Amphora Blog - Amphora Aromatics Ltd – Supplier of pure essential oils and aromatherapy Products.

Multi-Generational

2023-03-14T16:21:33+00:00

The love of Aromatherapy as a hobby is often shared between family members and typically from mother to daughter, think about your first memory of aromatherapy? Was it Lavender Essential Oil, or an aromatic hand cream? Who were you with and what were you talking about?

Aromatherapy as a beauty and wellbeing treatment started to take off, back in the 1980s around the time when Amphora Aromatics was established. The business may have started selling around 10 or so popular essential oils, and now due to more availability, and trade route connections, we sell almost 100 different Essential Oils. Many of our older customers have been enjoying and making aromatherapy products for decades.. we are delighted to have the next generation of their children, and even grandchildren loving Amphora Aromatics too.

I caught up with Charlie Coleman an Aromatherapist and aka Holistic Mummy, who's life has been shaped by this idea of Multi-Generational Aromatherapy.

Do check out her website and social media here:

https://www.instagram.com/theholisticmummy/

www.facebook.com/theholisticmummy

https://theholisticmummy.co.uk/

WHAT ARE YOUR EARLIEST MEMORIES OF AROMATHERAPY?

I remember my mum Julie, had a career change from business and accounting to alternative therapy. She studied reflexology first, and then aromatherapy. When I was about 12 I suffered from repeated ear infections.. and my mum would make up oils for me, and massaged my jaw and neck so that I felt soothed, and ready for bed. My period started quite early, and when they really kicked in as a teenager she created oil blends for me to put on my tummy with a hot water bottle.. it was such a comfort. I've drawn on that experience to offer my clients similar comfort and relief during their cycles too.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED WITH AROMATHERAPY?

I felt drawn to aromatherapy from an early age, partly because of my mother working as a holistic practitioner, it just felt very natural to me. So at the age of 16 I studied Beauty and Complementary Therapy at Bath College.. The massage techniques for body and facial treatments, gave me a fantastic grounding for my practice. To me beauty and wellbeing wasn't something superficial, it can be very uplifting to get your hair and nails done of course, but my calling was on a deeper level, and more health orientated. These days I snap up any opportunity to build on my knowledge especially in feminine health, which is something that i'm passionate about.

I love working with Amphora Aromatics as my supplier of Essential Oils, Carrier Oils and Base Products.. it feels great as they are based locally, and such good quality. I recommend them to everyone. I'm also a fan of Amphora Aromatics Massage Oils which I use in treatments and for myself, as well as their new Organic and Natural range.. the Face Elixir is a particular favourite.

IS AROMATHERAPY A FAMILY AFFAIR?

I have certainly been influenced by my mother... she was a woman inspired. It was when she was at a lovely group therapy session, for spiritual and personal growth, that she found inspiration to become a therapist, along with a palpable feeling of fizzing energy in her body. She got an image of the hand foot connection, the fundamental importance of it, and felt strongly that her life was going to change, so that she could help others more. So whilst doing her accounting job during the day, she did an evening course in Reflexology.. she then went on to get qualifications in Aromatherapy and Indian Head Massage.. whatever she was interested in, she never stopped learning and had a thriving business with clients as an alternative practitioner.

Sadly my mother now suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease, which as many people can understand effects memory and a persons independence. She can no longer practice her treatments.. it’s heart breaking for the family to see the change in her… but interestingly my three daughters are all interested in aromatherapy, especially my youngest.. which feels like a natural continuation.

I had a memory recently of these Clay Diffusers for Essential Oils, that my mother loved to have around the house.. and so decided to make my own. I love crafting things as an artisan.. and these have actually been a best seller on Etsy.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheHolisticMummy

WHICH OF YOUR PRODUCTS DO YOUR CHILDREN ENJOY?

I have 3 daughters... and my youngest Matilda who is 3 has been around me a lot whilst I develop my product line... so she in particular seems to understand the medicinal benefits of aromatherapy. She'll pick up a roller ball ointment and go to administer on people when we have friends round. When I sense that my daughters are getting wound up or reactive, I’ll bring them into my log cabin in the garden, and we make up Bath Salts together. Each of them wants their own bespoke blend.. then bath time and bed is transformed into something more focused and calming.

