Natural Remedies & Self Care

Natural First Aid for Babies and Kids: The Bumps & Bubs Bundle Every Mum Needs The Bumps & Bubs Bundle combines two gentle, natural remedies that handle the most common family first aid needs - from nappy rash and breastfeeding discomfort to playground scrapes and insect bites. Safe for newborns through to adults, these chemical-free products provide effective relief when you need it most. Why I Finally Put This Bundle Together Okay, so you know how I'm always banging on about these two products? Well, there's a reason for that. With two boys, I've literally been through everything - those middle-of-the-night nappy rash meltdowns, the absolute torture of cracked nipples, and don't even get me started on the playground injuries. Boys, right? Lucky for me, I've been making these products for the last 15 years, so I knew exactly what to reach for when chaos struck. But I kept watching my friends become new mums and get completely overwhelmed - not just at the pharmacy, but even looking at our range online. "Which one do I need?" they'd ask. "What's the difference?" "Can I use this on my baby AND myself?" The Problem I Kept Seeing Here's what kept happening - friends would come to me stressed about their kid's latest drama, and I'd hand them one of these jars. Then a week later, they'd be back asking about the other one for a different issue. It hit me that instead of making people choose between products in our range, I should just bundle the two essentials together! These two have been my go-to combo for years. The Calendula Salve for gentle everyday stuff, and the Universal Herbal Ointment for when things get more serious. Together, they handle pretty much everything family life throws at you. What These Two Actually Do? For Us Mums (Because We Matter Too) Cracked nipples from breastfeeding (honestly, why doesn't anyone warn you?) Healing after birth when you feel like you've been hit by a truck Kitchen burns, paper cuts, all that fun stuff For Babies (The Precious Little Chaos Makers) Nappy rash - both stopping it and fixing the angry red disasters Cradle cap and those weird dry patches they get Mystery rashes that babies seem to specialize in For Kids (The Walking Accident Magnets) Scraped knees from "I can totally jump that far" moments Insect bites and stings from outdoor adventures Bumps, bruises, and general kid carnage Whatever other skin drama they manage to create What Each One's Actually For Calendula Salve - Your Gentle Go-To This is your everyday hero. Super gentle, perfect for sensitive areas (hello, breastfeeding mums), and babies love it. No sting, no drama, just relief. Universal Herbal Ointment - Your Secret Weapon This is what you grab when things get real. Cuts, stubborn rashes, bites that won't quit - this little jar handles the tough stuff. The kids genuinely think it's magic, and honestly? Sometimes I do too. I'm Still Using Both All The Time Even with my boys older now, I've still got both stashed everywhere - bathroom, handbag, car, you name it. Whether it's helping a friend's kid with a scraped knee or sorting out my own cooking disasters, these two never let me down. Look, if you've got kids or one on the way, just get this bundle. Trust me on this one - when you're dealing with your next kid emergency at 11pm, you'll be so glad you did. And can we talk about how good this is as a baby shower gift? Way better than another onesie they'll spew on. Complete Your Natural Parenting Toolkit This article was written by Moon Haven’s aromatherapist and founder Leonie Gully and as such represents her personal opinion on the given subject. Subscribe to the Moon Haven Newsletter where each month Leonie and the Moon Haven Team share articles just like this one plus fill you in on all the happenings at the Moon Haven Cottage. Subscribe to the Moon Haven  newsletter at moonhaven.com.au Leonie loves to receive your emails, questions and requests for information. Just email her at family@moonhaven.com.au Leonie Gully- Moon Haven's Aromatherapist While any advice provided is general in nature, it is not intended to replace medical diagnosis or treatment.  If you are at all concerned about your condition, it is important that you do consult your medical practitioner of choice for an individual consultation and treatment plan. CHECK OUT OUR MOST POPULAR CONTENT What is your Skin Type? Take Our Skin-Type Test Get a Good Night's Sleep - Naturally 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Your Face Essential Oil Dilutions - How to Use Oils Safely on Your Skin 10 Top Essential Oils for Women Dealing with Arthritis & Body Pain - Naturally Universal Herbal Ointment - Our First Aid Kit in a Jar The Moon Haven Story Do you have a question? ... Want to know more? Just click the "Chat with us" button in the right hand corner of this page to ask a question or get more information - if we're logged in you may even get an answer straight away...otherwise we'll get back to you as soon as we are back online..

