JUNE 2024 EDITION

June is one of the loveliest months and, as the days get longer and the temperatures rise, I enjoy getting together with friends and family for barbecues and picnics, long coastal walks and visits to the lido.

Midsummer takes place later this month and the solstice – the point at which the sun is at its furthest point from the equator – falls on 20th June this year. For centuries, cultures around the world have marked this day with festivals, prayers and rituals in celebration of the sun and the spiritual energy it brings. While our world may look a bit different from that of our ancient ancestors, there are still ways I like to tap into the energy of the sun. I have even created some summer solstice rituals of my own – here are two of them:

Setting summer intentions

The summer solstice is an energetically charged day and a time when we might set new intentions as we welcome the light back into our lives. This year I have chosen to continue my love of learning by starting a Professional Essential Oils Therapy diploma course with the International Federation of Aromatherapists. This will deepen my knowledge and understanding of formulating aromatherapeutic blends for scientific benefit and clinical application. I’m looking forward to sharing any new learnings or products with you as the course develops.

Honouring the sun with salutations

Whilst not an experienced yogi, I like to join in the popular solstice ritual of paying reverence to the sun with 108 Sun Salutations – Surya Namaskar. For those of you not familiar with this ritual, 108 is a scared number in yogic tradition, Hinduism and Buddhism, and this number is written about in The Vedas, the earliest Indian scriptures. Practicing 108 Sun Salutations is a meditative process which connects the body and mind to enable us to feel fresh, renewed and inspired. Increased oxygenation, improved blood circulation and better gut health are among the health benefits. Full disclosure: I don’t always make it to 108! Although it's mentally and physically harder than you might imagine, I do love the challenge!

Here’s a link to the video that I follow:

Summer skincare tips

As the weather heats up and we spend more time outdoors, we need to adapt our skincare routines to reflect this. Here are some top tips for keeping your skin looking at its best during the warmer months:

• Exfoliate: sunscreen and sweat can clog the pores, so gently exfoliate to rid the skin of the debris that leaves it looking dull. You’ll find that this also improves the skin’s ability to absorb the hydration from your face oil.

   

• Keep your skin hydrated: incorporating a facial oil into your skin care routine can be a crucial part of keeping the skin moisturised, as well as helping to slow down the signs of ageing.

   

• Make friends with H2O: as higher temperatures can lead to internal dehydration, make sure you stay hydrated. Aim to drink 6-8 glasses of water and other liquids each day to replace normal water loss. If plain water doesn't excite you, try adding slices of cucumber, lemon, lime or orange, or perhaps fresh mint leaves, basil, ginger or rosemary.

• Reach for good sun protection: Recent press coverage has highlighted that melanoma rates have hit an all-time high in the UK. Studies show that most people do not apply nearly as much daytime protection as they should, so ensure that you apply the recommended amount and top it up during the day.

This month

I’ve enjoyed: Arranging hedgerow blooms

If my floral hedgerow arrangement doesn’t make you feel summery, then perhaps my recipe for elderflower cordial will. If, like me, you enjoy picking elderflower to make this delicious drink, it’s worth bearing in mind that, according to folklore, you may encounter the Fairy King and Queen and their entourage if you loiter by an elder tree on Midsummer’s Eve. Magic aside, here are my tips for picking elderflower, along with a copy of the recipe that I use.

• Once you’ve found some elder trees away from the fumes of a busy road, gather elderflower heads on a sunny, dry morning, as their aroma fades by the afternoon.

   

• To avoid picking flowers that dogs and foxes might have peed on, choose the flowers on slightly higher branches.

   

• Select the flowers when the buds are freshly open on a warm day. Wait for the tiny flowers to fully open.

   

• Before using, pick off any insects but, to avoid washing off the natural yeasts, don't run the flowers under the tap.

   

• Discard any flowers that have turned brown or smell of urine – a sign that they’re past their best.

   

Ingredients

1 kg granulated sugar

1 litre boiling water

Juice and zest of 2 lemons and a lime

15 elderflower heads, stalks removed

Method

• Put the sugar in a large bowl with the boiling water and stir to dissolve. Add the juice from the lemons and lime, along with the zest.

   

• Shake the elderflowers to remove any insects and add the flowers to the sugar syrup. Cover and leave to stand for 1-2 days, stirring morning and night.

   

• Strain the elderflower cordial through muslin and decant into sterilised bottles. It’s now ready to enjoy!

If you’re planning on hosting your own Midsummer celebration you could serve your homemade elderflower cordial – just add to water and ice for a refreshing, long drink, or alternatively top up with Prosecco or Champagne for a summer fizz. Yum!

News from the workshop

Free From Skincare Awards 2024 Finalists: Collagen Boost Face Oil and Cleansing Oil with Wild Manuka & Blue Tansy Oil

We’d like to share the exciting news that both our Collagen Boost Face Oil and our new Cleansing Oil with Wild Manuka & Blue Tansy Oil have reached the final of the ‘Free From Skincare Awards 2024’!

These awards celebrate manufacturers who create ‘free from’ skincare products that exclude some of the allergens, fragrances and other ingredients sometimes associated with skin and health issues, ethical and environmental concerns. The winners will be announced in late June and we are keeping everything crossed that we might be amongst them…we’ll keep you posted!

Dates for the diary

If you feel that your body, mind and soul are in need of a deeply restorative treat, we have just the thing for you! In September, I'll be joining forces with five inspirational women as part of a Sound Alchemy Day Retreat in Hawkwood College, a beautiful gem set in the heart of the Stroud countryside. I'll be running a Meditation Balm Workshop to help you create a natural balm and pulse point roller using a personalised blend of essential oils. Other highlights will include yoga classes, a sound bath, an EFT tapping workshop, a singing workshop, and the opportunity to have mini 1-1 sessions. There will be unlimited refreshments throughout the day, along with a delicious organic lunch.

The retreat takes place on Wednesday 11th September 2024 (9am-5pm).

To book your place visit the Sound Alchemy website.

EARLY BIRD OFFER: until 1st July 2024 use code 'EARLYBIRD' to secure your place at the price of £225 (usual price £245).

I hope you've enjoyed this month's edition of The Blend and that it has given you some summer inspiration.