Search Results for: lotus white absolute

This rarest of Lotus Blossoms yields an ethereal absolute. With this 10% dilution, it is light, delicate in aroma, not as floral as the more common Pink or White Lotus Blossoms. but its effect on the spirit is amazing.

A “must have” for anyone working with the chakras, doing energy work, or using the oils as a part of their spiritual journey. A former busy bee writes of feeling as though a tube of clear blue light and love was opened, inside her, of knowing that she was directly connected to a spiritual being, “I felt calm, peaceful and centered, but most important, connected and loved. A spiritual experience not to be missed.” She describes the scent of the Absolute as that of a gently moving pool, being fed by the purest of waterfalls, filled with the scent of fragile flowers from heaven.

Another speaks of feeling her third eye gently spiraling open. The first client to receive a sample of this exquisite absolute wrote of feeling her crown chakra opening, and filling with beams of clear light. Others say that Blue Lotus is associated with the fifth chakra. The Blue Lotus is said to be the flower of self potential and self-actualization.

I don’t feel this oil the way some others have. But when I play with it I envision a clear stream, laughing its way over stones…with flower petals floating on the surface. A peaceful and safe scene, but lighthearted…joyful.
Blue Lotus is not for everyone. It is rare, and costly. We only have a little, and are only offering it in limited sizes, while supplies last. undiluted. Also offered in a 10% dilution.

Perfume writer Victoria, of Bois de Jasmine, writes:
Blue Lotus strikes me as having a very unique quality—translucence paired with tenacity. I find that it starts out with a slightly pungent crisp note (not unlike White Lotus in some ways, which actually reminds me of autumnal leaves), however immediately crispness melds into transparency underscored by a subtle floral note and perhaps a touch of verdant foliage.

Blends well with: Lavender, Sandalwood, Rose, Agarwood, Ylang Ylang Extra, Blood Orange

No known contraindications

Blends well with: Lavender, Sandalwood, Rose, Agarwood, Ylang Ylang Extra, Blood Orange

Shelf Life: 3- 4 years

GC/MS Analysis:
Batch # TH-59290 (Current batch)

This rarest of Lotus Blossoms yields an ethereal absolute. When appropriately diluted, it is light, delicate in aroma, not as floral as the more common Pink or White Lotus Blossoms. but its effect on the spirit is amazing.

A “must have” for anyone working with the chakras, doing energy work, or using the oils as a part of their spiritual journey. A former busy bee writes of feeling as though a tube of clear blue light and love was opened, inside her, of knowing that she was directly connected to a spiritual being, “I felt calm, peaceful and centered, but most important, connected and loved. A spiritual experience not to be missed.” She describes the scent of the Absolute as that of a gently moving pool, being fed by the purest of waterfalls, filled with the scent of fragile flowers from heaven.

Another speaks of feeling her third eye gently spiraling open. The first client to receive a sample of this exquisite absolute wrote of feeling her crown chakra opening, and filling with beams of clear light. Others say that Blue Lotus is associated with the fifth chakra. The Blue Lotus is said to be the flower of self potential and self-actualization.

I don’t feel this oil the way some others have. But when I play with it I envision a clear stream, laughing its way over stones…with flower petals floating on the surface. A peaceful and safe scene, but lighthearted…joyful.
Blue Lotus is not for everyone. It is rare, and costly. We only have a little, and are only offering it in limited sizes, while supplies last. undiluted. Also offered in a 10% dilution.

 

Perfume writer Victoria, of Bois de Jasmine, writes:
Blue Lotus strikes me as having a very unique quality—translucence paired with tenacity. I find that it starts out with a slightly pungent crisp note (not unlike White Lotus in some ways, which actually reminds me of autumnal leaves), however immediately crispness melds into transparency underscored by a subtle floral note and perhaps a touch of verdant foliage.

Blends well with: Lavender, Sandalwood, Rose, Agarwood, Ylang Ylang Extra, Blood Orange

No known contraindications, but due to aromatic potency use pure absolute sparingly Offered in a 10% dilution

Shelf Life: 3- 4 years

GC/MS Analysis:
Batch No: TH-59290 (Current Batch)

Happy New Year and Happy Birthday to US!

I want to quote a paragraph from the January, 2000 newsletter, because it feels appropriate here:

“First, I need to thank all of you for the growth and success we have experienced over the course of the past year. A lot of you, reading this, have been clients of ours for several years; some of you are brand new to Nature’s Gift. So many of you have become friends. I thank you all for allowing us to share in your aromatic journeys, and wish you all joy and prosperity and wellbeing in the coming year.”

A quote from our January 2005 newsletter still is true today: 2005 marks our 10th anniversary online. (Yes, some of you have been with us since 1995…I hope you know how much we appreciate that!) I can’t believe we are still here, and how we’ve grown. What a gift! Over the time I’ve been here I’ve seen friends and mentors leave the business, had one of my favorite distillers sell his farm and retire, (another one is threatening retirement and I told him he’s not allowed!). We’ve had our share of problems and made our share of mistakes. But we’ve grown through them all. We still are privileged to do what my daughter described several years ago, “Every day, you send all over the world boxes full of joy and healing.” And, most of all, we have made so very many friends among our clients and our suppliers. You all have enriched our lives in ways that have nothing to do with finances.

