Aromatherapy Skin Care
Products and Synergies

Alopecia? - Stimulating Scalp Massage Oil

We had frequently been asked for information about essential oils to regrow hair. For a period of 20 years I suffered from the uncertainty of Alopecia Areata. I remember the nightmares it caused me, as well as the embarrassment. Recently, a properly run double blind study was done by a team of dermatologists. The abstract of the study is available on our Alopecia page.

We have assembled a synergy of the named oils (Cedarwood, Lavandin, Rosemary and Thyme) in the proportions used in the study. We make NO claims as to whether this synergistic blend will give you the results found in the study, however we would welcome replies from any who try it.

A personal aside: I know that for me, episodes of Alopecia were triggered by extreme stress, and I think it is no co-incidence that the period of remission coincided with my introduction to the healing power of the essential oils. I would strongly recommend you further explore the emotionally calming oils and synergies available to you, here, or elsewhere. 

We wish we could guarantee that our Stimulating Scalp blend would work for you. Unfortunately, as we both know, alopecia is a frustratingly unpredictable illness and there are never any guarantees. To the best of my understanding, those who have benefited from the blend massage it into their scalp once daily, let it stand on the scalp for close to an hour before shampooing out. It would probably be easier to put it on before bed, sleep with it in, and wash it out in the morning. I would recommend taking a break from the use of its aromatic components. Personally I would use the blend for 10 days to 2 weeks, then take a week away from it before restarting.

Please note:  Our Stimulating Scalp Massage Oil was recently mentioned in an issue of First for Women magazine in an article concerning hair loss. The magazine describes it as "A blend of Lavender, Thyme, Cedarwood and Rosemary." It contains Lavandin, rather than the stated lavender, since it was Lavandin that was used in the study we emulate.

Since the above mentioned magazine issue came out we have had two women write to tell us how the Stimulating Scalp Massage oil worked for them. One woman used it for Alopecia, and the other for thinning hair due to diabetes. Here are their comments:

Note to anyone experiencing "Hair Loss" problems:

I cannot thank Nature’s Gift enough for leading me to Stimulating Scalp Oil. Having developed Alopecia, I had tried everything to regrow my hair. Then through the advice of a friend and knowledgeable employee of Nature’s Gift, I found stimulating scalp oil which regrew my hair! I would recommend this product to anyone with hair loss problems.

Sincerely & With Deepest Appreciation,

Tamie White

Being diabetic, my hair had become extremely thin. I had resorted to wearing wigs. I tried your Stimulating Scalp Oil and my hair has become thicker. Even my hairdresser has seen a noticeable improvement.

Mary Edith Hill

Clarifying Synergy

Designed to treat acne outbreaks. This gentle blend of Helichrysum italicuum (anti-inflammatory) German Chamomile CO2 (more anti-inflammatory), Manuka (strong but gentle anti-bacterial action) French High Altitude Lavender (the best around skincare healer I know of) and Rose Geranium (for sebum balancing.) The clients who have tried this synergy (in various modalities) are reporting wonderful results. Some suggested uses: Melt and Pour soap (clear glycerin soap base, melted, add the synergy, let the soap harden, use.) Buy some liquid castile soap and add the Clarifying Synergy. Add to the appropriate carrier oil for your skin type (Fractionated Coconut or Hazelnut, for oily skin please!) and use as a moisturizer. Several clients report favorable results by using the Clarifying Synergy in soap or cleanser, with one of our hydrosols as a toner. I have no idea whether this blend will work for you, but it has helped others, both with facial acne and with the sort of acne a lot of men get on their backs.

Clarifying Soap

Our Clarifying Synergy in a base of gentle liquid castile soap.

This special liquid soap base allows the healing qualities of our precious essential oils to come through, since they are not subject to the stresses of the saponification process, as they would be in a solid soap. No artificial colors or preservatives to trigger possible irritation or allergic responses, just pure organic liquid castile (created from organic Olive, Palm and  Coconut oils) and our wonderfully effective essential oils. We recommend following with one of our healing hydrosols to further tone and condition the skin. Please note, some Rosacea sufferers have also reported excellent results from using this soap. You can see comments made on the clarifying soap below.

