I don’t know about you, but I get so excited when I discover a new word. Each year around this time, some dictionaries publishers announce their word of the year. I decided to get in first this year, with my word of the year, which I hope you will like.  My word of the year is ‘transilience’, a trait we all need, in order to navigate these uncertain and volatile times. There is no need to remind you of the ever-growing list of uncertainties such as geopolitical tension, wars, rising costs of living and global warming, just to name a few. I first came across the word when I was reading ..read more

I have been asked to speak to a group of undergraduate doctors in their final year of study about aromatherapy. I am both ecstatic and honoured to share my passion for aromatherapy with a group... I have been asked to speak to a group of undergraduate doctors in their final year of study about aromatherapy. I am both ecstatic and honoured to share my passion for aromatherapy with a group of young doctors who are enthusiast about CAM. I chose a bold and audacious title for the presentation – one that I believes does justice for aromatherapy;  Aromatherapy – bridging lifestyle medicine ..read more

The word ‘permacrisis’ refers to an extended period of instability and insecurity, which does involve climate change, but also encompasses the economic, political, and global instability and insecurity that we are currently experiencing, and which appear to not be disappearing in a rush.   I was reading about permaculture so that I could improve my gardening skills, so I was therefore excited to see a Guardian article announcing that the word of the year was ‘permacrisis’. What immediately came to mind without reading the article, was a word related to the global warming crisis and the ..read more

The wounded healer archetype has its origins in Greek mythology and shamanic traditions. Images of the wounded healer permeate religion, philosophy, and art and are now used in psychotherapy, counselling, and medicine. Introduction The wounded healer archetype has its origins in Greek mythology and shamanic traditions. Images of the wounded healer permeate religion, philosophy, and art and are now used in psychotherapy, counselling, and medicine. Zerubavel et al. state the ‘wounded healer’ has been misunderstood, discounted, or romanticized and has received minimal academic attention. How ..read more

It has been considered by some to be sacrosanct for an individual practicing holistic therapies such as aromatherapy, naturopathy, herbal medicine to support the germ theory, and on the other hand, those who support the germ theory have referred to those who support the terrain theory as stupid, narrow-minded and science-deniers. Join me for my two new webinars on germ theory, terrain theory, and how to boost the immune system. In Chapter 32 – The Immune System of the second edition of The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, I introduced the role of microbes by quoting Simon Mills ..read more

Indian sandalwood, Santalum album, is commonly used as a natural active ingredient in cosmetics and perfumery. This soothing and cooling essential oil is used in skincare for dry and sensitive skin, and is reputed to have anti-inflammatory activity which research indicates is potentially highly beneficial in skincare preparations. Read my article to learn more, including skincare blending recipes. Introduction In traditional aromatherapy, Indian sandalwood, Santalum album, is commonly used in skincare for dry and sensitive skin. The oil is soothing and cooling, and ..read more

For my Aromatherapy & Shinrin-yoku Webinar, I had originally intended to go to Japan to take you on a tour of the distillery producing our Japanese pure essential oils. Unfortunately, I was not able to make it to Japan; however, thanks to the power of the internet, I was able to conduct the tours and interviews virtually with my Perfect Potion Japan business partner Kiyo Yamamoto. In these two live-recorded interviews, I take a virtual tour of the Japanese distillery producing the pure essential oils for our Shinrin-yoku Collection. I also interview the forest caretakers who ma ..read more

What is shinrin-yoku? Many cultures have long been aware of the unique relationship we have with nature. In Japanese, shinrin-yoku is defined as ‘forest bathing’ or ‘taking in the forest atmosphere’. Many Japanese studies have reported spending time in the forest provides better emotional, physiological and restorative effects. Discover the benefits of forest-bathing and celebrate the launch of our new Limited Edition Shinrin-Yoku Collection with special blending recipes.    The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green ..read more

Several years ago, I wrote a blog to dispel the concern that it is not safe to diffuse essential oils around cats. I did -and still- err on the cautious side by recommending that it is not a good idea to apply essential oils topically, to never allow your cat to ingest essential oils, and when diffusing essential oils around cats to ensure the room is well ventilated. Why is it that there is still so much misinformation regarding the safe use of essential oils around cats?   Introduction Several years ago, I wrote a blog to dispel the concern that it is not safe to diffuse essent ..read more