Camphor Oil is one of those unsung heroes. It is so good for pain relief, aching muscles and inflammation and has a warming and cooling feeling all at the same time. It is known as a stimulant, antiseptic, decongestant, sedative and nervous pacifier. It benefits the activity of the circulatory system, metabolism, digestion and consequently the excretion from the body. I believe it’s also good for putting in your wardrobe to ward off those pesky moths.
When travelling, camphor oil can be safely added to drinking water to disinfect it, especially during the summer and in rainy seasons when infection of water is greater. An open bottle of camphor oil or putting some on a cloth drives away insects and kills germs. When put into the bath, camphor oil disinfects the whole body externally and can kill lice or other parasites or bugs that maybe on your body.
So grab yourself a bottle of camphor and sing the praises of this unsung hero. Happy June.
If you’d like to know more about Aromatherapy at the Centre visit our page here or call 01394 388234.
To find out more about Victoria Lily visit her page here.
Hygge
Spring may be just around the corner, I can almost smell it in the air, but I feel we may have a few more of those cold, cosy days ahead before spring is officially launched for 2017.
Have you heard of the practice of Hygge? It comes from Denmark and in simple terms is the art of cosiness. The Danish are considered to be the happiest nation in the world. We all want to be happy and the art of cosiness is one way to help with this. How about lighting a few natural (not scented) candles, put on a feel-good film, or read a good book and wrap a big cosy blanket around you. If you have a dog or cat or person, snuggle up with them too!
As well as natural candles, you could burn some essential oils in an oil burner. Some lovely oils for this would be Lavender for relaxation, Ginger for warming and Frankincense to help you breathe more deeply. Some of the more spicy oils that I have written about in previous months would be lovely, cosy and uplifting too. Try making the last few weeks of winter a cosy, uplifting, nurturing place to be ready for all those fresh spring energies that will arrive in March.
If you’d like to know more about Aromatherapy at the Centre visit our page here or call 01394 388234.
To find out more about Victoria Lily visit her page here.
It’s nearly Christmas and this month I’ve chosen two aromas of the month, Frankincense and Myrrh. Both are wonderful oils, especially for this time of year. Merry Christmas xx
Frankincense – Comforter of Sorrow, Spiritual Healing & Support.
Frankincense is excellent for grief, loss, and letting go. It is best known for its enduring emotional and spiritual support. A fortifying essence to the mind and emotions, Frankincense oil slows and deepens cellular respiration and has the characteristic effect of comforting and centering you during times of distress. Frankincense is also helpful for overcoming and dispelling fear and taking action, and is beneficial for releasing negative mental and emotional states such as low self-esteem, lack of confidence, insecurity and anxiety. The quintessential oil for letting go and allowing whatever happens to be okay, use Frankincense essential oil to promote your spiritual awakening and to enhance your meditation practice.
Myrrh – Soothing & Restorative Tonic
Traditionally Myrrh oil has been used for enhancing spiritual and emotional well being. It is an excellent aid to healthy functioning of the limbic (emotional center) of your brain. Myrrh oil wakes up cell tissues and enhances the physical energetic centers of the body. Its vibrant and resonant effect on cell tissues makes Myrrh oil a wonderful tonic for your body, mind and emotions.
Victoria Lily Reflexology
If you’d like to know more about Aromatherapy at the Centre visit our page here or call 01394 388234.
To find out more about Victoria Lily visit her page here.
The oil of the month for November is Nutmeg Oil.
Nutmeg is well known as a cooking ingredient and as a delicious addition to many dishes. However, it isn’t just popular in cooking, it also has therapeutic properties. The ancient Chinese and Indian cultures have used it as medicine and now we also use it in various ways in our western society.
As an essential oil Nutmeg is a natural treatment to aid digestive issues, arthritis, halitosis, exhaustion and anxiety related symptoms. It can also help with concentration and detoxing.
When used as massage oil, Nutmeg may help to relieve muscle pain, swelling, inflammation and help promote good circulation. Oil of Nutmeg is a natural painkiller and very good for menstrual cramps. Nutmeg Oil has a sedative and calming effect; it can therefore help to improve the quality of sleep and apparently makes dreams quite colourful.
During this time of bugs and colds, Nutmeg oil can be helpful with respiratory and breathing conditions including Asthma.
As it is the season of the Pumpkin, I will leave you with this lovely recipe from BBC Good Food website, which of course includes Nutmeg.
Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients
750g/1lb 10oz pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled, deseeded and cut into chunks
350g sweet shortcrust pastry
plain flour, for dusting
140g caster sugar
½ tsp salt
½ tsp fresh nutmeg, grated
1 tsp cinnamon
2 eggs beaten
25gbutter, melted
175ml milk
1 tbsp icing sugar
Method
Place the pumpkin in a large saucepan, cover with water and bring to the boil. Cover with a lid and simmer for 15 mins or until tender. Drain pumpkin; let cool.
Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface and use it to line a 22cm loose-bottomed tart tin. Chill for 15 mins.
Line the pastry with baking parchment and baking beans, then bake for 15 mins. Remove the beans and paper, and cook for a further 10 mins until the base is pale golden and biscuity. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
Increase oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Push the cooled pumpkin through a sieve into a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, salt, nutmeg and half the cinnamon. Mix in the beaten eggs, melted butter and milk, then add to the pumpkin purée and stir to combine.
Pour into the tart shell and cook for 10 mins, then reduce the temperature to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.
Continue to bake for 35-40 mins until the filling has just set.
Leave to cool, then remove the pie from the tin. Mix the remaining cinnamon with the icing sugar and dust over the pie. Serve chilled.
Victoria Lily Reflexology
If you’d like to know more about Aromatherapy at the Centre visit our page here or call 01394 388234.
To find out more about Victoria Lily visit her page here.