Clarifying Gel Roll On

Recent research in Australia shows that the combination of essential oils and Aloe Vera Gel has a more healing effect on acne than does either alone. So we added our successful Clarifying Synergy to our organically grown aloe vera gel and packaged in a convenient roll on applicator.

Now you can apply it just to the 'trouble spots'.  Our human guinea pigs were really impressed by this new formulation.  Nothing is an overnight success, but users found a major improvement over the course of a few days.

We suggest using our Liquid Clarifying Soap to cleanse, tone with an appropriate hydrosol (perhaps Tea Tree or one of the Lavenders - preferably Spike Lavender)  followed by application of the Gel. 

A soothing, skin restoring and anti-oxidant blend of three extraordinarily healing CO2 extracts: Calendula Select, Rose Hip Seed Total, and Sea Buckthorn Berry. This rich blend of herbal extracts, all known for their soothing, restorative skincare effects are a wonderful addition to facial oils, lotions and creams. See Donna Maria's "Making Aromatherapy Creams and Lotions" for suggested uses. This blend is identical to her "CO2 Crew" and I've been using it for ages. Great minds must think alike! An undiluted blend of CO2 extracts, please don't add more than 1 or 2% to your facial oils and lotions. A few drops is enough!

What one pleased client has written about our CO2 Combo:

"I've been using your C02 extract in my facial care formulations for a few years now and my customers go ga-ga over the skincare results they find. I'm sure it has something to do with this extract. I love it, they love it, and please keep providing us with this amazing product."
~ Colleen Miller, Greenridge Herbals
www.greenridgeherbals.com

Feedback like that just makes our day! thank you Colleen.

ULTRA MILD FOAMING FACE WASH
 

A light blend of the mildest botanically sourced surfactants, for deep yet extremely gentle cleansing for the most sensitive and/or reactive skins. 

Our Ultra Mild Foaming Wash is a mild "wash off" cleanser for sensitive skin or normal/oily skin where a cream cleanser may be too rich. It provides extraordinarily gentle yet thorough deep cleansing without the use of harsh surfactants or parabens. Our cleansing and softening ingredients are safe for babies and delicate or reactive skin.  May be used to remove make-up without risk to eyes.  For more information and a complete ingredient list, click here.

Nature's Gift Creme Cleanser

A few months ago one of our suppliers sent me some samples of creams, lotions, cleansers, etc.  Of course I had to play!  Some were delightful, some were not for me. One I fell in love with.  A rich, gentle, botanical based wash off cream cleanser that just made my face feel silky smooth and just glow! The formulator makes all sorts of wonderful claims about its power to restore and rejuvenate youthful skin. I don't. I just like the way it makes my face feel.  About six weeks later I was at a lunch time meeting with a group of women who have known me for years. One of them is a consultant for a well known makeup company, so she is very aware of skincare and appearances.  She started raving about how wonderful my skin looked.  The only difference was the cleanser I had been using.  So, I shared the sample with our staff.  And we started to play.  It is too good NOT to share.  We are offering it in two forms; plain, for those who just want to experience what I've experienced with the version I was given; or lavished with the anti-aging essential oils of our Cleopatra's Secret products. For more information, as well as a complete list of ingredients, click here.

Ideal for those of you who find even our gentlest Goatsmilk soaps a bit drying for facial use. Packaged in a four oz Malibu jar for your convenience.  Simply squeeze a dollop into your palm, apply to your face. Moisten your hands and gently massage in.  Remove with a washcloth moistened in warm water and feel your skin glow!

(Our first client feedback about the new Cleanser came from Eve Bashoff, who wrote " I love the cleanser and could see and feel an immediate difference in my skin.")

CLEOPATRA'S SECRET

We have developed an entire group of products for mature skin, based on the anti-aging essential oils - designed to nourish and renew mature skin and mature spirits.  Our rich Creme Cleanser, a gentle Toner based on our most carefully selected hydrosols, with other anti-aging botanicals blended in, a deeply nourishing Serum enriched with all the wrinkle removing ingredients at hand, and a collection of pampering Bath Products. Please view them here, to nurture skin, body and spirit.