Get a Good Night's Sleep... Naturally If you're having trouble getting to or staying asleep then this article is for you.   Insomnia - the inability to get a good nights sleep is an extremely common problem and one we are often asked to help with at the moon haven cottage.   Luckily we have a number of techniques, products and information to help guide you back to good sleep health and habits.  Quick Hints & Tips Check out the following simple hints & tips to getting a good night sleep. For more in-depth information download our Getting a Good Night's Sleep Naturally Fact sheet here>>>> Click Here to Download the "Getting a Good Night's Sleep" fact sheet Make sure your bed and bedding is suitable to getting a good sleep Your bed should be comfortable, supportive but not too firm, Pillows the right height for your sleeping position and bedding light , loose and comfy. Ensure your bedroom is dark, cool and quiet Establish a good sleep routine -  avoid exercise, screen time and heavy stimulating food and drink at least 2 hours before bedtime keep your bed purely for sleep (and partner cuddles!) Avoid screen time before sleep - keep electronic devices (phones tablets and computers anywhere but the bedroom Ensure that you are physically and mentally ready for rest and sleep at the end of the day Moon Haven's Deep Sleep Pulse Point Potion If you have tried the above hints and tips and are still finding it difficult to get a good night's sleep then it may be time to try our Deep Sleep Pulse Point Potion.   We've had such great feedback from so many of our wonderful moonies about Deep Sleep. In fact I think we'd be run out of town if we ever stopped making it! Deep Sleep was developed by our aromatherapist Leonie to help with her own problems with insomnia - it worked so well that she started making it for our family friends and moonies.   The key to getting the best out of this pulse point potion is to use it consistently. In fact, while we instruct our Deep Sleep users to apply it each night for at least 3 weeks...We find that most people are able to enjoy a good nights sleep within a week or so of starting to use this potent potion Get a Check-Up Sometimes poor sleep and deep fatigue have a more deeply rooted cause and when simple sleep techniques like the above do not prove effective then it is wise to book a full medical check up with your doctor.   Conditions like Sleep Apnea, Narcolepsy, Anxiety and Depression can impact significantly on sleep quality and in turn a persons quality of life. So it is wise to follow up with your medical practitioner of choice for further guidance and treatment.   I hope this information is helpful. Warmest regards, Leonie - moonhaven's aromatherapist, founder & creator of good things Find Sleep... Naturally This article was written by Moon Haven’s aromatherapist and founder Leonie Gully and as such represents her personal opinion on the given subject. Subscribe to the Moon Haven Newsletter where each month Leonie and the Moon Haven Team share articles just like this one plus fill you in on all the happenings at the Moon Haven Cottage. Subscribe to the Moon Haven  newsletter at moonhaven.com.au Leonie loves to receive your emails, questions and requests for information. Just email her at family@moonhaven.com.au Leonie Gully- Moon Haven's Aromatherapist While any advice provided is general in nature, it is not intended to replace medical diagnosis or treatment.  If you are at all concerned about your condition, it is important that you do consult your medical practitioner of choice for an individual consultation and treatment plan. What is your Skin Type? Take Our Skin-Type Test Get a Good Night's Sleep - Naturally 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Your Face Essential Oil Dilutions - How to Use Oils Safely on Your Skin 10 Top Essential Oils for Women Dealing with Arthritis & Body Pain - Naturally Universal Herbal Ointment - Our First Aid Kit in a Jar The Moon Haven Story CHECK OUT OUR MOST POPULAR CONTENT Do you have a question? ... Want to know more? Just click the "Chat with us" button in the right hand corner of this page to ask a question or get more information - if we're logged in you may even get an answer straight away...otherwise we'll get back to you as soon as we are back online..

3 Best Essential Oils for Sleep When sleep feels elusive, many of us reach for natural helpers to calm the mind and prepare the body for rest. At Moon Haven, we often turn to three beautiful essential oils: Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana), and Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) to create a bedtime ritual that soothes, relaxes, and gently invites sleep Setting the Scene for Rest Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Lavender Oil isn’t technically a soporific (something that directly induces sleep), but it is one of the most effective oils for creating a restful environment. Its calming, balancing properties help reduce nervous tension, slow racing thoughts, and prepare your body to wind down. Think of Lavender as dimming the lights and drawing the curtains, it helps set the scene for sleep. The Gentle Sleep Inducer Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana) Sweet Marjoram Oil goes one step further. Traditionally known for its ability to relax the nervous system and muscles. Sweet Marjoram has soporific qualities, meaning it actively encourages sleep. It’s often used for restlessness, helping the body drift into slumber more easily. A Comforting Night-time Ally Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) Roman Chamomile Oil is another gentle soporific. Its sweet, apple-like scent is deeply soothing, especially for people who feel wound up or unsettled at night. Roman Chamomile is often used for children and adults alike, calming the body while offering emotional comfort. Bringing Them Together: Deep Sleep Pulse Point Potion While each of these oils is powerful on its own, blending them together creates a beautifully balanced synergy. That’s why we crafted our Deep Sleep Pulse Point Potion. A simple, ready to use, roll-on blend containing Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, and Roman Chamomile. With just a dab on your  temples, jaw line and at the base of the neckjust as you turn out the lights you can enjoy the calming, sleep-inducing benefits of all three oils in one handy potion. (more details on our Deep Sleep Pulse Point Potion page) Sleep is not something we can force, it’s a state we gently invite. By setting the stage with Lavender and leaning on the soporific qualities of Sweet Marjoram and Roman Chamomile, you can create a calming nightly ritual that helps your body naturally ease into rest. Create Your Perfect Bedtime Ritual This article was written by Moon Haven’s aromatherapist and founder Leonie Gully and as such represents her personal opinion on the given subject. Subscribe to the Moon Haven Newsletter where each month Leonie and the Moon Haven Team share articles just like this one plus fill you in on all the happenings at the Moon Haven Cottage. Subscribe to the Moon Haven  newsletter at moonhaven.com.au Leonie loves to receive your emails, questions and requests for information. Just email her at family@moonhaven.com.au Leonie Gully- Moon Haven's Aromatherapist While any advice provided is general in nature, it is not intended to replace medical diagnosis or treatment.  If you are at all concerned about your condition, it is important that you do consult your medical practitioner of choice for an individual consultation and treatment plan. CHECK OUT OUR MOST POPULAR CONTENT What is your Skin Type? Take Our Skin-Type Test Get a Good Night's Sleep - Naturally 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Your Face Essential Oil Dilutions - How to Use Oils Safely on Your Skin 10 Top Essential Oils for Women Dealing with Arthritis & Body Pain - Naturally Universal Herbal Ointment - Our First Aid Kit in a Jar The Moon Haven Story Do you have a question? ... Want to know more? Just click the "Chat with us" button in the right hand corner of this page to ask a question or get more information - if we're logged in you may even get an answer straight away...otherwise we'll get back to you as soon as we are back online..

