can address more than one problem at a time.
NAPPY RASH, BABY ACNE, DRIBBLE RASH/REDNESS, SNUFFLES, SLEEPLESSNESS/ RESTLESSNESS
Why?
Lavender essential oil is like first aid in a tiny bottle. The smallest amount is needed to address all sorts of problems. It is antibacterial, soothing and cleansing.
How?
Pour 2 drops of neat Lavender onto the palm of your hand. Rub hands together and rinse in water intended to bathe or wash your baby. Try combined with Chamomile for a great sleepy bath as part of your bedtime routine. (Use one drop of Lavender & one drop of Chamomile instead of just 2 drops of Lavender.)
Pour 2 drops of neat Lavender onto the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together then rub over soft furnishings in the room your baby sleeps in. Even the carpet will do for this. It will create a very gentle, soothing aroma.
Add one drop of Lavender to 10ml (1 tablespoonful of Jojoba ) for relaxing massage oil or to prevent and treat nappy rash or cradle cap.
(If you want to use more than one essential oil, increase the amount of Jojoba to accommodate more essential oil. For instance 20ml Jojoba, one drop Lavender + one drop Myrtle )
DRIBBLE RASH/REDNESS, SLEEPLESSNESS/ RESTLESSNESS
Chamomile essential oils is soothing, calming and a natural pain killer.
Pour 2 drops of neat Chamomile onto the palm of your hand. Rub hands together and rinse in water intended to bathe or wash your baby. Try combined with Lavender for a great sleepy bath as part of your bedtime routine. (Use one drop of Lavender & one drop of Chamomile instead of just 2 drops of Chamomile )
Pour 2 drops of neat Chamomile onto the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together then rub over soft furnishings in the room your baby sleeps in. Even the carpet will do for this. It will create a very gentle soothing aroma.
Add one drop of Chamomile to 10ml (1 tablespoonful of Jojoba ) for relaxing, sleepy massage or to soothe sore skin.
(If you want to use more than one essential oil, increase the amount of Jojoba to accommodate more essential oil For instance 20ml Jojoba, one drop Lavender + one drop Chamomile.)
SLEEPLESSNESS/ RESTLESSNESS, TUMMY ACHES
Why?
Mandarin essential oil is known in France as ‘The Children’s Oil'. Made into a massage oil it can be massaged in a clock wise motion across baby’s tummy to soothe tummy aches. Babies glands in the tummy are very active and a tummy ache can signify a fever or bug. It’s not usually anything to worry about, more your baby’s glands working efficiently. The simple action of massaging with Jojoba and Mandarin can be very soothing. The fragrance of Mandarin is delightful and is ‘happy making' for both parent and baby.
How?
Pour 2 drops of neat Mandarin essential oil onto the palm of your hand. Rub hands together and rinse in water intended to bathe or wash your baby. This can be refreshing and mood changing in a good way!
Pour 2 drops of neat Mandarin onto the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together then rub over soft furnishings in the room your baby sleeps in. Even the carpet will do for this. It will create an uplifting aroma.
Add one drop to 10ml (1 tablespoonful of Jojoba ) for relaxing massage; to help with tummy aches.
(If you want to use more than one essential oil, increase the amount of Jojoba to accommodate more essential oil For instance 20ml Jojoba, one drop Lavender + one drop Mandarin.)
NAPPY RASH, BABY ACNE, DRIBBLE RASH/REDNESS, SNUFFLES, SLEEPLESSNESS/ RESTLESSNESS
Why?
Myrtle is a gentle alternative to Eucalyptus. It is from the same family, sharing many of the same properties but everything about it is more gentle making it ideal for babies. Whereas Eucalyptus is quite stimulating, Myrtle is relaxing. It can help snuffles from colds and teething and is also good for the skin.
How?
Pour 2 drops of neat Myrtle onto the palm of your hand. Rub hands together and rinse in water intended to bathe or wash your baby.
Pour 2 drops of neat Myrtle onto the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together then rub over soft furnishings in the room your baby sleeps in. Even the carpet will do for this. It will create a very gentle soothing aroma.
