Palmarosa Essential Oil (Cymbopogon martinii var. motia)

Palmarosa became one of my favorite essential oils this past year, after a decade of being ignored by me. I discovered while one of my family members was struggling with a yeast overgrowth that this particular essential oil contains a large percentage of a chemical constituent called "geraniol". Now why is that important? Mainly because there are research studies showing that geraniol is quite effective at inhibiting yeast, and specifically Candida in quite a few research studies, one of which is indicated below (1). Candida is a type of yeast that most often causes diaper rash, thrush, yeast overgrowth and other unpleasant things - yep, that one too.  It also has a very nice fragrance which has been likened to that of rose. I don't quite smell that in the samples I've tested, but it does blend well with other essential oils and is widely used in the fragrance industry. It reminds me of a combination of rose and geranium with maybe a little green note to it. I like it, but like it best when blended with other essential oils.

Palmarosa is a grass and a relative of the aromatic and culinary lemongrass. The leaves are distilled for their essential oil. 

1.  Maruyama N, Takizawa T, Ishibashi H et al (2008) Protective activity of geranium oil and its component, geraniol, in combination with vaginal washing against vaginal candidiasis in mice. Biological & Pharmacological Bulletin 31:1501-1506

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Federal Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You are responsible for understanding the safe use and practice of aromatherapy and these products. If you have any questions, please feel free to consult us or another aromatherapy professional for further information.

Essential Oil of Bergamot Calabrian (Citrus bergamia) 

is a cold pressed oil and comes from the rind peel of the fruit of a citrus tree that bears a fruit that resembles a cross between an orange and a grapefruit (according to some sources.) Ours is from an area in Italy called Calabria and from what I've read Calabria is the only place in the world where the climate is just right for bergamot oranges to grow naturally. I only can repeat what I've read, but I haven't seen any contradictions concerning this. I looked it up because I was curious and found pictures of groves of bergamot orange trees that grow along the Calabrian coastline. Some say they are a cross between an orange and grapefruit, others say they are a natural cross between lime and a sour orange. I rather think this Calabrian that we offer seems more like a cross between an orange and lime. It is by far superior in it's sweet, tart, freshness, with a hint of floral.

Bergamot essential oil is not to be confused with the herb bergamot or bee balm (Monarda didyma). And just for the record, while searching for an appropriate picture for our blog on this oil, 99% of the pictures represented were the Monarda or bee balm flower. The aroma of the oil from this fruit is light and fruity, yet has a warm spicey floral note. In fact, it is said that the bergamot fruit was developed for its scent and has now been used in perfumery since the 18th century. I have received some samples that had a sharp, unpleasant note to them, but ours is warm and one of my favorites. Our latest supply is one of the best I've sampled yet. It reminds me of one of my favorite perfumes, an inexpensive one that I used to buy as a teenager called Muguet des Bois, or Lily of the Valley. Bergamot is NOT Lily of the Valley, but has the same qualities of lightness with a floral note. I particularly like the way Kristen Leigh Bell in her book, "Holistic Aromatherapy for Pets" describes bergamot. She says, "Bergamot is a citrus oil that combines the toning, strengthening and balancing effects of the monoterpene alcohols with the soothing, relaxing and uplifting qualities of the monoterpene hydrocarbons." You can see more about the monoterpenes in the detailed version of our description. Berganot essential oil has many benefits and wonderful properties, which is why we are so fond of it, but it also carries with it a significant caution – please see Benefits/Usage tab and for a detailed description of the benefits of this oil, see our Essential Oil Database or our blog article.

This serum has a very high concentration of Vitamin C esters – the only kind that your skin can actually absorb and use. The Vitamin C esters create a unique and powerful synergy with the other vitamins, such as E, and extracts included in this blend. Other vitamin C products you might see on the market contain water-soluble vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which is not able to penetrate the surface of the skin as it repels water-soluble substances. Water-soluble vitamin C when used as a supplement can be helpful indeed, but as a skin-care product you will need a lipid-soluble ester of Vitamin C (ascorbyl palmitate) in order to protect skin cells and skin tissue.
 

This serum, due to the variety of botanical extracts, helps protect your skin from environmental toxins that it “faces” on a daily basis.  This is a light serum and powerful but is able to provide a high level of antioxidants without stinging or causing inflammation to your skin. A vitamin C ester skin cream can both help repair and protect your skin from environmental damage which causes wrinkles and discoloration.

Skin Types:  Mature, dry, normal, sensitive and combination.

Read more about our organic Facial Regimen.

Calophyllum inophyllum, also known as Foraha oil, is one of nature’s miracles. This oil has a beautiful, rich, nutty fragrance, that some have likened to that of butter pecan. It has a rich, thick, deep dark green color. Tamanu oil has a long history of research and anecdotal use. It is many things for many people. It soothes the skin, relieves irritation and inflammation, can help regenerate skin cells. Research has documented its strong anti-inflammatory action and we have used it successfully for eczema, rosacea and acne. My daughter, granddaughter and I started using it in place of tea tree oil on our faces and we now have many followers using this oil. For more detail and history of this amazing oil, please check our website’s page on ingredients. We are also offering this popular oil with the addition of Ravensara essential oil which has documented research for its ability to give relief to those suffering with shingles. If you do an internet search you will find that our price is reasonable and this is an undiluted, unrefined and certified organic product – many sell it diluted with cheaper oils – please don’t fall for that trick.




This organic green-tea and aloe vera based lotion-type cleanser is perfect for peeling away layers and deep cleaning without leaving a residue.

Green Tea, rooibos and white tea are well-researched and shown to be excellent anti-oxidants to counteract the free radicals we all acquire daily.  We then add our "skin blend" of pure essential oils to add to the powerful benefits of this cleanser. Look at our ingredients and you will note that green tea extract is at the top of our list of ingredients – meaning we’ve added a high percentage – not just a small amount as most of the products you will see on the shelves today.  There are interesting reports that Green Tea Extract can retard/prevent certain types of sun damage and also can help reinforce the skin’s lipid barrier by stimulating ceramide production, rooibos tea and white tea also have a stellar report card for skin health.

In an issue of Dr. Andrew Weil’s “Self-Healing” newsletter he has included an article entitled “Natural Skin Care Advice”, in which he agrees with us that healing comes from within first – good nutrition, good spiritual health – and then outward defenses.  In this article he recommends only a few things – one of which is green tea extracts.  To quote: “…and lab studies suggest green tea may protect against skin cancer.”  You will find certified organic green tea as our most often used ingredient and always at the top of our list of ingredients, not stuck it at the bottom – meaning it’s only there in small, useless amounts.

See more about our recommended daily Facial Regimen.