Yatlina : Aroma Inhalation Patches

During busy times of the year, it’s not uncommon for us all to struggle with feelings of anxiety and stress. Here at The Amazing Blog we know how sometimes it’s difficult to unwind and rebalance. That’s why we would like to introduce Yatlina’s Aroma Inhalation Patches; these are a simple and easy way to inhale beneficial aromatherapy blends of essential oils. As fans of all things aromatherapy, we found these helpful to aid relaxation, boost mood and reduce stress.

We’ve previously featured aromatherapy blends from Yatlina here with their rather ingenious Mask Drops, which we used recently during the pandemic. The brand was founded by Yasmine EIGhamrawy, who studied aromatherapy for three years after switching careers from working a stressful job to becoming an aromatherapist. She struggled with sleeplessness, aches, and brain fog and became more interested in working with aromatherapy after recognising this was her body's way of sending warning signs. Now, she wants to help others take control of their wellness and understand how to be more in tune with their bodies. She firmly believes that understanding how to use aromatherapy blends is empowering for both physical and mental well-being, as it directly affects the limbic side of the brain that controls emotions and memories, as well as physical effects on the body. In an interview with the Amazon accelerator program, she said, “I threw myself into it, and from the day I decided to do it until the launch on 7 September 2020, it was only ten weeks. During that time, I tested out formulas for the product, and I had to quickly learn about packaging and branding (which my husband helped with as he was previously a graphic designer). I created Yatlina to bring safe and effective products that you can use to support you holistically.” Her upbringing in Egypt has had a lot to do with her love for herbs and natural remedies; she learned from experienced herbalists and street vendors in Cairo all about the power of botanicals and how they affected her mood. She went on to say in Authority Magazine, "Now that I know a lot more about the science behind why certain oils work and how they affect the body, it makes a lot of sense why I was so drawn to them.” When creating her products, she goes deep into the science and traditions of aromatherapy and goes by three fundamental principles: chemistry, tradition, and scent. With chemistry, she spends significant time researching each formulation to ensure maximum effectiveness. Every essential oil is unique depending on how it's grown and harvested since each has a chemistry of volatile compounds, usually non-polar and fat-soluble, which are produced in plant species. The tradition is from her upbringing in Egypt, and finally, the scent is essential in creating these blends, as memories and emotions all of which are linked with certain fragrances.

Also a registered business with the Aromatherapy Trade Council, Yatlina is now officially the UK and MENA region distributor for the Aroma Inhalation Patches, with six new patches to launch in addition to the ones we are featuring today. Coming soon are single oils with Lavender, Peppermint, Spearmint Mandarin, and three new blends targeting breathing issues, immune support and anti-nausea. The NHS trusts are now using these patches for clinical use. In healthcare, they address physical discomfort and offer a modicum of normalcy and empowerment during trying moments. From mitigating restlessness, improving sleep quality, and enhancing concentration and mood to ameliorating nausea and respiratory challenges. They have also emerged as a beacon of relief for women navigating the intricate landscape of stress and anxiety due to premenopausal changes.

Yatlina’s Aroma Inhalation Patches are ‘hands-free wellness on the go.’ they cleverly combine chemistry, tradition, and scent, making them ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy. The five patches have been created for specific uses, and the fragrances are fresh floral with added sweet citrus or earthy notes. All five of them contain chemical compositions of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.

The first patch is the CALM scent that helps with relaxation, uplifting your mood, calming agitation, and reducing anxiety or emotional exhaustion with lavender, neroli, bergamot mint, and petitgrain blend ingredients. The lavender oil is for balancing, healing, soothing, and nurturing properties for calm and tranquillity feelings, along with the element of neroli for relieving emotional or physical stress and exhaustion. The added bergamot mint is excellent for its calming and relaxing ability to feel uplifted and centred again. Petitgrain Blend is used for stress-related issues or fatigue and is suitable for creative thinking.

