Aromatherapy • Mar 3, 2025
Springtime Renewal: An Aromatic Guide
The Spring Equinox The Spring Equinox on the 20th of March brings with it the potential of new beginnings, warmer weather and days spent outdoors. This astronomical event marks the official beginning of Spring, when the sun crosses the equator, resulting in equal periods of day and night: it’s a moment of celestial balance and […]
Aromatherapy • Feb 6, 2025
Aromatic Aphrodisiacs: In the Mood for Love
Alluring Aromatics In India, the Hindu God of Love, Kama or Kamadeva is depicted with a bow shooting arrows adorned with fragrant flowers or an arrow tipped with jasmine oil. The most famous sexual manual of all, ‘The Kama Sutra’ or ‘The Scripture of Love’ contains many references to aromatics being essential for the art […]
Aromatherapy • Jan 3, 2025
New Year Reset: 10 Self-Care Rituals for Every Day
Using essential oils as a natural part of our daily routine is something simple to incorporate into an uplifting, self-care strategy for the New Year. If we don’t take care of ourselves, then we’re never at our best for others: self-care is therefore essential and the start of the New Year is a great time […]
Aromatherapy • Dec 5, 2024
Christmas DIY aromatherapy recipes, perfect for gifting
Here are a few festive aromatic recipes from my new beautifully illustrated book ‘The Botanical Home’ published by Hale coming out in April 2025. All these classic Christmas treats are easy to make and make wonderful gifts: a lovely and creative, craft-inspired pastime to do with children. Festive Scented Candles Why not try making your […]
Aromatherapy • Nov 6, 2024
Warm up to Christmas with the art of ‘Hygge’ & Aromatherapy
“walking in the woods today, leaves tumbling down make delicate patterns strewn across the ground, trampled underfoot, burnt reds and golden brown” – London, November 2024 Rest well & stress less As Autumn turns to Winter in the coming weeks, it is good to make the most of the seasonal changes: this a wonderful time […]
Aromatherapy • Oct 3, 2024
A Guide to Vitamins & Nutrients in Natural Skincare: Their benefits & where to source them
How to nourish your skin naturally in the colder months Autumn and winter are the ideal seasons to feed your skin and to treat yourself (and others) to skin conditioning treatments. Many oils such as argan oil, jojoba oil or rosehip seed oil, will not only help to moisturise your skin and your scalp naturally, […]
Aromatherapy • Sep 6, 2024
The Benefits of Nature Therapy
‘Nature in our daily life should be thought of as part of our biological need’ – Christopher Alexander from ‘A Pattern Language’ What is Nature Therapy? Nature therapy is an emerging form of psychotherapy based on the idea that we are all connected to and impacted by the natural environment. A growing body of scientific […]
Aromatherapy • Aug 5, 2024
Summer Self-Care: Radiant Skin in Three Easy Steps!
Caring for your health is one of the most important ways of looking after yourself – both body and mind – which will reap benefits now and in the future. In the warmer months especially, it is vital to drink enough water, wear sun protection, eat a fresh wholesome diet and perform a daily exercise which […]
Beauty • Jul 2, 2024
Teenage Skincare: Simple Tips For Naturally Beautiful Skin
Our contemporary society and culture and especially social media today has trained us to think that whatever we look like, isn’t good enough. We’re constantly encouraged to try to achieve the perfect image, the perfect look and the perfect skin. But ‘perfect’ only exists in a photoshop world! At present there is a social media […]
Aromatherapy • Jun 4, 2024
Aromatherapy Support for Men’s Health & Wellness
Men’s Health Week Men’s Health Week falls this month between the 10th-16th June and is aimed at encouraging men to take responsibility for their health by promoting different means by which they can enhance both their physical and mental well-being. One of the first basic steps to a greater sense of fulfilment is that of […]
Aromatherapy • Apr 30, 2024
An Aromatherapy Approach to Supporting Woman’s Health
Female Hormonal Fluctuations & Changes Many of the health issues specific to women involve hormonal changes brought about by menstruation, which generally starts between the ages of 10 to 15, or by the menopause when the monthly cycle ends, between the ages of 45 to 55 years. Pain associated with menstruation is called dysmenorrhea and […]
Folklore • Apr 3, 2024
The Scent of Spring: Rebirth, Renewal & Regeneration
April is all about rebirth and renewal. All of nature is waking up: the woods are full of swathes of pure-white wood anemones, there are fresh green leaves on the trees and more hours of daylight to enjoy. It’s the moment when Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, returns from her sojourn with Hades in the […]