Best Essential Oils for Stress: A Clinical Aromatherapist's Guide to Stressing Less  Discover the most effective essential oils for melting away stress and tension, backed by 25+ years of clinical aromatherapy experience  After more than two decades of formulating aromatherapy blends and helping thousands of our Moonies find natural relief from stress, I've identified five essential oils that consistently deliver profound calming effects. As someone who turned to aromatherapy during my own health struggles with fibromyalgia, I understand first hand how overwhelming stress can feel - and how the right essential oils can be absolute lifesavers.  At a Glance - Your Natural Stress-Busting Arsenal:  • Rose Geranium - Balances stress hormones at the source, perfect for work pressure and hormonal stress   • Bergamot - Lifts anxiety while calming nerves, ideal for racing thoughts and worry   • Clary Sage - Brings deep relaxation and mental clarity during overwhelming moments   • Patchouli - Grounds scattered energy and quiets mental chatter, excellent for stress-related insomnia   • Ylang Ylang - Soothes physical stress symptoms like rapid heartbeat and tension  Why These Five Essential Oils Stand Above the Rest  When stress hits, your nervous system goes into over drive. Your heart races, your mind spins, and your body holds tension in ways that canleave you feeling completely depleted. The essential oils I'm sharing today don't just mask stress symptoms - they work at a cellular level to restore balance to your nervous system and bring you back to a state of calm centeredness.  1. Rose Geranium: The Hormone Harmonizer Botanical Name: Pelargonium graveolens var. roseum  Rose Geranium tops my list because it addresses stress at its root - your hormonal system. This beautiful oil works directly on the adrenal cortex, helping to regulate cortisol and other stress hormones that can leave you feeling frazzled and overwhelmed.  What makes Rose Geranium particularly special is its dual action. While it's calming your nervous system, it's also providing gentle emotional support, making it perfect for stress that stems from hormonal fluctuations, work pressure, or relationship challenges. The sweet, rosy scent with herbal undertones creates an immediate sense of comfort and safety.  2. Bergamot: The Anxiety Lifter  Botanical Name: Citrus bergamia  Bergamot is pure magic for anxiety-driven stress. This gorgeous citrus oil has the remarkable ability to simultaneously uplift your spirits while calming nervous tension - a combination that's incredibly rare in the aromatherapy world.  Within minutes of inhaling Bergamot, you'll notice that tight knot in your chest beginning to loosen. It's particularly effective for stress that manifests as worry, racing thoughts, or that overwhelming feeling of being unable to cope. The light citrusy notes with a hint of floral freshness literally brighten your mood while grounding your nervous system.  3. Clary Sage: The Deep Relaxer  Botanical Name: Salvia sclarea  When stress has you feeling scattered and unable to think clearly, Clary Sage is your ally. This softly herbaceous oil is deeply calming to the nervous system and brings remarkable mental clarity during overwhelming moments.  Clary Sage is particularly brilliant for stress connected to major life transitions, hormonal changes, or when you're feeling completely out of control. It helps create space between you and your stressors, allowing you to respond rather than react. The deeply relaxing properties make it perfect for evening use when stress is keeping you awake.  4. Patchouli: The Grounding Anchor  Botanical Name: Pogostemon cablin  Patchouli is what I call a "grounding" oil - it literally helps anchor you when your mind is spinning and your thoughts are scattered. This deep, earthy oil works on a profound level to quiet mental chatter and bring you back to the present moment.  When stress has you feeling like you're floating away from yourself, Patchouli brings you back to earth. It's particularly effective for stress-related insomnia, as it creates this beautiful sense of being settled and centered. The rich, earthy aroma becomes more complex and beautiful with age, making it a treasured addition to any stress-relief arsenal.  5. Ylang Ylang: The Heart Soother  Botanical Name: Cananga odorata  Ylang Ylang is liquid tranquility for when stress manifests physically in your body. This exotic floral oil has been used for centuries to slow a racing heart and calm an overactive nervous system.  If your stress shows up as rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, or physical tension, Ylang Ylang provides almost immediate relief. The lush, calming floral depth literally melts tension away, making it perfect for those moments when stress feels overwhelming and all-consuming.  The Science Behind These Stress-Busting Oils  Each of these oils contains specific chemical compounds that interact with your limbic system - the part of your brain that processes emotions and stress responses. When you inhale these aromatic molecules, they travel directly to your brain via your olfactory system, triggering immediate physiological changes that promote calm and relaxation.  Unlike synthetic fragrances or pharmaceutical interventions, these pure plant essences work with your body's natural healing mechanisms, supporting rather than overriding your nervous system's ability to find balance.  How to Use These Oils for Maximum Stress Relief  Diffusion: Add 3-6 drops to your oil burner or diffuser  Inhalation: Place 1-2 drops on a tissue and breathe deeply  Bath: Mix 5 drops with a tablespoon of carrier oil before adding to warm bath water  Topical: Always dilute in a carrier oil (2.5% dilution for body, 1% for face) Our Stress Less Essential Oil Blend: Born from Personal Need I didn't create our Stress Less Essential Oil Blend in a laboratory or as a business strategy - it was born from my own desperate need for calm during one of the most challenging periods of my life.  Back in 1999, I was living with the daily reality of fibromyalgia, working long hours, and carrying a heavy load of family responsibilities. The stress was overwhelming, and I found myself reaching for different essential oils throughout the day, trying to find something -anything - that would help me breathe again and find stillness amidst the chaos.  I remember the exact moment I knew I needed to create something more comprehensive. I was standing in my kitchen laboratory, surrounded by individual oil bottles, and I thought, "I just need something that will help me find peace." Clary Sage was my starting point- it's such a deeply relaxing oil. From there, I reached for Bergamot and Petitgrain to bring lightness, and Lavender, Patchouli, Rose Geranium, and Ylang Ylang to round it all out into something that just felt... peaceful.  