Add one drop to 10ml (1 tablespoonful of Jojoba ) for relaxing, decongestant massage oil. Perfect to rub on chest and back and even as a bottom oil as it is great for skin condition too.
(If you want to use more than one essential oil, increase the amount of Jojoba to accommodate more essential oil. For instance 20ml Jojoba, one drop Lavender + one drop Myrtle.)
GENERAL MOISTURISING AND NOURISHING, CLEANSING, SOOTHING, AS A CARRIER OR BASE OIL FOR ESSENTIAL OILS, NAPPY RASH, BABY ACNE, DRIBBLE RASH/REDNESS.
Why?
There are myriad natural plant oils that can be used to moisturise, nourish and protect baby skin and use as a carrier or base oil in aromatherapy but if I had to choose just one, Jojoba would definitely be it. If you keep jojoba oil in the fridge it will completely solidify as it is actually a wax not an oil. It is cleansing as well as moisturising and helps to protect and soothe our baby’s delicate skin. The texture and action of Jojoba is almost identical to our skin’s own sebum making it the perfect vehicle for the use of essential oils.
Simply use for massage or general moisturising and conditioning. A little goes a long way so if you are feeling that oil is too ‘oily’! - think again. The skin absorbs Jojoba almost better than any other oil whilst allowing it to breath. Truly fabulous! Combined with one or two of the essential oils above as directed you will be doing the very best you can for your baby’s skin.
* For children of two years of age and above a separate blog will follow.
FIVE SIMPLE REASONS I LOVE BOOTCAMP WORKOUTS
It’s on at 9.30 EVERY week day morning. Without that discipline during lockdown, I absolutely know that we would never have got out of bed before an unmentionable time most days. Work is not as busy as it was and there’s a general feeling of laissez fair that comes with lockdown for many people - apologies if you are still working as normal. The inclusion of at least one bit of stability has been and still is, a sanity saver for us.
We get to see a lot of our family and friends on the screen. Apart from our son who insists on a blank screen with just his name on it and another friend who calls herself Rasha Bacon and shows only a Yorkshire Pudding on her ident. Before we start we all say good morning. I love that the men get on first and chat about guy things - this morning was beard trimmers!! Then the girls come along and it gets noisy. To my mind, this is what sets live workouts apart from pre-recorded. While we’re waiting for ‘Liam our Leader,' everyone gets on with emptying dishwashers, plumping pillows, getting a good internet connection etc. and often there’s just a comfortable silence while we potter around. By the time we start working out we are all on the same wavelength and even from afar, and muted by Liam - we cheer each other on so to speak. A little less isolation in this these isolation times.
Liam is outrageously knowledgeable about fitness & diet and is passionate about his subject so you feel that you are in the best hands possible. He tweaks exercises to suit and gives you the will to keep going.
I always exercise but there’s nothing like doing it EVERY day. (I do have the weekend off though). The repetitiveness makes those muscles really know you mean business and yes, I have gone down a dress size and haven’t given up wine :)
My husband is loving it too - he is absolutely NOT an exercise junky but when he said the other day “I don’t know what I’m going to do when lockdown is over and Boot Camp stops!” You could have knocked me down with a feather - could he have caught the exercise bug? It’s fantastic that we have found another shared activity that is both fun and healthy.
Restorative Yoga with Sophia at Black Mountains Barn. I've never done this before - the most relaxing class ever. It’s as important to relax as it is to exercise - Ying and Yang and all that. This class has really taught me the truth in this.
Happy Exercising!
LYMPHEDEMA OF THE NECK AFTER RADIATION TREATMENT
In November 2018, my husband was diagnosed with throat Cancer and underwent a gruelling round of treatment - Chemotherapy followed by 30 rounds of Radio therapy and another Chemo in the middle. From being a fit 60 something man he disintegrated into half the man he was - almost literally as he lost more than 4 stone. It’s a story many of us are familiar with and I don’t want to dwell but what happened afterwards I feel I need to share as it was a game changer for us.