Aromatherapy • Mar 1, 2024
The Vernal Equinox: Aromatic Spring Cleaning & Space Clearing
The Vernal or Spring equinox which falls between the 19th- 21st March every year is the time when the sun is exactly above the equator, so the day and night are of equal length. For the ancient Romans, the spring equinox was a day to celebrate the deity Cybele, a goddess closely associated with nature […]
Aromatherapy • Feb 2, 2024
Sleep Well: An Aromatic Approach
Sleep Patterns Sleep is vital to our sense of well-being. The amount of sleep we require is different for everyone. But one thing is certain: we all need adequate sleep to perform our daily tasks as well as to keep our energy levels and spirits up! Sleep deprivation can also have a significant impact on […]
Folklore • Jan 5, 2024
New Year Nature Rituals & The Finnish Herbal Tradition
“We need to return to learning about the land by being on the land, or better, by being in the thick of it. That is the best way we can stay in touch with the fates of its creatures, its indigenous cultures, its earthbound wisdom. That is the best way we can be in touch […]
Aromatherapy • Dec 1, 2023
Festive Aromatics: The Origins & Tradition of Giving Gifts
The Origins of Gift-Giving Gift-giving is an ancient tradition and is found in all cultures across the world. Apart from helping to maintain friendly relations between individuals, it was also used as a means of building bonds of trust between different tribes or groups of people. The winter solstice, which usually falls on December 21st, […]
Aromatherapy • Nov 2, 2023
The Healing Benefits of Winter Bathing Rituals
In winter especially, the ritual of relaxing in a warm bath can provide a comforting antidote to cold weather and lack of sunshine. Even the wild snow monkeys of Japan have learnt to enjoy bathing in the natural hot springs of Jigokudani Park in winter! The benefits of taking a hot bath have been well […]
Aromatherapy • Oct 2, 2023
Autumn Wellness: The Value of using Diffusion Blends in Preventing Airborne Infections
The Restorative Power of Winter Autumn is the season for retreat, rest and renewal. The leaves on the trees start to change colour and the wind has a restless quality, bringing them tumbling to the ground. Nature creates the perfect environment for all forms of life to recover over the autumn and wintertime, in preparation […]
Aromatherapy • Sep 8, 2023
Back to Work & School: Essential Oils which help focus the Mind
It can be hard to get back to work or return to school or college after the summer holidays. Using essential oils to help refocus our mind for studying and re-energize our body to resume a daily routine can be very beneficial. This is because many oils have a range of stimulating, uplifting and memory-enhancing […]
Aromatherapy • Aug 2, 2023
Introducing our new range of body oils
The importance of allowing your skin to breathe Looking after your skin using our new range of natural botanical Body Oils is a way of caring for your body in the longer term. Changes in temperature, humidity and UV exposure can all affect our skin on a daily basis, since it constantly responds to environmental […]
Aromatherapy • Jul 6, 2023
My Favourite Oils for an Essential Summer Holiday Kit
Essential oils are ideal for travel Natural botanical oils make the perfect holiday companions as they are extremely versatile, compact, lightweight and easy to use! The fact they are so multifunctional means some oils such as tea tree, chamomile or lavender have been nicknamed a ‘mini first aid kit in a bottle! For example, a […]
Aromatherapy • Jun 6, 2023
Roses & the Aromatic Herbs of Shakespeare
‘I know a bank where the wild thyme blows, Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows, Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine, With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine…’ – Oberon: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act 2, Scene 1 Elizabethan Gardens The plays of William Shakespeare reflect his great affinity for flowers and aromatic plants. Elizabethan […]
Aromatherapy • May 4, 2023
Aromatics from Trees & the Therapeutic Effects of Walking in Woods
My daughter Tasha has recently returned from a trip to Japan where she spent some time hiking in the magnificent cedar forests of the Japanese Alps, as well as walking part of the ancient Nakasendo trail. Part of the route passes through much of the largely untouched and rural Kiso valley, that between the early […]
Aromatherapy • Apr 5, 2023
Tracing Nature Through the Year: The Poetic Beauty of Japan’s 72 Micro-seasons
