Oily Skin sampler pack: One ounce each of Fractionated Coconut, Grapeseed, Hazelnut, Jojoba and Rice Bran, with a 5 ml bottle of Marula

One ounce each of Avocado,  Macadamia & Sweet Almond, with 5 mls each of Camellia, Kukui Nut & Squalane.

Because of their already discounted prices, no other Nature's Gift discount may apply to the purchase of our skincare samplers.

Sweet Almond Oil

Uses: Helpful to all skin types. Especially good for eczema. helps relieve itching, soreness, dryness and inflammation Useful against burns and thread veins. Very lubricating, but not penetrating, which makes it a good massage oil, and protectant. Goes rancid quickly. (although Shirley Price says it keeps reasonably well because of Vit. E .) Can be used 100% strength or as a base for other more costly oils.

Amaranth Seed CO2 - European anti-aging secret.

Amaranthus caudatus – Seed, Co2 Extracted, Organic from Germany,

We’ve had several requests from European clients to carry Amaranth Seed CO2 in the past year or so.  The Amaranth plant itself has been cultivated and used since ancient times and was considered sacred by the Incas and Aztecs.  While it is not as well known in the United States, it is widely used and praised internationally for skincare.  If you love the effects of our Pomegranate CO2, then Amaranth Seed CO2 is definitely worth exploring!  Please note the Amaranth is not nearly as thick as our Pomegranate extract. It is very light and absorbs amazingly quickly. 

Rich in polyunsaturated fats, it is an excellent preventative for sagging, aging skin, and mature skin, as well as dry, irritated, itchy skin caused by harsh winter weather.  (Perhaps this is why it is SO popular in Russia, with their long, extremely cold winters.)  It can be added without heating to any skincare remedy, such as facial or hand lotions, liquid castile soap, or unscented shower gel.  (I’m thinking I would like to try it with our unscented Bliss Bath for chapped winter skin.) 

 Amaranth is light yellow in color, with a slightly fruity/earthy aroma. (Think a VERY faint scent of fresh from the garden beets.)  Thought to limit the loss of water from the skin, (Trans-Epidermal Water Loss reduction), rich in Omega 6, and naturally occurring Squalane, making it an excellent moisturizer.

 Also known as “love-lies-bleeding,” plant, it was once used to stem the flow of blood from cuts and the oil itself is said to have wound healing properties, alongside anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory uses.  It can be left on the skin in a lotion or washed off if used as a component in a shower gel or soap.  A recommended dilution for use on skin would be somewhere between 3-10%. 

  Although it shines in skincare, it is reportedly helpful with alleviating stress and lifting emotional heaviness, lightly stimulating the senses.  We haven’t explored its emotional benefits just yet but will keep you posted once we do.

Apricot Kernel Oil

Prunus armeniaca
Contains: minerals and vitamins, esp. Vit. A.. Rich in GLA (only effective if oil is taken internally.)

Uses: all skin, very rich and nourishing. helpful for prematurely aged, sensitive, inflamed, delicate or dry skin Can be used 100% strength but normally used at 10-50%.

Argan Oil

Argania spinosa  Extra Virgin.cold pressed oil from Morocco,  ECOCERT Certified Organic. An artisian oil, produced by a women's cooperative.

Argan oil, liquid gold, is rich in poly-unsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic acid, Omega 6, and natural tocopherols.  It is said to be nourishing, regenerating and protective for all skin types. 

Thanks to its exceptional content of unsaturated fatty acids, Argan Oil helps in the restoration of the hydro-lipidic film of the skin. Linoleic acid, which is one of the omega-6 fatty acids is a precursor of vitamin F. Linoleic acid is present in Argan Oil at a concentration three times higher than in olive oil. As an essential fatty acid it has a key role in preserving cell integrity. The particularly high content of natural tocopherols gives the oil excellent anti-free radical and anti-stress activities and natural self-protection against oxidation.

For more information, chemical composition, suggested uses, etc. click here.

Avocado Oil

Persea americana
Contains: vitamins A. B1, B2, Pantothenic acid, Vit. D, E, protein, lecithin, fatty acids

Uses: Very penetrating. Nourishing for dry and dehydrated skin, eczema, solar keratosis, improves elasticity. Very thick heavy oil, best blended with others. Price says very long lasting oil. Normally used at 10% dilution.

Borage Seed Oil

Uses: Internally used for PMT, MS, menopausal problems, heart disease. Externally psoriasis, eczema, prematurely aged skin; good for regenerating and stimulating skin cell activity. very penetrating. Goes rancid very quickly.. Use at 10% dilution.

