Base Formula & British School of Aromatherapy
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The Base Formula Blog

Q: I am looking to purchase a massage cream for facial treatments that has nothing in it. It is for using on pregnant clients. Can you recommend a product?

A: Both our Moisture Lotion and Moisture Cream are suitable for massage during pregnancy. They are both fragrance free, nourishing for the skin and great to work with. They can be used individually or they can be blended together depending on the consistency of the massage medium you require. We also do an Organic Moisture Lotion and an Organic Moisture Cream which you may prefer for pregnant clients. Hope this helps!

Base Formula Aromatherapy Team

Your liver is an amazing organ. Did you know that it performs over 500 tasks that keep you feeling great?

The liver is the body’s factory – it makes the stuff that stops you bleeding when injured and it extracts the healthy bits from food and gets rid of the rest. The liver is the body’s waste disposal plant – it cleans the blood and breaks down and removes harmful drugs, alcohol and poisons and it recycles waste into new building blocks for the body.

Love Your Liver is a national UK awareness campaign which was quite aptly launched on 1st January 2012 by the British Liver Trust. The campaign has kicked off with a series of roadshows and pop-up liver clinics around the country where specialists have been on hand to offer expert advice and free liver tests.

According to the British Liver Trust if you regularly drink more than a pint or 2 of beer or a couple of glasses of wine each day you are putting your liver under incredible strain and over time this can lead to liver failure. However, just staying off alcohol for two to three days at a time, avoiding fatty foods and taking regular exercise can help you to take care of your liver and help it function at its best.

In addition to a more healthy life style there are a number of essential oils that have been traditionally and medically recognized as being supportive to liver health.

Rosemary essential oil is by far the most beneficial to the liver as it helps to cleanse the blood and flush harmful toxins from the liver. One of the liver’s most important functions is to produce enzymes needed for proper digestion and Rosemary is believed to stimulate the production and flow of bile which aids digestion. It has a tonic effect on the liver, encouraging it to work more efficiently and it is often used in the treatment of liver problems including cirrhosis and jaundice.

German Chamomile is also an excellent tonic for the liver and digestive system. It stimulates the liver and gall bladder which helps to improve digestion and it also helps to cleanse the blood and discharge toxins via the liver.

Peppermint essential oil also stimulates healthy bile flow from the liver and gall bladder and supports the digestive system as a whole.

Juniper oil benefits the digestive system and has a tonic and detoxifying effect on the liver, helping to eliminate waste products from the body.

Fennel essential oil supports the digestive function and has an antiseptic, tonic effect on the liver. It is also believed to protect the liver from certain toxins.

Cypress, Lemon and Thyme oils are also useful when the liver is congested.

Liver tonic:

For a simple liver tonic, add a slice of lemon to a cup of warm water and drink first thing in the morning to help cleanse your liver. Then throughout the day add 2-4 drops of Rosemary / Chamomile and/or Peppermint Hydrolat to a glass of water (you can use a single hydrolat or a combination of the above). Make sure the water is at room temperature as it will be easier for your body to absorb.

For more tips, health advice and information about the liver, visit the British Liver Trust www.britishlivertrust.org.uk

Q: Do your Hydrolats have “best before” dates and what is the maximum length of time I can keep them for before opening?

A: Our Hydrolats are 100% pure with no additives, colour or preservatives. They are extremely fragile products and as they don’t contain the same concentration of antibacterial properties as their essential oil counterparts, they are subject to far more rapid deterioration, especially when they are not stored correctly. We generally recommend that our Hydrolats are used within 12 months of opening. The shelf life without opening will all depend on the conditions they are kept in. The optimum conditions for unopened hydrolats are in a cool dark place with temperatures between 8-12 degrees C (without fluctuation). You can read more detailed information on our previously published blog  How to store your Hydrolats.

Please note that there are many factors that effect the life of the product so we would recommend that you use them as close to purchase as possible, as the properties of the product may change over time. We recommend that you do not store your hydrolats for more than 3 months prior to opening.

Base Formula Aromatherapy Team

 

Q: I currently have a lot of pain in my knee and am waiting for an arthroscopy to try and diagnose the problem. Can you recommend anything that may help with the pain?

A: You might find a Green Clay Compress helpful. I found this most beneficial after my knee surgery and I still use it regularly during the cold weather. Mix 2 tbsp of Green Clay with either Lavender or Chamomile Hydrolat, until you have a thick, yoghurt type paste. Then add 2 drops of Cypress, 2 drops of Juniper and 2 drops of Marjoram and blend thoroughly. Apply generously to the knee, cover with cling film and a towel and sit with your feet up. The compress will feel cold on application but will start to warm up. If you have a wheat bag warm it up and rest it behind the knee. If the knee is swelling you can also add 1 drop of German Chamomile and 1 drop of Lavender essential oil to the above blend.

