Tell us about your company

Aromantique incorporates three dynamic strands: my essential oils book series, workshops and training, and essential oil treatments

So far, I have published three of a series of books exploring the virtues of essential oils: Healing with Essential Oils, Essential Oils for the Whole Body, and Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation (all winners of the Janey Loves Platinum Awards) through Healing Arts Press (Vermont USA).  Essential Oils for the whole Body and Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation are also published in traditional Chinese.

My clinic is located in Lyme Regis, nestled on the south Jurassic coast at the border between East Devon and West Dorset. Thus, my clients tend to be a mix of holidaymakers and local residence.

When teaching, I prefer to work with small groups, as this enables valuable experiential interaction: exploring scent dynamics and creating perfumes and remedies, among other elements.

What were you doing in a previous life?

As my age determines, I have travelled a long and varied road. I learnt to meditate in the early ‘70’s, when I was a teenager, and, at the same time, serendipitously, was introduced to complementary medicine (or ‘alternative medicine as it was coined then). During this period, I met and worked for Robert Tisserand, who introduced me to essential oils.  I also met other practitioners who introduced me to acupuncture, homeopathy, and osteopathy; I was young and fascinated, this was a whole new ‘world’ to me.

I have four grown up children, who now have children of their own. While my children were small, I did various part time jobs that enabled me to juggle being a mother and to work to ‘help make ends meet’.  For example, I was ‘Arts Coordinator’ for my local Council funded Arts Association, and also worked for a T-shirt printing company, among other jobs. I was a parent governor, and also stood as a candidate during local elections for the Green Party.

As my children began to grow, I picked up the threads I began to weave earlier, and completed a B.Sc. degree in Counselling and Complementary Medicine, and Masters’ modules in Mindfulness, and Supervision of Counselling, at the University of Salford, and a Post Graduate Certificate of Education at Bolton Institute. During this time, I set up my aromatherapy practice and also taught at local FE Colleges: subjects, for example, included ITEC aromatherapy and reflexology, diet and nutrition, and PTLLS (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector). I accepted a post at the University of Salford, in the School of Health Science and Social Care (now the School of Health and Society) as Programme Lead for the B.Sc. Integrated Therapy in Practice , and Complementary Therapy in Practice, degrees, and Module Lead for Aromatherapy, and Supervision and CPD, among other roles. I worked at the university for a number of years as part of a team delivering degrees that straddled Complementary Medicine, Health Sciences and Counselling. My specific interest (then and now) was the psycho-emotional influence of essential oils and their consequential influence on health and wellbeing (my B.Sc. dissertation explored The Role of Essential Oils in the Management and Treatment of ADHD, and my Masters assignment explored Essential Oils and Mindfulness and The role of  Professional Supervision in Therapeutic Relationships).

My books are an accumulation of years spent studying, teaching and working in this field. Essential oils seem to embrace so many dynamics – creative, artistic, sensual, emotional, healing and nurturing, and have led me to delve into interesting aspects  – organic chemistry, botany, pathophysiology.  I am, in truth, a perpetual student – the adage ‘the more you learn, the less you know’ seems so true (and is actually very exciting).

I moved from Lancashire to Dorset nine years ago; the south-west being where the roots of my extended family are (dad, a ‘Devon lad’ joined in the RAF as a teenager, met my mother, ‘a Dorset girl’, and subsequently my brother, sister and I spent our childhood and teenage years travelling with our parents wherever dad was posted). Lyme Regis sits neatly at the boarder between both counties.

Why natural / organic / sustainable / holistic?

It’s a no-brainer. It’s impossible to be involved in complementary medicine and to not realize the intrinsic connection we have with our environment and nature; that everything is, in deed, interconnected; that we are influenced by what we eat and consume in various ways; and that we, in turn, influence the environment around us through our actions and behaviours. We are part of, not separate from, nature; we are inter dependent – for example, the slightest change in levels of oxygen in the atmosphere and we would cease to exist; our bodies cannot function without the nutritional input gifted by nature. Experiencing respect and reverence is as important to our souls as feeling unconditional love; these conditions are, in fact, I believe, expressions of that love.

I selected my publisher, Inner Traditions, not just because they release amazing books in my genre, but also because they uphold environmentally supportive values (for example, https://www.innertraditions.com/greenpolicies).

Equally, I select suppliers whose oils and products are ethically sourced and, as often as possible, organic; especially important when purchasing optimum quality essential oils (for example, NHR Organic Oils , Oshadhi UK) – all-be-it ‘out there’, there is something about the energy and therapeutic quality of oils that are appropriately, respectfully sourced and distilled. As well as appropriately grown and sourced plant material, appropriate length of distillation time, pressure and temperature are significant to the resultant quality of the essential oil. Sometimes, this means paying a little more for the oils I purchase, but if that payment supports this practice and finds it’s way back down the chain in fair remuneration to everyone involved, so we are all able to benefit and support each other, then so be it. Quality and reliability are paramount with regard to my therapeutic practice.

