Each month Adele Trathan and Sara Whatley look at seven elements of living the life of a natural beauty, helping you to enrich the mind, body and soul in balance and holistic harmony
ESSENTIAL OIL
Lavender
For centuries lavender oil has been used in perfumery, cosmetics and herbal remedies and is beloved for its appealing scent and calming effects. This multi-tasking essential oil is probably best known for promoting a good night’s sleep, with many off-the-shelf products available including room sprays, pillow mists and linen bags.
Research has shown inhaling lavender oil before bedtime can help improve the quality of sleep. Place a few drops of essential oil in a diffuser, to help you wind down, relax and prepare your mind and body for sleep.
Its calming effects can also be utilised by adding a few drops to a clean handkerchief and gently inhaling when feeling anxious or stressed. Lavender oil is also known to help with skin concerns due to its natural anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
Combine a few drops with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, to soothe blemish- or spot-prone skin. Studies have also suggested it can help combat hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Always dilute with a carrier oil when applying directly to the skin.
DID YOU KNOW?
Castor Oil
A household staple since ancient times, castor oil has recently had a resurgence in popularity – with lots of beauty hype on social media. So, let’s look at the real benefits:
Derived from the Ricinus communis plant, which is native to Africa and Asia, it contains high amounts of fatty-acids – including omega-6 and ricinoleic acid, which make it incredibly moisturising. It also penetrates the skin deeply, and according to health experts has the following properties:
• anti-inflammatory
• anti-microbial
• hydrating and cleansing
• analgesic, or pain-relieving
Common uses include scalp and hair moisturiser (a weekly massage into hair and scalp before washing), eyelash and eyebrow oil (apply overnight to promote stronger growth), skin soother and moisturiser (can be applied with a carrier/ essential oil). It also works well on wounds and scars to promote healing. Always patch test before use in case of allergic reaction.
Although castor oil is known as an effective natural laxative for the occasional relief of constipation, it should only be done under the advice and supervision of your medical practitioner.
YOGA
Camel Pose, Ustrasana
Camel Pose (Ustrasana) is a deep back bend which stretches the front side of the body and opens the chest and heart. It promotes mobility in the shoulders and upper back and strengthens the legs and back. It can also bring strong emotions to the surface.
This pose is best done at the end of a yoga sequence when the body is warmed up and the spine is supple. Setting a strong foundation for this pose will help with maintaining form – engaging the inner thighs, sending the tail bone down, lifting up in the chest and sending the heart up and over.
Variations include using blocks to rest the hands on; placing your hands on your hips or lower back; dropping the head back and opening the throat or keeping the head in line with the body and the neck long.
THERAPY CORNER
EFT or Tapping
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) or Tapping is a mind/body self-help technique that can be used anywhere and at any time. It involves using the fingers to gently tap on nine of the twelve meridian points, restoring and rebalancing disrupted energy. Whilst tapping on the hands, face and body, you focus on the uncomfortable thoughts or feelings that you are experiencing by repeating a phrase.
Success is self-measured by scoring your discomfort from 0-10 before you begin, and again afterwards, repeating the process until you reach 0.
EFT can help with anxiety, depression, PTSD and many other physical and emotional issues by reducing the stress hormones in the body, regulating the nervous system and cultivating positive mind and body connections.
IT’S A GUT FEELING
Kefir
Kefir has grown in popularity in the UK in recent years, but its origins lie in the Caucasus Mountains with nomadic shepherds hundreds or even thousands of years ago, as they noticed the milk in their pouches sometimes turned into a fizzy, foamy beverage.
Kefir is a fermented milk drink full of cultures and gut-supporting probiotic bacteria, a bit like a thin yoghurt. Today, it is available to buy in a variety of flavours or plain, but it is simple to make at home too. All you need are some kefir ‘grains’, which are small bundles of bacteria and yeast (buy or find someone who has extra grains), full fat milk and a jar.
Enjoy the tart, sour, slightly fizzy taste (determined by the time of fermentation) and know that this calcium rich and nutrient dense drink is doing you the world of good.
CRYSTAL POWER
Amethyst
This semiprecious stone is the most valuable form of quartz and is admired for its variation of violet tones. Amethyst crystals have been used for centuries for their metaphysical healing properties. Amethyst is a powerful, protective stone that is believed to promote calmness, peace, and serenity.
Practical Uses:
Insomnia and Sleep: Amethyst is believed to aid insomnia as it helps to improve sleep quality and bring tranquillity. Place the amethyst under your pillow or on your bedside table to help bring a peaceful night’s sleep. Amethyst can also bring intuitive dreams.
Stress and Anxiety: Regarded as a natural tranquiliser, amethyst crystals can help ease anxiety by blocking negative environmental energies. It’s thought to help balance out emotional highs and lows promoting a balanced peace of mind. Decision Making: Amethyst can assist with mental clarity and feeling more focused. Enhancing common sense and aiding with decision making processes.
SUPERFOOD
Garlic
For thousands of years garlic has been revered for its medicinal properties and modern science is revealing that there are health benefits to this humble bulb of goodness. Garlic can pack a punch when it comes to nutritional value with Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, manganese, selenium as well as many trace elements.
Fresh garlic is available in supermarkets which can be added to food when cooking meals, generally either crushed, sliced or chopped. But if you don’t like the flavour, it is also widely available in supplementary forms.
Health and nutritional benefits include:
● Research suggests eating garlic has anti-viral properties that can help boost the immune system
● Garlic has antimicrobial and antifungal properties
● When eaten, garlic potentially acts like an anticoagulant which may help reduce the risk of heart attacks
● Studies suggest the consumption of garlic may provide some relief from the inflammatory symptoms of arthritis