Calophyllum (Foraha or Tamanu)

This unusual carrier oil, cold pressed from the fruit of a shrub that grows in Madagascar, in the South Pacific, in Southern Africa, and in many islands in the Southern Hemisphere is believed to have pain relieving effects, making it useful for rheumatism, arthritis, sciatica, facial neuralgie, etc. Useful for lesions due to herpes and/or shingles (especially with the addition of Ravensara Aromatica Essential Oil.)  We are even offering our Madagascar Ravensare essential oil preblended in Calophyllym because the results our clients are getting are wonderful.

Sometimes recommended for treatment of physical and chemical burns. The oil may be used as a base oil or an additive.  It has been shown to be non-irritating to the mucous membranes which may make it useful in treating anal fissures, vaginitis and on cracked nipples.

Some sources recommend it for cellular regeneration, saying it is a powerful healer for burns, cuts, etc. Donna Maria recommends it in mature skincare blends. It may also help with eczema, burns, rashes and insect bites. I have seen it recommended in skincare blends for mature skin, and seen a lot of folks talking about using it to help relieve eczema.

Price recommends its use for various problems of the scalp and hair.

White Camellia Oil

Certified organic premium extra virgin White Camellia oil, cold pressed in the United Kingdom.  One Fluid Ounce

Jan Kusmirek writes of Camellia Oil, "As an oil for toiletries and cosmetics, Camellia Oil has excellent skin and hair conditioning properties.  It has skin restructuring and moisturising properties, and makes a superb nail strengthener...Camellia should be used by any Aromatherapist specializing in facial treatments and anti-scarring treatments."

White Camellia oil was traditionally used by Geishas to keep their skin flawless and their hair lustrous and healthy. This Camellia oil is a precious cold-pressed certified organic oil containing exceptionally high levels of antioxidants to prevent free radical formation; soothing properties to help calm sensitive skin; nutrients to nourish devitalized skin; and emollients to create a healthy dew-like complexion. White Camellia oil is also one of the rare ingredients that is wonderful for all skin types, including mature, ultra sensitive, oily, combination, and acne prone.

Our Sadie has been using it to treat her dry eczema, and is amazed at the results she is seeing. She also wants to make a lip balm based on it, because it seems to be making the fine lines around her lips disappear.

White Camellia Oil has been recommended to help prevent stretch marks.  We are using it as an ingredient in our reformulated Belly Balm. Blended with Rose Hip Seed Oil, White Camellia Oil is said to be able to fade recent stretch marks, while they are still red or pink in color. (I know of nothing that will fade them once they turn silver, unfortunately.) For more information, click here for uses.

Fractionated Coconut

Contains (unrefined) 50% lauric acid. Refined coconut oil, according to Sheppard-Hanger, is closest substance to human sub-cutaneous fat and more compatible with skin than vegetable oils. She states that it has a virtually unlimited shelf life, since it can not turn rancid, and that it can not clog pores, making it an ideal carrier for oily or troubled skin.

However, Shirley Price points out that fractionated (or refined) coconut oil is produced by heat, rather than cold pressing, and is usually deodorized since it's natural odor is overwhelming, and asks if we really want to use a fractionated oil in aromatherapy, since it is not a complete product.

My *personal* opinion on the above is "it depends." I vastly prefer a "natural" oil, and yet under some conditions the use of a 'totally natural' carrier can compound the problem. i.e., if applying EO's to severely damaged skin, a totally natural carrier could also introduce fungi, molds, or bacteria to the skin as well. Using a refined and sterilized carrier under these conditions could prevent further problems. I have personally used it as a carrier for skin conditions that had proven resistant to any earlier treatment. I also think its "light" texture will make it a wonderful "summer use" oil, when the richer, heavier oils seem too sticky on the skin. It also will wash out of sheets, towels, etc. much more easily than most carrier oils making it a boon to the massage therapist.

Because of its lightness and TOTAL lack of aroma of its own, Fractionated Coconut Oil has become our diluent of choice for the 10% dilutions and anointing oils that we offer. We occasionally will use a substitute, but only for a specific reason.

Uses: dryness, itching, sensitive skin, tanning aid. Use as base or 10-50% additive. Adding to Sweet Almond Oil increases both shelf life and wash ability.

Cranberry Seed Oil Vaccinium Macrocarpon

Cold pressed, product of Canada, ethically farmed but not Organic. (ie, not sprayed.)  Freshly pressed for us by a wonderful producer, this new oil is fresh and slightly fruity/sweet in aroma. Light in texture, quickly absorbed. A delight to work with.  Much more pleasant to work with than earlier specimens that we have encountered.

Cranberry Seed Oil is is the only available carrier oil with a natural ratio of Omega 6 (linoleic), Omega 3 (alpha-linolenic), and Omega 9(oleic) fatty acids. Cranberry Seed Oil aids in the absorption and utilization of the essential fatty acids in the skin, and is said to moisturize the skin as no other oil can.