‘Spring – through Morning mist, What mountain’s there’ – Basho The tradition of ‘Hanami’ The Japanese are renowned for their love of nature. This is epitomised by their annual national festival held simply in order to view the appearance of the first cherry blossoms in Spring. The tradition of ‘Hanami’ 花見 or ‘flower viewing’ is […]
Aromatherapy • Mar 2, 2023
Mud, Salt + Medicine: Essential Oil Blends and Recipes for Natural Healing
My new book, Mud Salt + Medicine has launched I’m very happy to announce the launch of my new book ‘Mud, Salt + Medicine’ on March 2nd. I have been quietly researching the material for this publication for several years, especially the section dedicated to the various forms of aromatic bathing found within the different […]
Aromatherapy • Feb 13, 2023
Focus on Eucalyptus Oil: A Traditional Folk Medicine
The Eucalyptus Genus The Eucalyptus genus belongs to the Myrtaceae botanical family, along with many other important aromatic plants which produce essential oils, such as the Melaleuca genus which includes tea tree oil as well as Myrtus, which includes myrtle oil. There are over 700 species of eucalyptus of which at least 500 produce a […]
Aromatherapy • Jan 4, 2023
How to Make a Natural Aromatherapy Reed Diffuser
How to make a natural aromatherapy reed diffuser at home Homemade reed diffusers are easy to make, cost very little and make a lovely aesthetic alternative to the more standard oil burners or electric diffusers. Placed in a kitchen or bathroom, for example, they will emit an ongoing gentle fragrance and provide a healthy, hygienic […]
Aromatherapy • Nov 18, 2022
The Ritual of the Sauna & the Benefits of Aromatic Bathing
The ritual of the sauna & the benefits of aromatic bathing Bathing in thermal water is one of the earliest therapeutic practices. The origin of the word ‘spa’ is from the Latin phrase, salus per aquae meaning simply: ‘health through water’. In early civilizations, people around the world believed that ritual bathing in the thermal […]
Aromatherapy • Oct 31, 2022
Creating Homemade Aromatherapy Christmas Gifts
Some ideas for hand-made aromatic Christmas gifts Herbs, spices and perfumes have traditionally played a major role during the festive season. The power of fragrance is well known for its ability to stir the creative imagination while the warmth of spices can help to ward off any colds and chills over the winter months. Perfumes […]
Aromatherapy • Oct 17, 2022
Scientific Study on Rosemary Oil & the Effects of Essential Oils on the Brain
The effects of rosemary oil on memory I watched a programme recently on Channel 4 and was interested to see that in part of the show, an experiment was conducted live on air regarding the effects of rosemary essential oil on short-term memory and cognition. Two groups were identified and each given tasks to remember […]
Wellbeing • Sep 16, 2022
An Aromatic Journey: Tips for Autumn Seed Collecting
Growing aromatic plants from seeds Growing aromatic plants from seeds you have gathered yourself is one of the greatest pleasures of gardening. Many herbs are easy to grow from seed such as dill, coriander, fennel, cumin, parsley and anise as well as many other plants used in aromatherapy including marigold, borage and lemon balm. I […]
Beauty • Aug 6, 2022
Daily Skincare Rituals: Moisturising
How moisturising your skin can slow down wrinkles According to the British Journal of Dermatologists, those people who moisturise their skin regularly accumulate wrinkles at a fraction of the rate of those with dry or dehydrated skin. One of the pioneers of aromatherapy, the French cosmetologist Marguerite Maury, recommended using essential oils to promote a […]
Beauty • Jul 2, 2022
Daily Skincare Rituals: Toning
Our top natural skincare toners Toners are light liquids that are applied to the face and neck directly or applied to a recyclable cotton pad (or ideally a reusable washable pad) to gently remove the last traces of a cleanser or any remaining make up before moisturising. Toners should always be applied directly after thoroughly […]
Beauty • Jun 2, 2022
Daily Skincare Rituals: Cleansing
Our top natural skincare routine It is important to cleanse our face daily to maintain a clear complexion. No other part of our body is exposed to as many chemicals and grime – from makeup, city pollution or just from the dust in the air. Gradually, a build-up of dirt and grease seeps into the […]
Aromatherapy • May 17, 2022
Hair Care: An Aromatherapy Approach
Looking after our hair can be a pleasurable and rewarding experience since our hair says a lot about how we feel about ourselves. The condition of our hair is also a good indicator of our overall state of health and well-being.
