You’re a Natural Beauty: April 2025

Each month Adele Trathan and Sara Whatley look at seven elements of living the life of a natural beauty, helping you to enrich the mind, body and soul in balance and holistic harmony 

ESSENTIAL OIL

Clove Oil 

Cloves have been part of traditional medicine used in Ayurveda treatments and Chinese medicine practises to address a wide range of low-level health concerns. There are two types of clove oil: 

Clove bud oil: This contains higher levels of eugenol, which makes it stronger in scent and potency. Clove bud oil is not suitable for topical use as it can be toxic for the skin.

Clove leaf oil: Milder in scent and strength which is considered safe to apply topically when properly diluted with a carrier oil. 

A major component of clove oil is eugenol which is used in some dental products and medicines, it works as a natural anaesthetic – with mild antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Clove bud oil should 

not be used orally due to its high concentration levels, but clove leaf oil can provide short term relief to sore teeth and gums when diluted and used under the direction of a qualified dental practitioner. 

Clove oil has also been found to be effective at stopping the growth of some bacteria and fungi, to help relieve itching and initial studies suggest it may inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It should be noted that currently the only safe recommended method of ingesting cloves is using the dry spice as an ingredient and not essential oils. 

DID YOU KNOW? 

Chilli Peppers

Chilli peppers contain an active ingredient called capsaicin which is often used in topical applications for managing pain and soreness. It has a long history of use in folk medicine and is now often used in sports ointments and anti-inflammatory applications. It works by the capsaicin causing the skin to warm and numb the area. 

You can make your own capsaicin muscle rub cream at home with store cupboard ingredients: 

• Add 3 tbsp of cayenne powder with 225 grams coconut oil in a small saucepan

• Heat gently over a low heat so it melts, stirring for 5 minutes

• Remove from heat and pour into a sterilised jar, allow to cool and firm up.

• Massage into skin when cooled.

  
  

  Note: Test a small area first to check sensitivity before using extensively. Never use the cream around the face or eyes and use gloves during application.

  
  

YOGA 

Cow Face Pose, Gomukhasana 

Cow Face pose is a glorious celebration of stretching, awakening and observing your body, perfect for practicing as we move into spring. It presents an opportunity to practice meeting yourself exactly where you are, as this pose can be a challenge. 

The legs stack on top of each other, one knee over the other; the sitting bones make solid contact with the ground and the spine rises tall. Arms stretch out behind you then one arm raises, bends at the elbow and reaches down the spine. The other arm reaches up the spine from the base and fingers clasp in the middle of the back. The spine stays tall, the shoulder blades are firmed against the back ribs and the chest is open. 

This pose stretches the shoulders, hips, thighs and ankles, and opens the chest. It can be a challenge, so meeting your body and accepting its capabilities is important – have blocks, cushions and a strap to hand to help you maintain good posture. 

THERAPY CORNER

Animal Assisted Therapy 

There is a reason that dogs are called man’s best friend. Here you will find a loyal companion – empathetic, non- judgemental, unconditionally loving and always willing to lend an ear. It’s not just dogs however; many animals become invaluable parts of our lives and we take from them, hopefully, as much as we give back to them. 

Animal Assisted Therapy is a gentle way to approach therapy as it involves working with both animals and a therapist to explore feelings in a different way. Being with animals can calm our nervous systems, and the therapist will be able to see how their client reacts to the animal. Animals may also offer a way into accessing feelings and behaviours that are too difficult for the client to address face on. 

Clients can expect to be in contact with a range of animals including cats, dogs, horses, guinea pigs and chickens. Sessions might include walking and feeding animals, cuddling and stroking them, collecting chicken eggs, and watching the animals. Whilst being with the animals the therapist and client can explore any feeling that arise and begin to process them in a safe and contained way. 

IT’S A GUT FEELING 

Sauerkraut 

As a fermented food, sauerkraut is not only brilliant for our gut health, but it is delicious and easy to make too. I’ve been making my own sauerkraut for a while now and it’s so easy I can’t believe I ever bought it! The two main ingredients are white cabbage and salt. How much you use depends on how much you want to make – and you must make sure you have the correct ratio of salt to cabbage. 

Simply take a large mixing bowl, shred the cabbage and massage in the salt. This process takes a while, 10-15 mins; carry on until the volume of cabbage has dramatically reduced and it is sitting in its own natural brine. Then leave to ferment and hey presto, your own delicious powerhouse on your fork. 

Sauerkraut is full of healthy goodness, including fibre, vitamins, and lactobacillus – a probiotic which helps support gut health and the immune system. It is so versatile and can be added to salads, with cheese and bread, or the classic sauerkraut, sausage and mash is always a winner. 

CRYSTAL POWER 

Jade 

The use of Jade goes back to ancient Eastern civilisations and is believed to have several benefits, including increasing fortune, grounding, and enhancing maturity in relationships. Jade is predominantly a green stone, but it does present in many other colours, such as lemon and lilac. 

Practical Uses: 

Physical Healing: Physical Healing: Jade is believed to be a powerful cleansing stone that can help organs to heal from toxins and balance out fluid systems in the body. It’s also popular for its cooling touch, which is thought to help reduce a fever. 

Emotional Power: Linked to the heart chakra, Jade is believed to help enhance our emotional connections with ourselves and the wider world, helping to create deeper friendships, family relationships and a sense of self-love. 

Luck & Good Fortune: With a long history asa protective talisman, Jade is celebrated as a stone that is soaked in good luck. It’s believed that all beneficial things flow towards Jade and as a generous gem that good fortune is distributed freely. 

SUPERFOOD 

Walnuts 

Walnuts have a greater antioxidant activity than any other common nut and they are a dietary powerhouse of essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, they are super easy to include in your diet; a small handful (40-60 grams) a day is suggested to benefit from the nutrient rich profile and health benefits of walnuts. 

Health and nutritional benefits include:

• The polyphenols in walnuts can help fight oxidative stress and inflammation which can contribute to diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and some cancers 

• Rich in antioxidants and can help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol 

• Significantly higher in omega-3s than any other nut 

• May help regulate appetite and support weight management 

• Walnuts are packed with nutritional benefits that can help support good physical functioning in older age 

• Eating walnuts may help improve brain function 

Note: Walnuts should never be eaten by anyone with a nut allergy. 

Disclaimer: The information contained on this page is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a doctor or medical practitioner if you are unsure of any medical symptoms.