When they were babies I would blend a soothing oil which they loved to massage on their dolls first.. then when they were relaxed from the smells it was time for our bedtime routine.

HOW DID YOU GO ABOUT CREATING YOUR OWN BEAUTY BRAND?

I’ve done a lot of inner work on the last couple of years, which helped me to grow in confidence. I went through a surprise pregnancy in 2017.. that then ended in miscarriage and this emotional roller-coaster forced me to look at issues that I had. My husband and I had booked a family holiday around a year in advance that happened to be a week after my surgery, and although I’d just gone through that sad time, being in a warm climate at the hotel and with the music playing in the evening was so healing for me. In the evening sitting on the balcony my husband and I were able to talk seriously about me launching my own beauty brand, we were questioning the whole thing, and it felt like the right time to persevere and create therapeutic products.

My brand is called The Holistic Mummy, I wanted to use my background and expertise in aromatherapy to help Mothers not just in my local, area… but reach further across the UK. As a mother of three children I’ve been through so much, and these experiences help my clients to open up to me.. the phone calls and messages I get make me so teary eyed. Some amazing and truly heart warming stories I’ve heard… it’s great to receive positive feedback.

My mission is to be a gentle support to women and mums, I created my brand ‘The Holistic Mummy’ in 2017 to be approachable, and able to reach more people through the changes of pregnancy, birth, and child rearing.

TELL ME ABOUT THE AROMATHERAPY CONSULTATIONS AND TREATMENTS YOU PROVIDE?

I work from a log cabin in my garden.. this is my treatment room, and product making workshop. Since the pandemic my business really grew online with consultations on Zoom, where I can help more people, empathise and provide solutions. When it comes to essential oils I’m very much led by intuition, or if there are a few that I’m drawn to, then I will look at a reference guide to see which ailments they relate to. The Fragrance Pharmacy by Valerie Ann Wormwood, has charts I refer to on what plants help with what.

Around 70% of patients come to me for anxiety.. they could be not sleeping properly.. or stressed. But as we speak we uncover that this may not solely be the stress of being a mum or a wife, but there could be underlying issues that need treatment. I look at a persons whole lifestyle including diet, wheat or diary can be hormone disruptors and some of the worst things for women to be consuming… so my treatments can be an ongoing relationship.. but most importantly empower other mothers with the tools and understanding to make changes.

WHAT ARE YOUR CLIENTS LOOKING FOR, FROM YOUR BESPOKE BLENDS?

On a consultation if there is a blend that I can create there and then for a client then I will, otherwise, I’ll make up the product afterwards and send it to them. Oil blends in a Roller Ball tube are very popular, as people often want something to reach for, and apply in the moment, maybe in the car, or in their handbag. It’s so easy to dispense the oil onto the pulse points when you’re on the go.

For clients with endometriosis for example… I’ll send them Castor Oil packs in the post. There are different methods to soothe and support the bodies own natural rhythm and healing process. Many women suffering with pelvic conditions aren’t offered enough information on alternative treatments to naturally support them. Castor oil has been used for generations to bring relief in this area, because of its amazing ability to penetrate the cells deeper. It can soften tense muscle fibres, tone uterine tissue and offer some natural pain relief. Combined with certain essential oils and a warm compress, it can bring some quick comfort.

Bespoke aromatherapy Pillow Mists, Bath Oils, Bath salts, Creams and Balms I create a lot of. Depending on lifestyle and the desired effect, people have different preferences for format and texture. The most popular treatments with my clients are massage and aromatherapy facials. I love using high frequency electrical therapy with these treatments too for even more fantastic skin benefits and protection.

YOU LOVE CONSTANTLY LEARNING, ARE THERE ANY OTHER RESOURCES THAT ARE A FAVOURITE?

The Aroma Tree by Salvatore Battaglia is a book I recommend to people who are particularly interested, it likens aromatherapy to a tree. Essential Oils derived from roots, like Ginger can be good for strengthening and grounding, leaves such as Eucalyptus are for the respiratory system, bark like Cinnamon for digestion. Essential oils from flowers such as Lavender or Geranium are uplifting, and clarifying.. you use them when you want to be more visible in life and socialise more. Anyone can relate to a tree, it’s a great visual reminder.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE CARRIER OIL?