Our favourite patch was the POWER-UP, used on a day when we were flagging. It clears the head and re-energises with Spanish rosemary, Egyptian peppermint, French clary sage, and Russian coriander seeds. The Spanish rosemary is excellent in supporting memory and cognitive abilities, while the Egyptian peppermint gives alertness and feelings of refreshment. French clary sage is a perfect oil for supporting hormonal issues with elements that produce a more relaxed mood. The Russian coriander seeds add a sweet, earthy scent to clear mental blocks and boost mental stimulation.

The REST patch we found good for unwinding and quieting the mind, with ingredients of lavender from high-altitude farms in France, Egyptian sweet marjoram sourced from Egyptian farms, British Roman chamomile, and Brazilian sweet orange. The lavender and sweet marjoram settle the nervous system and support deeper respiratory breathing. The chamomile brings a soft, earthy tone that’s great for relaxation and clearing mental strain. The sweet orange brings a sweeter aroma and has chemical properties to lower heart palpitations, nervousness or agitation.

The REBALANCE patch scent helped make us feel less anxious and get back on track with rose oil from Bulgaria, neroli, bergamot, pink grapefruit, petitgrain bigrade, and geranium. The rose oil helps to release pain or anger, while the neroli and bergamot lift moods and bring emotions back into balance. The pink grapefruit is a refreshing scent to lift you up whenever you feel burnout. Petitgrain bigrade brings in a soothing fragrance for stress-related issues, and with geranium's fresh floral aroma for balancing any feelings of weariness or lethargy.

The REFOCUS patch is best for those feeling overwhelmed when concentrating on important tasks. Here, it has the beneficial ingredients of Spanish rosemary and Italian bergamot for memory support and balancing emotions. These ingredients we also discussed above.

The last patch is a custom UNSCENTED one to which you can add your own aroma by just putting two drops of whichever scent you choose onto the patch.

Another of our #amazingfinds, these Aroma Inhalation Patches, are designed to be a gentle passive diffusion of aromatherapy that is very safe to use with fast inhalation and no accumulation risk. It is single-use, applied to clean skin, and the hypoallergenic medical-grade adhesive is strong enough to last up to 8 hours of wear. It is metal-free, making it MRI-safe for clinical procedures. Yatlina suggests the best place is on the chest (see here) so that the fragrance wafts upwards, helping to inspire your mood. To purchase these Aroma Inhalation Patches, see here for a pack of 10, starting price at £15. Use code "AMAZINGPR15" at checkout to get your discount on any Aroma Patch Product until the beginning of November 2023.

Chapter Organics - 'The Quiet' Rollerball Pulse Point Oil

Although we think summer is for chilling, the reality is often very different, as it can come with a set of stresses and distractions. You know how it is, trying to fit everything into one day and then, to top it all, lack of sleep from the humidity or noisy air con! That’s why at The Amazing Blog, we’re big fans of aromatherapy rollerballs because they offer us a little time out on the go.  The one we want to discuss today is from Chapter Organics, with their ‘The Quiet’ Rollerball Pulse Point Oil. As the name suggests, ‘The Quiet’ helps us all to be more mindful, pause, breath and take stock. It contains a unique aromatherapy blend designed to restore inner peace in moments of need. Genius.

Charlotte Nutland founded Chapter Organics in 2017 to create natural aromatherapy blends that fit into everyday life. She first started blending aromatherapy oils when she was pregnant with her first child, as she wanted to prioritise her own self-care and general wellness. In an interview with Highcliffe Cornwall, Charlotte said, “I shared these blends with my friends and family, and they, too, noticed the difference in their sleep, anxiety, mood and energy. I was driving one day wondering if I could turn my love of Aromatherapy and plant oils into something more?” Soon after, she established Chapter Organics, creating and sharing unique blends to fit into a daily routine. She went on to say, ”I started to use essential oils to cope with symptoms and promote general wellness. I made up my own little blends and began to see benefits immediately,” she explains, “Friends and family loved my blends and kept asking to try them. It was then I started to wonder if other people could benefit from them too.”

