You’re a Natural Beauty! March 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 

Tea Tree 

Tea tree is used for many ailments and can be found in many off-the-shelf skin and hair products. When buying tea tree essential oil, look for 100 percent natural oil with 10-40 percent concentration of terpinen - which is the main antiseptic component of tea tree oil. 

Tea tree oil is said to support natural hair growth and help reduce dandruff. To make your own hair treatment dilute tea tree oil 1:10 with a carrier oil like almond oil, or mix a few drops into your usual shampoo or conditioner. 

Tea tree oil can also help combat spots caused by bacteria build up, due to its natural antibacterial properties. Always dilute tea tree oil with a suitable carrier oil and do a skin patch test. 

But its purifying prowess doesn’t just work on your complexion. Here’s a few other ways you can use tea tree oil: 

• Natural hand gel• On minor scrapes• Manage body odour• Counteract nail fungus 

• Manage athlete’s foot 

• Insect repellent• Surface cleaner 

DID YOU KNOW? 

Apple Cider Vinegar 

Apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries in cooking and natural medicine. It is often praised for its health benefits which are, to a degree, backed by science. These include: 

• aiding weight loss 

• reducing cholesterol 

• lowering blood sugar levels 

• improving the symptoms of diabetes 

Clinical trials have suggested ACV consumption may have beneficial effects on the glycemic index and oxidative stress (imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants) in adults, especially those with type 2 diabetes.

In addition, several human studies show that ACV may increase feelings of fullness which can lead to eating fewer calories and losing weight. A 2024 trial study showed reductions in weight, body fat ratio and cholesterol after daily consumption of 3 doses* of 1 tbsp of ACV for 12 weeks.

However, the research is limited and further studies are needed before it can be truly recommended as an alternative therapy.

*Standard daily dose: 1-2 tbsp. 

YOGA 

Tree Pose, Vrksasana 

Tree Pose is a deceptively simple yoga pose, encouraging the student to find stability and balance on one leg and helping to build focus, concentration, balance, strength, and patience. 

Starting in a standing Mountain Pose, transition to Tree Pose by firstly finding your Drishti – an eye level point to gaze at to help you maintain your balance. Then ground down through the left foot and find your balance, while bending the right knee and bringing the right foot to rest above or below the knee of the left leg. 

Keeping the core muscles engaged, push the foot into the leg and the leg into the foot. Hands come to prayer pose. 

Maintain this standing pose for 30 seconds or a minute, then slowly come out of it, pause, and switch to the other side. 

Variations include challenging the balance by lifting the hands above the head, lowering the gaze or closing the eyes. 

THERAPY CORNER 

Counselling 

Counselling is a well-known talking therapy, where a trained professional will work with a patient experiencing a range of emotional or psychological problems. This can be individual, couple or group work depending on the circumstances, and will typically take place in a safe and private space. 

A good counsellor will be warm and sensitive, allowing the patient to relax and talk freely. The counsellor’s job is to encourage the patient to examine their own choices and guide them to make their own decisions for a positive change. It is important that the counsellor is sensitive, tolerant, and non-judgemental, but can also positively challenge their patient’s views. 

Usually a person would go to a counsellor to help them work through a short-term issue, such as stress, loss or relationship problems rather than longer term issues which may require deeper analysis. 

A GP can refer a patient to a counsellor, who can help with issues including: 

• Anxiety and depression

• Alcohol or drugs problems

• Stress• Loss

• Relationship difficulties 

IT’S A GUT FEELING 

Fibre 

Fibre does not have a glamourous reputation but eating plenty offibre in your varied diet is essential in maintaining good overall health, including regular and healthy bowel movements. It can also help with heart and circulation health, certain types of cancer, and type 2 diabetes. And, it’s great at looking after our guts. 

Studies have shown that some fibre-containing foods are more beneficial to our gut health than others. Foods such as brown rice and pasta, fruit, and potatoes all contain fibre, but the fibre contained in foods such as wheat, legumes, garlic and onions is known as prebiotic, which is used by the body to feed the good bacterial in our gut microbiome. In turn these bacteria produce short- chain fatty acids, which nourish the cells that line the inside of the gut. 

Other health benefits associated with short-chain fatty acids include better blood sugar control, weight management, and mineral absorption – so make your diet fibre rich starting from today. 

CRYSTAL POWER 

Carnelian Stone 

Since ancient times, Carnelian has been associated with courage, vitality and motivation. Carnelian is believed to inspire action and help overcome procrastination and hesitation. It is also said to stimulate creativity and passion, making it a perfect companion for artists, writers and musicians. 

Practical Uses: 

Physical Healing: Carnelian is believed to enhance vitality and energy levels, making it an excellent stone for individuals dealing with fatigue or low stamina. It is also thought to improve circulation and help stimulate the metabolism. 

Confidence and Motivation: The vibrant energy of Carnelian can help activate the root and sacral chakras, boosting self-confidence and promoting a sense of empowerment. It is believed to encourage motivation and perseverance – making it an ideal for those looking to achieve their goals and dreams. 

Emotional Power: Carnelian is said to promote emotional balance and stability, helping individuals overcome fear, anger and negative emotions. It also promotes self-acceptance and encourages positive self-image. 

SUPERFOOD 

Honey 

Honey has been widely accepted as food and medicine by both ancient and modern civilisations. However, these days, most supermarket honey has been processed to extend its shelf life which strips away nutrients, so ideally use a raw variety. 

Unprocessed honey offers several potential health benefits, thanks to being rich in natural plant compounds. However, honey is also classed as a ‘free’ sugar, so should be used in moderation. 

Health and nutritional benefits include:

• Unprocessed honey contains flavonoids which are reported to have antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic properties 

• Has a lower glycaemic index (GI) score than table sugar, but is still high in calories so should still be enjoyed in moderation

  
  

• Clinical studies have demonstrated that applying honey to infected wounds helps clear infection and improve healing

  
  

• Honey is a great throat soother, and some evidence suggests it can help alleviate a cough, especially in children

  
  

• May support the immune system by increasing the number of immune cells and antibodies

  
  

Note: Honey should never be given to children younger than 12 months.

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.