MERCY Soap and Treatment Gel

MRSA-(drug resistant "staph")

Some time ago we were contacted by a holistic nurse/client in Wisconsin and asked to take part in a research project.  Reading she had done indicated that a body wash, containing lavender and tea tree essential oils, if left on the skin for a period of time, could be effective against MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus). 

We tested different strengths and combinations until we found the mixture that was 100% effective in the laboratory.  This particular combination killed the MRSA bacteria in a laboratory culture.  The results have been repeated and replicated.  Oddly enough, we found that no single essential oil completely killed the bacteria. (Although the most effective was a rare Spike Lavender from France, which, of course, we promptly imported!)

We later went on to test a "leave on" version. The same blend, at a different dilution, in our gentle organic aloe vera gel.  It too kills the MRSA bacteria under laboratory conditions.

Human trials are being organized in Wisconsin even as I type.  But we are unwilling to wait to release the product that has been tested. (And the nurses want to order it for their personal use!)

Will our MERCY Body Wash and/or Treatment Gel kill the MRSA bacteria if you come in contact with it?  We don't know. And even if we did know, we couldn't say so, due to various federal laws and regulations.

What we can say is that the soap will clean your skin, and contains proven natural anti-bacterial ingredients, and that the treatment gel will soothe your skin, while also providing proven, natural all organic anti-bacterial ingredients.

I  wish I had known of this research in Autumn 2005 when I was hospitalized for two weeks and spent months recuperating....from MRSA!

Brian Place of Seattle writes of our Rosacea products:

"I'm a bit shocked at how well the rosacea stuff works - it's much faster than even my prescription cream.  Thank you!"

Rosacea Synergy

Rosacea, a form of adult acne, needs very gentle treatment. Our Rosacea Synergy contains many of the oils used in our Clarifying Synergy, Helichrysum, German Chamomile CO2, French Lavender primarily the anti-inflammatory oils, with Rosewood, reputed by many experts to be helpful with Rosacea. Again, clients who have used it have been pleased with the results. We can not predict whether or not it will work for you, but it has helped others. My recommendation would be to add the synergy to a cleanser for sensitive skin, or, as above, in a liquid soap base. Diluting the synergy in a carrier oil that suits your skin type as a moisturizer, and using Helichrysum or another hydrosol as a toner has shown positive results for many of our clients. Remember, the synergy must always be diluted.

More comments:  Emily Green of the UK writes:

"Thank you SO much for the products you sell - especially the rosacea synergy range. They have helped me a great deal and made a huge difference to my skin. The best thing about your rosacea products for me is that I found they give me good immediate relief when my face used to "flush", and then over time they helped to improve the condition of my skin so I now hardly have rosacea symptoms, and I know they are there if I do need them."

Rosacea Cleanser

Our soothing, anti-inflammatory Rosacea Synergy in a cleansing base of gentle organic liquid castile soap, thickened with a special extract of vegetable gums in glycerin (a natural humectant to keep skin soft and moisturized.)

We are getting raves from clients with super dry skin who normally can't use any 'natural' cleanser.  The extra glycerin in this gentle cleanser seems to be keeping their skin soft and moist, instead of "Sahara dry."

Rosacea Treatment Gel

We have recently added our powerful Rosacea Synergy to soothing Aloe Vera Gel, and offer it for those who do not want to have to dilute the synergy themselves. Our staff has been using this healing gel for more than Rosacea.  Experience shows that it is helpful for sunburns, soothing irritated skin, and all round general healing of many skin problems.

ROSACEA TRAVEL KIT:

We continue to receive raves about our Rosacea Treatment products.  But, for those just trying them for the first time, they can be a major investment. And the packages are a bit large to toss into a suitcase or gym bag.  So we have repackaged all of them,  the Rosacea Cleanser, (2 ounces)the Rosacea Treatment Gel (1/2 ounce), and the Helichrysum Hydrosol Toner (one ounce) in smaller sizes and packaged them in a drawstring vinyl sack for ease in packing.

