Still small voice of calm

I am not used to London at the best of times, but London in the run up to Christmas is not a pretty experience.   Last weekend I was in Covent Garden to attend classes as part of my aromatherapy diploma.  Having achieved a blissful, massage induced, Zen like state; I lightly floated down the stairs, opened the door, stepped out onto the street and Wham! Not the 80s pop group, although that may have been equally disconcerting, rather a barrage of shopping bags smacking against my hitherto relaxed body, to a backdrop of “So here it is Merry Christmas! Everybody’s having fun!” Had I just emerged from a business lecture I may have considered claiming against the trade’s descriptions act, “Panic on the streets of London” would have been a far more accurate reflection of the scene before me.  I must admit as I wended my way to Leicester Square underground -dodging further bags, clouds of cigarette smoke, sandwich boards, leaflet pushers and festive purveyors of pies, I still mentally checked out the shop fronts, starting to inwardly fear that perhaps I was indeed missing out.  The magpie within my soul was drawn to the golden glimmer of tinsel and fairy lights, the promise of joy within the beautifully packaged displays.  ….Wham! (again, not the pop group, although rather ironically I could hear “Last Christmas” playing in a nearby store) my thoughts had converted to action, and as I stepped out to reach the Christmas treasure, I promptly smacked into someone else.   

Safely back in familiar surroundings, later that evening, I had a beautiful Sage bath, although the water was alarmingly murky as a layer of underground grime washed away from my body. It struck me that is exactly what I want to give people at Christmas – no, not a bath full of dirty water! Rather that wonderful feeling of peace and tranquility, the head space to see the world more clearly, a little voice of calm in the form of one of the wonderful Dr. Hauschka baths.  Here is a little summary of the beautiful baths on offer – all available via their website www.drhauschka.co.uk and there is a 15% discount by entering the code XMAS15 at the checkout (available until 12^th December) all priced at £17.95 or £3.50 for a trial size (a little does go a very long way, so a very worth while investment). 

BATH	GIFT FOR…
Lavender	Lavender cools and relaxes the body, reducing tension and inflammation.  It would be perfect for someone who is always rushing around, constantly on the go, perhaps caring for everyone else but not taking time out for themselves.
Lemon	Lemon baths awaken the nervous system and the senses, capturing the warmth and energy of the sun.  A good choice for someone who feels rather lack luster, where life seems flat and uneventful.  Sunshine for the soul!
Rosemary	A good choice for darker, winter months when things are cold and slightly oppressive. Rosemary revitalizes and brings warmth to light the fire within.
Sage	Sage is very healing to the body and to the mind.  Especially good for periods of over exertion, whether physically or mentally.
Spruce	Spruce is very grounding and relaxing, without being as sedating as a Lavender bath.  Perfect for a morning bath before heading off into the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping!

Balance me beautiful

Lately, I’ve been thinking about an extract from an interview carried out in 2009 with Elisabeth Sigmund, co-founder of Dr. Hauschka, in which she states

"It is important to be aware that cosmetics cannot do everything. Even the best skin care cannot get rid of disharmonious features. You simply have a very well cared for but unbeautiful face. Thoughts are reflected in the face: the good and the bad. A person needs two beauties, an inner and an outer one.”

The question ‘what is beauty?’ is an interesting one.  The old adage “beauty is skin deep” teaches us that physical appearances are superficial, it is the heart and soul which truly counts.  However, superficial or not, our desire for external beauty is manifest in the myriad of cosmetic products available today.  The billion-dollar beauty industry feeds on ours fears that we might just fall short of the beauty standard, a standard that they have defined by bombarding us with images of airbrushed perfection.  The genius of advertising is that it simultaneously creates and offers us a quick-fix solution to a problem that hitherto never existed.  In a 24/7 world of instant gratification, it is easy to see how beauty has become a commodity, something that is bought and sold. 

Now, I’d be the first to admit that Dr. Hauschka competes very well in this marketplace, not I hasten to add through airbrushed images and false claims, but through the pure power of the products.

