Natural Oil Clinic

08/01/2026

It's that time of year where, client formulas are tweaked to adjust for Winter - the beauty of bespoke therapy.

Exposure to cold weather, wind extremes of temperature (going from a biting wind into warmer, to centrally heated homes), will take its toll on skin. Your skin (particularly exposed skin like the skin in your face) can become dry, inflamed, red and cracked, even more vulnerable to infection.

Keep it simple :

❄️Moisturise and protect by using gentle, organic emollients

❄️Reassess what you use to clean your face. Foaming, detergent based cleaners often strip the skin's natural microbiome.

❄️Stay hydrated

❄️Eat to nourish your whole system

Lastly, as tempting as it is to stay indoors but, if you can, and it's not too slippery enjoy the Season as connecting with nature brings with it, proven health benefits.

06/01/2026

"I've never tried aromatherapy"

Really....

Scent and aroma are everywhere, it's not exactly aromatherapy but, think of it as an "introduction".

Take a breath, and simply notice......

Many can detect the distinct scent that lingers at the dentist (for some, definitely not a mood enhancer!!).

Perhaps for you, the loamy, mossy scent of a Winter walk or some freshly brewed coffee can lift your mood, whilst an unexpected wisp of perfume once worn by a beloved relative can bring spilling tears.

These direct, instant and emotional responses, brought on by a particular aroma, can be a way an aromatherapist can support emotional and mental well-being.

Our sense of smell (olfaction) is the first of our senses to develop in the womb.

Our ancestors used their sense of smell to survive.

It's 2026, times, science and research have moved on and it's a special thing to be a clinical aromatherapist.

For that I am deeply grateful 😊

03/01/2026

All those repeating (or repeated in the past) a "New Year Resolution", raise your hand.

All those who've made a "New Year's Resolution" which didn't last, raise your hand.

Congratulations, you're part of a very big club. I'm there too 🥳

Having studied public health and behavioral change....I'm not a fan of "New Year, New You".

Because good people fail.

Whilst big, sweeping life changes are admirable, they require an extremely high level of commitment, motivation, and staunch resolution. Life needs also to be plain sailing and consistent, no twists or turns. No surprises to distract you. Sounds just like real life, right? 🙄

If you're in the market for a change, there are a few things you can do to set yourself up to succeed.
Start small. Start simple. Start with something realistic and achievable. Then build momentum.

And, if just now isn't the time? Here's a gentle reminder that there are another 364 perfectly good days in the year if you feel at any point you need to make a change.......your choice, no one else's 😊

31/12/2025

Recently, I've been sharing my mornings with a blackbird...........

She comes, she sits, takes a berry or two and permits me to briefly share her dawn as I breathe in my daily sensory dose of the outdoors. The mossy, loamy scent of early morning itself, can be incredibly therapeutic.

Not in all, but, in many cultures, the blackbird is a symbol of transformation.

How apt.

With 2025, came challenges, chance meetings, and warm connections, both old and new. Events, education and loss shaping the past year into its unique fingerprint. Through it all, I have been blessed with unwaivering support of family, friends, colleagues and clients, for which I am truly grateful 🙏🏻

2025 in one phrase?

I'm hesitant to say "personal growth" at this point, (perhaps 2026!!) so, instead, I'll honour my morning companion, the blackbird, and say "change".

Whatever your journey has been for 2025, if you can, count the blessings, take the lessons and continue to move forward.

Wishing you all warmth, positivity, strength, courage, healing and wellness for 2026. See you all in the New Year for many more aromatic and wellness journeys 🤗

24/12/2025

Festive Bingo - who's playing?

You're being silly

You're an adult, get a grip

Its just another day, stop stressing

It doesn't matter, (but it does)

Sometimes, in the last days before the Festive Period, you can't shake the "funk".

It can be exhausting "filtering" or "reacting" to the onslaught of noise or demands in our surrounding environment that ramps up at this time of year. It's what we are programmed to do. It is our brain's way of regulating our response, primarily to keep up safe. It can also leave you in a state of overwhelm.

Tiny molecules of aroma, invisible to the eye.

Brought to you on the wisp of air, scent can't fix everything, but by connecting directly and rapidly to the emotional regulation centres of the brain, a safe, professional blend ofessential oils can bring calm, balance, or bring you to the present by grounding.

When your environment demands constant reaction, pause, take a breath, and embrace scent, and remember you are enough as you are 🤗

23/12/2025

Remember folks, you are not alone over this festive break, there are services and supports that can help.

Please use the link below if you or someone you know is looking for support over the holidays.

https://linktr.ee/wintersupport

21/12/2025

Winter survival....the "Bleak Midwinter"

Hundreds of years ago our ancestors feared the darkness of Winter. A time to glance at the food and wood stores and place silent, internal bets about who around the fire, would still be there in Spring............

Fast forward to today, Winter is less about "survival" but, it can still be bleak for some (although when it comes to feeling good, looking in your "food stores" is a great place to start - a conversation for another time 😉).

Winter brings small, subtle routine changes for many:

Lack of natural daylight exposure

Less movement

Financial or relationship stressors (and equally, but oppositely isolation)

Lack of restful sleep

Dietary changes during Winter, and particularly the Festive Season

Put them all together and it can result in the kind of biochemical bedlam that triggers inflammation and the "gifts" of poor mental or physical health.

Winter Solstice is often a time for reflection. Changing just one thing is easier to commit to and it's still a step forward.

When you're ready to know more, just ask.

Winter Solstice blessings 🤗

20/12/2025

Ladies, does your feisty, fiery and fierce get a little out of hand in the run up to your period?

PMS has long been recognised as the reason behind why some women are a little "spiky" in the second phase of our cycle, after ovulation.

Clinical aromatherapy can be an amazing tool which can allow you to support yourself during this time but, guess what? It's all in the timing and application of treatment! Recognising exactly when and where to incorporate clinical aromatherapy into your life is key to providing relief of both emotional and physical symptoms of PMS....

What if it's more?

If you are experiencing "intense" emotional and physical symptoms associated with your hormonal cycle, you could be suffering from PMDD, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and it's strongly recommended you seek medical input for this diagnosed, psychiatric condition! Clinical aromatherapy can also be a great way to support women who suffer from PMDD however, due to intensity of symptoms (and an association with suicidal thoughts), it's important that medical intervention is also incorporated into treatment.

Want to know more, or have an interest in women's health? Let's chat 😊

08/12/2025

Last week someone reminded me that the difference between 1 million seconds and a billion seconds is around 30 years....

If you've ever shared your life with a working cocker spaniel, you'll know that they are some of the greatest experts at "living in the moment".

Living, for them, is a universe held together by zoomies and dinner...

There's a still energy in our house after the weekend, a gentle comforting aromatic blend in the air... a pause for reflection on a life well lived.

Joy and mischief until the end.

Sadly, living well until the end, is something that often eludes human companions.

Somewhere in between the millions and billions of seconds is a window opportunity to make a change.

Small changes can lead to big health wins. It can send you on the way to being "more Cocker Spaniel"

Willow 15/12/12 - 06/12/2025

02/12/2025

01/12/2025

Cyber Monday choices

Ok, so I cheated, this shot was taken yesterday, the sunrise in all its glory, complete with surround sound (birdsong)...... and something we haven't quite harnessed in home cinematic systems yet..... the aroma of loam, earth moss and wood.

Whilst the internet is telling you that you need the latest *anything and everything, I urge you to invest in yourself instead. Time, exercise, intelligent supplementation, whole foods, hydration or a moment of calm.…you choose

The wellness benefits of nature connectedness are remarkable.
The cost? An early alarm and a gentle uphill hike 🤗