When his treatment was over we were excited - ‘let the healing begin’ was our motto but he got weaker and weaker because he could not eat, continued to loose weight rapidly and the skin around his neck which I prided myself in having kept in good condition, literally dropped off like snake skin leaving gaping, damp and sometimes bleeding holes. It was alarming but we knew it would pass and it did. He started to get better and was told the treatment had been a success. A speech therapist in passing mentioned that he would most likely develop Lymphedema of the neck as the lymph nodes there had been completely destroyed by the radiotherapy. Fine we thought - a small price to pay. We didn’t really know what Lymphedema was anyway but as most people know someone who has had breast Cancer, a lot of you will know that it is swelling that generally occurs after treatment and is most commonly caused by the removal of, or damage to, your lymph nodes as a part of cancer treatment. Sure enough, one morning my husbands neck swelled up like a balloon. Luckily we had already attended an appointment with the Lymphedema Nurse as there had been a little swelling already and she had given us a soft collar for him to wear at night, instructions on how to massage it to drain the area as best we could and a lengthy book. She also told us that it was something he would have to live with. This was an ok scenario for the slight swelling but the way it grew, was not a keeper.
On the first night of the ‘big swell’ we put the soft collar on him. The next morning his neck was indeed a little smaller but his face was enormous. He looked like a chipmunk. We sat in bed all morning researching Lymphedema of the neck as a result of Throat Cancer Treatment. Hundreds of pictures of mostly men looking just like my husband showed in the search. He has never been a vain man but this extreme facial swelling knocked his confidence hard. Some American sites offered instruction on massage - specifically lymphatic drainage that cost a fortune. I had learnt to perform lymphatic drainage many years ago but I had never had to tackle anything as extreme as this. A lot of what looked like burglars masks were popping up on the search to compress the swelling - so we bought one. It was pretty scary looking but we gave it a go. The next morning his neck and face had gone down but his eyes were sticking out like a frogs as if he had gone ten rounds in a boxing ring. After less than an hour the full swelling always came right back with a vengeance. We had been through so much that we were not at our strongest to deal with this but I was determined that we were going to fix it.
I dredged up all that I knew about lymphatic drainage. The issue is that with no lymph nodes in his neck it seemed impossible to drain the fluid with massage. It was like a blocked tunnel and the skin on his neck was so delicate that I hardly dare touch it for fear of it breaking. You have to massage the nodes below the affected ones to kind of warn them that they need to help and whereas in the ‘beauty’ form of massage you stroke the skin in an upwards motion - to drain the lymph from the neck and face, you have to stroke downwards - I say stroke and not massage as I cannot over emphasise how gentle I needed to be to ensure I wouldn’t damage his skin.
At visits to the hospital during this time his Doctor made light of the extreme swelling saying after all he had come through it was something not to worry about. We couldn’t let it go - I had to find a way to get him looking and feeling good again. Enter, our daughter who is a blogger www.megantaylor.london. She was given a wonderful little facial massage tool from holisticsilk.com “I don’t want to part with this lovely little thing Mum” she said “ but I think you need it for Dad” It was a little roller with one end larger than the other. Perfect! A way to massage without dragging his delicate skin at all.
I used Angelico Serum for Sensitive Skin which contains chamomile, a beautiful, gentle oil which soothes and nourishes the skin, as well as yarrow, lavender, calendula, vitamin e, jojoba and many other natural oils that are perfect for delicate skin. I warmed a little in my hands and applied it to his face, neck, chest and back. I did this with him lying on his back in front of me on the bed, with his head between my legs so to speak. Sounds dodgy I know but I really need to tell you how to do this in case even one person reading this needs to do it too. I placed a towel under his head and back to protect the bed linen. So, once I had covered all those areas with the serum I set to work with the roller. Using the wider end I worked across his chest in a downwards motion towards the lymph nodes under his arms, I then worked down the tops of his arms. He then sat up and I did the same on his back, including the back of his neck. Once lying down again I very gently used the roller over his neck using the smaller end. The scar tissue on his neck made it all lumpy and bumpy so the small end of the roller allowed me into the crevices which helped to smooth them out. I then worked all over his face, forehead, cheeks, sides of the nose, top of the lips, under his mouth ending with the ears which I used my hands for.