“Our marketing is based on providing education on the products and their application. Of course we present beautiful images in our marketing, but they are genuine images. All the models are real Dr. Hauschka users - our intention is that our images should represent you, not an impossible dream. Beyond the images we always explain why and how the products work. That is why our catalogue and web site are so important to us - they offer the space and opportunity to properly explain the brand”

First and foremost the products sell because they give you fantastic, radiant, glowing skin. But the brand is subtly deeper than this; much, much deeper. Like a truly beautiful face it has both an inner and an outer beauty working in perfect harmony. The outer beauty is its commercial face, the inner beauty the values and standards driving that commerce.   

I love the products because they help me remember that less is more, for it is all too easy to become greedy and wrapped up in yourself.  I use them with an attitude of gratitude, respect for the wonders of nature, consideration for the environment and thankfulness for the rhythm they bring into my life.

Where's the Party?

To celebrate the launch of Radiant You, Dr. Hauschka have a month-long party with a series of fantastic offers and goodies.
This weekend, there is £5 OFF ALL ORDERS online using the code PARTY5 at the checkout.  Additionally, if you purchase a Radiant You Starter Kit you SAVE UP TO £12.95 on your daily cleansing essentials.  30 days really can transform your skin and this kit is amazing.

Alternatively you can call Customer Services on 01386 792 622 to take part in the Radiant You celebrations.

Lilliputians

This morning the postman delivered not one, but two Dr. Hauschka Lilliputians (which is how I affectionately refer to their wonderful care kits).  Pure happiness whisked me off to a land of flight and fancy, thankfully eclipsing the horror of the previous day’s missives that bore the HM Revenue & Customs stamp of doom.  I was lucky enough to win a fan of the week prize from the fabulous Dr. Hauschka Facebook site, where I can hand on heart say you meet the kindest, warmest people you could ever possibly hope to meet.   The Dr. Hauschka team had made such an incredible job of packaging my prize, I was joyfully leaping around the kitchen before I had even reached the products …maybe the Inland Revenue could put their letters in butterfly paper?…I digress.

There is an indescribable magic surrounding these care kits.  Miniature sizes of your favourite products seem to elicit more joy than the full-sized versions.  Yes, on a purely practical level they are fantastic for travel and also a good way to try out a new product before a larger investment.   However, for me they provide the same pleasure as birthdays and Christmas as a child. As I held up a tube of Rose Day Cream, I reminded myself of the following scene from Father Ted (replace plastic cows for Rose Day Cream, which I would happily do any day of the week!)

Father Ted: Now concentrate this time, Dougal. These

[he points to some plastic cows on the table]

Father Ted: are very small; those

[pointing at some cows out of the window]

Father Ted: are far away...

A Little Flower

"Just living is not enough," said the butterfly, "one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower." ~ Hans Christian Anderson

For the beautiful Small Blue Butterfly this little flower is Kidney Vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria) which is the sole food plant for the butterflies’ larvae.

Its golden inflorescences are like little orbs of sunshine and it is certainly liberating in terms of skincare.  Revered within traditional medicine for the treatment of wounds (vulneraria = wound healer), it is a restorer of balance and harmony to the skin. Physically this plant rather elegantly encapsulates the cyclic nature of skin renewal where cell death is perfectly balanced by regeneration.  This is eloquently  described within the Dr. Hauschka plant library

“The vigorous upward and spreading growth of Kidney Vetch is the expression of its strong vegetative power. It is this power that strengthens the injured human organism. However, Kidney Vetch does not grow rampant but with refined culture. The power that fortifies the wound healing process is therefore not uncontrolled, but balanced and finely regulating. The plant's polymorphism is also an expression of its regulating power. In the same way as it adapts itself to different external circumstances, Kidney Vetch also helps different skin types to develop in the direction of a balanced, healthy skin. The balanced growth of the plant, which is at the same time an expression of the balance between building-up and breaking-down processes, is transferred to the skin, thus strengthening its resistance to destructive environmental influences and slowing down the aging process. The balancing of the building-up and breaking-down processes in the stratum corneum also refines the skin and makes it noticeably softer.” 

Not surprisingly, because of its equilibrating effect, it is a key plant in Dr. Hauschka skincare.  In fact, it could be considered a Hero ingredient as it contained within all of the following face care and cosmetic products

• Cleansing Cream 

• Cleansing Milk
• Facial Toner
• Clarifying Toner
• Moisturising Day Cream
• Quince Day Cream
• Melissa Day Cream
• Soothing Mask
• Rejuvenating Mask
• Rhythmic Night Conditioner
• Natural Glamour Eyeshadow Palette
• Translucent Bronze Concentrate
• Translucent Make-up
• Kajal Eyeliner

Each time I use any of these products I now remember this wonderful little plant and think of myself as a Dr. Hauschka butterfly, enjoying the sunshine they bring into my life!