Kimberly M, of New York, recently wrote:

"I purchased the Rosacea Travel Kit last time, too, and I wanted to give you some feedback on the cleanser.  I'd written you asking whether you thought it would be drying, since I have the DRY (as in "Sahara" dry!) type of rosacea, and you said I ought to give it a try.  Well, I've been using it for a couple of weeks now, and I love it!  It doesn't leave my skin dry, but imparts a clean, fresh feeling.  I do believe that in the winter I might need to use a cream cleanser with the Rosacea Synergy added to it, but for now, I'm very pleased with the results of your cleanser.  Just wanted you to know how I'd found it.  (Just so you know, the kit really was a great way to sample the cleanser and the gel!)"
 

Scar Treatment

You have read on our Helichrysum Healing page of the amazing results that some clients have had using Helichrysum italicuum essential oil diluted in a base of Rose Hip Seed oil in healing/fading new and old surgical and burn scars. We do not recommend using this special blend on acne scars, since Rose Hip Seed oil is contraindicated for active acne, but in our experience it is unsurpassed in fading or healing surgical scars and scars from burns.

We recommend using a tiny bit of the blend several times a day, rather than applying a lot of it once a day. As in all natural remedies, there are no magic wands, and it may take time for you to see visible results.

Eczema/Psoriasis Carrier Sampler

Many people get relief from eczema or psoriasis by the topical use of various emollient carrier oils. But NO single solution works for everyone. So we assembled 5 ml or 1 oz samples of the most successful carrier oils for you to try to find the precise oil or blend of oils that helps you.  Our new Eczema kit contains:

1 fl oz each of Avocado, Jojoba, and Peach Kernel oils, as well as 5 ml each of Borage Seed, Camellia, Cranberry Seed, Evening Primrose, Pomegranate Seed and Rose Hip Seed Oils.  All nine for $35.00. Mix and match the various oils until you find the right combination that works for you!

SKINCARE FOR HIM

Santal Shave Cream

Our new and lavish shaving cream, leaves skin smooth, glowing, and richly scented with our favorite Sandalwood. (At Nature's Gift we believe all our men should smell like Sandalwood!)   We have a full page of information, including all ingredients here.   We love it, our menfolk love it.

Sandalwood Shave Soother

For him - Sandalwood Shave Soother - a blend of healing Sandalwood essential oil, in a base of Jojoba, Calendula infused oil, and Vitamin E, to soothe sensitive skin after shaving. I have been told that both Jojoba and Sandalwood can help heal ingrown hairs. I don't know if it's true, but the blend might be worth trying.  At any rate, it will soothe irritation from shaving, and leave your man smelling wonderful!

(Courtney reminds me that the Shave Soother is wonderful for women shaving their legs.) (And my friend Penelope used this Shave Soother on weeping eczema and saw wonderful results.)

You might also want to try our Simply Sandalwood soap on our aromatherapy baths page.

Sunburn Soother

Our hints and tips files and old newsletters are filled with sunburn remedies shared by our clients.  The common threads are lavender, Helichrysum and one of the "Blue" essential oils, with either a rich carrier oil or aloe vera. We've combined the best of all in our new Sunburn Soother.   Healing Aloe Vera to ease the pain, Jojoba to keep the skin moisturized, and Helichrysum, Lavender, and German Chamomile to ease pain and relieve the inflammation.  We all love the feel of this blend of totally organic ingredients.  It absorbs quickly without any stickiness, and leaves the skin feeling cool and smooth.  Shake well before using, since there are no emulsifiers added.

Order now, be prepared!

Our Sadie got a really nasty burn from picking up a too hot cup of coffee. I have never seen a burn-blister that looked worse.  She tried our Sunburn Soother on it.  Her comments: 

Hello Marge,
I just wanted to let you know that your new sunburn gel has totally healed that too-hot-coffee-cup burn I had on my hand. In just two days, the blister completely healed up and is nothing but a memory now!! You've got yourself another miracle oil, here... I am sure it will be just as amazing on sunburns. And I want to buy a bottle of it to keep around the house in case of mishaps with hot things...
 
Just thought I'd brag on it.
Sadie

(Maybe we should call it "Sun and Other Burns Soother?)

Balms, Scrubs, and Moisturizers

Shea Soufflé

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

This is our pure unrefined Shea Butter whipped for hours to a lighter than air fluff, with just a tad of Vitamin E to preserve freshness. Absolutely no carrier oils or additives. 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 some of her friends (all male) say they're addicted to it and want some of their own.