What began as my personal remedy during a time when I desperately needed support soon became one of our most beloved blends. Over 20 years later, our Moonies consistently tell us that Stress Less is their go-to for finding calm in life's overwhelming moments. You'll now find it not just in our essential oil range, but in our bubble bath and bath salts too - it's that effective.  The result is a synergistic blend that addresses stress from multiple angles - hormonal, emotional, mental, and physical. Each oil enhances the others, creating a complex aromatic profile that's greater than the sum of its parts, born from real need and proven through decades of helping people find their calm. Whether you choose to work with these oils individually or experience their combined power in our Stress Less blend, you're giving yourself a natural, effective tool for managing stress and reclaiming your sense of peace and balance.   Remember, a little goes a long way with pure essential oils. Always patch test before topical use, and consult with a qualified aromatherapist if you have specific health concerns.  Find Your Stress Less Favorites This article was written by Moon Haven’s aromatherapist and founder Leonie Gully and as such represents her personal opinion on the given subject. Subscribe to the Moon Haven Newsletter where each month Leonie and the Moon Haven Team share articles just like this one plus fill you in on all the happenings at the Moon Haven Cottage. Subscribe to the Moon Haven  newsletter at moonhaven.com.au Leonie loves to receive your emails, questions and requests for information. Just email her at family@moonhaven.com.au Leonie Gully- Moon Haven's Aromatherapist While any advice provided is general in nature, it is not intended to replace medical diagnosis or treatment.  If you are at all concerned about your condition, it is important that you do consult your medical practitioner of choice for an individual consultation and treatment plan. CHECK OUT OUR MOST POPULAR CONTENT What is your Skin Type? Take Our Skin-Type Test Get a Good Night's Sleep - Naturally 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Your Face Essential Oil Dilutions - How to Use Oils Safely on Your Skin 10 Top Essential Oils for Women Dealing with Arthritis & Body Pain - Naturally Universal Herbal Ointment - Our First Aid Kit in a Jar The Moon Haven Story Do you have a question? ... Want to know more? Just click the "Chat with us" button in the right hand corner of this page to ask a question or get more information - if we're logged in you may even get an answer straight away...otherwise we'll get back to you as soon as we are back online..

Aromatherapy for New Mums & Bubs It's all new! While welcoming your new babe into the world can be exciting, it can also be one filled with many unknowns, questions and concerns. Will the family and new babe settle, can the new parents cope, will mum experience the baby blues, will there be enough sleep? Unfortunately babies don't come with an instruction manual! The challenges of the post-partum period In this article I wanted to talk about how aromatherapy and herbal principles can assist new mums and their babies through those crucial first few weeks at home. It typically takes 6 to 8 weeks after the birth for the mother's body to start to return to its pre-pregnancy state.  The huge physical , hormonal, emotional and energetic upheavals that occur with pregnancy, childbirth and parenting a newborn are immense. While some new mums may sail through this time the vast majority of us will experience a huge range of emotions and challenges. Here are a few suggestions that may help to ease some of these: Breast care, feeding & lactation: Increasing milk production: Fennel Tea has been used through the ages to help increase breast milk production.  I know of others who swear by eating a little fresh fennel in salad each day as they work on establishing a reliable milk supply.  Sore, engorged breasts:  Add 2 drops of Roman Chamomile 3% dilution in Jojoba, 1 drop Clary Sage and 1 drop Lavender essential oils to 5 ml of a carrier oil like Fractionated Coconut Oil and massage into the breasts as needed. When I was a new mother I was told by my midwife to line my bra with cabbage leaves.  Admittedly it felt a little bizarre, but the leaves were so cooling and comforting and certainly helped soothe my full and painful breasts.  Sore, chaffed or cracked nipples:  Moon Haven's Calendula Salve is wonderful to use here.  Smear just a little onto the nipples.  Calendula is a wonderful healer and soother as it is known for it anti-inflammatory properties.   When it comes time to feed just wipe your nipple over with a washcloth to remover the excess sale... what remains is perfectly ok for your babe. Bonus: Calendula salve is fantastic for helping soothe babies bottoms and skin issues. Wounds, bruising and scars: The birthing process can be quite brutal on the body. Episiotomies, internal and external bruising are common.  Sitz Bath : A sitz bath (a shallow bath used for  soothing the anal and genital areas) can be a wonderful comfort and healer during the post-partum recovery period.  You can purchase a sitz bath (usually a special plastic tub - that fits over the toilet) or use a plastic tub to sit in.  Alternatively you can put a few inches of water into your bath tub to sit in.  The aim is to have the water deep enough to cover the areas you are attempting to soothe. The magic of the sitz bath rests in the additives you choose to put into the water. Salt is traditionally added to the water but you can also add a few drops of a suitable calming essential oils like Lavender, Chamomile, Cypress. Important: Of course always follow the advice provided by your medical adviser regarding wound care.  Helping Your Emotions: With hormones running rampant in the post partum period no wonder emotions are all over the place.  And yes the day three baby blues as well as post natal depression are very real conditions.  This is where aromatherapy comes into it's own.  Diffusing beautiful emotionally uplifting oils can be a godsend during this period. Oils like Rose Geranium, Rose Absolute or Jasmine in 3% Jojoba Oil, Clary Sage, any of the uplifting citrus oils. Another idea is to use our Uplift Pulse Point Potion.  This is something the new mother can carry with them and apply as needed.  