The Strange Apothecary Range

As a 42-year-old woman in the final stages of pregnancy, I’ve been searching for natural ways to support my hormones, soothe my nerves, and feel more grounded as my due date approaches. Pregnancy at this age brings its own set of emotional and physical fluctuations, and although I’m grateful, I often feel achy, restless, anxious, and sometimes overwhelmed, not to mention already having a toddler.

That’s what led me to trying a small collection of products from The Strange Apothecary: their water-soluble CBD tincture and several essential oils, including clary sage, lavender, geranium, and peppermint. I used each one thoughtfully, always with pregnancy safety in mind.

I started with the water-soluble CBD tincture because my sleep had become very disrupted and my mind felt constantly busy. The appeal of a water-soluble tincture was that it could blend easily into tea and was described by the company as having a much higher absorption rate compared to traditional oil-based CBD. I began very cautiously, adding only a small amount to my evening herbal tea, caffeine free and slightly scented. I have not tried CBD before now. Over the course of about a week I found that, on the nights I used it, I drifted off a little more easily and felt a touch calmer as I settled into bed. It didn’t miraculously stop the frequent wake-ups, but the pre-sleep anxiety was noticeably reduced and most of the time I woke due to needing the toilet rather than anxiety. What I appreciated most was the feeling of unwinding, as if someone had gently turned down the volume on my thoughts. I remained aware of the general caution around CBD use in pregnancy, so I made sure to discuss it with my midwife first, but for my personal experience, the tincture contributed to a more peaceful evening routine.

Next, I explored clary sage essential oil. I’ve often heard women speak about clary sage as a supportive late-pregnancy oil for mood and grounding, and I was curious. I diluted it in a carrier oil and tried diffusing it lightly in my bedroom. I was careful and moderate with usage, especially because clary sage is often recommended specifically for late pregnancy and labour. Checking with my midwife gave me confidence, but I kept the dilution low and didn’t use it daily.

Lavender essential oil became a favourite quite quickly. Something I have used for a long time as part of a bedtime routine. In late pregnancy, the calming aroma made a noticeable difference to my night-time routine. On days when my thoughts were racing or when the physical discomfort made it hard to relax, diffusing lavender half an hour before bed seemed to ease the tension. Although it didn’t cure pregnancy insomnia, it helped create a space of gentler emotional stillness before sleep. Lavender turned into a reliable companion whenever I needed to shift from a rushed, overstimulated day into a more restful night. Plus I just love the smell.

Geranium essential oil played a different, more uplifting role. Compared with the earthy grounding of clary sage and the calming softness of lavender, geranium brought a feeling of emotional lift. Its floral scent helped brighten my mood on days when the exhaustion and heaviness of late pregnancy made me feel low. Diffusing it in the afternoons gave me a sense of lightness and even small moments of joy, which felt precious at a time when my energy was often drained. I used it sparingly because it has a stronger scent.

Peppermint essential oil served a very different purpose from the others. Rather than helping me rest, it helped me wake up a bit on sluggish afternoons. Late pregnancy often brings heaviness, brain-fog, and digestive discomfort, and peppermint became the oil I reached for when I needed a refreshing lift. A tiny amount in a diffuser made the whole room feel clearer and brighter. When diluted and applied to my temples or neck, it helped me feel more alert and eased the dull heaviness in my head. I used it cautiously, particularly when applying it around the abdomen, and always earlier in the day because it can be stimulating. Used this way, it felt invigorating without being overwhelming.

When I step back and look at all five products together, I realise they didn’t act as miracle cures, but they shaped a supportive, comforting routine that made these challenging final weeks feel more manageable. The CBD tincture soothed my mind at night, clary sage anchored me emotionally, lavender wrapped me in calm, geranium lifted my mood, and peppermint refreshed me when I was dragging through the afternoons. Each one played a different role. It is worth looking into the benefits and the smells of each one and then choosing your own unique blend.

All of these items are available online at The Strange Apothecary,

https://strangeapothecary.co.uk, I love their branding and total look! Take a peek.