What sets Chapter Organics apart is its collection of aromatherapy blends, all of which relate to ‘a chapter of your day’. Each of their five blends The Remedy, The Tonic, The Peace, The Quiet and The Self, are available as candles, atmosphere and linen mists, hand and body cleansers, moisturisers, pure essential oils, and room diffusers. Alongside Charlotte making self-care more accessible, Chapter Organics maintains a firm commitment to sustainability. The brand donates £1.00 from every sale to Marine Conversation Society via Work for Good to support a cleaner and better-protected ocean. To help reduce waste, all the glass used in their packaging is recyclable and reusable, and they even offer refill candle wax inserts. All products are handmade, vegan, cruelty-free, and 100% natural. For those new to aromatherapy, they offer a Mood Quiz on the website, and based on the response, this produces a unique selection of products best suited to promote an individual’s well-being; Chapter Organics is an award-winning brand and recently swept the board as an Aromatherapy brand in The Beauty Shortlist 2023 Mama & Baby Awards, and the Eco Lifestyle Awards which is where we made our discovery.

As mentioned earlier, "The Quiet" Rollerball Pulse Point Oil has been coming to our rescue. ‘The Quiet’ range is designed to ground those with a ‘runaway mind’ and creates a calm and stillness in daily life. The blend has five essential oils with rose geranium, rosemary, frankincense, bergamot and clove. The carrier oils are a combination of sunflower and jojoba; both are aroma-free and full of omega-6 to help keep skin well-hydrated.

Rose geranium has a soothing, sedative effect on the mind and encourages relaxation and optimism. Rosemary enhances concentration by improving alertness and improving memory and lowers cortisol levels to reduce anxiety. Frankincense enhances mood by diminishing negative feelings. Bergamot has been shown to trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin in the brain producing feelings of happiness and ease. Lastly, the stimulating scent of the spice clove is reputed to help minimise anxiety and strengthen your focus. We found ‘The Quiet’ therapeutic for both mind and body, giving us clarity and tranquillity and allowing us to be more present.

We’re fans of aromatherapy pulse point oils, as they’re always effective. Did you know your body has nine pulse points? A pulse point is where the blood pumps closer to the skin; therefore, applying essential oils to pulse points such as the temples, below the ears, jawline, or wrists allows faster absorption into the bloodstream. Rub in three slow circular motions onto the inner wrist or side of your neck and inhale the aroma deeply to restore your inner calm. This is another of our #amazingfinds for whenever we feel unfocused and in need of recentring ourselves to find our zen. To purchase the 10ml ’The Quiet’ Rollerball Pulse Point Oil for £20 see here.

BodyBees : Bee Gone - Outdoor Balm

As we're now in the midst of the summer festival season, we thought it an appropriate time to talk about warding off those far too frequent uninvited, flying insects! At The Amazing Blog, we're not fans of those chemical insect repellents with all their harsh toxins; we prefer to use natural and essential oil-based products. This was when we discovered BodyBees, and their effective hydrating Bee Gone - Outdoor Balm, which is 100% safe for skin, and has the added bonus (not something they advertise) of keeping mosquitoes at bay.

BodyBees is a Swedish family-owned natural skincare brand based in Danderyd, Sweden. Founded in 2019 by Lars Jacobi and his daughter Therese Fal'en, it all began because Lars struggled to find a cure for his eczema. However, this all changed when he visited South Africa, where he discovered some of their healing ingredients, i.e. honey and propolis, which literally "changed his life." From this moment on, he began experimenting and creating his own skincare as a way of also helping others. The brand now collaborates with local producers in South Africa for their natural and organic ingredients, with the hero base for their balms: beeswax and olive oil. They firmly believe in nature's way of healing, restoring, and protecting the skin. Therese told us, "I think it is fascinating how powerful these ingredients are in all their simplicity. When I used them myself and on my children, I actually realised that they help keep me and my family’s skin to stay protected and hydrated, as well as bringing a sense of wellness to everyone." For BodyBees, sustainability is at the brand's core, together with monitoring each batch of products to ensure all ingredients used are natural, organic and safe. They currently have a range of four balms, including one that's fragrance-free and suitable for babies.

