Natural Oil Clinic

11/11/2025

Peppermint scent, long associated with candy canes which, tend to make an appearance over the coming months.....

Peppermint essential oil might be refreshing, uplifting, and energizing.....but, it's also one of the trickiest essential oils to work with in terms of safety.

Complete with International Federation of Aromatherapists recommendations of age restrictions, cautions and contraindications, useful, but it's not one for everyone!

Even its gentler distant relative, the hydrolate, comes with recommended age restriction.

For safe, clinical aromatherapy, there are safer, but, equally minty alternatives.

When it comes to cakes, buy a flavouring or extract 😊

10/11/2025

It's Monday again.....how are you all feeling?

Filled with anticipation? Anxious?

Monday can feel different for everyone because we are all unique.

Traditionally, Monday is seen as "a fresh start", a day to start positive changes, a time to set goals. Sometimes that can feel like pressure.

Whilst large, radical, life changing goals can be tempting, it's worth remembering that any journey starts with a single step. A big step or a tiny step.

A gentle Monday reminder that your journey is unique. A pause, a big step or a tiny step it all counts but most of all, be kind to yourself 😊

04/11/2025

Which are you?

There are definitely two types of people in the world..........

Those who couldn't think of anything worse than digging in the soil.......and those who dream of doing it everyday!

We are all different and, that's what makes the world go round.

Would it come as a surprise to you to know that we also have diverse "populations" residing within our own body. In our gut, to be precise. And they may not all be getting along.....

As a clinical aromatherapist, why do I care about who or what lives in your gut?

The wrong "balance" between good and bad bacteria in your gut, can influence many, many conditions from skin health, mental health and immune issues to name just a few....

By adopting a "whole person" approach, we can achieve better outcomes.

Want to know more? 😊

03/11/2025

What to do if a news report raises questions about the very thing prescribed to support you?

A recent study in the Lancet showed that anti-depressants can affect physiology such as weight and heart rate.

Don't panic, headlines buy clicks, right?

I'm a clinical aromatherapist and very much an advocate on whole-person health and holistic care.

I'm also a pharmacist, and part of delivering personalised care, is recognising some people need medication. And that's ok.

When medication is prescribed, it is done so by a clinician trained in assessing risks and benefits, who will help you decide what is best for you. As a prescriber, we consider stopping medicine (de-prescribing), just as big a decision as starting.

Worried? Talk to a trained clinician. It can be that, as time changes, what was once appropriate for you, is no longer needed or suitable.

Above all, please do not suddenly stop taking medication without letting your doctor know. Medicines such as anti-depressants often, cannot be stopped suddenly.

02/11/2025

And breathe............

Weekend reset at the Natural Oil Clinic!

When you're crazy busy is exactly the time you need to stop, breathe and reboot 🛑

It's the hardest thing to do is slow down - especially if there are emails, WhatsApps and messages to do. Formulations. Meetings. IT. Training and education.

Can you really afford to take time out?

Can you really afford not to take time out?

Taking some time out can restore focus, clarity and reduce stress.

Inhale the changing seasons, drink some coffee, notice the nature 🦫

A special thank you to Wild Seasonal Workshops for Halloween flames and Shieldbank Coffee Shop for the beautiful homemade cakes this afternoon - it was the first time we have visited anc it certainly won't be the last!

Happy Sunday 😊

01/11/2025

Noticed a change in your skin lately?

It's fairly common to see changes in skin around Spring and Autumn. The environment around us such as changes in temperature or wind can cause dryness and inflammation, particularly if your skin is sensitive.

Environmental factors, however, are just some of the things that may trigger skin issues. Stress and hormonal issues are another. Highly fragranced/perfumed cosmetic skin care, nutrition and even gut health can all be implicated when it comes to triggering reactive skin.

It's tempting, when you notice skin changes to pile on the products in a bid to try and seize control......but simplicity is often better.

Choose whole person health, alongside organic, phytochemicals blended expertly to treat your skin to the relief, comfort and protection it deserves 😊

30/10/2025

We share the same sky......yet the menopause experience does seem to differ in various parts of the world.

Whilst in Japan, "konenki", is used for menopause but when literally translated, it would read renewal, regeneration and energy years......sound like menopause as you know it?