Cranberry seed oil contains 70% essential fatty acids making it a superb emollient, lubricant and conditioner for the skin. It is excellent for use in skin, hair, lip and baby care. Cranberry seed oil contributes to the lipid barrier protection of the skin and assists in moisture retention.

The oil also contains high concentrations of tocopherols, tocotrienols, phytosterols, phospholipids and Vitamin A, setting new  performance and stability standards for highly polyunsaturated oils. Some sources say that adding a bit of Cranberry Seed oil to other, shorter lived, vegetable oils will extend their shelf life by preventing oxidation.

Cranberry Seed Oil is a wonderfully moisturizing addition to any formula for cream or lotion for rough, dry, or mature skin.  Some sources say it aids in the relief of scaly, itching skin conditions, and may be helpful for both eczema and psoriasis.

The producer has seen evidence that Cranberry Seed Oil is an effect barrier of UV rays, thus helping to protect the skin against sun damage. They are now in process of testing to find proof of this claim.

Evening Primrose Oil

Oenothera biennis

Contains gamma linolenic acid, vitamins, minerals

Uses: Internal: for Premenstrual Tension, Multiple Sclerosis, menopausal problems,
External: psoriasis, eczema; helps to prevent prematurely aged skin, aids wound healing and any sort of scars.

NOTE: Our Evening Primrose Oil is intended to be used as a carrier oil; for external use only.

Grapeseed Oil

Uses: all skin types, odorless, penetrating. very light oil. Slightly astringent, tightens and tones the skin. Does not aggravate acne. Use full strength. 

Hazelnut Oil

Corylus Avellana Cold pressed from France
Contains: vitamins, minerals, proteins, oleic and linoleic acid
Uses: slightly astringent, toning, fast absorption. Useful as base for oily, combination skins, acne. Tones and tightens skin, helps maintain firmness and elasticity. Helps to strengthen capillaries so might be useful against thread veins. encourages cell regeneration, stimulates circulation. Use 100% as base or in 10% dilution. 

Jojoba Oil

OR  Simmondsia californica (Wax)  Certified ORGANIC, USA
Contains: protein, minerals, plant wax, myristic acid.

Uses: Mimics sebum, penetrates skin very rapidly, therefore not good for massage, but excellent for nourishing skin. Healing for inflamed skins, psoriasis, eczema, any sort of dermatitis. Can help control acne and oily skin or scalp since excess sebum actually dissolves in jojoba. Anti oxidant, may help extend the life of other oils.

Used also for hair care. Useful for all skin types. Can clog pores. Myristic Acid is anti-inflammatory, so this could be a good base oil for treating rheumatism and arthritis. Use a 10% dilution or full strength.

We discuss the reasons for our inability to procure more of our beloved Organic Jojoba at the time, due to a world wide Jojoba shortage in our Blog.  Fortunately we were able to procure more, and decided that the increased price was worth the investment to receive a truly organic product.

Kukui Nut Oil

Contains: Very high in linoleic acid, oleic acid

Uses: extremely good penetration to all skin levels, soothes irritation, sunburn, lesions, burns. Protects tissue from drying. Cosmetic chemists report that Kukui oil has an excellent skin feel. They say the Kukui oil seems to be readily absorbed into the skin (it does not leave a greasy film). It seems to make chapped or rough dry skin feel smooth, silky, and soft. It seems to prevent scarring when applied to abrasions. Use as 5-10% additive. (Personal note: this has become one of my favorite oils.)

Kukui oil is a good protective oil, protecting from sunburn and windburn.  In Hawaii newborne infants were traditionally anointed with kukui nut oil to protect their skin from sun and salt.

Please note that because of Kukui Nut oil's extremely short shelf life, the producer adds a small amount of Vit. A, C, and E, natural anti-oxidants, to preserve it.  We, of course, store our bulk supply under nitrogen to prevent oxidation.

Macadamia Nut Oil

Uses: All skin types. Tones aged or dry skin, Skin-softening. wound healing. In France is used as an aid against sunburn. Macadamia's fatty acids are helpful in maintaining the skin's critical water barrier functions. It is self-stabilizing and requires no antioxidants. In addition, it has an excellent safety profile that includes low order of oral toxicity. All of this suggests its usefulness in facial products, baby products, balms and lip glosses.   Cold pressed, from Australia.

MARULA OIL Organically produced but not certified. Cold pressed.

Sclerocarya birrea kernel oil.

New from Swaziland is the most amazing carrier oil we have experienced.  It is a "dry" oil, almost instantly absorbed by the skin. We think it will be excellent for summer's heat, or for oily skin.  High in conditioning Oleic acid and anti-oxidants, Marula oil is said to leave the skin feeling soft, hydrated, nourished and revitalized. 