What’s your USP? What sets you apart from your competitors?

My feeling is not to compete (which may seem counter-intuitive in a competitive environment), but to do what I do well, to meet and walk, share and exchange, laugh and love, with fellow travellers, on this amazing journey through life.  We each have special gifts to share and express, and I believe that when we follow our passion, we simply shine, for all to see.  My passion is ignited by the creative, sensual joy that scent can inspire, and how the multi dynamic qualities of essential oils influence health, healing and wellbeing.

What Kind of feedback have you received from clients?

Positive and supportive.  For example:

Heather is a very talented and experienced aromatherapist, she intuitively blended a sublime mix of oils specifically for me and gave an amazing massage. I left with both my body and mind relaxed and rejuvenated. An absolutely delightful experience, thank you Heather.

Jess B.

Wow! Went to Heather for a massage last week. It was an amazing experience, incredibly relaxing, and very healing. Heather is incredibly professional, whilst at the same time, extremely warm and welcoming, instantly putting you at ease. The treatment took place in her studio, which is warm, cosy and peaceful. A full body massage is just that and I felt that every part of my body benefited from the gentle massage using the essential oils that Heather and I chose together. By the end of the session I felt as though I had been wrapped in a little cocoon and was very reluctant to leave! Have already booked my next treatment. Thank you so much, Heather. I shall be recommending you to all my friends x

Clare S.

And from. my readers:

Healing with Essential Oils

Heather Dawn Godfrey’s highly recommendable book gives a grounded scientific knowledge on essential oils and at the same time all the practical advice one needs to use them efficiently to restore and maintain health.

Christopher Vasey ND

Author of Natural Antibiotics and Antivirals

A brilliant and informative ‘must-have’ book for anyone looking for a natural way to heal, restore and create harmony and balance in their life.

Sue Stone

Author, TV Presenter and Transformational Leader of the Sue Stone Foundation

This book is dynamic for the student who is interested in the science aspect of aromatherapy. She takes you from seed to distillation and breaks down in detail the chemical composition of each oil profiled and actions offered. A solid reference work.

Candice Covington

Author of Essential Oils in Spiritual Practice

Healing with Essential Oils, like Heathers other books, is aimed at those who apply essential oils in their everyday life, students and professional practitioners alike.  We don’t all have time or resources in our busy demanding lives to engage in professional training. Heathers book provides a wonderful accessible resource that sets a sound foundation to support your application of essential oils, from which you can grow and develop your learning.

Whether you already use essential oils at home for your own pleasure, integrate them as an aspect of professional beauty, wellness or health practice, or as artistic and aesthetic ingredients, or are simply intrigued and want to know more about essential oils, this book is written for you.

Janey Lee Grace

Author of Happy, Healthy, Sober, TV and Radio Presenter

Essential Oils for the Whole Body

An impressive and comprehensive presentation of what essential oils are, how they work, and how to use them, not only for physical illnesses but also on the psycho-emotional level. A great book on essential oils!

Christopher Vasey, ND, author of Natural Antibiotics and Antivirals

In times when most aromatherapists are going back to using simple recipes based on the biomedical paradigm, this book opens up another way of looking at topical applications and absorption dynamics. These areas are actually more complex than mechanical interpretation allows and require a book with a holistic, and even spiritual, background combined with scientific insight. It will surely build stronger relationships with the ‘whole body’.

Martin Henglein, Naturopath, Aromatherapist, and Osmologist

This book offers a beautiful bridge between the science of aromatherapy and esoteric application. Godfrey presents a truly holistic approach that explores how to support the whole self, from the physical to the emotional and spiritual.

Candice Covington, author of Essential Oils in Spiritual Practice

A lovely book packed full of information about the form and function of the human body and the ways essential oils can interact with it. This book builds on the author’s previous work, Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation, to create an invaluable guide for those who wish to understand essential oils and use them creatively and safely.

Sophie Olszowski, PhD, director of SPZ Associates Ltd.

I am an avid believer in using essential oils in many different aspects of body health and home use so I was thrilled to receive this book for review. What I found here is a great complete education on Essential Oi . The author has included blending of oils, safety as well as even the chemical contents, which are good to know for those of us that use oils in our daily lives. I highly recommend the instructions for making creams, ointments and skin care product’s, which was so fun to learn so much more then I knew. The recipes are brilliant and easy to follow. There is also information on diffusing oil’s, which I am already using and enjoying. A ‘definitive’ book on essential oils this book I highly recommend for all who use oils and wish to educate themselves on both the oils, the process and the creation of recipes. Out of all the books on Essential Oils I have read over the years this is my favourite.

