Cellulite a Problem? Aromatherapy Can Help

Aromapothecary I have been asked by a few clients recently about the problem of cellulite.  It is an issue that is seen almost exclusively in women.  Cellulite starts with a build-up of toxins that the body reacts to with water retention to try to dilute the toxins.  The connective tissue and the fat cells then harden and traps the water, which causes the ‘orange peel’ effect.Rosemary Essential Oil

Aromatherapy can be helpful for cellulite.  I would recommend simultaneously looking at diet/nutrition and exercise in combination with aromatherapy.  Aromatherapy treatment is not an overnight answer (as nothing really is for this stubborn condition), but rather a longer term approach.  It all depends how long the condition has been present and how severe it is.  But aromatherapy can be very effective and it is a pleasant treatment to undertake

Using self massage, you would be working to encourage your lymphatic system to work better, and to balance hormones.  You can use a loofah, brush or perhaps a massage glove on the area.  Brush gently but firmly towards the heart.

It has been found that stress also can affect cellulite, by increasing the retention of toxins in the body .  Aromatherapy of course, can be fabulous for relaxation.  Using oils such as sweet orange, lavender, geranium, neroli can be great for combating stress and to help the body to release toxins.

When working with aromatherapy and cellulite – it is beneficial to not stick with one particular blend, but keep the blend changing for optimum effect.

Lime Essential OilAs well as self massage, you could consider visiting a specialised lymphatic drainage massage practitioner, and perhaps in between those sessions, if stress is a factor see a qualified aromatherapist for an aromatherapy massage to aid relaxation.

Aromatherapy oils that are helpful for cellulite would be black pepper, geranium, grapefruit, lemon, lime, rosemary or juniper.

A couple of suggested blends are

10ml Evening Primrose Oil with black pepper 1 drop, grapefruit 3 drops,

lemon 2 drops.

10ml evening primrose oil with rosemary 1 drop, geranium 2 drops, grapefruit

3 drops.

Use this blend daily to self-massage onto the skin, perhaps after bathing/showering and skin brushing.

For complex medical conditions always contact a qualified aromatherapist or your medical professional.

Grapefruit Essential Oil – Top Ten Uses

Welcome to another of Organica J’s Top Ten Uses! This month we will be focusing on 10 helpful uses for Grapefruit essential oil.   Working as a clinical aromatherapist, I use a lot for its anti-depressant and uplifting properties, but also I use it for the treatment/management of cellulite in blends as well.
It is a very ‘happy’ and ‘bright’ oil in my opinion and really helpful to use in the darker days.   Here are what I think are its top ten uses.
Grapefruit Essential OilFor using essential oils for specific conditions always contact a qualified aromatherapist.

1.  Useful for stress and mild depression
2.  Helpful for oily skin and acne

3.   Can be helpful for cellulite
4.   Is uplifiting & enlivening
5.   Can be good to be used after exercise
6.   A tonic on the skin
7.   May be helpful with S.A.D condition

8.  May be helpful for fluid retention

9.  It can work as a detoxifier

10.  It may be helpful to stimulate hair growth

The organic grapefruit essential oil that I hold in stock right now is Citrus Grandis.  Grapefruit is a large tree with big fruit.  Grapefruit oil is expressed from the peel of the fruit and is yellow to yellow-green or pale orange yellow.  The scent is citrus and sweet.    My current supplies are from USA

If you feel that Grapefruit essential oil would be a useful oil for you, you can buy it here from Organica J.

There is also available a full range of other aromatherapy essential oils, with information on their uses available in the essential oil category on the website.  Always use on the body blended with a carrier/vegetable oil.

If you require further information on any oils, feel free to contact us by email or phone.

NB if you have a medical condition/take medications check with your GP and/or a qualified aromatherapist before using essential oils.

The Me I Want To Be Retreat Portugal 2018

The Me I Want To Be Retreat Portugal 2018

Are you well?

The Me I Want To Be Retreat - Portugal 2018
Would you be even better if you knew you had a super special event all lined up for September? 
I know you have been thinking about it, so if this is the year for you, this is your personal invitation to take that time for you  
With great flights into Faro this year’s September Retreat is starting to book up I’d like to offer a place to you 😊
I am not long back from my “re-con mission” and am delighted to report that I organised two hotels (yes twin centre retreat!) and the best yoga teacher: honestly, she “sung” us out of shavassana!

If you’re seeking a nurturing space to simply get away from it all, and find the clarity and tools to help you face the next chapter of your life then join us for 7 chilled out nights and 8 relaxing days, as you make the simple yet profound shifts to your true self~

THE ME I WANT TO BE.  Exploring the greatest and grandest expression of you through a fusion of hypnosis, NLP, yoga, meditations, and ancient Egyptian wisdom.