Aromatherapy • Apr 6, 2022
The Psychology of Scent: The Language of Dreams
According to Luca Turin in his book, ‘The Secret of Scent’, just 3% of the money we pay for a mainstream perfume pays for the fragrance content: the other 97% is the bill for selling us the dream…
Aromatherapy • Mar 24, 2022
Essential Oils and Pets: Some Safety Guidelines
Just as we need to take care when using essential oils for ourselves within the home, we also need to be aware when we use essential oils around our pets. Although pure essential oils are entirely natural products…
Aromatherapy • Feb 14, 2022
Myrtle: Symbol of Love & Beauty
The Common Myrtle (Myrtus Communis) is a small evergreen tree with dainty aromatic leaves, bearing an abundance of sweetly-scented, star-like, white flowers throughout summer. Primarily native to the Mediterranean region, myrtle is commonly found growing across Southern Europe since it is well-adapted to the dry soils and temperate conditions found there. The common myrtle also […]
Aromatherapy • Jan 20, 2022
Mood, Memory & The Language of Flowers
Rather than making New Year resolutions this January, I have found myself having New Year reflections instead. The start of the year is always a time for creating new daily patterns and I found myself thinking about the influence that certain plants and scents have on our lives … and how we can utilise them […]
Aromatherapy • Dec 16, 2021
Christmas Gift Ideas
Christmas has almost arrived and as this time of year is always busy with festivities, here are some ideas for gifts for family and friends which can be bought online and sent directly to the recipients via Aqua Oleum. In our gift section on the website we have some unique presents including our Blending Notebook […]
Aromatherapy • Nov 30, 2021
Winter Skincare Tips
How winter can affect the skin During autumn and winter, due to the colder temperatures and increased exposure to central heating, our skin can start to look pale, tired and dull. This is especially true when we end up spending a lot of time indoors, as is the case now that many of us are […]
Aromatherapy • Sep 6, 2021
Focus on the mint family: Practical home tips
While walking in Pembrokeshire along the coastal paths recently, my daughter and I came across swathes of wild mint growing in the hedgerows near St David’s. There are about 14 or 15 species of mint growing in the UK, most of which have very aromatic leaves but I couldn’t be sure which hybrid this was: […]
Aromatherapy • Aug 17, 2021
The Science of Essential Oils
From ancient times, essential oils have been valued as healing & cosmetic agents, especially for their rejuvenating & anti-aging qualities. Scientific research is now confirming many of the traditional usages of essential oils as well as making new and valuable discoveries. For example, it is now being found that essential oils interact with our own […]
Aromatherapy • Aug 4, 2021
Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Science of Longevity
In March this year, I participated in an Ayurvedic workshop to coincide with the Spring Equinox. Ayurveda is a very ancient Indian health system, also known as the ‘science of longevity’, since it guides the individual on how to live a long life using a variety of naturopathic techniques: ayur means ‘life or longevity’; veda […]
Beauty • Jul 25, 2021
Summer Extremes: Heat Protection Using Aromatics
July has seen unprecedented heat waves and wild fires in the US and Canada while catastrophic floods hit Germany and Belgium in recent weeks. Late July also brought some very hot weather to the UK and early August is predicted to bringing more spells of strong heat. Although the sunshine is most welcome after our […]
Aromatherapy • Jun 29, 2021
The Effects Of Climate Change & Aromatic Plants For The Respiratory System
In June I visited the Ventnor Botanic Gardens on the south coast of the Isle of Wight for the first time. These twenty-two acre subtropical gardens have an unusual climate which is more akin to the Mediterranean region which enables a wide variety of plants considered too tender for much of mainland Britain to be […]
Aromatherapy • May 24, 2021
Spa: The Benefits of Aromatic Bathing
‘I am sure there are things that can’t be cured by a good bath, but I can’t think of one…’ – Sylvia Plath, ‘The Bell Jar’ The therapeutic benefits of the naturalistic spa tradition with its emphasis on bathing in hot springs and having a direct sensory experience, has been well documented within many cultures. […]
Aromatherapy • May 5, 2021
The Perfect Springtime Boost: Focus on Fragonia
I am very happy to say that we’ve now got fragonia essential oil back in stock. It is one of my favourite essential oils and seems to be ideally suited to the spring of 2021 with its lovely bright-citrusy aroma and its excellent immune-stimulant and naturally purifying qualities. There is quite a story behind this […]
Aromatherapy • Mar 5, 2021
The Art of Blending
Learning how to blend essential oils is a skilled art form, much like painting a picture or cooking a fine meal. Like any skill, the first requirement is to become familiar with the raw materials themselves: in this case the various natural aromatic materials at our disposal. Then by becoming familiar with the different ‘families’ […]
Aromatherapy • Feb 22, 2021
Something Unique: Healing our Body, Emotions & Mind with Aromatherapy
We are facing a mental health crisis today due to the covid pandemic. Anxiety, stress & fear are all around: many of us have suffered panic attacks, grief, loss, separation and a sense of loneliness or despair over the past year. At such times it becomes very clear that we are social creatures and we […]
Aromatherapy • Jan 27, 2021
‘Defence’ & ‘Mountain Air’ Diffusion Blends: A Naturopathic Approach to Prevention
At the end of November 2020, I was involved in organising a series of lectures offering advice and help in dealing with the covid epidemic. Several international experts spoke about the current pandemic from different perspectives, but I think the most important aspect which was discussed and relevant to everyone from a naturopathic point of […]
Wellbeing • Dec 11, 2020
Winter Remedial Advice: The Use of Spices in Traditional Tibetan Medicine
As a follow up to my blog on Naturopathic Ways of dealing with epidemics from the perspective of ‘prevention’, here is some advice on the use of spices in the context of Tibetan Medicine. The Tibetan medical approach has a great deal in common with aromatherapy, in that it traditionally employs herbs, spices and aromatic […]
Aromatherapy • Dec 3, 2020
Protect & Prevent: Supporting the Immune System
How the Immune System Functions The immune response is orchestrated by three distinct groups of cells, the phagocytes, the ‘T’ cells and the ‘B’ cells. These all originate from white blood cells in the bone marrow and serve to protect the body from infection. If this defensive barrier is damaged for some reason, the body […]
Aromatherapy • Sep 10, 2020
The Benefits of Exercise: How Aromatherapy can Help us Stay Fit
One of the ‘silver linings’ of the recent months of lockdown has been the fact that nature has had a chance to recover from some of the effects of human activity. Pollution levels in large European cities dropped to the lowest levels recorded for decades; in urban places, bird song could be heard above the […]
Beauty • Jul 30, 2020
Flower Waters & Hydrosols: What is the Difference?