C.C. Netgalley

The content of this book is full of very descriptive information about essential oils. It would make a great reference book in any home as well as the local public library. This book would also be a well-used addition to any person wanting a more in-depth knowledge of oils. It will also help those like me who dally somewhat with oils but do not fully comprehend all the intricacies. Might keep someone like me from handling the oils improperly.  

Mary.  Goodreads

This book is a great resource for anyone wanting to dig deeper into essentials oils, you get tons and I mean tons of resourceful information I cannot express how much detail and research this author did just for this book. You get recipes, for creams, lotions, and perfume oils. The author doesn’t only use essential oil, but she also gives you a list of gemstones to use every day, you get worksheets and much more to help you in your study and lifestyle.

Laurie. Goodreads.

Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation

There is a unique way to enhance psychological well-being waiting to be explored. This book tells you how meditation and aromatherapy, classic tools for modifying the mind, can work together to maintain a state of calm and insight. Familiar oils like rose and frankincense add serenity and inspiration to the practice of mindfulness meditation. Diffusing an essential oil during meditation practice can even return your awareness to that meditative mode if you smell the aromatic oil again later. 

The author is an aromatherapist who not only uses essential oils professionally but also conducts research into the effects of these powerful plant ingredients. The reader will find out how knowledge of traditional practice and subjective experience, backed by scientific evidence, is an ideal path for discovery; how mindfulness meditation and essential oil inhalation relieve anxiety or calm the mind, as explained from the perspectives of ancient history, religious practices, and modern complementary medical practice. Scientific studies involving human subjects and essential oils tested in laboratory models are described in easy-to-digest detail that adds value and validity.

Advice on how to use the pure essential oils comes with a thorough briefing on dose and safety–a prerequisite for these concentrated and potent plant extracts. In passing, learning about the many everyday food, drink, and cosmetic products that contain essential oils is an eye-opener on the hidden influences on the mind and body. This book is bound to have a long-lasting impact on both meditation and aromatherapy practices, thanks to its inspired author, Heather Dawn Godfrey.

 Elaine Perry, Ph.D., professor emeritus of neuroscience at Newcastle University

Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation fills an important gap in the field of essential oils. Where many other books are contented with the properties and the handling of oils, Heather Godfrey provides us with a profound scientific background of the different oils and opens up the field toward awareness and meditation. This book is a wonderful guide to using essential oils as valuable helpers for everyday life, as a source of knowledge for well-being professionals, and for a deeper understanding of oneself and nature.

Ewald Kliegel, author of Crystal Wands and Holistic Reflexology

This interesting book melds the science and alchemy of essential oils and their use in meditation with a mix of personal anecdotes and evidence. Taking the reader on a journey through these highly topical disciplines, it is a timely reminder and how-to guide of the importance of stepping back from the maelstrom of modern life to find a sensible inner balance.

                       Sophie (Petit-Zeman) Olszowski, Ph.D Author of Doctor, What’s Wrong? Making the NHS Human Again, and Editor, NHS Researcher, and Director of SPZ Associates Ltd

This book is an impressive and comprehensive presentation of what are essential oils, how they work and how to use them, not only for physical illnesses, but also on the psycho-emotional level. A great book on essential oils!

Richard Vasey Author of Natural Antibiotics and Antivirals

Heather Godfrey, an International Federation of Aromatherapists fellow, skilfully explains how scent works on the brain to create relaxation and how this affects our well-being. Odors that stimulate brain chemicals, such as serotonin and GABA, trigger composure, concentration, deep breathing, and a meditative state to reduce stress and anxiety. Research is presented on rehabilitative techniques to remove negative emotional states, like regrets, traumas, fears, and anxiety. Charts and discussion show the brain’s hemispheres and the actions of a few essential oils are mentioned, although no recipes are suggested. There are also guidelines for use, healthy foods, and methods, techniques, and tools for application. 

American Herb Association Quarterly

This book is an informative guide to the use of essential oils as an accompaniment to meditation/mindfulness. It finishes with a chapter on other forms of achieving wellbeing – nutrition, exercise and relaxation. There are footnotes and a bibliography for further information. As such it’s very comprehensive but as a newcomer to essential oils I didn’t find the content intimidating.

Tina. Goodreads

A great guide for beginners wanting to learn more about mindfulness and meditation and how to use essential oils for relaxation. A good reference book to have on hand with well organised tables for easy access to information. Great background information on mindfulness and using essential oils for those that are just starting out.

Kat. Goodreads

And finally: What’s your Big Dream?

At my age, to fulfil the typical cliché, my big dream is a cottage, with an open fire-place, a lovely big kitchen, and a massive garden where I can grow things and distil essential oils, and live happily ever after!! Meanwhile, to continue to write and share through teaching; and, sufficient funds to work less and afford time to delve more into art (I love drawing, photography, and creativity) and to explore and appreciate the world around me.   I do not envisage that I will stop working, because I love what I do. But, I have a feeling something amazing is going to happen that I have not imagined, because each day is a unique moment full of unimagined possibility.