I wouldn't recommend Marula as a massage oil, since it absorbs so totally quickly there would be no "slip" for massage, but for an almost instantly absorbing non-greasy facial oil or topical applications, it is without an equal.   It also has a relatively long shelf life.

When you purchase our Marula Oil you are not only adding a wonderful skincare oil to your collection, but helping support the women of the tribe that produces it. Marula is a totally sustainable and uniquely African skincare product. A FAIR TRADE item

Meadowfoam Seed Oil

Limnanthes alba from the Willamette Valley in Oregon, USA.

Probably the world's most stable carrier oil.  The producer states that in addition to being a wonderfully protective emollient, Meadowfoam Seed Oil can extend the shelf life of more fragile carrier oils such as Borage, Evening Primrose, Rose Hip Seed, Sweet Almond, etc.

Quoted from one producer's website: Meadowfoam Seed Oil's skin feel is distinct from many other natural oils. This is due to the novel chemistry of its fatty acids, which contain more carbon atoms than fatty acids common in edible oils such as soy, almond, sunflower and olive. As a result, Meadowfoam Seed oil provides good emolliency without being overly greasy or unctuous. It is absorbed quickly and leaves a lighter skin feel than many other oils.

When we first experienced this odorless carrier oil we thought it was too heavy and thick for skincare use.  However it absorbs very quickly and leaves the skin feeling velvety soft.    We think it will make a great base for a hand or body oil blend, as well as providing additional shelf life to your precious handcrafted creams and lotions. Its high tolerance for heat makes it the oil of choice for toiletry creations.

Pomegranate Oil

CO2 extracted, Punica granatum seed extract, Certified Organic

(We are currently offering our Pomegranate Seed Oil in a 1/2 ounce cobalt glass bottle, with an 'eye dropper' top, so you may dole it out by the drop.)

A wonderful CO2 extracted light oil... quickly absorbed into the skin, leaving behind a very faint aroma reminiscent of melted baking chocolate. The producer recommends using it either undiluted by the drop, or using at up to 10% in a blend of other oils. 

The producer also strongly urges that we try using the Pomegranate Seed Extract blended with Seabuckthorn Berry Extract, that the two compliment each other and have a truly synergetic effect in skincare blends.

The benefits of this delightful oil are limitless - it is beneficial to nearly all skintypes; research is showing it to be helpful in fighting both skin and breast cancer in laboratory tests. (search Pubmed for abstracts.)  Pomegranate Oil  has an extended shelf life because of its high level of anti-oxidants. It has also been shown to work as an anti-inflammatory agent, relieving muscular aches and pains as well as reducing swelling.

It is also high in lipids, including the rare Pucinic Acid, which help heal inflammation and reduce swelling.

It has been found to nourish and moisturize the skin, improving elasticity, reducing wrinkles and preventing aging.  It has also been shown to help sunburned and ultraviolet damaged skin. 

Evidence suggests that its calming and healing properties may aid treatment of numerous skin problems, including dry, irritated sensitive skin, and perhaps even eczema and psoriasis.

Is there any wonder that high end cosmetic and skincare product designers are including Pomegranate Oil in their anti-aging creams and lotions?  

Personal note: I have a lot of contact allergies...I'll wear a ring, and by evening the back of that finger will be all red and itchy...I'll wear a bracelet, and the inside of my wrist will break out in itches. I brought home the first sample we received of this wonderful pomegranate oil, and put just a drop on the itchies.  Within minutes the itching stopped. By morning, the irritation and bumps and scratches were gone. This is amazing to me!

Please note: we tried several sample of cold pressed Pomegranate Seed oil, and, in all honesty, could not bear the thought of using them on our skin. Tests on the back of our hands left a sticky, strongly scented residue that none of us were comfortable using, let alone making available to you.  Finally we sampled this wonderful CO2 extracted light oil... quickly absorbed into the skin, leaving behind a very faint aroma reminiscent of melted baking chocolate.

Red Raspberry Seed Oil Rubus idaeus

Cold pressed, Certified Organic, Product of Canada

Extraordinarily high in Omega-3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, Red Rasperry Seed oil is a superb anti-oxidant. It contains 83% essential fatty acids. Much research is available online showing the healthcare benefits of internal use of Red Raspberry Seed oil.  Its high level of Vitamin E is known to be give it an important role in skin repair and conditioning.  Although this Red Raspberry Seed Oil is certainly produced for internal use, we are not licensed to produce or sell food supplements, so we recommend it for skincare and cosmetic applications.  Red Raspberry Oil is known especially for its prevention of gingivitis, rashes, eczema and other skin lesions.  It is useful in skin creams, bath oils, and tooth paste. Raspberry seed oil is emollient, lubricating, conditioning, creates a lipid barrier providing protection to the skin and provides moisture retention for the skin.  Its anti-inflammatory properties are greater than those of better known oils such as virgin Avocado Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Hazelnut Oil and Wheatgerm Oil. (Oomah, et al 2000.)

