Lifestyle

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Pomegranates have been symbols of prosperity, fertility and abundance since antiquity.  Leonardo da Vinci painted them. They appear in Greek mythology and as decorations in King Solomon’s Temple. Queen Hatshepsut even buried her butler with one. Pomegranates make a yellow dye that has been used for Persian carpets and Moroccan leather.  And … Read more

Take a journey by rail in the Summer and you’ll spot Buddleja growing alongside the rails and in cracks in old buildings. This tenacity to thrive through difficult circumstances gives you a clue of its chemical constituents. And yes, those are really powerful for skincare. Read on. Buddleja is part of the same plant family … Read more

What is retinol? Retinol is a synthetic form of Vitamin A touted by dermatologists for its anti-ageing power. It’s used to reduce wrinkles, zits and hyperpigmentation by rapidly increases cell turnover. This leads to thinning of  the upper layers of skin, leading to dryness, redness, flaking, peeling as well as increased light sensitivity. This is … Read more

Psoriasis Psoriasis is estimated to affect about a million people in the UK.  Aromatherapists, by the very nature of their profession, encounter skin issues on a daily basis.  Like most skin conditions, there tends to be no quick easy cure, as the skin condition is a reflection of deeper internal issues that need to be … Read more

Natural remedies for Eczema (Dermatitis)   Eczema is a problem for 10% of the population.  The name is derived from a Greek word meaning ‘to boil’. What an apt description of a skin rash which is inflamed, red, itchy and possibly weeping and scabbed.  Many opt for  corticosteroid creams which promise short term relief, but … Read more

Another little-spoken-about aspect of menopause is back pain. And now that working from home is a Thing, I’m guessing back pain is going to be on the increase. Back pain is horrible. It makes simple things like loading the dishwasher or putting on socks an agony. And it’s a real damper on mood. The good … Read more

If Rapunzel was in perimenopause, she wouldn’t have enough hair to make a climbing rope for the Prince. One of the less talked about aspects of menopause is the shock of hair loss and hair thinning… ugh. I’ve been through it, and tried out ways to reduce the loss, so keep reading if this is … Read more

Hello!  If you like listening to podcasts while you work-out, commute or do chores, then try out my Aspie in Menopause podcast.   It’s not only for Aspies but it is for those concerned about staying well through their midlife. Menopause isnt a topic we know much about – well otehr than the jokes of … Read more

What are Bach Flower Remedies? They’re gentle natural extracts made from flowers and trees. The original 38 remedies were developed in the 1920’s and 30’s by Dr Edward Bach who noted their power to help with emotions. Bach Flower Essences are energy remedies. They work to disrupt negative energy states or vibrations. They are non-toxic … Read more