Jeni Broughton
Consultant Aromatherapist

Q: My Grandma had a stroke 6 weeks ago and has no sensation or movement down one side. The nursing staff have been massaging her limbs with Tiger Balm. Just wondered whether there are any essential oils that could help with her rehabilitation?

A: Sorry to hear about your Grandma, we wish her well and a speedy recovery! We’ve recommended a couple of blends for the nursing staff to try. One to help stimulate the limbs and another just for general well being. Please note that you MUST have the doctors/nursing staffs’ consent prior to using massage and essential oils as massage is often contraindicated for stroke victims due to the possibility of dislodging more clots or arterial plaque. If they agree then gentle, light massage (which we assume is what the nurses are doing) can help to stimulate circulation, lymph flow etc to the affected area. Slow-Stroke Back Massage has also been shown to help reduce the anxiety, pain, blood pressure and heart rate of elderly stroke patients. Unless you are qualified in aromatherapy and massage we recommend that you visit the Federation of Holistic Therapists website www.fht.org.uk where you should be able to find a local therapist who would be able to arrange a full and comprehensive consultation.

Blend for general well being

10ml Carrier Oil
3 drops of Rose essential oil
3 drops of Ylang Ylang essential oil
3 drops of Bergamot essential oil

 Blend for stimulation

20ml Carrier Oil
3 drops Black Pepper essential oil
2 drops Spearmint essential oil
2 drops Rosemary essential oil
2 drops Ginger essential oil

Best Wishes
The Aromatherapy Team
Base Formula Ltd

 

 

Is your hair looking as dull, dry and lifeless as those stray Christmas tree pine needles that are still lying around? All that extra styling, heat and ‘product’ used for Christmas and New Year parties can certainly leave your hair and scalp in need of a little TLC.

If this is the case, try our nourishing shampoo recipe that will help put the life and shine back into your lovely locks!

Nourishing Aromatherapy Shampoo Recipe:

100ml Base Formula Fragrance Free Shampoo (currently on offer: SAVE 20%)
6 drops Thyme essential oil
7 drops Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil
3 drops Lavender essential oil
4 drops Rosemary essential oil

Has your skin lost its Christmas sparkle? It’s not surprising as the festive season can really take its toll on your appearance – too many late nights, too much alcohol and rich food, not to mention the stress of coping with the in-laws and hyperactive children!

We’ve put together a few simple recipes to help restore your natural New Year’s glow:-

If you’re skin is looking as dull, dry and lifeless as the leftover turkey start the year with a deep cleanse and exfoliation. This will slough off all the festive grime and dead skin cells, helping to stimulate circulation and the re-generation of healthy new skin cells.

You can use our Exfoliating Body Wash with ground pumice or you can make up your own exfoliators for the face and body with a few simple store cupboard ingredients.

For evenly balanced skin blend 2 drops of Geranium, 2 drops of Lavender and 2 drops of Frankincense with Base Formula’s Cream Cleanser or Moisturising Lotion. Other oils to consider would be Fennel/Lemon/Rose/Neroli/Jasmin/ Benzoin or Palmarosa.

Next, add some grains to make a natural exfoliator. Ground rice is ideal for the face as it’s nice and gentle, but for the body you can choose larger grains such as oats, coffee grounds, desiccated coconut or for an added therapeutic boost our Fine Grade Dead Sea Salt. Simply add you chosen ingredient until you have your desired consistency – some people like less granules and some like more!

Massage into the skin with circular movements and rinse off with luke warm water.

Tip: If you want an extra radiant glow try a DIY hydro-therapy treatment. Use the exfoliating scrub whilst in the shower and keep alternating the water temperature from hot to cold every 60 seconds. The change in temperature contracts and dilates your blood vessels which boosts your circulation and helps to flush and cleanse your blood. This is particularly good for areas of cellulite.

For an extra deep facial cleanse use a clay mask to draw out impurities and toxins and to decongest and refine the pores. Try our Ultra Fine French Green Clay to revitalise the complexion and clear the skin or our White Kaolin Clay which is milder and more suited to dry or sensitive skin. Both clays can be mixed with a range of other skin nurturing ingredients such as Hydrolats, Aloe Vera Gels and Essential Oils for added therapeutic benefit.

