Margaret Roberts is a walking legend! She runs courses at her Herbal Centre and one day when I grow up, I wanna be just like her.  She’s in her 70’s and more vibrant that I have ever been in my life.

We attended a Perfumery talk recently, here’s what we learnt:

• Cold pressed, organic, extra virgin olive oil is best for making your own essential oils.
• Cold pressed oil is better because it doesn’t the vitamins needed in the oil, it doesn’t undergo any heating process.
• You must have a double boiler if you want to make your own oils and creams.
• There are over 150 million products used in the cosmetic industry – all toxic.
• Rather use a few drops of pure oil as a scent than the rubbish you spray on your skin as ‘perfume’.
• Jasmine is the most expensive oil, followed by neroli.
• Cinnamon is not widely grown but is fabulous for all kinds of healing.
• Cinnamon essential oil mixed with coconut oil makes the best cracked heal remedy ever.
• Essential oils can be potent, use with caution and restraint!
• Talc made from cornflour mixed with lemon essential oil is lovely on a hot day to absorb sweat.
• Epsom Salts is used as a base for scrubs.
• Make your own range by experimenting and mixing essential oils.
• Also make careful notes of your ingredients, methods and quantities in case you hit the magic formula. (I learnt this the hard way last year.  I stumbled on the perfect vaseline consistency and didn’t remember how… Fail).
• Never ever use peanut oil – too many people are allergic to it.
• Massage essential oils into your feet to revive yourself after a hard day.
• If you learn how to make your own products, you will save a fortune and your health long term.  (She’s no fan of Clicks and Dischem and is a major advocate of the man on the street).

What you can do :

• Grow cinnamon if your climate can handle it.
• Seville oranges are widely used in essential oils but also not widely grown, grow some.
• Research how many chemicals you are putting on your skin every day.
• Buy her book called 100 Edible Flowers, its fabulous!