We tried Bee Gone - Outdoor Balm, which has recently scooped up an award (think the Swedish Beauty Oscars, see here) with 'Best Protection'. To quote these awards, "Bee Gone is nature's own recipe and works well when it comes to keeping mosquitoes away. As well as caring and effective at the same time." Although the brand is careful not to promote Bee Gone as an insect-repelling balm, as they don't have the official product registration to make this claim; they are, however, quick to point out that it is an all-natural outdoor balm with many different uses.

What we like is that it's only made with four simple ingredients. These include the essential oils of citronella, lemongrass, beeswax and olive oil, all of which make it super-nourishing for the skin. Citronella, of course, is one of those ingredients which helps to repel insects. Combine this with lemongrass, another natural insect repellent, and you have ingredients which are both anti-inflammatory and antifungal, as well as gentle enough even for the most sensitive skin.

The base combines water-resistant beeswax and olive oil, rich in vitamins; they form a protective barrier and shield the skin from toxins while also supporting natural hydration. The blend creates a powerful antioxidant with an antibacterial effect for healing, moisturising, and all-important skin replenishment. When asked, Therese told us about her inspiration behind this product, "The Bee Gone Outdoor balm is one we created for our own use as a family. It's the perfect product to fill a much-needed gap in the skincare market. In Sweden, we all love being outside in nature, so we wanted to create a hydrating skin balm that contained citronella and lemongrass, to ward off insects, and to leave the skin with a fresh scent." 

As someone who is usually feasted upon by pesky mosquitoes, I was a little apprehensive to try this as a repellent. When applied, it smells fresh and zesty, giving the skin a smooth and hydrated feel. Lo and behold, for the first time, I can confirm that the mosquitoes left me alone; they weren't even buzzing around my head. Result! However, the brand does recommend reapplying Bee Gone every four hours as a top-up to keep skin safe.

Another of our #amazingfinds, we'd highly recommend this pocket-sized tube of outdoor protection for the whole family to keep skin protected, moisturised and nourished. To purchase the 40ml push-up tube of BodyBees Bee Gone Outdoor Balm for £14, see here. 

Tea & Tonic : Bright Awakening Halen Môn Body Scrub

Has your year started with a stressful January? Then it’s time to treat your mind and body, as well as you treat your face. At The Amazing Blog, we have a new self-care suggestion: Tea & Tonic’s Bright Awakening Halen Môn Body Scrub. An exfoliating salt scrub rich in minerals, omega fatty acids and antioxidants awakens, brightens and revitalises the body and mind like no other. While the unique Halen Môn salt softens and tones, the nourishing plant oils hydrate and smooth skin, saving you time from further moisturising.

Having worked with luxury lifestyle spa brands for nearly 20 years and natural skincare and wellness brands for the past 12 years, spa insider Sarah Strang founder of Tea & Tonic, demonstrated a passion for inner and outer wellness. The stress in Sarah’s busy day-to-day life contributed to her wellness journey, leading her to realise that to achieve health, balance, and brightness in skin and self; we need to strengthen our resilience to everyday stress. It was when she discovered adaptogen super herbs to support her high-paced life that everything came together. In a recent interview, she said, “The approach to stress-relief felt a little bit one dimensional, like those de-stress massages and oils in spas.” She went on to say, “stress is at the heart of how we look and feel. I wanted an approach to a range of products that really focused on inner and outer wellness, through creating products with an adaptogenic complex that brings out the best, with the best of the best.” With the help of medical herbalist/aromatherapist Jane Wallwork and biologist/elite athlete Helen Hall, she created Tea & Tonic; a stunning and effective range of skincare and teas that serve as a true tonic for mind and body. In Female First Helen commented, “As an athlete, I am always looking for natural ways to aid recovery, and was already aware of adaptogens and their benefits,” she also added, “however, most products I came across containing adaptogens were in supplement form where you don’t fully know the ingredients and ultimately on discovering Tea & Tonic, what better way to get your Adaptogen fix than through the enjoyment of your favourite cup of tea?”

