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Get Ready For Winter

 

"Winter warmers to soothe and comfort... "

Winter heralds the start of darker days, frost glistening on hedgerows and wrapping up in layers of comfy clothes. Despite the fact that there are plenty of festivities to be enjoyed during the depths of winter, many people feel down when they have to drag themselves out of a warm bed and trudge to work in the darkness, especially when they know that it will be dark again by the time they leave the office! To counteract this negative approach to winter, some may be tempted to visit their doctor, or simply grit their teeth and get on with things. However, we can learn much about how to look after ourselves in the darkest months by looking back to previous civilisations, many of whom relied on natural herbs to maintain a sense of balance and wellbeing.

 

 

Warming Winter Scents

Scents associated with winter tend to be warm and spicy – just think of the heady mixture of Frankincense and Myrrh used in incense, which temporarily intoxicate the senses and clear the mind. In fact, our word “perfume” is derived from the Latin “per fumem” meaning “through smoke”, as the Romans believed that burning fragrant resin formed a link between the gods and the mortals down on earth. For this reason, many of the natural remedies we now take for granted in the form of fragrant oils for oil burners or massage were originally revered by cultures as diverse as the Egyptians, Babylonians and Chinese. Indian Ayurvedic healers were amongst those who found that Frankincense helped to slow the breathing and relax the body, and tincture of Myrrh was widely used to tend wounds and sores on the skin. We can now benefit from a wealth of knowledge handed down over the centuries to keep us feeling bright and beautiful even in the worst winter weather!

Soothe Cares Away

With the onset of winter, the temptation to switch on the central heating can be overwhelming, but the dehydrating effect on the skin is less than attractive. It’s the perfect time to step up your personal beauty routine and work in some extra moisturising techniques which will soothe away rough patches and reinvigorate sluggish circulation. For a zingy start on dull mornings, try Celtic Herbal’s Christmas Jewel Soap, the twinkling gem in our winter crown, whose bright colours and scent of Rose will immediately put you in a positive frame of mind. Alternatively, why not lather up with our sensuously indulgent Christmas Spice Soap – this creamy concoction with the delectable scent of cinnamon is so good that you’ll want to buy one for yourself as well as giving one as a Christmas gift!

 

As the night takes hold, luxuriate in a steaming hot bath containing any one of our gorgeous Bath Oils, and calmly inhale the vapour to fully benefit from the delightful floral and herbal blends. If the day has left your spirits feeling jaded, try our Relaxing Bath Oil. Containing warm Geranium to ease fluid retention and perk up the senses, along with calming Bergamot and musky Patchouli, this is guaranteed to give you a natural boost and get you back on track. Similarly, our Rose, Grapefruit and Lavender Bath Oil will rebalance your mind and body; Rose is well-known for its ability to comfort in times of depression, and can help those with feminine disorders. If Christmas shopping has left you exhausted, what better than to jump in the tub filled with a steaming concoction of our Reviving Bath Oil? Packed with the fresh citrus scent of Mandarin, pick-me-up Peppermint and the classic fragrance of Lavender, you’ll feel ready to tackle anything after a good long soak!

The Finishing Touches

The extremities can feel particularly dry and neglected by the ravages of winter, and they require a little TLC at this time of year. With Celtic Herbal, the pleasure is all yours, as you massage our special moisture-packed products into hardened heels and lacklustre lips! A great place to start is the face, which can be stripped of moisture by the winter wind. For a deep cleansing facial which can gently draw out impurities and add a gentle glow, our Organic Steam Facial is perfect. To follow up, massage in our Pink Clay and Geranium Face Mask and leave it to work its magic, sloughing off dry skin and removing stubborn blemishes. Feet left throbbing from the strains of shopping or standing up at the seemingly endless round of parties and social events can be soothed instantly with our Peppermint, Lemongrass and Eucalyptus Foot Balm, whilst Frankincense and Orange Hand Balm will refresh your hands and nails, leaving them soft to touch. For the finishing touch, our Honey and Lemon Lip Balm will get you ready for all that puckering up under the mistletoe!

With Celtic Herbal, you can look forward to the winter, safe in the knowledge that your body and mind will be pampered with our fabulous herbal products. No more excuses not to get out there snowballing – just think of that steamy bath surrounded by relaxing candles waiting for you when you get home!

 

All text copyright © The Celtic Herbal Company Ltd.