Back To Nature

I went to the Botanical Gardens again today.
This was where I found readily available scooters loaned out for disabled visitors a couple of months back.
As I don't yet have my own wheels, it really is a great place to get used to freedom in a lovely setting.
Today I went a bit further, as I had wheels and could. I did a course at their on-site study centre.
It was a couple of hours on essential oils and aromatherapy.
How we can replace detergents with natural products in the home.
And how essential oils can be used to alleviate the symptoms of various medical conditions.
I was one of two disabled people in the class. Nobody minded that I ducked in and out for a few rests.
The tutor has worked for 25 years in health, and now works for a local organisation that seeks to combine holistic therapy with mainstream medicine.
She saw at one point I'd gone into sensory overload (fortunately whilst the rest of the group were busy trying out oil combos - in fact it was the sudden volume of excited nattering that set me off). She came out to see me and gave me a five minute personal consultation! What a lovely woman.
I've written on aromatherapy in the past, many years ago.
It has to be approached with caution, and using oils without any knowledge or the input of a practitioner can potentially be as dangerous as self-medicating with over-the-counter medicine.
But I was really encouraged to find that there is work going on with the NHS to target specific conditions with holistic approaches, and that this particular practitioner was experienced enough to deliver advice with confidence.
So I'm branching out from good old lavender oil, into the new territory of camomile and vetiver (soothing, good for sleep). I also use clary sage for pain relief.
There are many more oils I could try on myself, but I think if you have a medical condition it's always wise to do it under supervision and slowly. If you add too many oils too quickly, how do you know what is working?
There's certainly no harm however in mixing up a blend for a room spray or to stick in the washing machine or tumble dryer as an alternative to chemicals in the home.
And oils such as lemon, lime and geranium are great antiviral and antibacterial sprays, when you add 30 drops in a combination to 100 ml distilled water.
The Goldfish started a really informative debate about these sort of approaches on World Environment Day. I often refer to it.
Now I'm off to zonk out in a sleep-inducing bath. Just hope I remember to get out before I nod off :-)