The Awen

15/06/2025

Making the most of Rhubarb. I get around 3 crops a season and I literally do nothing but let it grow. What an altruistic plant!

The health benefits of rhubarb are numerous…digestive (full of fibre), antioxidants (cell protection), good for heart (full of potassium for lowers blood pressure & cholesterol) and bone (Vitamin K) health.

Everything in moderation though as it does have side effect as it can upset the stomach and if you have a history of kidney stones it’s best to avoid as it has calcium oxalate.

I added brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon (from Sri Lanka) to make the cordial and gifted some to friends. It was deliciously refreshing after a long hot day.

29/05/2025

Commission for a special friend. Beautiful blends

22/02/2024

“I want to feel fabulous!”

What a fantastic brief from an Aromatherapy consultation this week. After sampling lots of different smells my client chose Clary sage, Lemongrass, Geranium and Rosewood for her fabulous rollerball. And it smells divine!

I also made her 2 bath salts with a combination of the oils to infuse some vitality and energy (her words)into her life. Other descriptors were to feel calm and peace. Great combination of oils which I loved making up.

07/02/2024

Delicious breakfast of crushed butter beans, avacado, lemon, fresh coriander, olive oil, salt and pepper. I added pickled veg and Greek yoghurt as I'm currently obsessed with both. You can replace the coriander with mint, basil, spinach. I prefer the coriander myself, husband doesn't like it. Oh dear... More for me! 😁

Served on malted toast but could easily replace with wholegrain crackers, sour dough, baked potato... Or just a large forkful is very nice.

01/01/2024

Tiny habits, small changes, step by step. Some lovely ideas shared here:
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/jan/01/100-tiny-changes-to-transform-your-life-from-the-one-minute-rule-to-pyjama-yoga?CMP=fb_gu&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR1uPNcjY38ADWHIm0fKahkFXVhdoMtdmrXe3oBn8j6dNH4DgK0gILKjYKY =1704096287

Want more health and happiness in the year ahead – without having to work too hard? Here are tried and tested tweaks that can lead to big improvements

31/12/2023

Thinking ahead for the new year. Let the sun warm your heart. Find your peace and go well.

May I be well
May I be happy
May things go well for me
May I be free from suffering

27/09/2023

RED FLAGS to watch for when buying essential oils:

1. Botanical name not listed
Different plant species will produce different essential oils, and even in the same genus (Lavandula) you may have several essential oil bearing plants that have different profiles.

2. Extraction method not listed
The type of extraction is hugely important for safety considerations, as well as therapeutic purposes. A distilled Lime oil will be safe to use on the skin even if vou plan to go outside to the sun, while expressed Lime is phototoxic and needs to be either diluted heavilv or avoided if sun exposure is expected.

3. Country of origin not listed
This matters for two reasons - one is the essential oil quality, where some oils either only grow in a particular region, or are of superior quality if they come from that region. The other reason is sustainability. You may want to know how far your oil travelled across the world to get to you, especially if a similar crop is available close to you.

Read all 8 red flags on our blog!

https://tisserandinstitute.org/essential-oil-suppliers/

27/09/2023

It's the time of year for warmer clothes, cosy nights and nourishment. This immune boosting tea is easy to make: fresh orange, grated ginger, tumeric, cinnamon and add a sweetener such as honey or syrup and add hot water. Delicious.

21/06/2023

This evening I'm celebrating the summer Solstice with the citrus balancing tones of Bergamot; sharp, peppery detoxifying Juniper; and warm musky cleansing Cedarwood. Enjoy this special time whatever you are doing 🌿

02/06/2023

In my burner today is Cardamom for calm and Lemon for focus

07/05/2023

“Terpenes are the trees’ own immune system,” says Streets, “and when you walk underneath them you breathe that self-protection mechanism.”

Terpenes are found in essential oils which give them their different and distinct scent as well as offering a range of therapeutic benefits. Terpenes can be stimulating or relaxing depending on the type. Oils such as Bergamot, Lemon, Orange and Neroli are rich in a type of monoterpene called limonene. These oils have many indicators: anti inflammatory, anti oxidant, anti-viral. I would use these oils to help lift mood, reduce bloating or swelling and boost the immune system. It is this terpene that gives Lemon it’s distinct flavour and aroma.

There is so much to say about terpenes….I feel a blog post coming on….(watch this space!!).

In the meantime, read this incredibly uplifting and life affirming article.

Walking is the simplest and most natural thing to do, but its impact on our health and wellbeing is dramatic and far-reaching, says Anna Fielding

03/05/2023

In my burner today is calming Chamomile, clarifying Clary Sage and soothing Lavender. A lovely blend to easy into Wednesday, providing much needed sensory nourishment