Flower Waters also known as floral waters, are light, aromatic aqua-based fragrances which have been used since antiquity but are now enjoying a massive contemporary revival. Their sheer versatility makes them ideally suited to our modern urban lifestyle where each flower water has a range of specific properties and benefits: for example, a bottle of […]
Aromatherapy • Jun 19, 2020
Aromatherapy for Men: Plus some Blending Ideas
Aromatherapy has much to offer men as well as women. Many men are taking more care of their personal appearance these days and choosing natural products to enhance their health. There are many essential oils and carrier oils that offer health and wellbeing benefits for men of all ages. Applying natural oils, such as jojoba […]
Wellbeing • May 23, 2020
The Wisdom of the Senses & Trusting our Intuition
This week is mental health week and we have all had plenty of time to reflect on our mental wellbeing and on our own personal struggles over the past few months. As an authorised meditation instructor, I thought that I would be well prepared and adapted to spending time in isolation and maintaining a sense […]
Wellbeing • Apr 29, 2020
Dealing with Stress: The Challenges of Living in Lockdown
The challenges of being in lockdown come in all different shapes and sizes: some people are experiencing the loneliness of feeling isolated from friends and family; others are juggling home schooling whilst working from home and trying to keep family life on track; others are facing redundancy or financial worries …. or a combination of […]
Beauty • Feb 11, 2020
The Benefits of Carrier Oils for your Skin
What are ‘Carrier’ Oils? Botanical or vegetable oils are made up of dense liquid lipids or fats. Whereas essential oils are ‘volatile’ in nature, all vegetable oils are ‘fixed’: this means that if you spill a little sweet almond oil on your sleeve it will stain your garment, whereas an essential oil which is naturally […]
Aromatherapy • Jan 27, 2020
Aromatherapy Tips for Promoting Health & Fitness
Developing Healthy Routines & Rituals We all want to begin the year with an upbeat attitude! Central to being healthy is following a nutritious diet, maintaining a positive state of mind and getting enough exercise. But keeping fit is not just about increasing the number of steps we take each day or taking up a […]
Aromatherapy • Dec 17, 2019
Myrrh: Myth & Medicine
‘A garden enclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates with pleasant fruits: camphire and spikenard, saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes with all the chief spices.’ The scented garden as described in the Bible in the ‘Song […]
Aromatherapy • Nov 1, 2019
The Benefits of Festive Spices
As winter approaches we are instinctively drawn to the immediate warmth and comforting effect that spices have on our entire system, both physically and emotionally. It is interesting to look further into the therapeutic properties of some of our individual festive spices and their benefits both from a traditional herbal perspective and within the aromatherapy […]
Aromatherapy • Oct 19, 2019
An Ancient Legacy: The Magic of Herbs & Aromatics
“The sense of smell is the most important factor in the laying of spells on people: magic, in order to achieve the greatest potency, must enter through the nose” – R. Lovell, A Complete Herball, 1665 The Origins of Halloween The custom of celebrating Halloween on the 31 st October began as the ancient Celtic […]
Wellbeing • Sep 22, 2019
Norway: Healing Through Nature
I have just returned from a trip to Norway where the forces of nature are plain to see! Magnificent deep fjords cut into the landscape and sculpt the coastline, having been carved out by glaciers over a period of 2.5 million years. This is something both unique and awe-inspiring! To my mind, the Scandinavians have […]
Aromatherapy • Aug 28, 2019
Capturing the Scent of Summer: My new ‘Essential Aromatherapy Garden’ book
In August, during the heat of the summer, many of the most highly fragrant plants are in full bloom. Here in Tuscany, the warm air is suffused with the richly perfumed scents of damask roses, sprays of classic lavender and mountain herbs such as wild thyme, marjoram and sage. I find it impossible to walk […]
Beauty • Jul 8, 2019
A Summer Guide: How to Use our Hand-made Flower Waters
Aqua Oleum supplies a wide range of unique, hand-made floral waters, which are produced in our artisan laboratory in the Cotswolds. These light, aromatic aqua-based fragrances have been used since antiquity but are now enjoying a contemporary revival. Their sheer versatility makes them ideally suited to our modern urban lifestyle where we want our products […]
Wellbeing • Jun 3, 2019
Deep Sleep: Introducing our new Diffusion Blend
Sleep is vital to our sense of well-being. The amount of sleep we require is different for everyone. But one thing is certain: we all need adequate sleep in order to perform our daily tasks and to keep our energy levels and spirits up! Sleep experts suggest that most adults require between seven and eight […]