Formulated with Sweet Orange and Lavender essential oils  and diluted in jojoba oil it is suitable to apply to the skin giving direct and immediate comfort. Oh Baby Pack -Essentials for New Mums & Bubs When Laura - our amazing soap and skincare maker was pregnant she put together this pack to help her through the first few weeks after the birth of her first babe Finnley. She chose each item for its practicality and usefulness. (Of course Laura used our Labour of Love Aromatherapy Birth  Kit during the last weeks of pregnancy and during Finnley's birth.  This meant that she had two wonderful essential oil blends as well as the very helpful St Johns Wort & Calendula Rub for her aches and pains)) The Oh Baby kit contains: Bliss Baby Massage Oil - helps relax baby - and the new mum too! Calendula Salve - helps to soothe sore nipples, great for perineal massage, stretch marks for mum  as well as baby's nappy rash and moisturise dry skin Billie Be Good Goats Milk Soap - the most suitable soap for newborns sensitive skin Uplift Pulse Point Potion -a beautifully scented roll on formulated with essential oils to help lift mood and relieve stress. Information and instructions on how to use each item including how to massage a newborn and the intricacies of perineal massage in preparation for birth We recommend these... Oh Baby Mum & Bub Pack The perfect gift for new mums Roman Chamomile Essential Oil 3% in Jojoba Oil Rest & relaxation in a bottle Clary Sage Essential Oil Calming soothing balancing Lavender Essential Oil The "go-to" oil in your aromatherapy kit Fractionated Coconut Oil Calendula Salve Soothing, healing, regenerating Cypress Oil Rose Geranium Essential Oil Balances the feminine Rose Absolute 3% in Jojoba Oil Beautiful feminine floral for your mind, body & soul Jasmine Absolute 3% in Jojoba Oil Trust, confidence, calming Sweet Orange Essential Oil The joyful oil Uplift Pulse Point Potion Improve your mood  This article was written by Moon Haven’s aromatherapist and founder Leonie Gully and as such represents her personal opinion on the given subject. Subscribe to the Moon Haven Newsletter where each month Leonie and the Moon Haven Team share articles just like this one plus fill you in on all the happenings at the Moon Haven Cottage. Subscribe to the Moon Haven  newsletter at moonhaven.com.au Leonie loves to receive your emails, questions and requests for information .  Just email her at info@moonhaven.com.au Leonie Gully- Moon Haven's Aromatherapist While any advice provided is general in nature, it is not intended to replace medical diagnosis or treatment.  If you are at all concerned about your condition, it is important that you do consult your medical practitioner of choice for an individual consultation and treatment plan. CHECK OUT OUR MOST POPULAR CONTENT What is your Skin Type? Take Our Skin-Type Test Get a Good Night's Sleep - Naturally 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Your Face Essential Oil Dilutions - How to Use Oils Safely on Your Skin 10 Top Essential Oils for Women Dealing with Arthritis & Body Pain - Naturally Universal Herbal Ointment - Our First Aid Kit in a Jar The Moon Haven Story Get offers, sales and all the latest from moon haven in your inbox Join The MoonHaven Family Do you have a question? ... Want to know more? Just click the "Chat with us" button in the right hand corner of this page to ask a question or get more information - if we're logged in you may even get an answer straight away...otherwise we'll get back to you as soon as we are back online.. Always seek qualified medical advice regarding your own individual situation Please note: Information in this article and on the moonhaven.com.au website represents the opinion of the author and as such is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

Re-train Your Brain with Scent If you are like me- breaking old habits and adopting new ones can be so very difficult to do. In fact, it almost feels impossible. So when it comes to forming new habits I'll take every bit of help I can get. This is where using our sense of smell to anchor and reinforce our new behaviour patterns can really make all the difference. Use scent to make adopting new habits easier You see, our sense of smell is our most powerful sense for triggering memory. And we can use this fact to build and reinforce good habits What the Science Says Psychologists at the University of Central Lancashire in the UK found that smelling and associating a strong odour with a positive activity not only helped to reinforce the positive behaviour in their subjects, but also assisted with improving their performance and motivation over time. The Scent - Memory Connection You see, scent signals go directly to the memory part of the brain - the limbic system and are not subject to being processed by the thalamus and then the cerebal cortex - (our interpretation, thinking part of the brain) like our other senses. Easily Adopt New Habits - Re-Train Your Brain At moon haven we decided to take advantage of this direct scent- memory connection to make adopting new habits so much easier. We developed our Scent Reinforcement Technique (SRT) using these scientific principles - and we found that it works! Moon Haven's Scent Reinforcement Technique Here are the steps: Choose the habit you intend to change or adopt. Select a unique essential oil or essential oil blend that you wan to associate with the new habit. Make a pulse point potion with the unique essential oil scent - make sure you label to bottle Apply the scent to temples and jaw line to positively reinforce the new behaviour when you do it Apply the scent every time you perform the new habit so that the scent association is embedded in the limbic system (memory centre) in your brain. It usually takes 21 to 28 days to create a habit...so program yourself to do this new thing every day for 28 days. Keep the scent combination only for that particular task - you want to associate that scent with the new habit only Ensure that you also have a different scent to embed a scent association to reinforce times of rest and relaxation How I Used MH's Scent Reinforcement Technique I needed to adopt an exercise routine that suited me You know how it goes... it's New Years and you know you need to up the regular exercise if you want to get fit this year. Well this is me this year! I'm in my early 60's. I carry a bit of extra weight and I am certainly unfit. With all of this in mind I know that a simple 30 minute walk each day will do me the world of good. Using the technique Going through the steps above this is what I chose to do: Identify the habit: So the habit I wanted to develop was the habit of going for a fast 30 minute walk every day . I'd be happy with 5 days out of 7. (I can change the activity and intensity as my fitness level improves.) Choose an essential oil or blend to associate with this habit - I wanted to feel invigorated and motivated to move so I chose Eucalyptus radiata essential oil as the scent i wanted to hang my exercise habit on . For me Eucalyptus essential Oil is uplifting, invigorating and reminds me of long walks in the bush. Make a Pulse Point Roll On: I made a pulse point roll on with 2 ml of Eucalyptus radiata oil and 8 ml of fractionated coconut oil to use for this habit. I call it my "get up and go" roll on. Choose the time and place : I decided to walk in the late afternoons in summer when its cooler and placed the reminder in my calendar. 