Dr. Hauschka versus Dementors

Anyone who is familiar with the Harry Potter series of stories will know that a Dementor is a creature that feeds on your fears and worst nightmares. They suck the joy from your being, like someone would suck the flavor from a lollipop, leaving behind a colourless, icy core.  As their name suggests, anyone who encounters them for too long will lose their mind.

This is very much a week when I feel I have been losing my mind.  Ever since Dad died, the world seems a place populated with nothing but Dementors.  Every scary thing that you normally hide at the back of your mind becomes a tangible reality; every worse scenario that you can imagine becomes a certainty; the walls of your mind move inwards and you feel like you are going to be crushed.   

Fear makes us vulnerable, and I have found in terms of the Beauty Industry, there are a lot of unscrupulous people who will cash in on these fears. Returning to the Harry Potter theme the following quote seems apt:

“Well, you see, in all the panic about You-Know-Who, odd things have been cropping up for sale everywhere, things that are supposed to guard against You-Know-Who and the Death Eaters. You can imagine the kind of thing — so-called protective potions that are really gravy with a bit of bubotuber pus added, or instructions for defensive jinxes that actually make your ears fall off. . . .”

So this week I was really encouraged to see the following Facebook quote from the lovely team at Dr. Hauschka concerning their decision to cease selling shampoos:

“The manufacturers of Dr. Hauschka, WALA Heilmittel, would not have been able to continue to sustainably produce some of the ingredients that were contained in the shampoos, and so rather than compromise on the very highest of standards which Dr.Hauschka is famous for, the decision was taken to discontinue these products. We were all very sad to see them go but at the same time, Dr.Hauschka remains true to its core beliefs & values and that's something that we're very proud of…”

It reminded me why I love using Dr. Hauschka products. And no, I am not going to suggest for one second that introducing them into your life is going to make everything magically ok.  I can’t say that if you use them you will never feel scared again, that your loved ones will always be safe, that the house will tidy itself, that the scary admin pile will vanish, that you will automatically pass exams, or get a clean bill of health or resolve all the terrible injustices in this world.  But you can certainly believe in them as a company with heart and soul.

And for me the products do perform a certain type of magic. The uplifting smell of Lemon Bath is like sunshine in a bottle, the Moor Lavender Body Oil envelops you in comforting blanket of fresh Lavender; the Rose Day Cream is like stepping out into the garden where the petals are fresh with dew.  Dementors can’t feed on this type of joy.

When fate hands you lemons, make lemonade

I have been reflecting this week over Dale Carnegie’s play on the sentiment of making the best of a bad thing.. "when fate hands you lemons, make lemonade".

It reminds me to focus on the positive things I am empowered to do, rather than indulge in a wallow of if onlys, whys? and why nots?.  Don’t get me wrong, I think a good wallow is essential every now and then, but there comes a time when you have to get out of your pajamas (wallow costume de rigueur) and face the world.  

LEMON GOOD!!!!!!!!

His quote is obviously using lemon in its definition as something that proves to be defective, imperfect or unsatisfactory.  Ironically, for me lemon is something that can help you achieve the necessary frame of mind to focus on the positives.  Lemon essential oil has a magical, uplifting power that cuts through the gloom to bring freshness and new possibilities.   Lemon peel oil is used in Dr. Hauschka’s Lemon Bath (again, rather ironically called “Citronen Bad” in German. I often find myself wanting to amend the label to read “Lemon Good”!)  

Small things can make a big difference.  Adding just a few drops of Lemon bath to your cleansing water in the morning can set you on the path for a glorious day of shining possibilities.  

Alternatively, use the glorious Lemon Lemongrass Body Oil, to give yourself  a confidence boost - the smell is divine and it will leave you ready to take on the world, no wonder it has been named on the In Style 2011 Best Beauty Buys!

Special Introductory Offer

If you have never ordered from Dr. Hauschka before you qualify for their “Radiant You” face care set at the special price of £39.95 (a saving of £5.95).  Simply call their lovely Customer Service team on 01386 792 622 to request your introductory product set.  This offer is not available in stores or on-line. 