Finally, all those festive tipples can leave your skin seriously dehydrated. Make sure you increase your daily intake of water to increase your skin’s natural moisture levels which will result in a smoother, firmer appearance. Also, rather slather your skin in a richer moisturiser, try one of our therapeutic facial oils, which absorb more quickly into the skin to nourish and hydrate. Choose from 3 varieties blended with pure essential oils, Evening Primrose, Coconut Oil and Vitamin E: Rose for mature, sensitive, dry skin, Neroli for all skin types including oily/combination and mature, and Jasmin & Sandalwood for combination skin.

Happy New Year!
Base Formula Aromatherapy Team

We’re pleased to announce that we now stock Plai essential oil. This wonderful ‘health supporting’ oil is one of the best essential oils for treating aches, pains and inflammation. It originates from Thailand where it has long been used for therapeutic Thai massage and as a natural remedy for arthritis and rheumatism. Plai is also great for digestive problems which many of us may be suffering from after Christmas!

Here are a couple of Plai essential oil blends for you to try:-

For digestive problems / Irritable Bowel

4 drops Plai essential oil
1 drop Black Pepper essential oil
2 drops Star Anise essential oil
2 drops Ginger essential oil

Add to 30ml of your chosen carrier oil and massage into the stomach in a clockwise direction to encourage digestive flow.

Chronic Joint Pain

15 drops Plai essential oil
12 drops Black Pepper essential oil
12 drops Orange Sweet essential oil
15 drops Sandalwood essential oil

Add to 60ml of carrier oil and apply to the affected area several times per day.

Stay healthy over ChristmasChristmas is a time to eat, drink and be merry! A time when we’ll be tempted with an abundance of rich food and alcohol! There is nothing wrong with treating ourselves at Christmas but repeated and excessive consumption can take its toll, leading to weight gain, bloating, upset tummies and reduced energy levels!

We’ve put together a few simple tips and a few aromatherapy blends to help you stay healthy over the Christmas period:

  • Drink a cup of warm water with a slice of lemon first thing in the morning to detox your system and boost energy levels.
  • Ensure that you drink plenty of water, it keeps you and your skin hydrated and stops you from eating more!! Ask yourself are you’re hungry or thirsty, if you’re not sure have a glass of water first. Remember if you are thirsty you are already de-hydrated!
  • Try and have alternate healthy days – i.e. one indulgent day followed by one healthy day. Eating healthy foods like salad or a stir fry will help cleanse your body and prepare it for the next onslaught.
  • Go for a nice brisk walk to blow the cobwebs away and boost energy levels.
  • Try and eat lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and protein and avoid overloading on carbohydrates.
  • Feel free to snack on nuts and seeds as they contain lots of things that help speed up the metabolism which helps you lose weight.
  • Avoid eating too much chocolate as it’s loaded with sugar and additives.
  • Don’t drink alcohol on an empty stomach and make sure you have plenty of water in between drinks and before you go to bed.

However, as it’s the season to eat, drink and be merry we appreciate it won’t be easy to stick to the above advice! If you do overindulge on the Christmas pud and chocolates and end up feeling as stuffed as the Turkey try sipping on the following blend:-

Mix together in a mug and top up with boiling water. Stir well and drink slowly.

NOTE: This blend should not be used for children!

And, just in case you have a little too much to drink (as if you would!!) here are a couple of essential oil blends that you can try the morning after….

Taking it easy blend!

Energy boosting blend!

Blend either of the above and add 8 drops to your bath or to a fragrance free shower gel!

Have a wonderful Christmas everyone!
From the Base Formula Aromatherapy Team
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Q: Hi I’ve bought your Aloe Vera, Elderflower & Seaweed Eye but would like to ask If I can add other natural ingredients to it e.g. essential oils and carrier oils, that I know are also beneficial for the eye area and in curing dark circles and fine lines. Thanks.

A: Our Aloe Vera, Elderflower & Seaweed Eye Gel is ideal for reducing dark circles and fine lines. It is ready to use, and developed with a range of skin nurturing ingredients, but you can add other natural ingredients to the Gel if you wish! All of our Aloe Vera Gels are designed to readily accept the addition of other therapeutic ingredients to a maximum of 2% i.e. 2ml of additive per 100ml of base. We’d love to hear how you’re tailoring your eye gel – why not send us your recipe! Remember if you’re using a product or ingredient for the first time remember to spot test first as the under eye area is particularly sensitive.

Kind regards
Aromatherapy team
Base Formula Ltd