Health Advice

By adding a few drops of essential oil to bath water after the water has been drawn then close the door to retain the aromatic vapours. The choice of oils is entirely up to the individual depending on the desired effect, although those with sensitive skins are advised to have the oils ready diluted in a base oil prior to bathing. Bathing in essential oils can stimulate and revive or relax and sedate depending on the oils selected, rosemary and pine can have a soothing effect on tired or aching limbs, chamomile and lavender are popular for relieving insomnia and anxiety.  A similar effect can be achieved whilst showering by soaking a wet sponge in essential oil mix then rubbing it over the body under the warm spray.

For tired swollen feet, refresh them by bathing in a basin of hot water contain 4-5 drops of lavender, peppermint, rosemary or thyme.

A shallow bath in the appropriate essential oil can bring enormous relief in conditions such as haemorrhoids, thrush and cystitis.

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For the face oils should be mixed with base oils in much the same way as for massage. The main difference being that more nourishing oils such as apricot kernel and avocado should be used in preference to ordinary vegetable oils. It should be noted that avocado is fairly heavy oil and its use is best reserved for dry skin. Essential oils can also be added to a non perfumed cold cream or lotion and used for problem complexions.  Most essential oils have antiseptic properties and can be used to treat infective skin conditions. Certain oils such as rose and neroli are anti inflammatory and have a soothing effect whereas sandalwood is useful in the treatment of superficial broken veins. Rose and neroli are also excellent for care of mature skins for dry cracked skin, the addition of wheat germ and avocado oil with their high vitamin E content to preparations will relieve the condition. In general aromatherapy can improve the skin be encouraging toxin removal, stimulating cell growth and renewal and improving circulation.

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Many hair conditions such as dryness, excessive grease or dandruff will respond to aromatherapy using specific recipes of essential oils diluted in a nourishing base oil.  For instance 60 drops of an essential oil diluted in 100 ml of base oil such as olive or sweet almond will make a wonderful conditioning treatment.  Simply rub the oils thoroughly into the scalp then wrap the hair in warm towels and allow the oil to penetrate the hair and the scalp for an hour or two.  The choice of oil depends on of course upon the desired effect chamomile and rosemary for instance will condition and promote healthy hair growth, bergamot and tea tree are helpful in dandruff control whilst lavender has repellent qualities which will deter lice and fleas.

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This is a bacterial disease which affects the respiratory system and can be very dangerous. Whooping cough starts with a cold, fever and cough. The cough changes to an unmistakable pattern of violent coughing bouts ending in a ‘whoop’ as your baby draws air back into her lungs. Some babies may turn blue and stop breathing instead of making the whooping noise. Vomiting sometimes follows the outs of coughing and can lead to dehydration. Complications can include ear infections, convulsions, pneumonia, hernias and sometimes brain damage.  The infectious period starts 7 days after the child has been exposed to whooping cough and lasts for 3 weeks after the start of the symptoms. The child is most infectious during the initial stages when there is usually a rather irritating cough and before the onset of the typical whoop.  The doctor will prescribe antibiotics to help reduce the severity of the illness.

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This is a viral infection first starting off with signs of your baby being unwell, he/she may have a slight temperature and will develop red sports appearing first on check and back and then spreading.  These become fluid filed blisters in a couple of days and eventually turn into scabs which drop off.  The incubation time is suggested as 14 - 16 day and unless your little one is very unwell there is no need to go to the doctor.  You can help by giving a suitable liquid medicine to bring down the temperature, dress your baby in loose comfortable clothes, use calamine and baths to ease the itching.  You also need to keep them away from pregnant women.

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Viruses cause most of these.  In babies under a year old there is a condition called bronchiolities also cause by a virus.  The signs and symptoms are cough, rapid breathing and feeing difficulties. In some cases your baby may need admission to hospital for oxygen therapy and tube feeding, this is particularly true with bronchiolitis.  General nursing care such as plenty of drinks, treating the fever with a suitable liquid medicine, don’t overheat you baby and dress in loose clothing. For comfort you need to keep her close.

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This is a viral infection which often follows on from a cold and usually occurs in the spring and autumn.  Your baby will fight for breath and have spasms of coughing which sound like a sea lion barking.  You will need to see your doctor who will prescribe antibiotics if he thinks the croup is caused by a bacterial infection. Steroids may be prescribed and your baby may need admitting to hospital if she is having severe breathing difficulties.

The important thing is to calm your baby by cuddling her on your lap. Do not try and lie her down as this makes breathing difficult. See your doctor or go straight to A7E if she is struggling to breathe. If the situation is less urgent some babies may improve from sitting in a steam filled bathroom while others benefit from being taken into the fresh air but only if the weather is warm and dry.

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