Nourish your senses – Rose essential oil

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This month I’m going to explore Rose essential oil, truly one of the most exquisite and expensive oils, described as ‘the queen of flowers’.  The finest and most expensive rose comes from Bulgaria, ‘Rosa Damascena’ – known as Rose Otto.

‘Rose Centifolia’, also known as cabbage rose, is produced in Southern France.  It smells sweeter, is not as potent and used more in perfumery.

The expensive price tag reflects the quality and the quantity of blooms  to produce Rose oil.  It takes 30 Roses to make one drop of essential oil, making it obvious why it is one of the most precious oils.  Harvesting flowers is done by hand in the morning before sunrise and distilled the same day.

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Foodie Bites – Raw Chocolate Coated Flapjacks

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I have made these flapjacks many times, with slight variations and found this recipe works well.  A no bake, high energy treat when in need of something sweet, which is a healthier alternative to sugary flapjacks.  This is an adapted recipe from  Mr Prempy’s, a raw cake business, run by two friends based in London.  They are free from dairy, gluten, refined sugar and eggs, making them perfect for those on a restricted diet.

Chocolate Coated Flapjacks

120g dark chocolate, melted (good quality)

200g dates

75g ground almonds

50g desiccated coconut

15g cacao powder

20g brazil nuts

Place the dates, ground almonds, coconut, cacao powder and brazil nuts in food processor.  Process until the mixture resembles a crumbly texture.  You can add a drizzle of maple syrup if you like the mixture sweeter.  I have increased the amount of dates instead.  Empty the mixture into a small baking tray, lined with baking parchment and press down evenly.  Melt chocolate and pour over mixture.  Place in fridge until it becomes firm, about two hours. Remove from fridge, slice and enjoy!

Mairead x

 

Nourish your senses – Benzoin essential oil

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For thousands of years Benzoin has been used in the east for incense, inducing meditative states and warding off evil spirits!  More recently it was an ingredient in ‘Friar’s Balsam’, referred to as gum Benzoin, a component in a traditional cough medicine.  Today it is used as a fixative in perfumes.

The Benzoin tree is cultivated in Java, Samatra and Thailand.  The sap is  extracted from the tree, by making a deep incision into the bark, catching the resin as it oozes out.  Therefore it is not strictly an essential oil and more of a resin, with a warm, creamy vanilla like aroma.

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Nourish your body – Receive 10% off Reflexology

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With a new year we are all in need of some nourishment and pampering, and an injection of some “feel good factor”!

Reflexology is an extremely nurturing way of restoring the bodies natural equilibrium, with the added bonus of inducing deep tranquil relaxation. The perfect remedy for those winter blues!

Reflexology  works on the principle that reflex points on the feet correspond to every organ, gland and area of the body. By working on the feet, this stimulates the thousands of nerve endings and reflex points to revitalise and replenish the mind and body, so energy flows more freely and boosting the bodies self healing process. Thus, at a physical, mental and emotional level a person becomes more balanced and as reflexology has a accumulative effect, benefits will be most noticeable after four to six weekly sessions.

(Reflexology 10% off, valid until 18th February 2016)

Click here for more

Mairead x

Hello January

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I would like to thank you for all your kindness and support during 2015. May 2016 be filled with lots of fun, laughter and bring you peace and good health.

With a new year we can all feel obliged into making resolutions to follow a strict regime, rather than filling our lives with things which bring happiness, therefore improving our wellbeing. For me a healthy and happy life is about balance and doing things which bring inspiration and surrounding myself with people, which make me smile.

So lets take a leap into 2016, be good to yourself and make your general wellbeing a priority.

Mairead x

 

 

Gift Vouchers

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With Christmas just around the corner, the clock is ticking  to choose those last minute gifts. Why not surprise a loved one with a Gift Voucher.  Choose from a selection of treatments, providing deep relaxation  and a sense of inner peace. Something to suit all!

Mairead x

Nourish Your Senses – My festive oil blend

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When we think of Christmas, an array of aromas come to mind, cinnamon, cloves, orange & pine to name a few.  Using these essential oils  creates a warm & refreshing atomosphere, & evokes feelings of nostalgia.

You can use this blend in a diffuser (reducing the amount of drops) or make up a room spray. Simply add 300ml water & the essential oils to a spray bottle, shake, spray & enjoy the aroma!

Festive Blend

4 drops pine,  2 drops orange, 1 drop cinnamon

There are lots of combinations of oils, so just experiment & create your own preference. Enjoy & have fun!

Mairead x

 

 

Essential Oil of the month – Ginger

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Winter is a cold contractive time, but with the use of essential oils, we can bring light & balance into the long dark season.

One of the delightful aromas around Christmas time is freshly baked gingerbread cookies. The warming scent, stimulates the taste buds, similar to that of ginger oil.

Ginger has been used since ancient times in Asia, and during the Middle Ages, travelled to the west along the spice route.

Ginger is very warming, spicy oil, with a hint of lemon and pepper. It is used for many circulation conditions; especially arthritis, muscular aches, pains and sprains. It is also helpful for digestive disorders such as; flatulence, stomach cramps and indigestion. Ginger is very effective with feelings of nausea, motion sickness and hangovers, as it seems to settle the stomach.

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