Portugal is the perfect place to re-treat and tackle those life challenges you either don’t have time for, or have gotten too big to ignore.

Have a look at the itinerary-
– and let me know if you’d like to be kept in the loop / fancy chatting through the details with me, I’m on +4413398 87184, vicki.rebecca on Skype, or let me know if you prefer an add on Facebook or for me to give you a shout.
Vicki Rebecca - The Me I Want To Be Retreat
THE ME I WANT TO BE RETREAT: PORTUGAL 2018
Simple Shifts to Authentic Well-being
1st – 8th September 2018

Aromatherapy oil blends to soothe skin after sun exposure

Image logo for Aromapothecary

Aromapothecary logo image

With the changes in the weather from freezing cold to roasting hot – some of us have been caught out with the sun.  So I thought it would be helpful to suggest some aromatherapy essential oil blends to soothe skin that has been in the sun or to replenish moisture after sun exposure.  

It is, of course, preferable to always use sun cream with a good spf before going into the sun and limit your time in the sun.  These blends can be used as replenishment for skin, this is ideal.  Sometimes however we need to soothe the skin as well.  So here are some suggestions for you:-

 Essential oils that can be helpful –  tea tree, lavenderroman or german chamomile, carrot seed, frankincensepeppermint. 

sun and clouds in sky

Sun exposure

Carrier oils to use: calendula maceratejojobasesame and aloe vera gel.  If no further sun exposure is to be had, ie overnight –  St Johns Wort macerate can be soothing.

One suggested blend would be 10ml calendula macerate, 5ml jojoba, 5ml sesame, 10ml aloe vera gel with 8 drops lavender, 2 drops roman chamomile, 2 drops tea tree, 1 drop german chamomile, 1 drop peppermint.

Another possible blend would be 10ml calendula macerate and 20ml aloe vera gel.  9 drops lavender, 3 drops carrot seed, 3 drops frankincense, 2 drops roman chamomile, 1 drop peppermint.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender and Lavender essential oil

To mix the blends use a spoon or a stirring stick to stir to blend the oils and gel completely before use on the skin.  You can of course experiment with the suggested oils, but keep to the quantities suggested for safe usage.

I hope these aromatherapy oil blends to soothe skin after sun exposure are helpful to re – mositurise, calm and protect skin.

If your skin is red and tight, then it may be preferable to use a couple of drops of pure lavender on the area first, as that is an emergency treatment for minor burns, then use one of the blends thereafter.  You may need someone to help you if the sunburn is on your back.

For severely damaged or burnt skin always seek medical advice.  For complex medical conditions always contact a qualified aromatherapist or your medical professional.

Top Ten uses for Comfrey Ointment

Comfrey OintmentWelcome to another of our Top Ten Uses! This month as its comfrey harvest time, we thought we’d look at one of our top selling products – comfrey ointment.  

We have had so much feedback over the years from clients on our comfrey ointment, which we make from our own comfrey macerate (wild crafted comfrey herb in organic sunflower oil).  The comfrey is gathered by us, by hand, from a private, protected piece of ground in North East Scotland.  Here are some helpful uses for our Comfrey Ointment.

1.  Hacks in hands and feet.
2.  Helpful for over used or tense muscles
3.  After a sprain or strain
4.  Ligament or tendon issues.
5.  To ease pain in joints, eg fingers, shoulders, knees
6.  Bed sores
7.  Minor wounds
8.  Scar tissue
9.  Eczema-prone skin
10. After fractures & breaks (supports the muscle and tissue structure around the break or fracture)

In ancient times the herb was called ‘knitbone’,’ all heal’ or ‘woundwort’.

On the skin, comfrey is an emollient, soothing and was used to heal scars and blemishes. It was also said to promote a youthful complexion.

Dioscorides, a greek physician, who wrote ‘Materia Medica’ in 50AD used the herb to heal wounds and broken bones. The Latin name ‘symphytum’ means ‘heal together’

Scottish Comfrey plant

It is now believed that the allatoin (a main component of comfrey) is responsible for the growth and multiplication of skin cells.

We use the comfrey macerate in our Comfrey Ointment, but also in our Gardener’s Hand Balm, Herbal Foot Balm, Reflexology Foot Balm, Skin SOS Balm.

If you feel this ointment would be useful for you, you can buy it here from Organica J.  Please call or email us if you require any further information on our products.  I am a qualified Aromatherapist (BSc) and happy to help.

This ointment is to be used topically only.    For complex medical conditions  & pregnancy always contact a qualified aromatherapist or your GP.