5. Apply the Pulse Point: A couple of minutes before my walk I apply the pulse point blend to my temples and jaw line. 6. I take a few moments to breathe in the uplifting invigorating scents of Eucalyptus oil, focussing my mind on what I'll know will be an incredible walk. 7. Then for the next few minutes I get ready to go for my walk - put on shoes, grab my hat and water bottle - all the time telling myself that this is moving me towards becoming fitter and healthier. 8. Then as I am about to walk out the door I re-apply a little of the pulse point blend to boost the scent . 9. I love breathing the scent in deeply as I go on my walk. NOTES: To help reinforce this habit I try to go for my walk at the same time each day. For me that is in the late afternoon in Summer when the air is cool but its still light outside. I set a reminder a few minutes in advance so I can prepare and get my mind in the right zone. I make sure my walking gear is in one place and easy to get to. Lastly, I don't beat myself up mentally if I miss a day. I appreciate that new habits take time to become habitual. I've given myself 4 weeks to make this new habit routine. I'd love to hear how you get on. Warmest regards Leonie of moon haven References: Chem Senses. 2008 Jan;33(1):65-71. doi: 10.1093/chemse/bjm063. Epub 2007 Sep 10. "Olfactory conditioning of positive performance in humans" Simon Chu International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis -Volume 57, 2009 - Issue 2:184-197 doi.org/10.1080/00207140802665450 Epub: 2010 Oct 27 "Hypnotherapeutic Olfactory Conditioning (HOC): Case Studies of Needle Phobia, Panic Disorder, and Combat-Induced PTSD" Eitan G. Abramowitz & Pesach Lichtenberg Fractionated Coconut Oil 100mlWonderful skin and hair moisturiser Pulse Point Potion - Relax 5.0 Pulse Point Potion - Focus 5.0 Pulse Point Potion Selection Pack 5.0 Eucalyptus Australiana Essential Oil 5.0 Glass RollerBall Bottles 5 x 10ml Pack 5.0 Jojoba Oil 5.0 Aromatherapy Starter Kit 5.0 CHECK OUT OUR MOST POPULAR CONTENT What is your Skin Type? Take Our Skin-Type Test Get a Good Night's Sleep - Naturally 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Your Face Essential Oil Dilutions - How to Use Oils Safely on Your Skin 10 Top Essential Oils for Women Dealing with Arthritis & Body Pain - Naturally Universal Herbal Ointment - Our First Aid Kit in a Jar The Moon Haven Story Get offers, sales and all the latest from moon haven in your inbox Join The MoonHaven Family Do you have a question? ... Want to know more? Just click the "Chat with us" button in the right hand corner of this page to ask a question or get more information - if we're logged in you may even get an answer straight away...otherwise we'll get back to you as soon as we are back online.. Always seek qualified medical advice regarding your own individual situation Please note: Information in this article and on the moonhaven.com.au website represents the opinion of the author and as such is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

Dealing with Arthritis & Body Pain - Naturally One of the most common issues we see at the moon haven cottage is our gorgeous moonies dealing with various chronic pain issues. Arthritic and body pain is debilitating.  The experience of chronic pain can control your life. So many sufferers of chronic pain have found that gathering together a personal " toolbox' of pain managing techniques helps them take back a little of that control.  In fact, it was the chronic pain of fibromyalgia that motivated Leonie to develop our now famous St John’s Wort & Calendula Rub (SJWAC).  And it was from this wonderful salve that moon haven was born. Arthritis: Did you know that arthritis affects 1 in 7 Australians?  (ref https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/).  While there are over 100 different types of arthritis. The most common forms are" Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout are the most common forms Pain from Arthritis can be caused by: Inflammation Damage to the joints Muscle tension and spasms from the body trying to protect the joint form injury Also , how we experience pain is influenced by a number of factors.  Stress, anxiety, fatigue and depression each play a part in your sensitivity to pain episodes. So it makes sense to find ways to mange these factors to help diminish pain. Managing Arthritis Pain Managing and minimising the pain from arthritis requires a multi-faceted approach.  There are a number of practical, medical and lifestyle changes that if adopted can radically improve your experience. Importantly-  follow your chosen health practitioner's advice: At moon haven we believe in an integrated medicine approach to managing our health.  This approach  combines the best of  modern medicine alongside the most suitable complimentary health practices for each person and situation.  It  is so important to follow the advice of your chosen health practitioner- especially when it comes to using prescribed, recommended medicines, lifestyle and activity suggestions etc..   Naturally reducing your pain: There are a number of ways to reduce your pain levels and increase mobility these include: Exercise Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet Add Turmeric and Curcumin to your diet Use heat and cold  Massage regularly Adopt stress reduction techniques Use Moon Haven's St John's Wort Rub + Achy Breaky Essential Oil Blend Booster Exercise: It has been found the simple, regular, low impact exercise can be very helpful in managing arthritic pain. Everything from gentle stretching, low impact pilates, yoga, walking and swimming can all be beneficial.   Not only does exercise help to stretch and strengthen muscles that support your joints but it also helps to reduce stress and improves sleep.   