It is so hard to believe that Nature’s Gift has been online (in one form or another) for 20 years. I’ve spent much of this past holiday period musing over some of the people and the events of the past 20 years, and suspect I’ll be sharing them in our Blog or our Facebook page or here, in the future.

But for now this newsletter contains:

• Ongoing 20 on the 20th Sale: Save 20% on some category of products every month.
• Exciting Find!
• Stay Healthy Sale
• Our Clients Say
• Charity of the Quarter
• Quote of the Month

Twenty on the Twentieth:

Were you around in 2005, when we celebrated our 10th anniversary by offering 10% sales on the 10th of the month? Or in 2010 when we offered 15% on certain items on the 15th of every month? This year, we will be celebrating on the 20th of every month, with a very special 20% sale on one category of products each month. In January, we are putting our retail sized essential oils (sizes 15 mls and below) in the ranges A–B and C–D at 20% off on Tuesday the 20th. Simply enter the promotional code “Twenty” in the box marked “Discount code” at checkout. You will see the discount reflected online. We won’t be able to offer the discount retroactively, and of course, if we run out of something we never offer rainchecks. Thank you all for helping us continue doing what we love for all these years!

Exciting Find:

For those loving the exotic oils. We thought we were totally out of stock on our White Lotus Absolute, but during inventory we found a small amount. It is all poured in wee 2 ml bottles, and available here.

Stay Healthy Sale:

Our most effective antibacterial and anti viral blends are highlighted this month. Save 10% on Germbeater and Germbeater Spice synergies and room sprays, Flu Foil Synergy, KleenHandz Gel, and some of our most powerful antibacterial and antiviral essential oils. Save 10% on 15 ml sizes of Ravensara, Ravintsara, Saro, spicy Bay Laurel, sunshiney Ironbark Eucalyptus, New Zealand Manuka (gentle and effective substitute for the more wellknown Tea Tree oil), Niaouli, cousin to the more familiar Tea Tree Oil, rosy-scented Palma Rosa, and rare Winter Savory.

Our Clients Say:

Piñon Pine Infusion

Late in the autumn Ursula Selwood shared a blend she makes using our Piñon Pine Infusion:

“With a little Bergamot and Mandarin oil the infusion creates a wonderfully grounding and uplifting, crown Chakra opening while the essences do their work. A beautiful combination of energies, to me goosebumps always signal something important to take notice of.” And yes, this combination is goosebumpy indeed. What a POWERFUL energetic blending.

Beverly’s Blend

Our Beverly has been bothered severly by sciatica over the past little while. This is the blend she has put together for her own use, and asked to share: “Hi Marge, I made myself another 1 oz. of the pain-management oil I put together. I used 10 mls each of That’s Better, Trauma Oil, and Corsican Helichrysum in Rose Hip.

Spinal Cord Injury

Cory Herbst wrote in September, asking about possible oils to help her daughter recover from a spinal cord injury. I wasn’t really hopeful, but shared some thoughts that might be helpful. Three months later we received our Christmas gift…a report on this child’s amazing progress. Read about it in this blog article.

FluFoil

Becky Meyers recently wrote asking for more information about our inhaler blanks. She also commented, “P.S. I’ve been coming down with a cold due to allergies, also wondering if I’m not getting a little virus too. Using Flu Foil in our diffuser at night has been a life saver, helping me to sleep better, relieving the ‘stuffies’. I’ve also used it during the day while at my laptop—can really tell a difference. Our weather in Kentucky with up and down temps, also rainy and damp then dry and warm, means havoc at times. With flu and cold season upon us this is a life saver for our immune systems. Thanks for this wonderful Synergy!”

Allergies

We have always recommended Blue Tansy oil for dealing with allergies, but this year there is a worldwide shortage of true Blue Tansy. We received 1/4 of what we had requested, and many sources are selling adulterated versions of this rare oil. And I was reminded of another possible oil for respiratory allergies.

Yvonne Stine Garrett wrote: “I have been using Niaouli to combat allergies. Dallas has floral/tree type pollens and Austin has mold. Mold is my worst nemesis but there are certainly problems with pollens. So, since I have been back in Austin, I have been using my Niaouli as usual and at night it just wasn’t working. Made me crazy! What the heck? Last night I put on my glasses and realized I was using Ravintsara (right next to my Niaouli and both from NG so same looking bottle)! Used Niaouli and bingo! Back to breathing and no headaches!” When I asked if I could share Yvonne added, “Certainly! I just put 1-2 drops on the collar of my night shirt or pillow when I go to bed. Would work well in aromastone I would guess too!:) Trust me! TOTAL alleviation of symptoms in seconds (less than a minute for sure!) If I am really stuffed up I use a drop of peppermint oil on the collar as well to reduce swelling of nasal passages.”