Red Raspberry Seed Oil may act as a broad-spectrum UV-A and UV-B shield.  It has shown an SPF of between 28 and 50.  It has a long shelf life because of its high phospholipid content, and may increase the stability of other carrier oils when blended with them.

"Raspberry Seed Oil contains exceptionally high levels of alpha and gamma tocopherols (vit. E), vit. A and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. This provides the skin with significant broad spectrum protecion from damaging UV-A and UV-B rays."

Oils of Nature, 2008, O'lenick, Steinberg, Kelin and LaVay

Rice Bran Oil

New and nourishing - a powerful skin protectant, rich in gamma-oryzanol, which will protect and replenish your skin.   Rich in phytosterols, Rice Bran oil can be an effective substitute for lanolin, and can help reduce inflammation and soothe discomfort. It's a wonderful oil for itchy "alligator" skin.  Rice Bran oil has a high level of the antioxidants gammaoryzanol and tocotrienols (vitamin E), both of which contribute to the oil’s stability.

Rice Bran is one of the heavier carrier oils, and takes a moment to sink in.  We have seldom experienced a softer, more velvety feel from any of the carriers we offer.

 I hadn't thought of its use for oily skin, but Karla Michel recently wrote:

 PS - I'm loving the rice bran oil for my face, I have oily, rosacea skin but it really absorbs completely and is very soothing and doesn't make me break out! I added a few drops of German Chamo - it's awesome!

Try adding a drop of heli as well...it's super for Rosacea...   I wouldn't have thought of rice bran for oily skin... I would like to quote you on that, if I may... THANKS!!!!

Christi has recently been using Rice Bran to dilute the more costly facial oils. A half and half dilution works wonderfully for her ultra sensitive skin, and saves her a lot of money. The ONLY disadvantage that I can think of to the use of Rice Bran Oil is that it is solvent extracted, rather than cold pressed. However I am assured by the producer that it is GMO-free.
 

Rose Hip Seed Oil

Organic, cold pressed Rosa Rubignosa from South Africa

Uses: dry, scaly fissured skin, dull skin, eczema, psoriasis, over pigmented skin, scars, (Note, blend with Helichrysum Italicum for fading old scars. prophylactic after burns or trauma; ulcerated veins and scars. Avoid with acne and oily or blemished skins. Use as 10% additive or neat for very dry, aging skins. Goes rancid very quickly.

SESAME OIL

Sesamun indictum   Because you've requested it.  Said to be high in Vitamin E, lecithin and various amino acids, useful in blends for psoriasis and eczema, excellent in any skin softening blend. Jan Kusmirek recommends adding it at 20% to other oils in a massage base for its skincare benefits. As well as offering emollience, it helps reinforce the integrity of the skin and helps with free radical scavenging.   Why have we delayed so long in offering it? I don't know! Just recently received some requests for it, so here it is.

SQUALANE

This all vegetable product, extracted from Olive Oil, is one of the most powerful moisturizers I have encountered.  Clear and colorless, it looks like water in the bottle.  Research shows that Squalane not only moisturizes the skin, but also provides a barrier preventing transdermal water loss.  It is an ideal ingredient in any blend for dry, chapped or scaly skin.  I have heard excellent reports from people using it in salves and balms to help ease the discomfort of eczema or contact dermatitis, as well.  

Squalane is a natural component of human skin during childhood and adolescence, but as we enter our twenties, the amount present decreases rapidly, contributing to the aging process.  Will adding a drop of Squalane to your normal skincare regime give you the glowing complexion of a child? I doubt it!  But it should restore moisture and suppleness.  I would avoid using on oily skin, or where acne is present.

Additives and other Diluents

ALOE VERA GEL - Organically grown

Aloe Vera Barbadensis Miller  Certified organic juice, Product of the USA

We've searched for a long time to find the right aloe vera gel for our products.  Finally found a "pourable" gel, naturally thickened with Alginate, a seaweed derivative rather than the plasticizing polymers found in many gels and preserved with food grade preservatives (Vitamin C, Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Sorbate.)

We've been using it in our SkeeterBeater and Clarifying gels, but have had requests to offer it "unflavored."

Please note this is NOT a fixed oil.  If adding to creams and lotions it must be calculated as part of the water phase. 