Adopt the Anti-inflammatory Mediterranean Diet: Choose a balanced diet that cuts out processed products and boosts your intake of whole, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich foods. Food to avoid or minimise include sugary foods and beverages, processed meat, alcohol, and foods high in refined carbs and unhealthy fats. To help reduce inflammation in the body it is important to mainly eat unprocessed, high fibre, antioxidant  and nutrient rich foods like vegetables and fruits, fish, high fat natural oils like avocado and olive, seeds and nuts etc. In fact one of the best anti-inflammatory diets to follow is the Mediterranean diet (download this very helpful Mediterranean diet fact sheet and guide from the Queensland Dept of Health website). Add Turmeric (with black pepper) to your diet: I can personally attest to the benefits of adding turmeric to your diet to help combat the pain of arthritis. You see Turmeric contains the anti-inflammatory compound curcumin which helps to reduce inflammation in the body.  I add black peppercorns to help the curcumin be better absorbed into my body. (it's the piperine in the black pepper that increases the bioavailability of the curcumin 2000 times!) There are many ways to include turmeric into your diet.  Perhaps the easiest is to make a turmeric rich drink.  Turmeric lattes, turmeric rich juices and smoothies. When going through a pain relapse I make a turmeric-black pepper enhanced smoothie each morning... usually with banana, apple, linseed and lots of ice! You see Turmeric contains the anti-inflammatory compound curcumin which helps to reduce inflammation in the body.  I add black peppercorns to help the curcumin be better absorbed into my body. (it's the piperine in the black pepper that increases the bioavailability of the curcumin 2000 times!) My morning anti-inflammatory smoothie recipe is as follows -  In a blender combine  1 banana 1 chopped apple 1 tablespoon turmeric powder 5 black peppercorns 1 tablespoon linseeds 200ml juice of choice ( i often use apple) - or milk if you prefer Ice blocks to suit you taste (this is wonderful served icy cold). Heat & Cold: I use heat to help soothe painful joints and muscles and cold to help reduce inflammation. Heat assists with relaxing muscles and assists with increasing circulation.  I find hot showers, warm baths, wheat bags and hot water bottles fantastic to help soothe and reduce arthritic pain.  With inflamed joints while I can't make myself have an ice bath :)  - but an ice pack applied to a painful joint can be very effective in helping to numb the area and reduce swelling. Massage: Regular massage can hep with reducing pain and increase the mobility of painful joints as well as being relaxing and helpful in reduce in stress. Whole body massage with a qualified massage therapist is wonderful but daily self massage of inflamed joints can be very helpful. (Of course we recommend you massage sore joints and muscles with our St John's Wort & Calendula Rub) Relaxation, Meditation, Reducing Stress: Learning and using relaxation, meditation and stress reducing techniques can help you manage your pain. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, guided imagery, and sequential muscle relaxation are wonderful tools to use when dealing with chronic pain.   One of my preferred techniques it to listen to a simple guided meditation to help me slow my breathing and progressively relax my muscles and in turn my muscles. St John's Wort & Calendula Rub: Of course Moon Haven makes a wonderful natural herbal salve that we use to help with arthritis, joint and muscle pain. Our founder, Leonie, first made our very popular St John's Wort & Calendula Rub to help her with her own muscle and joint pain caused by Fibromyalgia. Gently massaging in a small amount to the affected areas as well as the area of the spine that 'control' that area can be very helpful in temporarily reducing your pain . Combined with our Achy Breaky Essential Oil Blend you can boost the relief  for nasty stubborn pain too! Choose what works for you So please  do look through this list and find the techniques and approaches that work for you. Most importantly - Use them! I hope this information is helpful and wish you well on your journey. Warmest regards, Leonie - moonhaven's aromatherapist, founder & creator of good things CHECK OUT OUR MOST POPULAR CONTENT What is your Skin Type? Take Our Skin-Type Test Get a Good Night's Sleep - Naturally 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Your Face Essential Oil Dilutions - How to Use Oils Safely on Your Skin 10 Top Essential Oils for Women Dealing with Arthritis & Body Pain - Naturally Universal Herbal Ointment - Our First Aid Kit in a Jar The Moon Haven Story Get offers, sales and all the latest from moon haven in your inbox Join The MoonHaven Family Do you have a question? ... Want to know more? Just click the "Chat with us" button in the right hand corner of this page to ask a question or get more information - if we're logged in you may even get an answer straight away...otherwise we'll get back to you as soon as we are back online.. Always seek qualified medical advice regarding your own individual situation Please note: Information in this article and on the moonhaven.com.au website represents the opinion of the author and as such is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

It's all new! While welcoming your new babe into the world can be exciting, it can also be one filled with many unknowns, questions and concerns. Will the family and new babe settle, can the new parents cope, will mum experience the baby blues, will there be enough sleep? Unfortunately babies don't come with instruction manuals.. The challenges of the post-partum period In this article I wanted to talk about how aromatherapy and herbal principles can assist new mums and their babies through those crucial first few weeks at home. It typically takes 6 to 8 weeks after the birth for the mother's body to start to return to its pre-pregnancy state.  The huge physical , hormonal, emotional and energetic upheavals that occur with pregnancy, childbirth and parenting a newborn are immense.While some new mums may sail through this time the vast majority of us will experience a huge range of emotions and challenges. Here are a few suggestions that may help to ease some of these: Breast care, feeding and lactation:  Increasing milk production: Fennel Tea has been used through the ages to help increase breast milk production.  I know of others who swear by eating a little fresh fennel in salad each day as they work on establishing a reliable milk supply.  Sore, engorged breasts: Add 2 drops of Roman Chamomile 3% dilution in Jojoba, 1 drop Clary Sage and 1 drop Lavender essential oils to 5 ml of a carrier oil like Fractionated Coconut Oil and massage into the breasts as needed. When I was a new mother I was told by my midwife to line my bra with cabbage leaves.  