For the Traveler

Morgan Leavitt wrote sharing her experience as a sightseer, “Hello Nature’s Gift! I recently traveled overseas with my mom and sister and brought along many of my oils. The Trauma Oil came in handy after days of walking, which resulted in sore feet and calves, as well as aching shoulders from carrying heavy bags. It was easy to talk my family members into trying the oil, and now they each want their own! It dramatically reduced the inflammation causing soreness, and each morning we were ready to hit the sights again. I add some of MuscleEase to each bottle of trauma oil for them. We’ll definitely purchase more in the future!”

Charity of the Quarter:

Because of your enthusiastic support and generosity, we’ve decided to continue our support of Midwives on Missions of Service (MOMS) for another quarter. If you are not familiar with their work, you may read more about them near the bottom of our home page. Please add a small contribution to them while shopping.

Quotes of the Month:

“And for the season it was winter, and they that know the winters of that country know them to be sharp and violent, and subject to cruel and fierce storms.”
— William Bradford

And, of course:

The north wind shall blow, and we shall have snow….

and so we shall!

As an old online friend whom some of you may remember used to say at the close of every message: “Stay safe and warm.”

 

To sign up for your own copy of the newsletter to be emailed to you, please click here.

 

Methods of Extracting Essential Oils

Thanks to Ben Alkire and Christopher McMahon of White Lotus Aromatics for providing much of the information below.

Distillation

The vast majority of true essential oils are produced by distillation. There are different processes employed in distillation, but in all of them, water is heated to produce steam which carries the most volatile chemicals of the aromatic material with it. The steam is then chilled (in a condenser) and the resulting distillate is collected. The essential oil normally floats on top of the hydrosol (the distilled water component) and may then be separated off. To read more about hydrosols, please  click here.

Steam Distillation:True steam distillation uses an outside source of steam which pipes steam into the distillation unit, sometimes at high pressure. The steam passes through the aromatic material and exits into the condenser.

Hydrodistillation:The botanicals are fully submerged in water, producing a “soup,” the steam of which contains the aromatic plant molecules. This is the most ancient method of distillation and the most versatile. It’s the method most often used in undeveloped countries. The risk is that the still can run dry or overheat, burning the aromatics and resulting in an essential oil with a burnt smell. Hydrodistillation seems to work best with powders (e.g. spice powders, ground wood, etc.) and very tough materials like roots, wood, or nuts.

Water and Steam Distillation:A water and steam distillation arrangement can be compared to a kitchen steamer basket, with the botanicals supported in a “basket” over boiling water, thus exposing the plant material only to the rising steam vapors. This is the best method for distilling leafy materials, but doesn’t work well for woods, roots, seeds, etc.

Absolutes and Concretes: Solvent Extraction

Very delicate aromatics such as Jasmine or Linden Blossom cannot survive the process of distillation. In order to capture their magical aromas, a process of solvent extraction is used. An extracting unit is loaded with perforated trays filled with blossoms. The blossoms are washed repeatedly with a solvent (usually hexane). The solvent removes all extractable matter from the plant which includes non-aromatic waxes, pigments, and highly volatile aromatic molecules. The solution containing both solvent and dissolvable plant material is filtered, and the filtrate is subjected to low pressure distillation to recover the solvent for further use. The remaining waxy mass is called the ‘concrete’ and it contains (in the case ofJ. grandiflorum)as much as 55% of the volatile oil.

The concentrated concrete is processed further to remove waxy materials which dilute the pure essential oil. To accomplish this, the waxy concrete is warmed and stirred with alcohol (usually ethanol). During the heating and stirring process, the concrete breaks up into minute globules. Since the aromatic molecules are more soluble in alcohol than in the wax, an efficient separation of the two takes place. However, along with the aromatic molecules a certain amount of wax also becomes dissolved and this can only be removed by agitating and freezing the solution at very low temperatures (around -30 degrees F). In this way most of the wax precipitates out. As a final precaution, the purified solution is cold filtered leaving behind only the wax-free aromatic material (the absolute).

This solvent extraction actually yields three usable products; the concrete (as in rose concrete, my favorite solid perfume), the precious absolutes, and the floral waxes. The waxes can be used in candles, thickening creams, and lotions as a softly floral scented alternative to beeswax.

Carbon Dioxide Extraction

When CO2 (carbon dioxide) gas is subjected to high pressure, it turns into liquid. This liquid CO2 can be used as a very inert, safe, “liquid solvent” which will extract aromatic molecules from plant material in a process similar to that used to extract absolutes (above). The advantage is that no solvent residue remains, since at normal pressure and temperature, the CO2 simply reverts to a gas and evaporates. CO2 extraction has given us essences of some aromatics that don’t yield essential oils, such as Rose Hip Seed and Calendula. In our opinion, if the same essential oil is available both as a steam distilled essential oil and a CO2 extracted essence, the CO2 seems to have a richer, more intense scent, since more of the aromatic chemicals are released through this process. For more details of this process and the different types of CO2 extracts please click here.

Cold Pressing (Mechanical Extraction)

We are all familiar with the spray of orange essential oil that is released by scoring or zesting the skin of the fruit. The cold pressed citrus oils are produced just this way, by machines which score the rind and capture the resulting oil. Although many citrus oils are also produced by steam distillation, they seem to lack the vibrancy of the cold pressed oils.

