You’re a Natural Beauty - July 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 

Lemongrass Oil 

Lemongrass is a tropical, grassy plant used in cooking and herbal medicine. Its oil, which is extracted from the leaves and stalks, has a powerful citrus scent and it is often used in commercial personal care products. As with most essential oils you should always dilute with a carrier oil before applying to the skin. 

Lemongrass essential oil is a popular tool in aromatherapy, and it is claimed to relieve stress and anxiety. Many people use lemongrass as a natural remedy to heal wounds and prevent infection as it contains several compounds that exhibit antibacterial properties. 

Chronic inflammation is thought to cause many health problems, including arthritis and cardiovascular disease and lemongrass contains citral – which is known to be an anti- inflammatory compound. Topical application of diluted lemongrass essential oil may help ease arthritic pain as it relieves inflammation. 

Lemongrass is also a common ingredient in herbal teas and supplements for nauseas and it is claimed that lemongrass tea may aid overall digestive health. 

DID YOU KNOW? 

Oats are not just for breakfast! 

Oats are probably best known as a breakfast staple, but this humble cereal grain offers many benefits to the skin, including exfoliation, moisturisation and it can help soothe dry, irritated and inflamed skin. 

You can make a poultice to soothe rough, dry, itchy and irritated skin by soaking 25 grams of ground oatmeal in milk, then applying to affected areas and leaving for 5 to 10 minutes. For a less messy alternative, add a good handful of pulverised oats to a lukewarm bath and soak away! 

YOGA 

Chair Pose, Utkatasana 

Chair pose, Utkatasana, sounds easy and looks easy, but don’t be fooled by this powerful pose. It requires commitment, determination and perseverance. 

This asana comes to full fruition with a combined strength and unity of legs, arms and torso, lifting the core muscles and lengthening the spine. Energetically, you will create heat in the body and find your inner power in your pelvis, the seat of your power. 

Stand in Mountain Pose, then raise the arms overhead. On an exhale, bend your knees until your thighs are as parallel to the floor as they can be. Your trunk will lean forward; tuck the tailbone to keep the spine long. Breath and stay for 30 seconds to a minute. 

Variations 

Try placing a block between your thighs and squeezing. Lean with your back against a wall and gradually walk your feet out until your thighs are parallel to the floor and your feet are under your knees. You can keep your back flat against the wall, or lean forward and raise your arms in a wide V shape, if you wish. 

THERAPY CORNER 

Mindfulness 

Bringing mindfulness into your life can be a life changing experience. Many people come to mindfulness through an 8-week MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) or MBCT (Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy) course, which teaches a structured programme of mindfulness practices, understanding and thinking. 

There are also many other ways to access mindfulness as it is becoming more accessible and widespread through drop-in sessions and workshops, retreats, coaching and personal practice as well. 

Mindfulness is learning how to pay attention to the present moment, on purpose. This may be paying attention to your own body and sensations, to thoughts, sounds, and emotions. A mindfulness teacher will guide you through meditations and reflect on your experiences afterwards. It can slow down this hectic life and bring about calm, peace, kindness and compassion. 

IT”S A GUT FEELING

Miso 

Miso means ‘fermented beans’ in Japanese, and this fermentation is one of the reasons that miso is so healthy. A staple of both Chinese and Japanese cuisine, miso is a paste made from fermented soybeans and other grains and contains millions of beneficial bacteria. These canaid our health by feeding the good bacteria in our guts and helping our digestion. 

It may also be beneficial towards inflammation, and immune function, plus it is a source of protective antioxidants, namely isoflavons, which are naturally occurring in soyabeans. 

Miso is said to have an ‘umami’ flavour, which is deeply satisfying, keeping you feeling satiated and fuller for longer. It is beautiful made into a very simple soup with tofu and seaweed, or add noodles, chicken, bean sprouts or anything else that takes your fancy. Can also be used in stews, dressings, to add depth and distinctive flavour to many dishes, and as a glaze. Take care if you are on a low sodium diet as miso is high in salt. 

CRYSTAL POWER

Labradorite 

A bounty of blues, greens, fiery golds and smoky schemes can be found shimmering on the surface of Labradorite crystals and they are as mystical as the iridescent colours suggest. They are found in Canada, Finland, and Russia and are linked to Inuit fables and shamanic practice. 

Labradorite is revered for its mystical properties, often associated with self-discovery, intuition, and the awakening of one’s inner spirit. 

Practical Uses: 

Physical Healing: From blood circulation to the respiratory system, this stone is all about encouraging complete health and wellbeing. It is particularly regarded for helping the lungs but also with promoting healthy digestion and metabolism. 

Emotional Power: If you’re stuck in a rut and want to kickstart your creativity, the iridescent Labradorite is a useful stone to get your artistic energy surging. It is also considered helpful to calm the ‘monkey- mind’ and stabilise mood swings. 

Spiritual Properties: Labradorite is connected to the throat and third-eye chakras, helping our communication power and promoting our spiritual connection and purpose. Psychic powers have also been attributed to Labradorite stones. 

SUPERFOOD 

Beetroot 

Beetroots, commonly known as beets, are a vibrant and versatile type of vegetable. Many people call them a superfood because of their rich nutritional profile. They’re low in calories yet high in valuable vitamins and minerals.

In fact, they contain a bit of almost all the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Beets are not only nutritious but also incredibly deliciousand easy to incorporate into your diet. You can juice, roast, steam, or pickle them and for convenience they can be purchased precooked. 

Health and nutritional benefits include: 

● Beetroot is rich in folate – a key role in growth, development, and heart health. It also contains a good amount of manganese, which is involved in bone formation, nutrient metabolism, and brain 

function. 

● Beets contain a high concentration of nitrates, which can help lower your blood pressure levels. This may lead to a reduced risk of 

heart disease and stroke. 

● Eating beets 2-3 hours prior to training may enhance athletic performance by improving oxygen use and endurance. 

● Beets are a good source of fibre, which benefits digestive health and reduces the risk of several chronic health conditions.