Admittedly it felt a little bizarre, but the leaves were so cooling and comforting and certainly helped soothe my full and painful breasts.  Sore, chaffed or cracked nipples: Moon Haven's Calendula Salve is wonderful to use here.  Smear just a little onto the nipples.  Calendula is a wonderful healer and soother as it is known for it anti-inflammatory properties.  When it comes time to feed just wipe your nipple over with a washcloth to remover the excess sale... what remains is perfectly ok for your babe. Bonus: Calendula salve is fantastic for helping soothe babies bottoms and skin issues. Wounds, bruising and scars: The birthing process can be quite brutal on the body. Episiotomies, internal and external bruising are common.  Sitz Bath :A sitz bath (a shallow bath used for  soothing the anal and genital areas) can be a wonderful comfort and healer during the post-partum recovery period.  You can purchase a sitz bath (usually a special plastic tub - that fits over the toilet) or use a plastic tub to sit in. Alternatively you can put a few inches of water into your bath tub to sit in.  The aim is to have the water deep enough to cover the areas you are attempting to soothe. The magic of the sitz bath rests in the additives you choose to put into the water. Salt is traditionally added to the water but you can also add a few drops of a suitable calming essential oils like Lavender, Chamomile, Cypress. Important: Of course always follow the advice provided by your medical adviser regarding wound care.  Helping Your Emotions: With hormones running rampant in the post partum period no wonder emotions are all over the place.  And yes he day three baby blues as well as post natal depression are very real conditions.  This is where aromatherapy comes into it's own.  Diffusing beautiful emotionally uplifting oils can be a godsend during this period. Oils like Rose Geranium, Rose Absolute or Jasmine in 3% Jojoba Oil, Clary Sage, any of the uplifting citrus oils. Another idea is to use our Uplift Pulse Point Potion.  This is something the new mother can carry with them and apply as needed.  Formulated with Sweet Orange and Lavender essential oils  and diluted in jojoba oil it is suitable to apply to the skin giving direct and immediate comfort. Oh Baby Pack -Essentials for New Mums & Bubs When Laura - our amazing soap and skincare maker was pregnant she put together this pack to help her through the first few weeks after the birth of her first babe Finnley. She chose each item for its practicality and usefulness.(Of course Laura used our Labour of Love Aromatherapy Birth  Kit during the last weeks of pregnancy and during Finnley's birth.  This meant that she had two wonderful essential oil blends as well as the very helpful St Johns Wort & Calendula Rub for her aches and pains)) The Oh Baby kit contains: Bliss Baby Massage Oil - helps relax baby - and the new mum too! Calendula Salve - helps to soothe sore nipples, great for perineal massage, stretch marks for mum  as well as baby's nappy rash and moisturise dry skin Billie Be Good Goats Milk Soap - the most suitable soap for newborns sensitive skin Uplift Pulse Point Potion -a beautifully scented roll on formulated with essential oils to help lift mood and relieve stress. Information and instructions on how to use each item including how to massage a newborn and the intricacies of perineal massage in preparation for birth                                   Want to know more? Just click the Messenger button in the right hand corner of this page to ask a question or get more information- if we're logged in you may even get an answer straight away...otherwise we'll get back to you as soon as we are back online.. Always seek qualified medical advice regarding your own individual situationPlease note: Information in this article and on the moonhaven.com.au website represents the opinion of the author and as such is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

We are often asked  " Can I safely  use Essential Oils in my CPAP machine?" With the popularity of aromatherapy and the huge number of CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine users  it's a very valid question to ask. While essential oil therapy can be of great benefit for those with sleep apnea it becomes more complicated when a CPAP machine is involved.

Like many of our moonies I suffer from "Mask Rash". and "Ear Rub" Here are some simple self help tips to get from ouchhh to ahhhh.

Here's what's happening at Moon Haven as we deal with the ramifications of Covid-19 in our community. We're all in this together and we're here to help you through.

Anxiety is a very real issue in today's society. Check out Moon Haven's "How To" video demonstrating Leonie's simple but highly effective technique that has helped hundreds manage their anxiety.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) tell us that one of the best ways to protect ourselves from contracting Covid-19 is to wash our hands with soap and water ...often! And who are we to disagree with that? (As you know, we make soap... beautiful, natural, cold processed soap) Plus in this pandemic environment our health and..dare we be dramatic and say that even our lives.. depend on it! So why is soap so effective against COVID-19? Here's what UNESCO has to say : Water alone may rinse off dirt, but viruses and bacteria are so small they often need chemical and mechanical intervention to get their sticky nanoparticles out of the crevices that make up our unique fingerprints. That’s why soap is so important. It’s made for this job. Give soap 20 seconds, at least, of thorough scrubbing and the pin-shaped soap molecules will penetrate the types of bacteria and viruses, including COVID-19, that protect themselves with an oily lipid membrane. Like a nail popping a tire, the water-repelling end of the soap molecule, a hydrophobic tail that can bond with oil and fats, stabs COVID-19 and leaves the virus a deflated and broken sack of RNA cells. And while alcohol can also break an oily membrane, washing with soap has the added benefit of physically removing even tougher to break viruses and bacteria from the skin. This is thanks to the dual nature of soap molecules. As the hydrophilic, or water-loving, heads reach out to bond with the water, the tails turn inwards to protect themselves from the water and by doing so, scoop up anything they catch in tiny soap bubble cages called micelles. Scrubbing all parts of your hands and wrists vigorously, with a sudsy lather, is key to locking these invading particles away for good - and washing them down the drain. And whether the water is cold or warm doesn’t matter, so long as it’s soapy. Ref: https://en.unesco.org/news/how-soap-kills-covid-19-hands   .