Julie Foster of Newbourne is a qualified aromatherapist. She combines her work as a Clinical Aromatherapist with a thriving mail order business, retailing products which she has designed to meet clients needs. She also exhibits most weekends at County Shows, local Craft Fairs & Charity Events & regularly gives talks to clubs & societies.

Potions & Possibilities has a small retail shop at Bredfield and an online shop www.potions.co.uk.

Julie with her daughter Bethany

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the medicinal application of the aromatic essences (essential oils) produced naturally by plants. Some plants are richer in essential oils than others. Mint is the best known - simply brushing against the plant can release the wonderfully odorous molecules. Geranium is another plant that has an abundance of essential oil. Apart from being an excellent anti-depressant, it has a fabulous scent. Geranium is also a powerful insect repellent and is often as a window box plant.

Most people think of essential oils in terms of complimentary medicine. However, 98% of the world’s production is for the food industry where there is an increasing demand for natural flavours. The Macmillan organisation recently published a far-reaching report into the impact of complimentary treatments. Aromatherapy was by far the most popular and has a good track record in symptom management, particularly in the areas of palliative care and stress related symptoms.