Occasions • Jan 28, 2019
New Year Rituals
Now the Christmas lights have been taken down and the festive decorations have been packed away, it is a natural time to think: ”Well, what now?” Spending some quiet time reflecting on our achievements and mistakes over the past year and assessing our goals for the months ahead is a healthy and constructive way to […]
Aromatherapy • Nov 7, 2018
The ‘Botanical Bible’ & a Winter Body Oil Recipe
I was fortunate to attend the launch of the ‘Botanical Bible’ in London recently, a beautifully illustrated book written by Sonya Patel Ellis which has just been published by William Collins. It represents a very ambitious project in that it covers not only the evolutionary history of botanical plants but also their prominent cultural role […]
Aromatherapy • Aug 21, 2018
Mountain Treasure: Aroma-therapeutic Benefits of Juniperberry
Here in Colorado, on the slopes of the Rocky Mountains, the trees need to be tough to survive the hard winters and the parched dry summers of this high- altitude terrain. The highest-known juniper forests occurs at altitudes of over 16,000 feet in south-eastern Tibet and the northern Himalayas, creating one of the highest tree-lines […]
Beauty • Jun 23, 2018
Summer Sun: Myths & Facts
The summer holidays are coming which provides valuable timeout from our regular routine and the opportunity to relax and replenish our body and mind. Summer time also generally means we need to pay extra attention to our skin to protect ourselves against the harmful effects of exposure to excessive ultra- violet rays. UV light is […]
Aromatherapy • May 23, 2018
Yoga & Aromatherapy: Make your own Bespoke Yoga Mat Spray
What does Yoga mean to you? Yoga is everywhere nowadays! You can find yoga classes on every street and the benefits of yoga are broadcast far and wide on the internet: but what is yoga? To some people it is simply an exercise as a means to promote physical flexibility or to lose weight; to […]
Occasions • Apr 16, 2018
Getting Inspired: The ‘Revelation’ of Spring
As a passionate gardener, the sight of the fresh green buds pushing through the earth and the first blossoms opening is always a revelation to me in Spring. This is the time of year to get ‘hands on’ and start growing your own aromatics. It is great fun to sift through seed packets (either online […]
Aromatherapy • Feb 23, 2018
Sex, Scent and our Emotional Brain: How Aromatics Alter our Moods…
In the 21 st Century, the era of science and technology, scent remains one of the last territories of the irrational. This is because our sense of smell is processed via the limbic system, also known as ‘the emotional brain’, which is beyond our logical control yet connects us directly to our primitive instincts. It […]
Occasions • Dec 18, 2017
Perfume: The Original Christmas Gift
Perfume has always been has been called the ‘language of dreams’ and one only needs to look at the way in which fragrances are marketed by glancing at the adverts on your TV or computer over the Christmas period to see the truth in this! But the perfumes of today are a far cry from […]
Aromatherapy • Nov 15, 2017
The Allure of Spices & How to Make a Warming Winter Body Oil
The changing seasons are something to be enjoyed and celebrated in the UK. Winter brings with it the promise of clear frosty nights and the festive cheer of Christmas with the pleasure of traditional warm spicy scents, such as cinnamon, ginger and clove mixed with aromas of pine needles and oranges. It is no wonder […]
Aromatherapy • Oct 10, 2017
Jojoba Oil: Your Skin’s Best Friend
Jojoba Oil is extracted from Simmondsia chinensis, a small shrub native to the warm, dry regions of south-western North America, with broad thick waxy leaves, small greenish-yellow flowers and bearing oval brown nuts. It was originally named Buxus sinensis due to a botanical misunderstanding that it came from China. The premium quality oil is cold […]
Beauty • Jun 6, 2017
Rose: The Eternal Fragrance of Love
“No perfume without rose” This old perfumery saying sums up the popularity and enduring appeal of the rose. Often hailed as the ‘Queen of Flowers’, the rose has held a prominent place in the mythology of cultures both in the East and West for thousands of years. It is widely recognized across the world over […]
Beauty • May 14, 2017
The Truth about Organic Beauty
Beware of ‘Greenwashing’ What is there not to like about ‘going organic’ since it presents a ‘win-win’ contract between ourselves and the planet? Today, the trend towards buying organic beauty and well-being products is certainly on the rise, especially amongst younger people, following the already established popularity of organic food, which can now be found […]
Aromatherapy • Apr 19, 2017
Remarkable Properties of Organic Argan Oil