Tea & Tonic is part of WIld Brands Ltd, which provides holistic therapies and luxury natural skincare to various world-class spas and wellness spaces. In a nutshell, they are a British super-herb apothecary. All products are hand-blended and 100% natural, with a range of skincare, bath and body collections as well as everyday teas to encourage brighter skin and self. All products are responsibly sourced and sustainably packaged. Best of all, they are based on the millennia-old tradition of medicinal herbs; adaptogens, which are clever botanicals that adapt to our system’s needs and stresses at the time. Adaptogens improve one’s resistance to stress, support the immune system, and promote skin health and overall wellness. Tea & Tonic’s unique adaptogen complex comprises 11 adaptogens that synergistically work together for maximum benefit and resilience against daily stressors. Examples include amla, one of the richest sources of vitamin C and phytonutrients with vitamin B5, B6 and copper; gotu kola, a skin healing plant, and schisandra berry, the fruit of longevity.

The Bright Awakening Halen Môn Body Scrub is filled with hand-harvested Halen Môn Salt from Anglesey using pure charcoal-filtered seawater. The key ‘scrub’ ingredient is sea salt. We were interested to learn that the Halen Môn sea salt boasts high concentrations of potassium, magnesium and bromide, and possesses well-reputed therapeutic and skin conditioning properties. And Tea & Tonic is the first-only spa and skincare range where you can experience this exclusive Halen Môn mineral-rich salt. They also carefully trace the actual source and person who hand-harvested and packed the salt, ensuring full transparency. At the forefront of their mind are freshness, sustainability, quality, mileage, and environmental production methods. 95% of these ingredients are grown on UK farms, and refills for this mighty body scrub are also available.

We discovered this body scrub when it was entered into The Beauty Shortlist 2022 Eco Awards and won Best Zero Waste Product (Self Care). It’s a 100% natural and cruelty-free body scrub, with carrier oil ingredients that include lavender, sourced from a third-generation family farm in the beautiful Cotswold Hills. Lavender has remarkable healing and uplifting adaptogenic properties and is a good source to aid sleep and deep relaxation. The crambe abyssinica seed oil is an emollient and omega fatty acid rich for skin softness and anti-ageing. Hemp seed oil restores the skin barrier while retaining moisture; safflower seed and calendula oil are both non-comedogenic and anti-inflammatory oils. The beeswax is a humectant and natural exfoliator, and finally, the yarrow extract adds its soothing, therapeutic, antimicrobial and pain-relieving qualities.

Some of the more unusual botanicals in the body scrub are brahmi, a leaf used in Ayurvedic medicine for enhancing the complexion. A trio of ginseng, starting with red ginseng, a warm stimulant which oxygenates skin; white ginseng, that’s cool and restorative and works with red ginseng to bring balance; Siberian ginseng, a skin strengthener rich in eleutherosides and complex polysaccharides. Holy basil is a plant with anti-inflammatory, cooling and soothing properties. There are adaptogens which include gotu kola, amla and schisandra berry (mentioned above). Also, essential oils such as juniper berry, rosemary and bergamot all possess anti-bacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Red clover helps to preserve a youthful skin texture while reducing redness; sweet violet treats stress, fatigue and insomnia; and cypress restores skin’s hydration and eases dry skin. Vitamin E delivers the finishing touches by creating an antioxidant-packed natural barrier to keep moisture in your skin.

It’s a treat to use, either in the bath or shower. Begin with a generous scoop and massage in circular motions onto wet skin. We found the formula both rich and hydrating with a fragrance that enlightens the senses and calms the mind without being overpowering – thanks to its aromatherapeutic blend. Salt crystals are always our preferred base, as they detoxify the skin as they scrub, and this left skin soft and smooth, particularly our dry upper arms. It’s an unequalled adaptogenic charged scrub and is another of our #amazingfinds.

To purchase a 200g jar of Tea & Tonic’s Bright Awakening Halen Môn Body Scrub for £39, click here. Or for a 200g refill at £36, click here.

