What is Ylang Ylang? Ylang ylang (pronounced e-lang e-lang) may not be an aroma you know by name, however chances are you have encountered its sweet, floral fragrance. Perfumes and skin care products use ylang ylang as an ingredient, most noteworthy the best-selling perfume Chanel No. 5. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Ylang ylang oil is […]
Camellia History Camellia seed oil is of my favorite ingredients. Camellias, a staple in southern gardens, is one of my favorite blooms. Their origin can be traced 5,000 years to China and Japan. The plant arrived in Europe in the 16th century but didn’t make it to the U.S. until the 19th century. There are over […]
What are the top 7 uses for argan oil? Sometimes known as Moroccan liquid gold, argan oil has a multitude of uses inclusive of alleviating and treating dry skin, rashes, and treating acne ridden skin. Historically, it was used for its curative properties with open wounds and today it is also seen as a dietary […]
Did you know that it takes approximately 2000 lbs of flowers to make one pound of neroli essential oil? The oil is extracted from the bitter orange tree and is believed to have orginated in Asia. However, the Italians were the first to steam distill the oil in the 17th century. Around the same time, […]
My tea olive trees are blooming again! Native to China, tea olives are in the same family as jasmine and olives. They graciously bloom four times a year sharing their sweet fragrance throughout my backyard. The tree and flowers have been used in cooking, teas, perfumes and to treat boils.
Cedar wood essential oil is woodsy, spicy and warm. Cedar trees in the US are native to the south. Cedar trees have significant religious implications from Christianity to Buddhism to the mummification properties of the ancient Egyptians. The cedars of Lebanon, referenced over 70 times in the Bible are now endangered. They were used to […]
Summertime Weather Summer is almost here, and chances are you will be spending a lot of time outdoors. Backyard cookouts, weekends by the pool, dog walks in the park, and dinners on the patio – life seems to move outside as soon as the sun comes out. And as much as we love the warm […]
Origin Frankincense is derived from the sap from the Boswell tree. When dried, frankincense is used as incense. When steam distilled it is an essential oil. The country of Oman is thought to be the oldest producer of frankincense. However it is produced in the Middle East, Africa and India. Frankincense has a long history […]
Myths about organic skin care, organic produce and what defines an organic product are ongoing in our water cooler conversations and pepper many a magazine. As a person that has always been keen on asking questions and sometimes purposefully stirring the pot, I currently am contemplating the meaning and myths that surround organic skin care… […]
The Royal Attraction of Neroli The twisted, thorny branches of the Bitter Orange, Citrus aurantium, produce leaves, fruit and blossoms used for centuries — native to regions from Asia to Africa to the Amazon, the tree enchanted European explorers and traders who delighted to see it root beautifully in the Mediterranean climate. Their cultivations rewarded […]