The set includes everything you need to establish a beautiful cleansing routine (50ml Cleansing Cream, 100ml Facial Toner, 10ml Lavender Bath, Muslin Face Cloth)

A Rose by any other name..

Strange week so far.  I submitted a change of address form to the DVLA and whilst they duly updated my details they amended my name to Mark at the same time!?! Perhaps Mark doesn’t put up with any nonsense, so maybe this isn’t such a bad thing, for a lot of nonsense has been coming my way.  Feeling a bit blue, I treated myself to a trial size of Rose Day Cream (it is only £3.50 so hardly the worst case of comfort spending!). I’m totally in love with the smell and it is fantastic for after swimming when my skin feels depleted and rather sorry for itself.  I love the Melissa Day Cream, which I have used since its launch earlier this year, but I secretly wish I didn’t turn into an oil slick of Exxon Valdez proportions if I used Rose Day Cream on a daily basis.  The title of this blog alludes to the naming mix up, but sadly sometimes roses by the same name don’t smell as sweet. Fragrance has taken a back seat in the quest for longer blooming cycles, brilliancy in colour, diversity of habit, and perfect form.  Even worse is the use of chemicals to synthetically replicate the scent of rose (can’t replicate the healing properties of the plant though can they!) Thank goodness for Dr. Hauschka’s Pink Revolution and the glorious acres of heavenly scented Damask roses!

Not just dodgy mathematics...

The fact that Dr. Hauschka products work together as a whole is a mirror of the farming practices which provide the beautiful raw materials used to produce them.  Biodynamic farming treats farms as individual entities, taking the whole farm into consideration, not just its parts.  In other words the farmers, the animals and the plants work together holistically. In this respect the whole truly is greater than the sum of its parts.

The sanctuary of a fluffy towelling robe…

There is something wonderfully comforting about a decent quality robe ; notice that I say decent quality - I have been to spas where the robes felt like you were being rubbed in shredded wheat (well I imagine, I don’t make a habit of dressing in breakfast cereal).  Life has been very dark for me lately and often I haven’t felt like getting up and facing the world.  On such occasions I reach for my wonderful Liv hooded towelling robe.  Like all Liv products the quality and care taken in its production speak volumes, they seem to envelope you in a pure, snugly soft magic.

Alas, the robes aren’t part of the mid-season sale, however, they are already extremely good value for money – and you may just pick up another bargain when going online to check them out! 

Sending out an SOS

My skin has taken a bit of a bashing lately – lack of sleep, poor diet, excessive touching and haphazard routine.  For these occasions I rely on Dr. Hauschka’s moisturising mask, in fact even reading the product description “Almond, Avocado and Jojoba oils nourish the skin and the Quince extract imparts its moisturising properties” makes me feel comforted and restored. 

I don’t have particularly dry skin so I don’t use this mask regularly, just when I feel my body is sending out an SOS – it is fantastic at restoring the natural acid balance.  It has a glorious smell, a luxurious, smooth texture and a little goes a very long way!

The art of listening...

I once had a boss who never listened to what I was saying.  This is not a mere grumble because I feel someone failed to appreciate my ideas, he was so wrapped up in his own world, I could say literally anything and he would just hear what he wanted to hear.  Ironically, he used to ask me every morning “How are you today?” to which I could reply “I have become a cactus”, “I have sewed macaroni to my jumper” “I have lost all my toes –twice!” or any other such nonsense without him paying the blindest bit of attention.  Even if I said “I am totally NOT ok” he wouldn’t notice.  Sadly, although this is an extreme example, it is very easy to be preoccupied with one’s own affairs to the extent that you fail to listen to what others are saying.  Alternatively, we do listen, but lack the ability to deal with an answer than deviates from the norm.  It is as if the question “Are you ok?” were part of a computer program where no code has been written to cover negative responses.  The same often applies to beauty treatments, which can seem like a series of checkboxes rather than a dialogue between therapist and client. 