Moksa: Damask Rose & Vetiver Bath Salts

Calling all bathtime junkies - it's now the season of self-care after all those overindulgent festivities. At The Amazing Blog, we think that simple pleasures are always the best; and for us, there's nothing better than to grab a book and unwind in a steamy bath with some fragrant and relaxing bath salts. That's why we couldn't resist trying these Damask Rose & Vetiver Bath Salts from British indie skincare brand Moksa that made an excellent addition to our bathing ritual.

Moksa a Devon-based natural skincare brand which all began from the inspiration that founder Chloe Osborn's found during her travels. The unusual brand name Mokṣa is a Sanskrit word meaning liberation, bliss and inner peace; Chloe said, "The word Moksa really resonates with me in so many ways. With my travel came a great sense of freedom and a definite sense of inner peace, so it just felt so apt; with that Mokṣa was born." In an interview with The Green Parent, Chloe explained, "I spent some time in an Ashram learning all things yogic, which was a huge inspiration. The idea that I could actually create my own business filled me with anticipation and excitement. The name Moksa came to me the day we returned to the UK, it sounds silly, but it really was one of those magical lightning bolt moments." Established in 2018, Moksa has gone from strength to strength and developed products ranging from skincare to bath products, candles and even teas. Each product embodies the brand's core values as 100% natural, handcrafted, environmentally friendly, vegan, cruelty-free, and ethically sourced. They also use UK-based suppliers who farm ethically and are sustainable and fair trade, sharing similar values. These artisan products have organic ingredients and contain no parabens, petrochemical (mineral oils), sulphates, alcohol or fillers. Moksa is an award-winning brand that has received awards from the Beauty Shortlist, FreeFrom awards, and The Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards; they were also shortlisted for the International Beauty Awards in 2019.

One of the most important aspects of taking a bath is the 'feel-good factor' inspired by relaxation and the heady aromas emanating from the steamy, fragrant vapours. This is where Moksa's Damask Rose & Vetiver Himalayan Bath Salts scores a whooping 10/10, with us for its plethora of relaxing and natural ingredients.

The seven key ingredients in the bath salts are: Himalayan pink salt, Fleur de Sel de Guerande, Epsom salts, rose absolute, vetiver and geranium essential oils, and dried rose petals. The Himalayan pink salt is a detoxifier harvested from the Punjab region in Pakistan, where the rock salt gets its pinkish hue. They are anti-microbial premium grade pure, unrefined and considered the purest in the world as they contain upwards of 84 minerals and trace elements, including calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium. The Fleur de Sel de Guerande, is hand-harvested French sea salt; it works to remineralise the body, which in turn helps regulate fluid balance and blood pressure. Epsom salts (AKA magnesium sulphate) are a naturally occurring mineral known to ease pain and relieve inflammation. Magnesium plays a number of roles in the body regulating the activity of over 325 enzymes helping muscle and nerve function, together with preventing the arteries from hardening.

These bath salts get their soothing scent from a combination of essential oils. The rose absolute is derived from the damask rose and introduces a light and floral aroma; it's hydrating and ideal for dry and sensitive skin types. The vetiver essential oil promotes skin regeneration, and the geranium adds another uplifting sweet floral note to the fragrance and is also known for its anti-anxiety and depression properties. Finally, the dried rose petals, besides emitting a warm scent, detox the body and help with better sleep.

As Chloe says, "You'll feel transported to the gorgeous flower baths of Bali with this sensuous blend." With its unique scent and texture, what better way to soak away stress at the end of the week? We held a couple of scoops (bamboo scoop provided) under a warm running tap to help them dissolve, et voila, a wonderful at-home spa, which left skin feeling soft, fresh and infused with rose. Best of all, they felt like they removed built-up toxins, and cleansed and relaxed both mind and body. Tempted to try?

Moksa offers this product in three sizes: A jar of bath salts at 250g with a glass jar with a bamboo scoop and lid at for £18. Or if a refill pouch is more your style, there’s a 100g refill priced at £10, or a 400g refill at £21. The Damask Rose & Vetiver Himalayan Bath Salts can be purchased here.