Aloe Vera has been proven to be an effective treatment for skin lesions and burns. It is a highly effective moisturizer and an anti-inflammatory.  Recent research has proven that aloe plus essential oils is a more effective acne synergy than the use of either the aloe or the essential oils (diluted in a carrier oil) alone.  We highly recommend the use of Aloe Vera gel in any skin treatment. Topical uses of Aloe Vera Gel may include acne, sunburn, frostbite (it appears to stimulate blood circulation), shingles, alleviating the effects of radiation treatment, psoriasis, preventing scarring, rosacea, warts, wrinkles from aging, and eczema.  For thousands of years Aloe has been used as a "cure-all".  Some sources say that Aloe Vera was the secret of Cleopatra's complexion. Organically grown
 

ARNICA MASSAGE OIL

Our Arnica CO2, infused in stain free, long lasting Fractionated Coconut Oil.    

I have been alternating this Arnica massage oil with our Miracle Oil to ease the pain and swelling of a severely arthritic ankle.  (I injured it a few weeks ago and it's rather been giving me problems ever since.)  I'm not sure which has been effective, but between the two oils, the swelling is still there, but the pain level has dropped dramatically.

We prefer the use of this Arnica extraction compared to the more traditional infused oil because we know the proportions of ingredients. 

BLUE LOTUS Infused Oil

The producer explained his process to me... equal amounts of pure Jojoba oil, and fresh Blue Lotus blossoms.  Seal, cover, allow to stand overnight. Drain off the jojoba, discarding the spent blossom, and add freshly picked blossoms to the Jojoba.  Continue this process for 25 days.  At the end of this period one is left with the most marvelously sweetly scented Blue Lotus infusion. Skin safe for use as a sacred anointing oil, or a perfume.   Amazingly, richly aromatic this Blue Lotus Infused oil would work beautifully in one of our frosted Glass Roller bottles. It is the perfect intensity for an oil based perfume.

Calendula Infused Oil

Calendula officinalis

Uses: Reduces swelling, aids wound and burn healing, helpful for acne, impetigo, eczema. Antiseptic and regenerating. Use infused oil as 15 or 25%, some authorities and herbalists use full strength. Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, helps healing wounds. useful for bed sores, broken veins, bruises, inflamed gums, varicose veins. Effective on rashes, dry, chapped or cracked skin. Wonderful in salves for diaper rash. Especially useful for dry eczema.
My friend Kasandra grows organic, deep orange calendula, carefully dries just the petals, not the full flower head, and ships me some each Autumn. I double infuse them in Olive Oil, yielding a deep red oil.

Coffee Blossom Infusion

Until now, all of our infused oils were created for healing.  Today we are proud to make available to you infused oils created just for joy, pleasure and perfumery.  

Some gentle blossoms will not yield their fragrance to the distiller, or even to solvent extraction.  Long slow infusing in organic Jojoba, changing out spent blossoms and adding fresh can eventually yield their sweetness.

Others have described the aroma of Coffee Blossoms as sweetly ethereal, reminiscent of jasmine or gardenia, perhaps with a note of caramel.  Sweet, complex, round, fruity...    This gentle floral, infused in organic jojoba, may be used in skin or hair care, used for perfume, for massage, in the bath.  Surround yourself with this elegant white floral.

Our herbal infused oils are always packaged in PET plastic.  The producer of these delicate infusions suggests that we store and offer them in glass, to further protect them. 

Golden Champa infused in Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil is one of the skin and hair care secrets of the far East.   This coconut oil - solid at cool room temperature, instantly liquifying at your touch, has been infused with the blossoms of the Golden Champa tree.   Not as deep and intense as the Blue Lotus Oil described above, this Champa in Coconut is subtly scented, perfect for skincare, hair care, or even a luxurious massage.  I've been using it as a balm for my chapped hands.  I don't know if it is healing them any faster than any other oil would, but I keep stopping what I am doing to smell them!  Available in 1 and 4 ounce jars, and our 16 ounce Bail Jar.

I have read that Champa infused oil is used to ease headaches and may help with vertigo.  I honestly  don't know if this Champa infused oil has been infused long enough to release the therapeutic benefits of the blossoms.  It would most definitely be worth trying though.  Even without that particular therapeutic benefit, it is still a wonderfully aromatic moisturizer for face or body. I'm thinking about using it as a full body moisturizer after a bath or shower.

St John's Wort Oil

Infused from the blossoms at just the right stage, this infused oil has a characteristic red color. Anti-inflammatory, particularly soothing to inflamed nerves, helpful for cases of neuralgia, sciatica and fibrositis. Effective on sprains, burns, bruises. Blending with calendula oils heightens effectiveness.

We have found that St. John's Wort oil, with a few drops of Wintergreen or Sweet Birch Essential Oil added is the ONLY thing that will relieve the pain of gout. Try combining it with some Calophyllum for a pain relief blend for arthritis, rheumatism, etc.