Sweet Almond Oil is an absolute go to oil for anyone who doesn’t have nut allergies, it’s great for massage, and I’ve always stuck with it, that is what my Mum liked to use. It’s also fun experimenting with different oils; for face I like Chia Seed, or Pomegranate, or Moringa Oil… there are so many choices. If I’m doing a facial I have to look at their skin, and ask about their skin type to mix a Face Oil that suits their skincare regime.

DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVOURITE ESSENTIAL OILS?

Neroli was one of my mum’s absolute favourites.. and my daughter Matilda loves it too, it’s so supportive. Bergamot is calming and lifting, it’s the kind of oil that gives you everything. Patchouli is the sexiest oil that I’ve ever smelt..

HOW WOULD YOU EXPLAIN TO SOMEONE, HOW AROMATHERAPY WORKS?

The smell connects directly to the limbic system of the brain, this area is core to survival as well as being involved in behavioural and emotional responses. Therefore a smell can trigger memory, or a feeling of a memory because that association is there in the brain. This could be something sensual, or relaxing, or even negative.. but it’s a trigger that provides immediate effect. By harnessing the ability to create this connection when we need it, we’re able to support ourselves in a natural way.

DISCOVER MORE OF AMPHORA AROMATICS, THE RANGES OF AROMATHERAPY ESSENTIALS,
NATURAL SKINCARE, AND BASE FORMULAS FOR PRODUCT MAKING.

Pregnancy Beauty

2023-02-01T10:32:34+00:00

January has been a time of contemplation, dreaming up new projects and breathing life into the business. Along with this we've been considering our customers, and how we can best serve them at every stage of life.

For a while now, we have seen that pregnant women love our simple formulas with few ingredients. Indeed, if unsure about potential toxins in an average daily beauty routine.. why not swap your regular stash for a more minimalistic approach. It's true that pregnancy is a thought provoking time, when questions may arise about what you are putting into your body. It's an arresting thought, and simply easier to feel relaxed using products that have a short and sensible ingredient list. Indeed many of Amphora Aromatics products, such as carrier oils have a single ingredient.. good for you and baby too, happy days.

It was wonderful to speak with Nadia Achha a nutritionist who is blissfully with child, to enlighten us on her perspective on 'pregnancy beauty'.

A behavioural nutritionist within disordered eating, Nadia has a degree in Nutrition from the College of Nutritional Medicine, and provides health assessments at a local surgery; as well as coaching, therapy, and education at Counterpoise Wellness.

AKA instagrams @bristol_nutritional_health, check out Nadia's informative and candid social media, that empowers the individual. Her star quality shines through, which makes sense having completed a bachelor degree in Drama from Queen Mary University London, with facilitator training in applied drama. In other words she understands that performing is part of the day-to-day, and can support individuals with the tools to get more out of life and become healthier.

https://www.instagram.com/bristol_nutritional_health/

DOES YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE CHANGE WHEN YOU'RE PREGNANT?

I’m always drawn towards natural, gentle products so this hasn’t changed. However, products that support my skin through stretching (to prevent itching etc!) have been more of a priority. I love sweet almond oil, coconut, pure Shea etc!

Yes I am very mindful about the ingredients I use firstly and always check they’re safe in pregnancy. My skin has also been more sensitive so this has dictated what ingredients I choose, too. I have been lucky to not have much of a difference in my skin (oily/dry) through pregnancy but for some women this does happen.

I've applied products (mainly oils) to my body skin that I would usually limit to my hands or feet!

IS SELF-CARE AND BEAUTY RITUALS IN GENERAL MORE IMPORTANT WHEN YOU'RE PREGNANT?

Similar I would say, though pregnancy has brought on lots of conflicting emotions around my changing body; having a good self-care regime has been a really positive way to keep connecting healthily to my changing body.

I like to ensure I have enough relaxation time and breaks during the day - this has been essential. I eat well but also let myself enjoy a more indulgent snack or two daily with a cup of tea or decaf coffee, which I personally love and feels like an important part of my self-care! Journalling my pregnancy has also been a wonderful way to honour my body and experience.

WHAT'S YOU'RE PERSPECTIVE AND INSIGHTS AROUND PREGNANCY BEAUTY?

