Parabens

Many people avoid products which contain parabens. But what are these little devils? And why are they thought of as 'bad'? Where is the evidence? We would like to clarify the situation and bring you up to date with developments in the debate. To this end, Dr Jane will be posting some much-needed information, including definitions, fears and details about the current controversy. Keep an eye on the Information list to the left of the Home Page.

Soothe your headache the natural way

There is a way to deal with a headache or migraine without taking any tablets. No Paracetamol, no aspirin, Anadin, Nurophen, etc., etc. Our blend of organic Lavender and Peppermint is the natural alternative to pills and potions. Just roll onto the temples for an incredibly cooling, soothing effect. You feel a little tingle at first, which is a pleasant experience, then just relax, lie down if it's convenient, and soothe that headache away.

£3.50 for a 10ml bottle.

Relief from arthritic pain

The most successful product we developed during our years of farming and essential oil production was our massage blend made with organic Roman Chamomile. This was tried and tested by our clients for over a period of fourteen years and many people grew to rely on it as a natural anti-inflammatory and a source of pain relief.

Now, at Phyto Essential Oils we can announce the return of this popular blend: no 'new formula' just exactly the same effective recipe, the natural alternative to anti-inflammatory drugs, which have well-known and unpleasant side effects. For example, most NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs), if taken regularly, may have a damaging effect on the stomach lining and in some cases, can cause ulcers.

This, however, is an external preparation which works through the skin, whence it is absorbed into the bloodstream. A small amount (about the size of a 10p piece) is placed in the palm of the hand then massaged into the painful area for three to five minutes, once, or preferably twice daily.

The selling price in our previous shop was £5.00 for a 50ml bottle, but now, with reduced overheads and no VAT (yet), we are able to re-introduce this blend at an amazing £3.50.

Anyone who suffers from arthritis, rheumatism or any kind of joint or muscle pain will benefit from this wonderful product. Just go to the main site and look at 'Massage Blends' in the main menu.

Welcome to a pain-free world.

Take a VAT holiday!

This is just to remind you that we are not yet registered for VAT, so the prices on the site are the entire cost of the product. In other words, when you get to the checkout you don't get the VAT loaded on to your basket in addition to your purchases, which at current rates means that you save 20% by shopping at Phyto Essential Oils.

It's worth thinking about this because it means that, for the time being, we can offer our oils at cheaper prices without compromising quality.

Happy shopping,

Steve

As Dorothy Parker once said ...

We are now live! To take a quote from the great American wit and bonviveur, Dorothy Parker, when the death of President Calvin Coolidge was announced: 'How can they tell?'

Well, we are offering a wide range of products of the same quality as those formerly on sale in our old shop, which was based at Phytobotanica. This is no longer in existence, but we have risen, phoenix-like from the ashes of our former endeavour.

I am now standing behind a virtual counter to help with any information you may need about our products, and will pack and despatch them to you in quick time.

One great thing about the new website is that you will be able to read articles by Dr Jane, and take part in online tutorials with her. The popular talks and lectures Dr Jane used to give on the farm will now be translated into web dialogue in which you can take part. Keep looking at the Homepage for details, and let me know if you have any thoughts on any of the topics which may be raised.

'I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.' Who said that, in which film? (just for fun - no prizes)

Please let us know what you think of the site, either through this blog or Facebook.

All the best
Steve

The Last Post

I'm sorry to say that our shop on the farm has closed, but I have started a new internet shop, which is just about ready to 'go live' as www.phytoessentialoils.com and I hope you will take the trouble to pay a visit. The blog will continue with news and information on the new site, plus listings of all our products, so please let me know what you think about it.

In the meantime, please DO NOT ORDER FROM THE PRESENT PHYTOBOTANICA SITE, because we cannot guarantee to supply from there.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who has visited this blog, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Very best wishes,

Steve Collins

Versatile Chamomile

This pretty plant, which looks like a large daisy (as you can see from this photo of last year's harvest), has remarkable properties. The essential oil, extracted from the plant by steam distillation, when added to a smooth moisturising cream base is very effective for treating skin conditions, especially eczema and psoriasis. Our Roman Chamomile cream is probably the best selling line in the shop, retailing at £6.00 for a 60g jar.

But chamomile has other properties. It is of proven value as an anti-inflammatory agent, and can be mixed with a carrier oil such as Grapeseed or Sweet Almond to make a pain-relieving massage blend. Many customers with arthritis, rheumatism and various other sorts of joint or muscle pain, speak of miraculous results after a few applications of our Roman Chamomile Massage Blend. It's simple to use: just take a small amount of the blend (about the area of a 10p piece) in the palm of the hand and work it into the painful area, massaging gently for about 3-5 minutes. If you do this twice a day, morning and evening, you will find that the pain will soon begin to subside. We offer a 50ml bottle of Roman Chamomile Massage Blend for £5.00 (including VAT), available in the shop or on mail order.

These are just two of the amazing properties of the chamomile plant. Of course, if you just want to relax, you could follow Peter Rabbit's advice and enjoy a cup of Chamomile tea, or visit the farm and enjoy the unique fragrance of the chamomile fields.