I once went for a manicure; when faced with the selection of colours I opted for a rather neutral pink tone, which the therapist proclaimed was a lackluster "dull, dull, dull!" I felt that I had failed somehow, and, in my desire to conform, ended up with bright red talons which I actually hated, but didn’t have the nerve to say so.  That sounds ridiculous, if I was paying for the treatment why didn’t I say anything?  An excess of reserve and not wishing to create a fuss.  For pretty much the same reasons when questioned at the hairdressers “Is the temperature of the water ok?” I will always answer “fine thanks” even if my head is on fire! Which just goes to show that understanding doesn’t have to be on a verbal level, my body language probably gives some clues (the fact that smoke is issuing from my earholes)

I also remember getting a massage where the focus on my “numerous knots” meant that I was punched and pummeled to within an inch of my life (ok, major exaggeration there, but it did hurt!). I wouldn’t have minded so much, but when originally questioned about what I wanted to achieve from the massage I had said I felt emotionally fragile and needed uplifting support – I hadn’t intended the support to be in the form of a walking stick ; )

Now I can happily say that feeling uncomfortable in my own skin is never something I have experienced with Dr. Hauschka treatments.  It may just be because I am incredibly lucky to have found a real gem of an esthetician, but I have a suspicion that anyone who loves the products with enough passion to train in the treatments is going to be a pretty wonderful person.  The consultation process is truly a dialogue, not just the presentation of a form by which you must categorize your skin, mood, sleep patterns, dietary habits and allergies.  Don’t get me wrong, all those factors are important, but there is just something infinitely nicer about a consultation taking place over a warm sage foot bath (the water temperature honestly is perfect) than being left alone in a corridor with a clipboard and a tick box list.  For me the magic of the treatments is that they focus on the whole person, enabling you to regain a wonderful sense of harmony.  Both the products (and the lovely people who have trained in them) are gentle, unassuming, and noninvasive, their role is to help the body listen to, and therefore regulate and heal, itself.

For my Dad...

It has been quite a while since I have put fingers to keyboard.  6 weeks ago my dad died suddenly from a stroke, since then I have been floundering in a dark world that makes no sense; I have a constant feeling that I just want to go home, but somehow I’m not able to make it.  

Home is where the heart is and my heart is broken.  I once read that having a broken heart is like having a broken rib, the pain is not visible to the outside world, but every breath hurts.  Believe me it has hurt to breathe ever since…

The ironic thing in life is that when tragedy strikes you are faced with tough decisions and tasks when you are physically and emotionally least able to function.  Initially my reaction can be summarized in these classic lines from W H Auden:

“The stars are not wanted now: put out every one;


Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;


Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood,


For nothing now can ever come to any good.”

Yet it has been in nature that I am beginning to find comfort.  Dad was an incredibly talented gardener and I never fully understood the magic of the earth…until now.  True, I got excited about the therapeutic properties of plants, I loved the beauty of meadows, shorelines, mountains and woods; but I never previously experienced the feeling succinctly summed up by Monty Don that “Earth heals me better than any medicine”.  

Being left a garden to tend was the best gift of all; every single moment I spend there brings me closer to what I have lost, is a small tribute to the amazing man that he was; gaining what Rudolph Steiner would define as a “knowledge which blossoms like a flower in the depths of the individual soul. God, having vanished from the world, is reborn in the depths of the human heart”. 

The mention of Rudolph Steiner brings me back to the reason for this blog, the healing power of products harvested biodynamically.  And yes, Dr. Hauschka products are taking a small but important role in my recovery, of which I shall write in the upcoming blogs – but this one is just for you daddy x

Gok Wan and Lip Balm

What I absolutely love about Gok Wan (apart from the classic moment in episode 3, Series 6 of How to Look Good Naked when he holds a talking colour detector to his face and it declares he is “bright orange”) is reflected in his choice of desert island luxury: Dr.Hauschka lip balm, which coincidentally is also a lovely orange hue.  This is a truly amazing product, a golden pot of feel good factor, leaving your lips kissably soft and smooth, without the celebrity price tag or cocktail of unnecessary synthetic ingredients.  It may not have a celebrity price tag, but according to this month's edition of Marie Claire it does have a celebrity following, with Jennifer Anniston listing it as her £10 beauty secret (curiously enough she is wearing bright orange in this feature).

Have you ever watched an episode of 10 Years Younger and shuddered in horror as the person standing in front of the mirror is reduced to a list of faults to be corrected by cosmetic surgery?  It is the TV equivalent of one of those scary facials where you are scrutinized under a giant magnifying glass only to leave feeling like you are a giant, discoloured, open pore (with crows feet!).  Gok, on the other hand, always sees the whole person, celebrates what is truly amazing about the individual and then helps them to blossom.  The type of beauty he helps to uncover could never be bought at a Harley Street GPs, just as a million clever polypeptides combinations could never compete with the pure beauty of natural ingredients working in harmony with the whole.  