We are getting very positive feedback from people using our Back Ease Synergy blended into this St. John's Wort carrier oil in easing the pain of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

A recent study, published in the Journal of Clinical Aromatherapy found that St. John's Wort oil is useful for the treatment of neuralgia, sciatica, and muscular rheumatism.  The study also indicated that the use of St. John's Wort infused oil as a carrier enhances both the analgesic and the anti-inflammatory effects of essential oils used with it.

VANILLA BEAN Infusion

Organic Madagascar Vanilla Beans, carefully infused in Organic Jojoba Oil.  Rich, sensuous, elegant, YUMMY... everything you dream of in a Vanilla fragrance.  Ideal alone, or as a carrier for other aromatics.  A wonderful sweet perfume base....try adding neroli, or rose, or citrus, or...is there anything that won't be beautiful in Vanilla?

We are already using it with some of our Fog Cutter for a morning wakeup shower. This is the base for Manny's Inner Child soap, as well as the base we use (further diluted with Rose Hydrosol) for our Happy Baby soap. Sleepy Time, or Bulgarian Lavender make a relaxing bed time bath. A few drops of Rose Absolute and Sandalwood for a romantic shower or bath a deux. Add your favorite skin care blend to nourish your complexion. A few drops of Germbeater for cleaning the kitchen and bath. Debi uses Protection or Sacred for a ritual bath. For the ultimate ocean experience either add 1.5 mls of our Water Elemental Synergy, or just a few drops of our Seaweed Essential Oil. The possibilities are truly endless.
 

BUTTERS

Cocoa Butter

ALOE VERA BUTTER

Certified Organic Aloe Vera, enfleuraged into Certified Organic Coconut Oil.  Grown and produced in the USA.

This is not the sweetly scented Virgin Coconut Cream Oil we offer elsewhere, but an odorless, white instantly melting cream, enriched with the center gel filets of organically grown Aloe leaves.  All the creamy richness of Coconut Cream Oil, with the soothing healing anti-inflammatory properties of Aloe Vera.   Please note that this creamy emollient melts instantly at below body temperature. If you live in a warmer climate we strongly suggest that you order our 16 ounce bail jar; we are concerned that the smaller jars might melt in transit.   

Ideal to counteract winter's harsh winds and cold, soothing chapped hands and faces, or to treat a sunburn or kitchen burn. Warm it gently in a bowl of warm water to add your favorite soothing essential oils. Lavender for a burn perhaps. I'm thinking a touch of Poplar Balsam for healing irritated skin or small wounds.  There are so many directions we could go with fragrancing this wonderful healing balm.  We looked at the range of possibilities, and decided to leave it up to you!

Naturally Refined (White) Shea Butter

Shea Butter has been tested and proven effective at diminishing various signs of aging, skin regeneration in cases of sunburns and scars, wrinkle reduction, and both helping to prevent and reversing sun damage.

Please note that we have recently changed the packaging on this  Shea Butter. In the past we carefully scooped it into 4 oz plastic jars.  This made for attractive packaging, but was terribly labor intensive.  In order to maintain our current pricing, we have had to eliminate the manual packing into jars.  Our shea butter is now cut into chunks, bagged and sealed.   (Our staff is MUCH happier.  Packaging the Shea butter was everyone's least favorite task.) 

ALLERGY NOTE:  Those individuals with BOTH a latex allergy and a nut allergy may react to Shea Butter. 

NEW Fair Trade Organically Produced
TRADITIONAL GOLDEN SHEA BUTTER

We've explored countless samples of "all natural unrefined" Shea Butter, and never could find one that I would put on my skin.  Short shelf life,  unpleasant aroma, yucky color (ranging from grey to greenish to a sickly yellow) all were turnoffs.  So we kept coming back to the naturally refined highly filtered and deoderized Shea butter we have offered for years.  

Finally a friend made several trips to Ghana, working with a woman's cooperative there, consulting with the most well respected expert on Shea Butter, Dr. Peter Lovett, PhD, and using quality control processes Dr. Lovett developed to greatly extend the shelf life of the Shea Nut Oil (Shea Butter.)

The sample we received was wonderful.  Creamy golden in color, softly "spreadable" at room temperature, it was a delight.  Traditionally processed Shea Butter retains all of the botanical riches such as Vitamin A compounds, allantoin (found in aloe and comfrey), and circuminoids (anti-cancer compounds found in cumin) and catechins (anti-oxidant flavenoids also found in green tea.)  This is by far the most appealing Shea Butter we have ever experienced.

ALLERGY NOTE:  Those individuals with BOTH a latex allergy and a nut allergy may react to Shea Butter. 