The interesting thing about this massage is that, in line with advice from the Lymphedema Nurse, I started at the chest and worked up. This is because you have to warn and prepare the lymph nodes to work in place of the ones that are no longer in the neck. It’s like squeezing a toothpaste tube from the open end - totally counter intuitive but it really works. The next day it was a little better so encouraged I did it every night before he went to sleep. After about a week it was so much better and the very act of doing something so productive and loving was good for both of us so I carried on. I can honestly say that it has now gone completely. Remember? We were told that he had to live with it. He would never have had the courage to go back to work or socialise if we had just ‘lived with it!’ Maybe eventually but certainly not for a long while. Well we didn’t and if you are having a similar problem I really urge you to do the same. I am happy to answer any questions if you need help :)
When we next saw his Doctor, he asked us how we had got rid of the Lymphedema. My husband said it was down to nightly massage with a Beauty Roller and a Serum that I had made. He looked at us with a grin and suggested that everyone should have that same treatment - I don’t think it is coming any time soon on the NHS though!! Just one more thing - I did this massage every night for about two months - long after the condition was resolved but frankly, I was afraid to stop. Life then took over and we gradually did stop. You will be pleased to hear there is still no swelling.
SEVEN OF MY TOP TIPS FOR AGEING GRACEFULLY
Prima magazine’s May issue shares some of my quotes in their article Let’s Age Beautifully. Along with skincare advice from me on which oils to use to keep your skin, hair and nails supple, strong and in tip-top condition, there is advice on exercise, posture, meditation and even smiling. It’s a really interesting article and it got me thinking as I am a woman of a certain age myself!! Ageing beautifully has got to be a complete package. I firmly believe that there is no one trick does all.
Acceptance has got to be high on the list - accepting that we have no choice about ageing but we do absolutely have a choice about how we do it. Use it or loose it is one of my mantras but at the same time we have to respect our bodies and take good care of them as well as our minds which need to be kept sharp. There are many aspects of being older that I actually prefer to when I was younger. Life’s rich tapestry has filled me with so many experiences and I feel I know how to approach most circumstances with at least some degree of experience.
Diet is key. A good diet shows in your skin. Clean fresh and simple are great pointers for both skincare and diet. Don’t over complicate things - if your mind is clear, your body is strong and nourished and your skin clean and fresh you can’t go far wrong no matter what age you are. Here are my seven top tips for ageing gracefully or even disgracefully if you prefer!
1. PLAY
Keep your inner child alive. Play board games, outdoor games, group games or even one person games. I play Words with Friends and on line word game a bit like Scrabble, every morning with some old friends/neighbours. It keeps us in touch and keeps us competitive whilst waking my brain up for the day ahead. We love Words With Friends.
2. LAUGH
I did a blog on facial yoga a while back, since then laughter yoga has stepped in. Just the thought of this makes me laugh! I think it could work. They say that laughter is an inner massage don’t they? It might be the way forward and who doesn’t love a good laugh? . . . . and smiling uses the muscles in your face, makes you more attractive to people, cheers other people up and gives you an all round feel good feeling. Facial yoga is a good way to keep your smile smiley. Perhaps try FaceYogaMethod.com and this FaceBook page Unleash Your Laugh.
3. LEARN
4. DANCE
Any kind of dance will do and like the old saying goes - dance like no-one is watching. I don’t get that as it’s wonderful watching people dance and as an ex- dancer myself, I loved to dance for people but I guess its more to do with not feeling in anyway self conscious. It’s the best form of exercise ever and there is so much choice from ballet to just jumping around to good music in our living rooms. Do see this website Passion4Dancing
5. SING
Oh yes! Join a choir. Meet people and sing your heart out. Its great for oxygenating your whole body and letting off stream. This website lists a lot of choirs where you may find one you like the sound of - Choirs.org.uk
6. REST
Getting a good nights sleep is something that often becomes more difficult as we age. We don’t need as much sleep as we did when we were younger but we still need to allow our bodies to rest and recover from everyday life. I find that regular meditation not only rests me perfectly but it allows me to drop off quickly if I wake in the night. meditation teaches you to switch off your brain and nine times out of ten, wakefulness is due to an over active, racing mind. I use Headspace.com
7. STRETCH
There’s nothing like a good stretch. Yoga is ideal for this as it builds strength too but just having a good stretch each morning will also help hugely. You want to keep stiffness at bay and the only way todo this is to keep that suppleness. Make a simple routine for yourself - just a few minutes will do, and repeat it every morning. Elevate Sport does a 45 minute Stretch class on Zoom every Tuesday and Thursday morning.