Florasols/Phytols

This extraction method uses a new type of benign gaseous solvents. In the late 1980s, Dr. Peter Wilde first recognized the unique properties of these solvents for the extraction of aromatic oils and biologically active components from plant materials for use in the food, pharmaceutical, aromatherapy, and perfume industries. “Florasol” (R134a), is the solvent upon which the process is based. Extraction occurs at or below ambient temperatures; hence there is no thermal degradation of the products. The extraction process utilizes the selectivity of the solvent and produces a free-flowing clear oil free of waxes.

At the current time, the sole US distributor of Dr. Wilde’s Florasols is The Essential Oil Company. However, we are researching a source for bulk Florasols at a more appealing price.

We are so tired of winter. We are welcoming springtime with all the green leafy scents that say “SPRING” to us.. not the lush florals… but the first hints of green after Winter’s barrenness.

Save 10% on retail sizes of the following Harbingers of Spring

Rhododendron, Violet Leaf, vivid Ironbark Eucalyptus, Lemon tea tree, and Lemon eucalyptus, Coriander (the sunshine spice!), Bergamot Mint, Balm Mint Bush, Beeswax Absolute, Galbanum, the “rites of spring” oil, Rosalina, light and delicate.

And for Spring Cleaning: Tea tree, Manuka, Geranium, Palma Rosa (did you know those last two were powerful germfighters? We tend to overlook them.)

Skincare Sale

For winter weary skin, we are putting ALL of our skincare products on sale. 10% off retail.

Make your own moisturizers? Save 10% on all of our individual carrier oils, infused oils, and butters.

(When the seasons change from Winter’s dry cold to Summer’s hot mugginess I like to switch to lighter oils for moisturizing and cleansing. Perhaps you do to? This is your time to stock up.)

Book Sale

My mentor Madeleine Kerkhof is celebrating the 20th anniversary of her company, and her 10th anniversary of providing AromaCare products this year. In her honor, we are discounting her landmark book, Complementary Nursing in End of Life Care. Save 10% from March 1 – 20, while current supplies last. (Yes, the shipfree discount code will apply!)

New Fixed/Carrier Oils

Moringa, Meadowfoam

New Essential Oils

Eastern Hemlock, from Canada, and Ajowan CO2 from Germany

Back in Stock

We’ve restocked goodies from our supplier in India: more White Ginger Lily, more Blue Lotus Absolute, and finally a good Holy Basil, Apricot Oil infused with Golden Champa (lovely floral body oil!) now available in a 16 oz bulk refill. And, from a USA distiller, specially distilled for Nature’s Gift, a new batch of Patchouli Hydrosol.

Blog Updates

• A guest blog article about our Frankincense Sacra, by my teacher Cathy Skipper: She writes of “the deep, calm, pure, peaceful groundedness of frankincense,” I loved what she wrote and asked permission to share it.
• Affiliate Links ? why we don’t do them.
• Children suffering from anxiety and insomnia ? (No wonder, look at what’s happening around them!)

Facebook Updates

• The big event of February, my young friend Nyssa did a filmed interview. Delved into some ancient history, and some very timely events. This is the first interview of a subscription service for “Sylla’s Inner Sanctum” where my friend and mentor Sylla will be sharing.. all sorts of goodies. I enjoyed being interviewed and hope you will enjoy listening. (Warning..it’s LONG!)
• A link to a quick Elderberry Syrup recipe in the InstaPot. (yes, you can use the stovetop, too.)
• A “rise and shine” diffuser blend for little ones.
• “The Scented Djinn” wrote of Galbanum, our Rites of Spring oil, and gave permission to share. (Justine is a gifted perfumer.. her book is referenced on her page.. GREAT for the fledgling perfumer!
• My mentor, Madeleine Kerkhof (see the book sale, above) will be teaching in Washington State in October.
• More opportunties to learn. Cathy and Florian will be teaching in Atlanta, in May.
• We did a pair of Facebook Live Videos, making aromatherap inhalers in quantity. Beginning here, and the second half, methods of assembly, here.
• Web MD publishes a warning article about EO misuse.

These are just a handful of the tidbits that are shared with our Facebook followers every month. And, of course, they are the first to see announcements of new and back in stock oils. Remember last year, for awhile, we did a “Mondays With Marge” series, where folks posted questions and we would answer them on Monday evening? We are planning a weekly or biweekly Facebook live where folks can ask questions, and I’ll try to answer them. Stay tuned, and follow us on Facebook.

Our Clients Say

Black Sacra

Hello Marge, I needed to tell you that I received my new Black Sacra Frankincense today and OH MY….time stopped still and when I came back, I found myself not just holding the bottle but cradling it!! Such a precious oil. It deserves to be held so lovingly.

Thank you for making it available to us again. Next purchase…the new Black Sacra hydrosol I see you have now. I will be ready for it!