On the whole pregnancy has been an enabler to feeling more beautiful inside and outside just through pure appreciation. Self-care routines for my skin are a way of me honouring this. In regards to beauty products, I still remain quite minimal and don’t wear much makeup (usually on weekends).

On the days I feel less ‘glowing’ and encounter more challenges with my self image (increasing body weight in areas besides my bump for example would have been an extremely big trigger for me a while ago and pregnancy has almost allowed these feelings to resurface - but very minimally and non invasively because I manage my thoughts well).

However in these moments, instead of putting more makeup on or buying products that I feel will make me feel better beauty-wise, I take a moment to reflect on why I feel that way, how interesting it is I can still feel that way after all this time

(Whilst knowing this is completely normal!) and remind myself of all the things I am, rather than focussing on my perceived perception of what I am not. So, for me personally, beauty during pregnancy comes from appreciation for your body, what it’s doing and is capable of, and prioritising self-care whether that’s building a skincare regime, a daily routine, daily movement, journaling, reflecting, self-talk, maintaining balanced nutrition etc etc. all of these things help re-establish and maintain a healthy perspective and allow me to feel truly wonderful inside and out.

HOW DO YOU MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR NATURAL GLOW DURING PREGNANCY?

I haven't actually had a natural glow - but a good skincare regime has definitely made me look much more glowing than I feel some days!!!

WHAT BEAUTY PRODUCTS HELP YOU FEEL BEAUTIFUL ON THE INSIDE AS WELL AS THE OUTSIDE WHEN YOU'RE PREGNANT?

When I feel my skin is good and well looked after with my routine this automatically makes me feel good inside - my skin can become inflamed/red/ a little oily on my face and the Chamomile Cream I've been using has really made an impact on this.

DISCOVER MORE OF AMPHORA AROMATICS MINIMALIST BEAUTY PRODUCTS. FOR YOUR SELF-CARE REGIME!

Christmas Gift Guide

2022-11-30T12:44:48+00:00

Wrapping gifts is such a joy, and Christmas wouldn't be complete without some aromatherapy gifts. Make Christmas morning extra special for your loved ones by selecting from our Amphora Aromatics Gift Guide. These gifts will be sure to delight any loved one, neighbour or friend; discover new skincare, hair and bodycare, Organic for Men, incense, candles, essential oils and more. Why not pick and mix your own product selection from our webshop to use as stocking fillers, or make up your own Christmas hamper by combining with edible treats.

Set the scene for your gift wrapping extravaganza with some Christmasy music and by lighting a Festive Aromatherapy Kit to infuse the air with aromas of Orange, Cinnamon, and Clove : ) as recommended by Dr. Seeta

"Get that perfect Christmas feeling with an Amphora Aromatics pure essential oil aromatherapy kit! It smells divine and creates a relaxing ambience by diffusing aromatherapy oils. These oils are all natural and will help to keep you feeling nice and relaxed and warm!" @doctorseeta

HOMEMADE AROMATHERAPY GIFT MAKING

Christmas day is soon upon us.. and since we are all in festive decor mode and gift wrapping, why not experiment by creating some DIY Aromatherapy gifts. It's cost saving, and super savvy too. The 'Homemade' touch is always the most memorable and super sentimental too... thinking homemade Christmas tree ornaments, Christmas cards, cookies... and DIY aromatherapy beauty potions.

Stasia Buckle is a fabulous and fanciful interior designer who loves to create her own beauty products from her inspirational home in Bristol. AKA Instagram's @interior_vampire , Stasia says.. "I’ve been messing about with oils for years and trying to come up with the perfect winter formula so I can bring some life back into my ghostly face. I also love how just mixing a few different oils can really make the difference! What do you use in the winter?”

WINTER SKIN PROTECTING POTION

Watch the 'How To" video by clicking on the picture.

"I always think it’s extra special giving a gift that’s unique or you’ve taken time to create, I also love playing with fragrances and oils and creating something personal to your friends dependant on their needs and skin type! I tend to use oils that are hydrating, anti-ageing (I’m 40 next year) good for PMS so balancing and smell delicious like Rose Otto, Lavander, mixing these with a more woody smells like Ho Wood & Pine has been great for my male friends who prefer something a bit more earthy." Stacia Buckle

The process of creating the concoctions is therapeutic, whether it's for yourself or with friends and family in mind. "I like being a bit Witchy, putting my candles on and relaxing whilst mixing potions, I find it very therapeutic mixing and trying different ingredients whilst letting all the aromas fill the room! For this time of year I have been wanting a more festive oil to burn so I used the Amphora Aromatics Festive Blend in my ceramic burner, and it is MAGICAL!!!"