We are unable to ship this product during summer's heat, and summer comes early to middle TN. Order your year's supply early.

Soothing Skin Balm

This product was designed and created as a balm to treat and prevent diaper rashes. However if it can be used on a baby's bottom, it can be used to make your skin feel as soft as a baby's bottom!  We receive raves from nurses who have to wash their hands repeatedly, or use drying antibacterial wipes. Our soothing and healing skin balm sooths and mends dry, cracked hands, elbows...you name it.

It is a blend of rich Shea Butter, emollient Sweet Almond, with Vitamin E, High Altitude Lavender and German Chamomile to sooth irritation.  The fluffy mix is ice blue, from the Chamomile.  Light as a feather, a tiny dab is enough to spread healing protection on irritated skin. 4oz by volume, 2.5 oz by weight of this soothing soufflé.

(Order our moisturizing spa gloves or booties, below while you are at it. Slather the healing skin balm on your hands and feet at bed time, slip into the gloves and booties, and awaken in the morning with silky smooth skin.)

Moisturizing Spa Booties / Spa Gloves

We've seen the identical cotton/spandex gloves for $7.50 at a local day spa. Yours for only $4.00. Order a pair of each for only $7.50.

Slather your favorite emollient on hands and/or feet, don the gloves and booties, and go to bed. Rise in the morning with sensuously soft skin. (Our favorite emollient is our Whipped Shea Butter, but yours may be different.)

Sample Packs for Various Skin Types

Oily skin needs the healing effects of the slightly more astringent Essential Oils, or the balancing oils. By the same token, too rich a carrier oil base might make the condition worse, so we recommend the lightest carrier oils available. Fractionated Coconut Oil, Grapeseed, Hazelnut, with its mildly astringent action, are all excellent carriers. All are totally non-comedogenic (can not block pores.) The sebum balancing effects of Jojoba can also prove useful to oily skin, or skin troubled by acne. Customers have raved about Rice Bran oil for oily and/or troubled skin, while our instantly absorbing Marula Oil is the 'driest' oil we have ever encountered.  We offer this sampler for you to experiment and find which is the ideal carrier or combination of carriers for your complexion.

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

Remember, dry skin needs hydrating ... needs water...so please apply your dry skin oils to skin still moist with water or hydrosols. Then apply a light layer of moisturizing oils to "trap" the water and help it absorb into the cells of your skin. We offer our seven most popular oils for dry skin in a convenient sampler so that you may find the perfect oil or combination for your skin. One ounce each of Avocado and Macadamia, Pumpkin Seed and Sweet Almond, with  5 mls each of Camellia, Kukui, and Squalane.

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

A combination package of our most rejuvenating oils, chosen for their gentle richness.  One ounce each of Apricot Kernel Oil and Peach Kernel Oils, 5 mls each of Argan, Borage Seed, Evening Primrose, Pomegranate and Rose Hip seed.

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

Comment from a client who preferred to stay anonymous:

"As a 52 year old woman with oily skin, I have gone through many, many lines of skin care, both cheap and very expensive. My dearest friend swears by the xxxx and yyyyy lines and has sent me generous samples of both lines. Any under eye cream, regardless of price and ingredients, causes milia under my eyes. Believe me-these are not pleasant to remove. I gave up on the creams and was sticking to xxxx Ylang oil, but it consistently gave me white heads, especially on the sides of my nose.
 
With a recent order, I decided to try your Mature Skin Elixir, which is quite reasonably priced. When it arrived, I added about 20 drops of Helichrysum to it, and a few drops of Neroli.
Well, I have been using it every night and it is the BEST thing I have ever put on my face. I use the scantest amount, avoid putting it on my nose, but apply it to the rest of my face, neck, decolletage and hands and must say that my already nice skin (good genes, I guess...) is even nicer, if that is possible. And no milia, whiteheads or any other problems.
I would happily buy this if it was 3 times the price. Thank you for offering something so wonderful and effective!"

Also see our range of gentle goats milk soaps, enriched with our own pure essential oils on our Bath page