With much gratitude, Chrystyna

German Angelica Root

Sophia Rose writes, The Angelica Oil is divine. I have only just smelled it so I can give you my first impression. My feeling with this Angelica Root oil is that I experience it as one that connects me deep and securely into the depth of the earth but also up to the Angelic Realm. My experience of Angelica up until this one is it connecting me into the earth but this is the first oil that I feel also connects me to the Angelic Realm. This is how I just experienced this oil. I know it is said to be the oil that connects to the Angels and this oil has done that for me, I experienced this very clearly energetically. So I am over the moon delighted to have this very special treasure.

She went on to write about other oils in our Private Reserve collection, and, I am completely and totally intoxicated and in love with the Bitter Orange Oil. Wowzer, how gorgeous is this oil!!!!!!!!!! I love all the oils, the Pine/Pine Cone is beautiful, the Black Spruce is a delight, all the oils are gorgeous.

Happy Dreams

We are seeing positive reviews on Facebook…people whose little ones (toddlers, typically) unable to sleep through the night. Diffuse Happy Dreams for a few minutes before bedtime and voila, a good night’s sleep for Mommy and child. I love that this is helping people!

Quote of the Month

Love is the only flower that grows and blossoms without the aid of the seasons.
Kahil Gibran

May you have a refreshing and renewing Spring Equinox and may your March become a Lamb, not a Lion!

This is the time of year when we run out of almost everything and are frantically restocking.

Back in stock, our basic array of Lavender Essential Oils, Lavandula angustifolia, organically produced from Bulgaria (the 2015 harvest), France and England. Because it will be several months before our French and English producers are ready to ship, we restocked the 2014 distillations of these two. Also back in stock, from our Australian producers, pain relieving Kunzea, powerfully germkilling Lemon Myrtle, fragrant Rosalina (reminscent of Rosewood oil), Australian Sandalwood (back after a long period), Fragonia ™ (Christi’s favorite), Lemon Eucalyptus… I forget what else. From the producer of our Bulgarian CO2 extracts, more Linden and Rosa Alba CO2. From South Africa — Eucalyptus Smithii, and more Vanilla Bean Infusion and Coffee Blossom Infusion. Wonderful alone, or as a base for exotic perfumes. From Morocco — this year’s distillation of Neroli Hydrosol. From France, Clementine Petitgrain, perhaps the most delightful “leaf oil” ever distilled, and anti-aging Cistus Hydrosol, from the producer of our Spanish Cistus oil. From Canada, cold-pressed Cranberry Seed Oil. From our Indian producer, more Blue Lotus Absolute, and deep, earthy Indian Vetiver.

SPECIALS and SALES

On Labor Day weekend, from 12:01 am central time Saturday, September 5, through 11:59 pm Monday, September 7th, we will offer FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING on orders of 0 or greater, not including bulk oils. We reserve the option to select the method of shipping, but, as always, the vast majority of orders will ship via USPS Priority. (People keep asking for free shipping, without realizing that one way or another the cost of shipping is going to be included in your order cost, either by increased prices or decreased quality. But, this weekend, we will try it.) ENTER the discount code SHIPFREE in the discount box at checkout.

20% on the 20th

This month help us celebrate our 20th year online by saving 20% on retail sizes of essential oils, absolutes, and CO2 extracts starting with the letters R, and S–T. Roses, Sandalwoods, Thyme, Tea Tree, Turmeric… simply enter the discount code Sept20, on that date only at checkout, to see your discount applied. (Valid midnight–11:59 p.m. central time. As usual, bulk sizes, kits, and samplers aren’t included in this sale.)

EVENTS

If you are going to be attending the AIA conference in Denver the weekend after Labor Day please be sure to come by the Nature’s Gift table in the Vendor’s room and say hi, and sample some of our oils and blends. We love the opportunity to get to meet online friends face-to-face.

COMING SOON

We are on waiting lists for so many oils as they are produced. Blue Tansy. Cape Chamomile IF the crop makes. And Helichrysum. We have wonderful news… For the past several years we have had one source for our Corsican Helichrysum. And we were severely limited in how much we could import. This past winter we found another source, an old, trusted supplier who shared some with us. Most of you have experienced this newer oil, Helichryum italicum (Roth) G. Don, if you have purchased our batch number B490061. A bit deeper and earthier aromatically than our traditional offering, and with a superb GC and superb healing activities. The BAD news… neither is here yet. The GOOD NEWS… this year we were allowed to import 1/3 more of our traditional Helichrysum var serotinum, and almost twice that amount of our newer Helichryum italicum (Roth) G. Don. We don’t yet know the pricing. We don’t know the arrival date, but I do expect both oils in stock by the end of this month. For the first time in three years we will be able to offer it in bulk, and in wholesale, not having to limit this healing oil to 5 mls per client. We are rejoicing!

BLOG UPDATES

We have not had time to write much this summer, in all honesty. Health issues and just sheer busyness got in the way.

In June I received more details on the reason for the shortage of Corsican Helichrysum, and wrote a wonderful rant about Corporate Greed. Also in June we received distressing news about the Bulgarian Rose Harvest this year. An extremely wet spring led to a much smaller than usual harvest, low production, and skyrocketing prices. (I am glad we took advantage of an opportunity to stock up on more of the 2014 distillation.) Read about the difficulties with the Rose Harvest here.

