Handcrafted REAL organic soap

Handcrafted using fresh organic lemon zest and fresh organic cold-pressed lemon (Citrus limonum) essential oil. Lemon essential oil has well-researched immune-enhancing properties and the organic fresh lemon zest adds gentle exfoliating properties. Made the old-fashioned way that uses only natural and organic ingredients that naturally retains glycerin. Don't be fooled by those triple-milled, high dollar soaps that are a mix of synthetic ingredients. Take time to read your labels - your skin will thank you. We use ONLY certified organic shea butter, coconut oil and olive oil - all very skin healthy, nurturing, hydrating. We use only organic botanicals rather than chemical dyes, which also add beneficial antioxidant properties to each and every bar.

I'm not good at describing fragrances, but this is how the supplier describes the original scent - "seductive, daring, rugged and robust muguet (lily-of-the-valley) but it also has the coolness, purity of the sea." And added to that it is "balanced with sandalwood and oak moss" and "deepened with spice notes of cloves and nutmeg." Whew - I don't know that I can smell all of that, but it is a very subtle, clean, fresh scent and I think it will be a keeper.

Really our NEWEST products, also after years of experimenting and testing. With over 90% organic content and a ph (perfect for healthy shining hair) of 3.5 to 4. It is as all of our products, paraben-free, phthalate-free, petrochemical-free and doesn't leave my hair loaded down and heavy but yet not fly-away. Believe me when I say I'm very picky about my shampoo and conditioner and especially as a combination. It is the perfect compliment to our herbal shampoo and also makes a perfect synergy if using them together.  Pictures coming soon, but wanted to get it at least with a link in order to announce its arrival. It contains all of those herbal ingredients that we use in all of our products - organic calendula, chamomile, aloe vera and many others. Take a look at our new herbal shampoo also - FULL of awesome ingredients for those of us who really want a natural and organic product without the ubiquitous pesticides and hormones found in even certified organic products - go figure.

Pure undiluted essential oil of Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Check back soon as we complete additional information on this oil and others as we also continue to do research on essential oils. Check our Essential Oil Database currently under construction.

GC/MS Lot #617290 and Lot #611201

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.

Healthy Facial Skin Essential Oil Blend:

My research into which essential oils are best for skin health began many, many years ago. Actually, the health of my skin was very bad and I ventured into the wonderful world of essential oils because of that unsolved issue in my life. I found that essential oils are very small molecules and are easily absorbed deep into the layers of skin and can make changes to the cell structure while other ingredients can't. They are nature's little miracles in a bottle. I did further research into which oils would be best for a synergy of benefits. I knew that Cleopatra used them, I knew that the Bible told me that Esther used Myrrh for a year before being beautiful enough to go before the king, and I found out other amazing benefits that both literature and research has shown are beneficial to the health of skin. This blend is the result of that research. I've been told it smells very nice as well. This is a complex blend that has been well-researched. Below is a list of each oil used and why the oil was included for skin care and why we've found that this blend is particularly effective for skin health:

• Myrrh - has been used for centuries for its cell regenerating properties, for scars, as an anti-inflammatory and instills calmness
• Frankincense - excellent for decreasing scar tissue, tightens tissue, reduces fluid retention and puffiness, very skin nourishing
• Lavender - THE classic skin regenerative oil, heals burns, calms skin irritations and has possible anti-tumoral properties
• Patchouli - another classic skin rejuvenator to restore youthful skin vigor, moisturizing, useful for reducing scar tissue, dry chapped skin, acne or rosacea
• Carrot Seed - used by many for its skin-healing properties, useful for relieving eczema, psoriasis and revive dull, tired skin
• Geranium - anti-inflammatory properties, helpful against dermatitis, eczema or varicose veins. Studies have shown it to be highly antibacterial and antifungal (specifically MRSA and Candida)
• Spikenard - especially good for relieving allergenic skin reactions, skin soothing and regenerative
• Ylang-ylang – believed to be moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and can restore vitality to dull, lifeless skin
• Benzoin – a lifting oil with wrinkle reducing properties, soothing to inflammatory conditions and is believed to improve skin’s elasticity. (Contains benzyl benzoate-see note below)**
• Tea Tree – The classic oil for acne, antimicrobial and is very effective at eliminating common skin bacteria, believed to increase skin circulation
• Black Pepper – known to increase local blood flow and thereby potentially increasing cellular oxygenation, highly anti-inflammatory, and some studies show anti-cancer properties. Studies also show that this oil is a potent free-radical scavenger.
  
• Palmarosa – due to the high level of geraniol in this particular oil, it is believed to be anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and excellent for dry skin, wrinkles or lack-luster skin.
• Clary Sage – believed to contribute to the overall health of skin cells, is a well-recognized hormone balancer and relieves tension that can exacerbate inflammatory processes.
• Cedarwood, Virginia – especially good for acne, dry, or itchy skin, and said to tighten skin tissue. This oil is also a skin penetration enhancer – meaning that its use in this blend will increase the potential for absorption for the entire blend.

**Contrary to some other “authorities” safety concerns, according to Robert Tisserand, there is an extremely low risk of skin sensitization. We have also included this oil at a concentration well below levels that would cause this issue.

Organic Green Tea & Lavender Cleanser

Organic Classic Rosewater Cleanser

Organic Aloe, Tea Tree & Lavender Facial Toner

Skin Renewal Intensive Facial Complex

Organic Green Tea & Lavender Every Day Facial Cream

Organic Oats Facial Scrub Recipe

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.