I would like to introduce our new range of six organic carrier oils, including the remarkable argan oil! Argan oil makes a superb, 100% natural moisturizing and nourishing agent for the skin and hair! The exceptional health giving properties of this precious oil, which is extracted from the nut of a small tree native to […]
Beauty • Feb 14, 2017
The Life-Giving Powers of ‘Water and Oil’
Hippocrates, the Father of Modern Medicine recommended that the supreme path to good health & a long life was to have an aromatic bath and a massage using scented oils applied to the skin every day! Here are ten ways to benefit from the life-giving powers of water and oil … or ‘aqua’ and ‘oleum’. […]
Beauty • Feb 8, 2017
How To Make Your Own Facial Serum
Facial Oils & Natural Skincare DIY natural skincare is growing in popularity because of how effective it is at dramatically improving the health of our skin. One product that has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years is the increased use of botanical facial oils – or skin serums – as opposed to […]
Wellbeing • Jan 26, 2017
Importance of Water for Health & Weight Loss
Water as a Detox Aid Pure water is vital for the effective functioning of our body with approximately 70% of our body mass being made up of it! Water is essential in order for us to removes toxins and waste products from our organs and to deliver essential nutrients to all our cells. Since we […]
Occasions • Dec 13, 2016
A Quintessential Finnish Christmas Tradition
In Finland, as well as in other parts of Scandinavia and northern Europe, it is customary to make intricate mobiles, known as a ‘himmeli, out of lengths of wheat or rye straws at Christmas. I always remember enjoying doing this as a child as the result was so delicate and beautiful to look at… indeed, […]
Wellbeing • Oct 20, 2016
Banish Winter Blues
As the nights get longer and we spend more time inside, it is easy to start feeling wistful for the summer days spent outside in the open air… but autumn and winter can also be the time to recharge our batteries and get cosy indoors by investing in a good vaporiser to make our home […]
Aromatherapy • Sep 14, 2016
The Dangers of Taking Essential Oils Internally
This is an excerpt from an article written for the Canadian Aromatherapy Association: BCAPA. I wrote the article because of a growing concern I have regarding an increase in members of public in the UK enquiring about taking essential oils internally. I want to make absolutely clear that the UK official Aromatherapy policy as supported […]
Aromatherapy • Aug 8, 2016
In Praise of Lavender
I am writing this having just returned from Tuscany where the scents of the mountain herbs and statuesque cypress trees permeate the warm air. Still fresh in my mind, their soft fragrance has reminded me of the vast variety of plants we have adopted from the Mediterranean region and how much we owe to this […]
Beauty • Jun 29, 2016
My Ideal Aromatherapy Holiday Kit
The summer holidays have almost arrived … a time when we can look forward to unwinding from the stresses of our everyday lives and relax in the company of family or friends. Natural oils are a fantastic & pleasurable way of caring for our skin when exposed to the sun, both as a light protection […]
Beauty • Jun 6, 2016
The Amazing Power of Flower Waters
We have recently increased our range of 100% natural, handmade flower waters due to popular demand. These light, aromatic aqua-based fragrances have been used since antiquity but are now enjoying a massive contemporary revival, especially during the summer months. Their sheer versatility makes them ideally suited to our modern urban lifestyle where we want our […]
Wellbeing • Feb 25, 2016
The Finnish Sauna Tradition
I have recently returned from a trip to Finland to see my family and to visit Rauma, the birthplace of my mother Kerttu. My mother was the original founder of Aqua Oleum, having started the business in the early 1970’s, then known simply as ‘The Natural Essence Company’, since she was a great advocate of […]
Aromatherapy • Dec 1, 2015
Focus on Frankincense Oil
Frankincense essential oil is extracted from the oleo-gum resin of a small tree, native to the Red Sea region. Frankincense is best known as one of the gifts offered to Jesus at his birth, along with myrrh and gold, which indicates how highly prized it was in the ancient world. Indeed, this precious substance has […]
Aromatherapy • Nov 4, 2015
Love Your Skin Using Natural Oils
“Our skin absorbs over 70% of whatever we put on it during the day, such as make-up, so it is vital that at night we ensure our pores are allowed to breathe freely. Cleansing the face thoroughly in the evening before retiring is therefore a key factor in keeping our skin looking fresh, youthful and […]
Aromatherapy • Oct 12, 2015
The Art of Blending & Training our Sense of Smell
“Training and using our noses is very important in perfumery but it is also a way of being intimate with oneself. The experience of really smelling something with awareness and enquiry is meditative. Our mind becomes still as the sensation is felt in non-rational parts of the mind… We should aspire to practice perfumery just […]