In July, no one wrote anything!

In August, I was given the opportunity to share a story of how our oils can help “ real people with real struggles and joys.” The story warmed our hearts.

And, on the last weekend of August, my friend and fellow Student, Sandy Barrett started a guest blog series about some of the lesser known Australian oils. Kunzea Ambigua was published on Saturday, and Wednesday, Sept 2 Fragonia™ will go live. We plan to post new articles every Saturday and Wednesday while they last.

OUR CLIENTS SAY

A blogger reviewed some of our products, you may read the review here. (I guess she liked the Fresh Aire…)

Susan Cannon was receiving radiation treatment for breast cancer. She wrote the following about our Lavender Hydrosol:

Hey, Marge, Just a note that the Lavender hydrosol was amazing for the radiation I am taking for breast cancer treatment. I was specifically told to not use anything but a list of products so I was only using organic calendula. But I had heard it was great for radiation on a NAHA webinar so I approached cautiously since I already am hypersensitive but the spray worked really well! I am not sure about using it on serious radiation burns. Mine is more of a rash but was driving me nuts. Thought you might like to hear that. I wish I was involved in some research so I could pass that along.

I thank Susan for sharing…we all learn from shared experience.

And Laura Byrd shared the following, “I got eaten alive by mosquitoes twice today. The first time I was working in the garden. I had three huge bites that itched like the dickens. A few minutes after putting After the bite on them I forgot all about them and a few hours later, couldn’t find the bites anymore. (Should have been wearing skeeter beater.) The second time I was in the house. One must have followed me inside. I kept getting bites on my arm. I had 6 huge, super itchy ones. Again, just a few minutes after rolling on After the Bite, no more itch! And now, I can’t even find THOSE bites, not a trace. It was also super helpful to me after I stepped on a wasp a few months back — really helped with the pain! Thank you for such a great product! You won’t catch me without this in my first aid kit!!:)”

FROM THE ARCHIVES

From the end of summer newsletter, 2001:

FALL Cleaning Formula: Counter Cleaner & Kitchen Freshener
2 cups club soda
1/2 teaspoon liquid soap or detergent.
10 drops essential oil

Combine ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to blend (careful — you are using club soda here and it likes to “fizz” on you!) Spray on. Wipe off.
Shake the bottle each time before using.

Seems to me Lemon Myrtle would be great in this, for both its ultra-clean lemony aroma, and it’s powerful germkilling ability. Perhaps with a touch of one of the spice oils?

From a workshop done by Judy Zambroski on Natural Living. From Sept, 2005:

Car Diffusers

Two friends are working for a local ambulance company, transporting patients to and from various health care facilities. (They aren’t driving ambulances, but vans and/or cars.) Some of the patients are quite ill, and have lost control of various bodily functions. Needless to say, their vehicles can get a bit aromatic at times. Both of them are using our little plug in car diffusers, with our Fresh Aire synergy. They say it keeps the car or van fresh smelling no matter what. A side effect seems to be that the blend of oils reduces stress on both driver and client.

AROMATIC (or not) QUOTES OF THE MONTH

“Lord, it is time. The summer was very big. Lay thy shadow on the sundials, and on the meadows let the winds go loose. Command the last fruits that they shall be full; give them another two more southerly days, press them on to fulfillment and drive the last sweetness into the heavenly wine.”
— Rainer Maria Rilke

And lyrics of a song that has always touched my heart:

“Try to remember the kind of September
When life was slow and oh so mellow
Try to remember the kind of September
When grass was green and grain so yellow
Try to remember the kind of September
When you were a young and a callow fellow
Try to remember and if you remember
Then follow—follow, oh-oh.”
—Try to Remember, Lyrics by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt

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The Beginnings of Summer

This newsletter contains:

May Flower Sale Continues

New and Back in Stock

Save 20 on the 20th

Stock up for Summer

Blog Updates

Paying Forward

May Flower Sale Continues:

We’re continuing to offer some of our favorite floral oils at 10% savings. Save on exotic, fruity Osmanthus, Osmanthus 10% Dilution ; delicate Neroli and Neroli 10% ; Orange Blossom Absolute and Orange Blossom Absolute, 10% Dilution ; all three Jasmines (both full strength and in 10% dilution), lush and exotic Tuberose and Tuberose 10% ; the Organic Rose Otto and Organic Rose Otto 10% mentioned below; and our Russian Rose Absolute and Russian Rose Absolute, 10% (perhaps the best bargain of all the florals). Also included, while supplies last, our White Ginger Lily and White Ginger Lily, 10% from India. Again, while supplies last, Ylangylang Complete and Ylangylang Extra. We are restocking, but there have been delays, so if we run out, we apologize. We had hoped to have a new supply of pure Golden Champa in time for this sale, but our producer is being dilatory in shipping what we ordered. We do have our Golden Champa 10% available. As usual, bulk sizes, kits, and samplers aren’t included in this sale.

