A Few Thoughts on Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

The use of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy has become very popular in last number of years. I am pleased to see more and more people aware that plants have an amazing capacity to heal us both physically and emotionally.  But as in many things that become popular there is a certain amount of misinformation and well as companies jumping on the bandwagon making false claims.  These are companies using fragrance oils, which have absolutely no therapeutic value and yet label their products under  aromatherapy.  There are several ways oils are extracted from plants:  steam distilled, cold pressed, solvent extracted or c02 extracted.  There are some plants and flowers that cannot be extracted and, therefore, there are no oils produced.  For example if you see Gardenia or Lilly of the Valley you should note they are synthetic as there is no essential oil made from these plants.  The same is true for most fruit with the exception of citrus.

Speaking of therapeutic oils, in my searching for resources to purchase my essential oils or just wanting to learn more I keep coming across terms such as "therapeutic grade essential oils".  For the record there is no such thing.  It was mostly a ploy used by MLM companies.   That is not to say that essential oils are not therapeutic because they are.  Whether they are diluted to be used in skin care, massage, in a bath or to inhale in a diffuse these powerful botanical extracts are powerful healing tools.  At this time, however, there are no classifications such as medicinal or therapeutic.   You should always be careful where you purchase your oils and only buy organic or wildcrafted oils.  Some companies adulterate their oils with fragrance oils or add a cheaper essential oil to the most costly oil.  If you are in doubt request a GC analysis. 

The last thought I would like to share with you today on this subject is the use of essential oils and overuse of some.  First of all essential oils should very rarely be used "neat" or undiluted on the skin.  I know many people are using Tea Tree oil directly on the skin for a variety of  issues. First you need to test for skin irritation by applying a drop on a cotton swab and only dabbing the area in question.  Keep in mind that even if you show no sensitivity or reaction you can develop a sensitivity to the oil over time.  Most of the sites on the web recommending using full strength are not experts in the use of essential oils.   Most experts will recommend never using oils full strength unless under the advisement of an expert.  Some experts claim that it is more effective in a 2% dilution than using neat. Another problem with Tea Tree is that it has become the "catch all" cure and go to oil.  Many companies put it in all their products.  It is a powerful anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial oil and is perfect for certain condition but I have seen it in skin care products for combination and dry skin and that is not a good choice.

More thoughts on Summer

I'm not really a summer person, at least not where I live.  As I mentioned in an earlier post it is very hot and humid here.  I used to love summers when I lived in upstate New York.  I had an amazing organic vegetable garden and a beautiful flower garden. Not in this city; I feel I am always fighting a losing battle between the heat, drought and bugs.  But one of the things I do love about summer is the fruits and vegetables.  Peaches, plums, berries, melons and of course tomatoes.  So instead of trying to win a losing battle, several years ago I embraced the local Farmer's Market.  I head over early Sat. mornings before going to work.   I particularly love this market.  It is held in a parking lot that they close off for a few hours but they have planted beautiful flowers all around.  There are musicians serenading us along with delicious smells of people cooking Thai food, Indian, Ethiopian and good ole Biscuits with different toppings.  I have my favorite stands of organic veggies and fruits and a local bakery where I treat myself to a scone to take to work with me.  Peaches are plentiful right now and today I purchased some and I am about to bake my husband's favorite peach dessert.  A crust that is more shortbread like than pie or cake, topped with peaches and baked to a bubbling sweetness.  I also purchased some heirloom tomatoes and I'm thinking of using that same crust but making it savory with some rosemary and topping with the tomatoes and some caramelized onions and a little cheese.

What are your favorite summer fruits and vegetables? 

Summertime and the livin is easy

We always have hot and humid summers where I live but this summer, like most of the country, we seem to be hitting all kinds of records.  I've been very busy with facials and making new products.  So busy that I was behind in making some essential oil blends for a Wellness Studio that requested some.  When I contacted the owner to say I hadn't forgotten and I would get them to her soon, her response was priceless.  "I did not feel forgotten.  It's summer!  One should never rush in the summer! "  Perfect advice.  So now I'm slowing down a bit.  Sipping some lemonade, listening to my husband play his guitar with my cat on my lap.  

I just received the most awesome review from Eye on Green Magazine.  Check it out.http://terryseyeongreenmag.blogspot.com/2012/07/eye-on-green-magazine-rising-up-green_17.html?spref=bl

Greenwashing

Here we are approaching August and I am in need of a pedicure.  I wanted to find a Green Spa for my little tootsies.  A few spas have opened in and around town stating they were green.  I was so excited.  That is until I went to their websites.  Low and behold they use paraffin.  Yes, paraffin.  Now if you are familiar with what it means to be green, you know that green and paraffin wax do not belong together.  It is petroleum based.  Either these business are just jumping on the green bandwagon or they do not understand that being green is a lifetime commitment.  It doesn't just mean you recycle, or you buy some eco-friendly fixtures. 

So what do I consider a green product or a green business?  In a green the ingredients should be as natural as possible. But more importantly they should not contain any ingredients that are harmful to us or to the planet. Secondly, the packaging should be recyclable using glass or safe plastic.  If it is in a box the box should be made from recycled paper.  A spa or any business shouldn’t go green just because it’s popular. They have to believe in what they are doing, and if they don't know they should educate themselves or hire an environmental consultant.

.

 All products used should be either green as just described; the furnishings should be from eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, cork, salvaged or from some sustainable source.  All stationery and paper goods should be from recycled paper and using soy ink.  Light should be compact fluorescent. It can be taken even further by choosing a wind powered electric company, filtered water and air.  I think you get my drift.  

So until I find a truly green spa these feet will have to wait.

 

RENEW BOTANICALS Organic and Vegan Skin Care Now Available Online

I am happy to announce that RENEW BOTANICALS Organic and Vegan skin care products are now available for purchase through my website www.reneworganicskincare.com. I have listed the products by category and by skin type. There is a link that describes the different skin types to help you decide which products would be the best for you. There are starter kits for each skin type which is a great way to try the products before purchasing them in full sizes. They come in eco-friendly sustainable sinamy bags which make them also great for traveling. If you are still unsure please feel free to email me and I will be happy to assist you.

ReNew Botanicals

It has been a few months since the launching of my organic and vegan skincare line ReNew Botanicals. The response has been amazing. So much so, that coming very soon you will be able to order these safe and results-oriented products on line. All products are formulated with between 78%-93% organic ingredients and are free of parabens, sulfates, propolyne glycol, phthalates, petroleum, artificial color, synthetic fragrance and more.

I am adding some new cleansers, serums and as requested by many clients...travel kit
.

Stay tuned for the launching date and more information.