Here is Stasia's Winter Skin Protecting Facial Serum:

Jojoba Oil, for collagen synthesis and antioxidants
Marula Oil, to hydrate and nourish dry skin
Rose Geranium to tighten, brighten and remove dead skin cells

Then mix!

ALL RIBBONED & BOWED

Creativity is in the packaging as well as the formula itself... green glass bottles and pink velvet bows... ahh a dreamy combination.

HOMEMADE SHOWER GEL

To create your own aromatic shower gel simply mix:

Amphora Aromatics Shower Gel Base
Carrier Oil of your choice

A few drops of your favourite essential oils.

We'd love to hear about your own homemade creations.. why not send us a direct message on Instagram or Facebook with your demonstration or recommendations.

Discover more about our Gift suggestions by clicking on each door below, of the 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

1. Festive Aromatherapy Kit

2. Organic & Natural Cleanse & Nourish Skincare Duo

3. Incense Sticks; Frankincense & Myrrh, Cinnamon, Orange & Clove

4. Good Hands Gift Set

5. Tis the Season Gift Box with Frankincense & Rose Serum.

6. Festive Candles; Gold Frankincense & Myrrh, Nutmeg, Angel Oil, Mulled Pear & Spices, Marzipan & Candied Peel.

7. Organic for Men, Smooth Shave Skincare Duo

8. I Love Lavender Gift Box

9. Bathtime Bliss Gift Box

10. Pure Pleasure Aromatherapy Kit made up of 6 Essential Oils.

11. Organic & Natural Bio-Soothe Complete Care Gift Box

12. Ultimate Amphora Gift Box

Autumn Aromatherapy

2022-10-24T09:49:26+00:00

Autumn Aromatherapy with Marie Reynolds

Autumn the season of mellow fruitfulness; feast your eyes on the bountiful harvest of organic fruits and vegetables, and the tree canopy aglow with warm hues. Along with log fires, cosy knit jumpers. and toasted marshmallows; essential oils can help create an autumnal mood, plus offer an amazing boost for our heath.

SEEK THERAPEUTIC HEALTH & EMOTIONAL WELLBEING

We spoke with Marie Reynolds a complimentary health practitioner and celebrity facialist about her uses of aromatherapy around this time of year.

"For essential oils we need to look at the wood element, supporting the liver and gall bladder. The emotion around that can be a bit of depression but it can also be anger, frustration, or the sense of being stuck. It can also encourage coldness in the body, and this is the flu season so we need to look at essential oils, that are really good for immunity...

So Rosemary, Peppermint, Grapefruit, and also Frankincense is a good grounding oil. Frankincense is also good for what's known in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) as the Shen Mind, so it can calm the mind" Marie Reynolds

The intense aroma of pure essential oils have medicinal and wellbeing benefits that are carried directly into the system through inhalation or when diluted for massage.

"The olfactory senses connect very early in brain wiring to emotional centres, so the distance from when a scent hits the nose to when it hits an emotion is very short" Leslie Vosshall Ph.D, a molecular neurobiologist at the Rockefeller University.

During Autumn, help to guard against coughs and colds with aromatherapy, as well as off set some of the gloom due to longer nights and colder mornings.

A global skin expert with an internal and external perspective and using the latest technologies; Marie's treatments are a favourite with beauty editors and celebrities. She is so down-to-earth and passionate about sharing her knowledge to empower others. Have a scroll on her instagram page, which shares the magic, joys and breakthroughs that happen at her Norfolk Clinic; from state-of-the-art facial devices, to acupuncture in action, and stress management tips.

https://www.instagram.com/mariereynolds_mrl/

"Roman Chamomile which is soothing and calming, and we need to think about the immune system with lots of viruses going around, so really falling back on Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus is the one stop shop for me at this time of year." Marie Reynolds

Prevention is better then cure, and essential oils can surely become part of your self-care kit. Dip into Marie's blog for a deep understanding of personal wellness and maybe learn how to read your own body, chapter by chapter.

https://www.mariereynoldslondon.com/blogs/tips-tutorials

FIND COSY CONTENTMENT IN AUTUMNAL AROMAS

Create a cosy and warming ambience full of the magic of natures own firework display. Imagine the perfect fragrance like a symphony to go alongside a bright woodland canopy; and falling leaves transformed into fiery reds, bronze, coppers, and gold. Where will your next autumnal walk or adventure be?