NEW and Back in Stock:

A new ITALIAN Helichrysum (yes, Helichrysum italicuum, organically produced on the island of Sardinia, off the coast of Italy (just a stones throw across the Mediterranean from Corsica). I was sourcing more of our healing Balkan Helichrysum and found this wonderful specimen, even higher in neryl acetate than its Macedonian predecessor, but, lower in the italidiones than our unique Corsican Oil , which we will reserve for surgical and burn scars. HOWEVER, this new oil from a new (to us!) producer is wonderfully effective for nerve and joint pain, bumps and bruises, all the healing uses of a fine Helichrysum italicuum. And, since it *does* contain italidiones (over 4%) I find myself asking what percentage of italidiones do we NEED for scar healing? I don’t think anyone knows. I have had some chemists tell me they have never seen an oil with over 6% italidiones. I don’t have the answer. Will this Italian specimen be as effective for scar healing as our Corsican oil? Too soon to tell. We hope to get feedback from those who try it. In the meantime, I am using this oil in my research project.

Back in Stock:

Until it becomes too hot to ship… Melissa Calendula Lip Balm.

BLACK Inhaler Blanks are back in stock.

From our Indian supplier more Golden Champa Infused in Apricot Oil and more Blue Lotus Infused Jojoba.

Again, from our Indian producer, more Blue Lotus Absolute, more Jasmine Grandiflora and Jasmine Sambac.

A beautiful soft and sweet Indonesian Patchouli — so delightful we even put some in Rollons for your perfumery pleasure.

20 on the 20th:

May 20% on the 20th Anniversary Sale promo code will be Anniversary and the 20% discount will be on all essential oils in categories I-J and K-L.

Stock up for Summer

A warning that as spring flies by, we are unable to ship our Baby Bottom Balm (or our Happy Baby Gift Set or Best Baby Gift, both of which both contain our baby balm), Shea Souffle, or the Melissa Calendula Lip Balm in summer’s extreme heat. We don’t want you to receive soup in your mailbox! Please keep the weather forecast in mind when ordering, and stock up NOW for summertime needs. Speaking of which, now’s also the time to stock up on SkeeterBeater, After the Bite, and Sunburn Soother. We want you to have lots of fun in the sun!

Blog Updates

We haven’t had time to write much, and we’ve not been sharing the articles that did get posted…so, the last few blog articles, since last we listed them:

A conversation about Hydrosols.

A Whole Dog Journal article about controlling ticks.

Favorite Songs and Starfish — why we keep trying.

Frankincense and Cancer (the answer is no!)

Paying Forward

Thanks to your generosity we were able to send 545.00 to the Save the Children Federation’s Nepal Relief effort. Thank you all for helping us make a different in the face of so much devastation.

As always, thank you for allowing us to continue doing what we love, and we wish you joy on your aromatic journey.

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Nature’s Gift August Newsletter

This newsletter contains:

August New and Back in Stock products

August Sale Items

Conference CONTEST

Blog Update Green Cleaning, skeeters, Gmail and more

Our Clients Say – Neuropathy success, and a comment that delighted us.

FORMULAS – some suggested recipes.

Quote of the month.

New and Back in Stock:

Tis the time of year for restocking! The 2013 crops are being harvested and distilled, and we are restocking. New and back in stock products are listed on our our New and Special page. As of right now they include Helichrysum, German Chamomile and Melissa Hydrosols (all organic, all distilled in the US.) We also received more Blue Lotus Absolute, High Myrcene Lemongrass, and added a new Indian Patchouli and Indian Vetiver. In process and eagerly awaited: Yuzu Absolute, Violet Leaf Absolute, Helichrysum Essential Oil (delayed by paperwork errors!), Tea Tree and Lemon Tea Tree hydrosols, among others. We are continually adding products back into our bulk page, items that weren’t out of stock, but supplies were too low to offer in bulk. (So if you don’t see what you want, ask us if it’s available.)

SPECIAL SALE ITEMS:

The last of our Vintage Patchouli, two relatively unknown Conifers to take you away to the mountain forests of Provence, and a CLEARANCE on Osmanthus Absolute. Save 20% on our Harmony Skincare products, and on two “best for summer” hydrosols. ALSO for summer’s bumps and bruises, Nature’s Gift Trauma Oil, a blend of three infused oils with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. See all of these on our New and Special page.

CONFERENCE CONTEST

The Alliance of International Aromatherapists is holding its biannual conference in St. Petersburg FL on September 19th to 22nd. This is a “don’t miss” for serious aromatherapy students. Nature’s Gift has an extra ticket to the conference, to be given away. Email marge at naturesgift.com, with the subject line CONFERENCE and tell us why you should be chosen to receive the ticket. The winner will be responsible for his/her own lodging and transportation, the ticket is for the conference only, not the preconference workshop. See the list of speakers here. Please don’t ask to be considered unless you know you will be able to attend. Don’t take someone else’s chance unless you are serious about this. We will email the winner we choose during the last week of August or by Labor Day, so you will have time to make your arrangements.

Blog Updates:

In July we blogged about:

More “Green Cleaning”… stovetop cleanups and an aromatic fabric softener, a YUMMY summer fruit dessert, a client’s letter that just lifted our hearts…“queen for a day.” Christi shared her “Skeeter Spray” formula and a method to return control of your Gmail mailbox from Google to YOU. We shared some of our Facebook infographics.

