It’s spring and with the winter air easing off, our skin can now get ready for the summer months.

To peel away the skins reflection of winter, turn dry and flaky skin into refreshed and renewed looking skin with the CSpa Hydrating or Detox Wrap available at Granny Mouse Country House and Spa’s on-site spa.

“Each wrap cocoons the body, allowing the skin to benefit from the essential oils. Option one is specific to hydration with neroli and vanilla, with option two being specific to that of detoxification using peppermint and rosemary. Our wraps are always something we encourage guests to indulge in, during as well as just after winter, to allow the skin to be hydrated and allow the harshness of the winter air on the skin to be reduced” said Granny Mouse Spa Manager, Liza Williams.

Not only do these essential oils provide hydration and detoxification, but therapeutic properties as well.

Neroli oil acts as an antidepressant, antispasmodic, anxiety reliever, bactericide amongst others and vanilla shares similar features, that of being an anti-depressant, but is also an antioxidant and is one of the top choices for relaxation.

Peppermint on the other hand has properties that are anaesthetic, decongestant, digestive, and can also help relieve a headache. Rosemary, being one of the most popular essential oils, is known to relieve indigestion, is an antiseptic and gives optimum pain reduction for aching muscles and joints.

Our wraps range from R450 for a 60 minute session.

For more information contact Granny Mouse Spa on 033 234 4071.

Facts sourced from http://www.essentialoils.co.za/therapeutic-properties.htm and www.organicfacts.net.

It’s no secret that adding herbs to your favourite dishes makes all the difference to the taste, and fresh herbs offer better flavour than store bought items, but many of us shy away from creating our own herb gardens because we think it’s more difficult than it really is. Planting your own herb garden couldn’t be easier with these tips from Granny Mouse Country House & Spa’s Garden Manager, Mark Robson.

According to Robson, “there are a number of simple factors that you need to consider before planting your herb garden, including how much sunlight the herbs will get every day, the provision of good potting soil or fertilizer if you are planting the herbs in your garden, as well as whether the pots you intend to use offer suitable drainage of excess water.”

Robson suggests that if you are a herb virgin, that you first try your hand at planting Basil or Chives, as these are easy herbs to grow. They sprout quickly and are largely sturdy regardless of the conditions.

Although planting herbs in pots is often easier if you have limited space or if you have an indoor planting requirement, Robson suggests planting the herbs at ground level, as this will yield better results, and does not require a large space.

Here are Robson’s tips for four different, easy to grow herbs:

• Basil: Plant Basil in an area that receives a lot of sun and where the soil drains well. Beware of insects, as they love Basil as much as we do! Remember when pruning Basil, you need to prune from the top down.

• Chives: Chives need little care, but enjoy lots of sunshine. They can be harvested every thirty days by cutting the leaves down to the base, where they will happily flourish again.

• Mint: Considered a bit of a creeper, mint needs space to spread, which is why planting Mint in a pot is often easier. Ensure that you keep the soil moist at all times, otherwise your mint will start to dry out.

• Parsley: A hardy herb that can survive frost and often lives through winter, Parsley requires partial sun and moist soil to flourish.

With these easy tips on hand, starting your own herb garden couldn’t be easier! Remember that if you spend valuable time in your garden, you will definitely reap the beneficial rewards later – as the Proverb goes – “As you sow, so shall you reap!”