11 WAYS TO USE LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL EASILY & EFFICIENTLY
11 WAYS TO USE LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL EASILY & EFFICIENTLY
I am always writing about essential oils and Lavender essential oil more than most, either for magazines, books or websites. Usually I cover the properties, history, contraindications, you name it but here I want to just tell you how I use Lavender on a day to day basis and why I just couldn’t live without it.Apart from anything else, it is a synergistic oil which means it smooths out a blend, binding different notes together and making them smell even better. The general 'feeling' is that lavender is relaxing but it is actually balancing - it makes you feel better - as simple as that. As you may know, when selling a product we are not allowed to make any medical claims so I’m simply going to tell you my go-to ways to for easy Lavender essential oil benefits that are simply and effective.
Just one more thing…….you have most likely heard that essential oils should not be used neat on the skin but you have to put that behind you with lavender or you will miss out on some if it’s best uses. Please don’t splash it all over - it is very concentrated so when you do use it neat, use it sparingly. For babies under 24 months old please ask me separately. I will write about essential oils for babies in another blog. Lavender essential oil is brilliant for babies but it needs to be used diluted and in a slightly different way so here for ease, I have kept to general use for children over 2 years of age and adults in good health including pregnant women after the first trimester.
At the first sign of a spot, dab one or two drops of neat lavender on it 2 or 3 times a day and specifically before bed.
If someone is stung by a wasp or bee, again, one or two drops of neat lavender will have an immediate soothing effect.
Apply neat to burns.
For sunburn fill a sink with cool water and add about 6 drops of lavender essential oil. Swish the water around to dissipate the lavender Soak a flannel in the water, wring and pat the burned areas.
If someone has a headache or feels sick follow the same instructions as above. Also lovely just to leave the flannel on your forehead for a while. Refresh the flannel after a few minutes.
Pour around 10 drops of lavender essential oil into a bowl of warm water to wash down surfaces. It is antibacterial and leaves a wonderfully fresh aroma. A great thing to do in these pandemic times. Smells lovely and provides a high level of protection.
Feeling stressed, sick or tired? Just put a couple of drops of lavender into the palm of your hand, rub hands together and breath in deeply.
Put a few drops of neat lavender onto a cloth and gently wipe it over freshly made bed. It will seem as if there is nothing on the cloth but the fragrance will transfer easily. Do this before going to bed for a lovely soothing aroma.
Pour 10 drops into the bath after the water has run and swish around.
Pour 5 drops in 10ml (1 x dessertspoonful) of vegetable oil for body massage or 2 drops in 10ml (1 x dessertspoonful) of vegetable oil for facial massage.
Sprinkle a few drops under mats, towels etc. for subtle aroma.
With so many properties and after years of decanting lavender and giving it to fiends and family with a hand written label that will run after a few uses no matter how careful I am to seal it, I decided to run some rather gorgeous Angelico Lavender essential oil labels in both 10ml and 30 ml sizes.
LISTEN TO YOUR SKIN - It’s trying to tell you something
It’s trying to tell you something
HYDROTHERAPY
a natural re-boot for your body
About a year ago I watched an interview with Tony Robbins, just about the best known life coach there is. From this interview I took away three lifestyle tips that literally changed my life. One of these tips was the use of hydrotherapy in my everyday life.
Hydrotherapy is when you plunge yourself from hot to cold water resulting in a wonderful sense of wellbeing and energy as well as improved skin tone, better general health and lower stress levels. This occurs because blood rushes from the extremities to the vital organs and boosts the central nervous system when the body is taken from from hot to cold. A bit like a re-boot!
