You’re a Natural Beauty: August 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 

YOGA

Pigeon Pose, Kapotasana 

In the heat of the summer our bodies can become more flexible and enjoy deeper yoga stretches. Some yoga poses particularly benefit from a slow approach, staying in the pose for a long time and allowing your body to benefit from the deeper stretch. 

One such posture is Pigeon Pose, or Kapotasana. This is a deep hip-opening forward bend, stretching the groin, thighs, back, and hips, while also opening the chest and shoulders. It involves bending one knee and bringing it forward to rest on your mat, shin parallel to the top of your mat or at an angle depending on your flexibility. 

Hips should be squared to the front of the mat. The other leg is flat on 

the mat and reaches out straight behind you – look back to check the position. Use padding to make yourself comfortable and stable, and when you are ready bring your torso down over your bended knee. Now breath and release your muscles, sinking down further into the bend. 

To come out gently rise up, bring your legs back into Downward Dog, and repeat on the other side.

ESSENTIAL OIL 

Clary Sage 

Clary sage is a flowering herb from the Mediterranean and the essential oil is extracted from the buds and leaves. It has a clean, refreshing scent that can be used as a skin balm or an aromatherapy treatment to calm the mind and reduce anxiety. In a study, it was found to reduce the stress hormone cortisol when inhaled to produce a natural antidepressant effect. 

One component of clary sage is sclareol, which mimics the effects of estrogen in the body. This may help reduce symptoms of menopause and some research suggests applying diluted clary sage to the soles of the feet can help reduce hot flashes. Other studies have also found applying a balm of clary sage to the lower abdomen regularly can help reduce menstrual cramps. 

Always do a patch test to check for sensitivity before applying to the skin and dilute with a carrier oil such a jojoba. Apply to pulse points for a fresh natural fragrance, and inhale to induce calmness when on the go. Mix clary sage essential oil with water in a spray bottle and use as a room spray or spritz to refresh bed linen and soft furnishings. 

DID YOU KNOW? 

Eat magnesium - rich foods for everything 

Muscle pains? Fatigue? Headaches? Emotionally drained? It might be a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is well known for its benefits to growth and maintenance of bones, but it’s also essential in nerve and muscle function. 

When it comes to mood, magnesium may also help. Magnesium works with the parasympathetic nervous system, which keeps you calm and relaxed, suggesting that it may also help with stress release. 

Magnesium rich foods include spinach, almonds, avocados, and even dark chocolate so you don’t necessarily need a supplement to help with magnesium deficiency. However, magnesium is available in many supplementary formats with magnesium citrate and magnesium glycinate often recommended for their high bioavailability and diverse benefits. 

THERAPY CORNER 

Art Therapy 

Art Therapy is an established type of psychotherapy, helping someone explore their feelings and making sense of them. 

Suitable for all ages and stages of life, it might help with issues such as trauma, anxiety or depression, gender identity, sexuality, big life changes and any number of other challenging life situations. 

As the focus of art therapy is not talking, it can be especially helpful for those who find it difficult to talk about their feeling or access the right language, who are non- verbal or with a different first language. 

Art therapy is not just for artists – you don’t have to be skilled at art to gain the benefits. A trained art therapist will guide you in finding a medium which suits you. This might be mark making with drawing or painting, it could be sculpture or working with clay, or it might be collage. The therapist will also talk to you. 

IT’S A GUT FEELING 

Water 

Let’s hydrate! We all know how important it is to drink water andkeep our bodies well hydrated for optimal health, after all, an adult’s body comprises of 50-60% water. But are you aware of how vital water is for our gut health and digestion? 

From the moment food enters our mouth water starts to play a key role. Saliva helps to break down foods, and a well lubricated system helps that food to move smoothly through our digestive system. Stomach acid mixes with water to further break down food, and water is also vital in transporting and absorbing nutrients around the body. 

Adequate water in the bowel also softens stools, preventing constipation. Dehydration can have serious consequences for the digestive system and gut, leading to constipation, and an imbalance of electrolytes, which in turn can cause bloating, discomfort and slow digestion. Pass me the water, please! 

CRYSTAL POWER

Selenite 

Selenite, named after the Greek goddess of the moon Selene, is renowned for its luminosity and is often associated with purity, peace, and higher consciousness. Selenite is a softer stone that seems almost malleable in nature and is said to bring protection, harmony, and soul healing to your body, mind, and home. 

Practical Uses: 

Healing Properties: 

The crystal is believed to have the power to cleanse and charge other crystals, clear blockages in the energy field and direct high-frequencyenergy into the body – promoting spiritual growth and mental clarity. 

Protection Power: Selenite is touted as a protective stone that shields a person or space from negative influences and providing a safe and peaceful environment when placed around the home. 

Spiritual Properties: Selenite is a highly spiritual crystal that is believed to help us open to the higher frequencies of the universe. On a more grounded level, it is also recognised for shifting negative energy blocks, bringing peace and purity to one’s head and heart. 

SUPERFOOD

Blueberries 

These small but mighty berries are not only sweet and delicious, but they also pack a punch when it comes to nutrition and health benefits. They are low in calories but among the most nutrient- dense berries and very easy to incorporate into your diet. They make a tasty breakfast with yoghurt or oats, great addition to smoothies, and are small and convenient for an on-the-go snack bowl. 

Health and nutritional benefits include: 

Blueberries are one of the top antioxidant foods, which helps to protect the body from free radicals that can damage your cells and contribute to aging and diseases. 

Regularly eating blueberries can help improve blood flow and blood vessel dilation to help reduce blood-pressure. 

Blueberries provide moderate amounts of sugar compared to other fruits and research suggests that anthocyanins in blueberries have 

beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism – which may lower the risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.