Shea Soufflé

Butyrospermum parkii and AIR...lots and lots of air!

This is our pure Shea Butter whipped for hours to a lighter than air fluff. There are absolutely no carrier oils or any other additives in this product. The Shea Soufflé is whipped in very small batches for at least two hours to insure there are absolutely no lumps.  Light, fluffy (as a soufflé should be!) we have all fallen in love. Now, everyone knows all the skincare benefits of Shea Butter.  But it can be hard. I don't LIKE having to rub things into my delicate skin. Our Shea Soufflé literally melts into my skin. It's hard to keep everyone here from the samples.

This is unscented whipped Shea Butter. Because it is so light your favorite essential oil or blend can easily be stirred into it. Courtney sent some to her friend Karla in Oregon and she added a few drops of Patchouli to it. She uses it every day, and two of her friends (both male) say they're addicted to it and want some of their own.

Extra Virgin Coconut Cream Oil

It comes in 4 oz  jars in cool weather, and our 15oz fl oz bail jars year round, to prevent leaking in transit.

Polysorbate 20

The amount of Essential Oil used depends on the purpose of the spritzer. To 4 ounces of distilled water add:

• 8 to 10 drops for the face
• 30 to 40 drops for an all over body spritzer
• 80 to 100 drops for a room spray/air freshener

Vegetable Glycerine

Glycerine is water soluble, rather than oil soluble, so blend just a bit with your favorite hydrosol, or add to the water phase of a cream or lotion. It will not incorporate into a facial oil or salve that contains no water.

SALTS:

Nature's Gift offers an array of healing and luxurious salts, sourced from around the world.  Healing Dead Sea Salt from the Near East, African Pearl salts, Pink Himalayan Salts from the world's highest mountains, and now extra fine Dendritic Salt to help anchor the essential oils you add to bath salt blends.

Dead Sea Salt

Mineral rich and less drying than normal sea salt, dead sea salts have been used for millennia to nourish the skin and ease aches and pains.

The Salt derived from the Dead Sea contains at least 21 different minerals, 12 of which are not found in the water of any other ocean or sea.  

Dead Sea Salts have been used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis,  reduce the pain and inflammation of arthritis and rheumatism, and generally aid in relaxation.

We offer fine grained salt, which will dissolve more quickly in a bath.

Please note that Dead Sea Salt is a natural product, and like all natural products it is likely to be differ from time to time.

AFRICAN PEARLS

The most fascinating salts we have ever seen - Imported from Africa, totally natural... from Lake Assal, the lowest point in Africa, and the second lowest in the world, second only to the Dead Sea.  Like the Dead Sea, the water in the lake evaporates rapidly because of the hot, dry climate.  Lake Assal is said to be the saltiest body of water on earth.  Salt has been harvested from the lake shore for milleniums. Rarest of all, though, are the salt pearls which are scooped from underwater.  Salt crystals, forged together by the heat and pressure of the saline water, then tumbled and rolled against each other and the sandy lake bed until eventually the crystals form perfect tiny balls.  The salts range from 1 to 10 mm in size, and are the perfect, fascinating addition to your bath salt blend.  These pearls are pure salt - 98 to 99% Sodium Chloride, with various trace minerals that have washed down from the surrounding mountains
Supplies are quite limited.

Himalayan Crystal Salts

The world's purest salt. Produced by immense pressure in the heart of the Himalayas, these colorful salts are said to contain up to 84 different minerals all necessary for life. A bath in these naturally red and pink colored salts is said to detoxify on a cellular level, to soothe and rejuvenate the skin, ease muscle soreness and cramps, and relax and relieve stress.

Dendritic Salt

To extend the fragrance of your handcrafted bath salts we're making available the professional secret, Dendritic Salt.  For reasons I totally do not understand, powder fine Dendritic Salt has more surface area (because it has been crystalized) than our larger salt crystals. For this reason it absorbs and holds your essential oils or blend longer. 

When blending aromatic bath salts, use approximately 5% Dendritic Salt with the other 95% salts of your choice... Pink Himalayan, Dead Sea, Epson, or plain Sea Salt.   For one pound (16 ounces or 450 grams) of other salts, use approximately 0.75 ounce (3/4 oz or 22 grams) of Dendritic Salt.  Add your essential oils to the dendritic salt; blend well, allow to dry.  Then blend the Dendritic into the other salt or salts. You will find the fragrance (and therapeutic benefits!) of your bath salts last much longer.

Offered in a 4 ounce bag - enough to anchor the fragrance in 5 pounds of bath salts!

Unlike our Himalayan Crystal Salt, Dendritic Salt should not be consumed. Not fur human or animal consumption.

Also,  see our "Make it yourself" Bath Salt Kit.