Turn on your electronic diffuser, as the plume of aromatic mist rises, close your eyes, inhale deeply, and imagine being on a weekend escape in the countryside with a favourite companion. Staying in a manor house hotel or an enchanting shepherds hut, nestled in a woodland glade. The day-dream is complete with a wood burning stove, and a tempting hot tub alongside. Why not try this aromatherapy diffuser blend and observing these ratios of Orange, Ginger, and Frankincense essential oils, fall into a contented bliss.

Diffusers promote an aromatherapeutic ambiance in the home, and due to them being the perfect compliment to lifestyle interiors the global demand is expected to witness growth at a rate of 9% annually for the next few years, as found by Grand View Research. Reed diffusers and scented Candles are other ways to enjoy aromatherapy and are so pretty whilst chilling out at home. What's your favourite atmospheric autumn blend?

AUTUMN SKIN

After the long carefree days of summer your skin needs renewal, and nourishment. Why not nurture your skin with an at home facial treatment using the new Organic and Natural Skincare range. Fragrant Mandarin & Patchouli uplift your senses as you boost blood circulation and radiance with the Facial Exfoliator. More is more, so follow with the Face Elixir and Face Cream, and as you relax allow the clinically proven natural ingredients to transform your skin.

Warm each formula between your fingers, breathing in the therapeutic and satisfying essential oil blend as you apply to your face in upwards circular motions. Trust in COSMOS Organic skincare, certified by the soil association, with carefully curated ingredients.

See the products beautifully demonstrated by Rafaella Ponce on her instagram page, the lifestyle guru and bubbly personality is so encouraging, an inspiration to embrace yourself with self-love, make the best of every situation with gratitude, and look effortlessly glamourous. https://www.instagram.com/rafaellahponce/

“I’m finally 8 weeks post partum and am now managing to feel my hormones getting back into ‘normal’ So I'm showing you guys a little bit of the new Mandarin & Patchouli range of skin care.

I am shocked with how smooth my skin got after trying for the first time! These natural ingredients give a natural muscle relaxant with anaesthetic properties, smooths out fine lines!

I also did a little bit of aromatherapy to relax and feel pampered! Let me know if you’ve ever used any products from Amphora Aromatics, and if you liked the results” Rafaellah Ponce

Do you feel like you need some extra TLC when the seasons transition? Let's embrace the wonder of Autumn together. As the golden leaves fall to the earth they make a special mould to enrich and fertilise the soil, it's nice to know that this warm blanket keeps the tree's toes cosy. Upon the rising sun be the first to tread the sparkling frost strewn across the earth like fallen stars.

Spring has Sprung

2022-05-10T14:35:22+00:00

7 Essential Blends

2021-06-11T13:53:32+00:00

Summer Skincare

2021-06-24T15:23:29+00:00

Tips for the Switch

2021-06-28T07:47:06+00:00

Oils for Weight Loss

2021-07-07T08:34:09+00:00

Yes to dry brushing

2021-07-12T08:57:58+00:00

Rosehip=Anti-Ageing

2021-07-27T08:36:58+00:00

Organic September

2021-08-13T09:48:02+00:00

Bakuchiol: What Is It?

2021-10-06T09:23:47+00:00

Gift Guide

2021-10-28T13:41:37+00:00

Festive Aromatherapy

2018-11-13T12:19:09+00:00

So Fresh and So Clean!

2016-10-14T14:11:52+00:00

Tomorrow is World Handwashing Day! ‘A day dedicated to increasing awareness about the importance of handwashing with soap as an easy, effective and affordable way to prevent disease and save lives.’ – WaterAid.

Many infections are spread when hands are contaminated with harmful bacteria and viruses.