Beauty • Aug 18, 2015
Tips on Summer Skin Care Using Essential Oils
With our skin exposed to the sun & the elements during the summer months, here are some tips on how to care for different types of complexion & help to continue to look our best in the coming months. Remember to keep all essential oil blends well away from the eyes and use essential oils […]
Wellbeing • Jul 20, 2015
The Power of Positive Thinking
(This BLOG is an except from my Spring 2015 IFA Lecture) According to the psychologist William Cain of Yale University USA, the 21st Century will be the ‘era of scent’: “We’ll gain tremendous understanding of the basic, neurophysiological ways in which odors regulate the body and influence the mind … and we will be able to influence behaviour, modulate mood […]
Aromatherapy • Jun 2, 2015
Hay Fever: How Aromatherapy can help
Spring and the beginning of summer sees the onset of the hay fever season. Thousands of people are affected by this distressing condition which causes congestion, swelling and discomfort. The essential oils listed below can have beneficial effects for the treatment of hay fever. It also a matter of finding which oils suit you personally […]
Aromatherapy • Mar 19, 2015
My Top Ten Oils for Effective De-toxing
My top ten essential oils to aid detoxing are lemon, grapefruit, juniper, rosemary, sweet fennel, tea tree, celery seed, carrot seed, geranium and peppermint. Here are some guidelines on how to use them, many of which are now available from Aqua Oleum as certified organics. Lemon (organic) The juice and peel of lemon is very […]
Aromatherapy • Jan 7, 2015
New Year, Same You: Detox Using Essential Oils
Realistic Resolutions Wanting to make a fresh start at the beginning of the New Year is quite natural, especially after the over-indulgences of the Christmas festivities. It is also a traditional time to assess personal goals, make New Year resolutions and take steps towards becoming a fitter, healthier and happier you! Trying to make dramatic […]
Aromatherapy • Dec 19, 2014
The Perfect Aromatic Winter Gift
Making your own hand-made gifts in the run up to Christmas is fun, especially for children. Here is a recipe for creating a Christmas pot-pourris blend that is delightful yet simple to make: Collect autumn leaves, petals and decorative seed heads while out walking. Dry the selected seeds, petals and leaves by laying them on […]
Wellbeing • Nov 26, 2014
Winter Wellness & the Story of the Four Thieves!
Essential oils are effective natural preventives against many common complaints that are especially prevalent over the winter months, such as coughs, colds and flu. “natural aromatics have held a traditional place in the preventive medicinal practices of many cultures, both ancient and modern. It is certainly true that people who are exposed to the beneficial […]
Beauty • Oct 21, 2014
Regenerate over the winter months
As the nights grow longer, use the winter months as a time to regenerate your skin and pamper your body. Make time to have a warm bath before retiring & add a few drops of a relaxing oil to the bath water, such as lavender, chamomile or vetiver, known in India as ‘the oil of […]
Aromatherapy • Jul 23, 2014
The Value of Aromatherapy Today: Seven Good Reasons to Use Essential oils today
1. Essential Oils are compact & highly versatile Aromatic oils are timeless items: they are simultaneously both very ancient & completely modern. They were amongst the first trade items of early civilizations because like the micro-chip, they are compact, versatile and light-weight! Since natural aromatics are easy to travel with and have a multitude of […]
Aromatherapy • Jun 30, 2014
Anti-Ageing Advice: How to Use Essential Oils & Floral Waters to Preserve & Protect your Skin
Many essential oils are potent anti-aging & rejuvenating skin care agents because of their inherent properties. Each essential oil has a unique, sophisticated chemical make-up, which actively renews the skin by penetrating all the way down to the dermal layer where new cells are being generated. Unlike most chemical components, essential oil molecules are small […]
Aromatherapy • May 27, 2014
White Sage and the Tradition of ‘Smudging’
I am writing this in Crestone, a small community nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. The terrain here is very dry and virtually desert-like, but in early summer a multitude of high-altitude flowers erupt from the sandy soil like so many jewels. Most prolific amongst the aromatic species found on these […]
Aromatherapy • Apr 8, 2014
The Benefits of Home Massage
I am very pleased that Aqua Oleum’s ‘After Dark’ massage oil has just been recommended as one of The Independent’s top ten massage oils. ‘After Dark’ is based on jasmine which is known as ‘the queen of the night’, as its fragrance is stronger after dark. According to The Independent: “The oil is said to […]