Stravinsky, Shaving Injuries and Free Samples...

This week has not been the best of weeks.  Firstly my car started to make noises much akin to the music of Stravinsky (alas Stravinsky during his discordance period, to a tune which sounded a lot like “this is gonna cost you”). My attempts to ignore this (by playing the radio) were literally drowned out by the addition of a noise that sounded like a flock of honking, angry Canada geese. Secondly, in a monumental act of shaving ineptness I managed to cut my leg. I should note that these two incidents were unrelated, as shaving and driving do not a good combination make.  However, they put me in mind of the Dr. Hauschka body range, no seriously, please read on… 

Dr. Hauschka’s body care is based on being in tune with your body, and a soft, gentle rhythm (which I sadly lacked whilst brandishing my razor).  Of course, unlike a car, your body isn’t going to start honking at you like an angry Canada goose if it is feeling neglected, and quite frankly good job too as it would be quite embarrassing in meetings if nothing else!  But it can become dry, flaky, wrinkled and inflamed.  As a society we tend to focus more on facial products, mainly because the face is always on display unlike legs and arms that can be hidden under layers of clothing. Somehow, people feel guilty about ‘indulging’ in a product that cannot be appreciated by the outside world.  But taking care of yourself shouldn’t be about what is on show, or the perceptions of others, but what makes you feel comfortable in your own skin.  Similarly, body care doesn’t have to be a complicated regime of products.  Simply applying Body Oil immediately after a bath or shower can be the most wonderfully uplifting experience. My favourite is Almond St. Johnswort Body Oil, which I find very comforting and reassuring (note, the aroma once applied is simply gorgeous. Smelling from the bottle I originally feared the Almond was too overpowering and I would be applying essence of Bakewell tart ; ).  Moor Lavender Oil is very relaxing and soothing when massaged into the feet.  Quince Body Lotion will keep your skin comfortably moisturized all day long.  Unlike my car, body care doesn't need to be expensive, a little goes a long way and you don't need to religiously moisturise your body every day, just whenever you feel the need to do so.  Warning once you start, you might be addicted to the results though!

Very excitingly Dr Hauschka will be launching a new body product in June – Regenerating Body Moisturiser. From the mere description -“Its rich, yet incredibly light formula and naturally beautiful scent of oranges and rose petals make Regenerating Body Moisturiser a delight to apply” - I’m in love with it already!  It is suitable for people concerned with skin ageing, again there are endless product available for the face, but we tend to overlook the skin on the rest of our bodies.

Until June 1^st you can receive a free sample when placing a web order by quoting the code 4RBMS at the checkout.  

Mad Dogs and Ice Plants..

What do mad dogs and Ice Plants have in common?  Well, like Englishmen they go out in the midday sun.  

The plant’s generic name 'Mesembryantheumum' derives from the Greek words ‘mesemria’ meaning midday and ‘anthemon’ meaning flower.  Like the plant’s German name Mittagsblume (noon plant) this is a reference to the flowers, which only open when there is strong sunshine.

Unlike me (anything over 20°C I’m erupting in prickly heat rashes), and the majority of Englishmen (I’m not sure about mad dogs), Ice Plants have an amazing ability to survive in sunny, dry conditions.  They do this by virtue of their succulent leaves, which are covered with glistening fluid reservoirs, giving the appearance of being covered in ice crystals.  

As an ingredient in skin care preparations the healing powers of this plant help address itching, pain, swelling and redness.  For this reason it is used within another fabulous Dr. Hauschka product that I have been reaching for during this sunny spell: After-Sun Lotion

Following exposure to sunshine this product is incredibly cooling and soothing; it has a beautiful fragrance and a smooth consistency which is easily applied and easily absorbed-  I have tried various others which have left me looking like antipasto (think chargrilled pepper covered in oil!).

Alas I’m unable to comment on whether it helps maintain a tan (I’d give snow white a run for her money in the paleness stakes), but it works better than anything else I have ever tried at calming my reactive skin. 