Facebook Snippets:

We shared a link to a free Ebook about essential oil safety, a link to making your own Rose Petal Vinegar and all its uses. (Wish I had found it before all of my crimson climber blossoms were gone.)

Our Clients Say:

Neuropathy:
Carol Ivance recently emailed:

Hi,
I know you get positive feedback all the time, (but I’m sure you never get tired of it:) but I don’t think I’ve seen anything about neuropathy on your site? If it’s there, great, but anyway, I made up my approximation of Marge’s Miracle Blend (2.5% of each of the oils in St. John’s Wort) for a friend who has really bad neuropathy in her feet. She’s soooo thrilled—says her feet are still numb—no big surprise—but it took ALL the pain away! Of course I would pretty much guarantee that your heli will kill nerve pain. I’m always raving about it! I know it’s not recommended for mucous membranes, but I used it for a bad tooth that needed a root canal a few years back. I couldn’t even drink room temperature water it was so bad, but 15-20 min after dabbing a little heli on I could drink coffee!! I’m convinced it also kept me from getting an abscess until they had time to get me in to work on it! You can quote me on the neuropathy part if you want-I know you don’t want to put in stories about uses you don’t recommend. But I was desperate…! As always, thanks for your amazing oils (and I’m waiting impatiently for you to get more heli in, so I can stock up-I’m running very low).
Carol

“What heaven smells like….”
Ranee wrote:

The blue lotus infusion was my first experience with any lotus and when I opened it I exclaimed
“this is what Heaven smells like!” I am very curious as to what all of the variations on lotus are like. Thank you for your wonderful work in sourcing all of these beautiful products.—Ranee

FORMULAS:

Appropriate since we just got in our new Heli and German Chamomile hydrosols, Andrea Butje of Aromahead just shared this formula in her blog.

Natural Remedy for Baby Acne Recipe

1/2 oz (15 ml) German chamomile hydrosol
1/2 oz (15 ml) helichrysum hydrosol
A few drops of aloe vera gel
1 oz (30 ml) spray bottle

Just spray it on the area of concern multiple times daily as long as it seems to be helping.

Hydrosols are by-products of the essential oil distillation process. They are healing waters that are very gentle on the skin.

German chamomile and helichrysum hydrosols are cooling and soothing for hot, irritated areas of the skin. But most importantly, hydrosols are safe on babies skin (and as a side note, hydrosols are also my favorite choice for cat or dog skin issues and abscesses). German chamomile and helichrysum hydrosols are so gentle and nourishing they can be used directly on the skin, even on infants.

“French Lavender – Lavendula Dentata???”

I’ve seen discussion of this “new” lavender, and seen it listed on various US and Canadian supplier’s lists.

NO French distiller/producer that I have ever dealt with distills lavender dentata…. I see it in nursery suppliers for those who want to grow it as a garden border, but the essential oil?

I’ve inquired. The main components of this “french lavender” seem to be 1,8-cineole and cis-verbenol, no linalol, no linalyl acetate, the components we expect in a fine lavender. Finally I received a definitive answer:

“Lavandula dentata L. is not cultivated or distilled in France or in Europe, except horticulture. Her common name is French lavender in english and Lavande anglaise in French! Stoechas dentata is a quite confusing denomination, using a term of two different species for a type of stoechas.

The only three lavenders cultivated or picked for distillation are angustifolia, latifolia (spike), and stoechas (very little in Corsica and only for aromatherapy, and a bit picked in southern Spain of Lavandula luiseri or “Sevillan lavender”), and hybrids of the two first.”

I still don’t know what these vendors are selling…but it would not appear to be “French Lavender.”… PLEASE don’t expect it to have the properties of a true lavendula angustifolia!

Tension Headaches:

Jennifer Chase recently posted this on our Facebook page. I wanted to share with our readers.“I just want to quickly share a mix people may want to explore for tension headaches. Meeting fiscal year deadlines on top of the early spring pollination was literally knocking me down with tension headaches. I went through me treasures (books and EOs) and came up with a mix that has worked extremely well for me.

I used jasmine, lemon, roman chamomile, and rose absolute. in a base that part Arnica CO2 (in coconut oil from Nature’s Gift ) and grape seed oil. I apply a few drops to the back of my neck and within minutes I get complete relief from the headache. If I do this in the morning before work and in the evening when I get home, I have a much more pleasant day overall.”

Aromatic Quote of the Month:

“Bees do have a smell, you know, and if they don’t they should, for their feet are dusted with spices from a million flowers.”
—Ray Bradbury, Dandelion Wine

“The first week of August hangs at the very top of summer, the top of the live-long year, like the highest seat of a Ferris wheel when it pauses in its turning. The weeks that come before are only a climb from balmy spring, and those that follow a drop to the chill of autumn, but the first week of August is motionless, and hot. It is curiously silent, too, with blank white dawns and glaring noons, and sunsets smeared with too much color.” (Unknown)

Have a safe August everyone.

 

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