Getting sufficient sleep is vital for your overall health, because during this important ‘down-time’ you have the opportunity to rest and recuperate in preparation for the following day. During sleep the mind gets a well deserved break from the pressures and stress of daily life, the cells and tissues of the body are repaired, and energy levels are replenished. Medical studies have confirmed that sleep helps to regulate our hormones and recharge the body’s immune system which protects us from infection and disease. Read more…

Sweet marjoram is a frost-tender perennial plant which can grow to a height of 60 centimetres (24 inches), producing oval leaves and pale or dark pink-purple flowers. These flowers are small but plentiful and form in spiky clusters, blooming between June and September. It is a warm climate plant, preferring lots of sun and well-drained soil.
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In the bible it is described how the three wise men transported gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus shortly after his birth. For many people, it seems almost inconceivable that frankincense and myrrh were considered as precious and costly as gold at that time. But the truth is they really were.

Frankincense is the hardened oleo-gum resin obtained from several species of trees in the Boswellia family. The trees producing the finest quality resin can be found growing around the horn of Africa; Somalia, the Hadhramaut region of Yemen, and Oman. Read more…

Aromatherapy is the controlled use of essential oils which, when used correctly, can help to alleviate a wide range of physical and emotional disorders. Used in massages, baths, compresses and inhalations, essential oils can assist relaxation and pain relief, thereby promoting a feeling of health and well-being. This in turn can help to break the vicious circle of stress, which so often leads to ill health.
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Neroli essential oil is extracted from the fragrant blossoms of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium sub.sp amara), and has a beautiful aroma that appeals to men and women alike. In common with rose and jasmine, neroli oil is a complete fragrance in itself and forms the heart of one of the worlds most enduring perfumes, ‘Eau de Cologne’.
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Sandalwood (Santalum album) is one of the oldest of all known aromatic materials and has a history that dates back over 4,000 years. Highly revered as a sacred fragrance by many religions around the world such as Buddhism and Hinduism, its wood has been used to make religious artefacts and fragrant incense for a vast range of devotional ceremonies.

The demand for this highly sought-after timber has led to over-harvesting, and over the past 10 years the availability of the heartwood that’s required for extracting the essential oil has diminished significantly. Read more…

Only a month ago we were all celebrating the arrival of the New Year with parties and extravagant fireworks displays, but for many of us it already feels like six long months ago. Yet here we are, still stuck in the gloom of winter up to our armpits in bad news and snow.

Keeping a cheerful outlook throughout the drudgery of winter can be a struggle at the best of times, and if the long dark mornings and evenings haven’t started to drag you down yet, the constant carping in the media about the credit crunch and recession surely must have. Read more…