The Beauty of a Bluebell Wood

If I were Julie Andrews singing about my favourite things, Bluebell woods on a bright, sunny day would definitely be included in my list (although this might wreak havoc with the kitten/mitten rhyming scheme).  With their vibrant, intense colour and heavenly scent, they seem to sing to the soul; their beauty can lift even the heaviest of hearts.

Another name for Bluebells is “Wood Hyacinth” and this put me in mind of the new range of clothing from Liv in a beautiful hyacinth shade. Especially so when I saw their “True Blue” feature in this month’s copy of the Elysia Newsletter (a copy of which can be requested from the contact us section of the Liv website).

Liv somehow manages to pull off chic sophistication with comfort and a conscience.  My favourite is the Puck Dress (a name which although I know is named for the beautiful Worcestershire surroundings of the Eylsia headquarters, still puts me in mind of A Midsummers Night’s Dream -there is definitely something cheeky and magical about it!)

Scent of the Pine

Whilst listening to Nina Simone “Feeling Good” one of the lyrics reminded me of a product that I have not used for a long time, but which definitely promotes the feel good factor -Dr. Hauschka Spruce Bath.

This is a wonderful product made using the essential oil of Norway Spruce needles and it is suitable for all skin conditions.

Sizes Available

150ml @ £17.11 It is also included in the trial size bath care kit (along with Lavender, Lemon, Rosemary & Sage baths) which retails @£12.77

Ingredients

Sulfated Castor (Ricinus Communis) Oil, Glycerin, Picea Excelsa Leaf Oil, Alcohol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Arachis Hypogaea (Peanut) Oil, Fragrance/Parfum, Limonene, Geraniol, Chlorophyllin-Copper-Complex (Cl 75810) Note: these ingredients are produced either by biodynamic or certified organic agriculture whenever possible, or are wild-harvested.  Further details are available on the ingredients page of the website.

The trouble with pine fragrances is that they have been somewhat hijacked by the household cleaning industry and tend to conjure up images of toilets, disinfectant and floor mops – not really a sexy image for a skin care preparation!  Worse still, as is the case with Lavender, the synthetic version is nothing like the genuine article but harsh, overpowering and one dimensional. The commercial perfume market requires consistency of aroma, which to me is a shame because the subtle differences between crops grown in varying locations, soils and weather conditions imparts a certain magical je ne sais quoi, breathing uniqueness and life into every bottle.

Spruce Bath is also a product that suffers somewhat from not sounding particularly glamorous.  We are often told that less is more, but that doesn’t seem to be reflected in the products on offer, even fabric conditioner seems to considered dull unless it contains two tropical orchids, lotus blossom infusion and extract of diamond (I’m exaggerating of course, but I’m sure you get the picture!). 

So why choose the seemingly dull Spruce Bath?  For me it captures the regenerating essence of a walk in a forest, where the air is clear and you can breathe calmly and deeply.  If you consider that trees are the lungs of the planet it is not surprising that essential oils derived from trees have a deep affinity and action on our lungs.  This is a good choice of bath when you are suffering from a cold, as it clears congestion. It is also excellent for when you feel uptight and stressed. Like the roots of a tree, it can be anchoring and grounding; like the branches it can be uplifting, so is a good choice both to awaken the senses and to help restore a sense of calm.  For me it is somewhere between Lavender, which is deeply sedating, and Rosemary which is deeply invigorating.  The aroma is truly beautiful and full of character (unlike some toilet cleaners I could harpic on about).

How to use?

How to use

Add 1-2 teaspoons to your bath water. There is no need to add a base oil. Keep the bathroom door closed, stopping the aroma from escaping, and envelope yourself in the invigorating aroma. Get into the bath (it must not be too hot), relax and breathe in deeply!

Tips

Use in a footbath

I find this is a wonderfully refreshing start or end to the day.

As part of your cleanse

Add a few drops to the water for washing your face, again morning or night.

After showering

After washing yourself, soak a flannel in the warm spray, put a few drops of Spruce Bath onto the flannel and rub it over your body, inhaling the aroma.  Do not rinse off.

So go on, take time to see the wood for the trees and please give Pine Bath a whirl…..

“Stars when you shine

You know how I feel

Scent of the pine

You know how I feel

Yeah freedom is mine

And I know how I feel

It's a new dawn

It's a new day

It's a new life

For me

And I'm feeling good”