Something to look forward to? Mayan women are reported to believe so, often cultural beliefs dictate certain restrictions for Mayan women during menstruation.......so for them, menopause brings freedom.

So why do many find menopause in the Western World a challenge?

Genetics, culture, diet, gut health and lifestyle all play an influential role in menopause experience. Our fast- paced life and surrounding environment contribute to hormonal issues by way of adrenal influence and chronic stress.

As menopause awareness month comes to an end, I've taken part in some fantastic training sessions and it's time to reflect......and slow down 😊

27/10/2025

Jam, Joe and being the last to the party.........

Ah "the protein bar program"! It was fascinating watching the dialogues amongst some on professional platforms directly after the "Joe Wicks" documentary.........

As people disagreed about the intricacies of "the angle" or "the language', even the lack of qualified persons used in the documentary, there was an appreciation for what Joe has done.

Not only has he moved marketing, and ultra-processed foods under the spotlight but also, their impact on health, inflammation and how difficult it is to avoid them.

Joe also acknowledged how hard it is to eat "just one" biscuit. For many, it doesn't matter "what the guidance says" once the packet has been opened.

Where does the jam fit?

Well, Joe, I agree!

It's incredibly difficult to stay away from ultra-processed foods but, we were inspired to have a go at jam making. Garden blackcurrants (thanks dad!) and foraged brambles, sugar, water and lemon juice - if anyone needs a recipe - just shout 😊

26/10/2025

Being "trauma-informed" provides a supportive, respectful environment that allows individuals to feel safe and in control. It's not about treating "trauma".

Because of the direct connection between the "olfactory tract" (the bits involved in smelling) and the emotional and memory centres in your brain, a clinical aromatherapist will see the importance of practicing a "trauma-informed" approach.

During consultation, you may be asked about any negative scent associations and it's that you be honest.

Why? A scent is capable of instantly and intensely triggering memories.........both good and bad.

But when scent transports you back to happy times, it can have a truly positive and profound, it may even influence your biochemistry.

And, on that note.......I invite you, today, to think of an aroma that makes you smile 😊

25/10/2025

"What's your gut telling you?"

We strive to get pharmaceutical care right.
We strive to manage our "non-negotiables", the things that support our health and wellbeing such as sleep, diet, stress management, hormones...

But somehow, sometimes, things can still feel a little "off"

For years, tests have been less than "user friendly". Reaching into the toilet. Counting and classifying our own little colonies of "good guys" and "bad guys" that live inside our gut in the hope we can understand how we can support our gut health....... until now.

By measuring a few key markers we can learn how immunity, resilience, digestion and wellbeing can all be influenced by our gut health

Want to know more? Drop a comment below 😊

*******NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH THE FREE NHS DIAGNOSTIC TEST THAT ARRIVES VIA POST AFTER A "CERTAIN AGE" which absolutely "non-negotiable" and should be taken as advised************

24/10/2025

Water is a fabulous therapeutic tool. A conductor of heat, not only can specific body parts or the entire body (think fibromyalgia) be subjected to gentle hydrostatic pressure but the perceived "weightlessness" in water can make people feel different, in a good way.

No bath? Steam, hand and foot soaks and compresses can be used when it comes to calming the nervous system or enhancing circulation.

Before using aqueous preparations, your therapist will ask about your medical history including details of blood pressure, temperature regulation problems, nerve damage (neuropathy or post-chemotherapy) and even just your physical or mental ability to ensure treatment does not pose any risks.

When it comes to oil and water...they don't mix.

Simply "sprinkling" essential oils into water is NEVER an option.

Temperature regulation, solubilisers and antioxidants are required to make aqueous preparations user friendly dilution is kept low to protect the environment.

But by far the biggest safety issue is direct contact with undiluted essential oils. It is NEVER recommended by the IFA without the involvement of a qualified therapist.

Want to know more about aromatic aqueous preparations? Come and chat and save your "sprinkling", for fairy dust 🤗

24/10/2025

Kids are off, spaces left for a Halloween treat......check out Hillview Animal Park

🎃TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR TODAY!🎃

We have a limited amount of tickets left for our 11:30, 1pm and 2:30 pm sessions.

We have just ONE ticket left for tomorrow and we are SOLD OUT on Sunday!

So if you haven't got tickets, today is your last chance!

See you all soon!