Royal Watch News

Duchess Catherine's nausea candle cure

Feb 4, 2013, 12:01 GMT

Duchess Catherine

Britain's Duchess Catherine has been using scented candles to overcome nausea.

The 31-year-old royal - who is expecting her first child with Prince William - has reportedly filled the couple's Kensington Palace home with the Neom's organic Contentment candle which is infused with a scent similar to blackcurrants and is considered therapeutic.

The luxury candles - which are priced at £39.50 each - are made from the oils of the rare buchu plant found in South Africa, as well as other essential oils and vegetable wax.

The buchu plant is used in its native country to help remedy gastrointestinal sickness.

Catherine was admitted to hospital in December after suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness which affects a small number of expectant mothers in their first trimester.

The duchess - who is now thought to be in her second trimester - has been using the candles, which are said to have therapeutic effects when burned for two to four hours, to help her continued nausea, according to the Daily Mail newspaper.

As well as using the candles, Catherine has also been enjoying lavender shortbread biscuits sent to her by the royal family. The snacks are said to be a traditional anti-sickness cure.