Some old friends return

What about that summer we've just had? I use the past tense because we have now returned to our normal summer, which is indistinguishable from winter. I don't know about you but I love the sunshine, which seems to put everyone in a better mood. I actually heard some people complaining that it was too hot! This is of course a typically British response - we love to complain,  especially about the weather (Ali, as a Canadian,  I know you are far too sensible to indulge in that sort of thing).

Anyway, I was going to mention the fact that we have managed to obtain top-quality supplies of a few items in the creams line that have been missing from our lists for a while. I'm pleased to announce that we now can offer once again the Apricot Kernel Facial Scrub, in which the finely milled apricot kernel shells penetrate the skin, removing dead cells, producing a softening and toning effect. This scub was previously only available in 60ml jars, but now we are able to supply the product in 120ml and 200ml sizes, which are relatively better value. Look out also for Calendula Cream, and base products White Lotion and Cleanser.

Box Clever

This is an photo of our 24 hole aromatherapy box, which can accommodate 5ml and/or 10ml bottles. The price remains at £10.

Sorry, out of stock!

Aloe, aloe, aloe, what's all this 'ere?

The reason I'm going on about this is that we have obtained a fresh supply of top-quality Aloe Vera gel, which we are offering at £4.50 for a 60g jar. We also have Aloe Vera in a moisturising cream base at £5.50 per 60g jar. Both can be found in the menu on the Homepage under Skin Care, creams. The benefits of this remarkable plant are all explained below. The only remaining question is: who is Vera? 

 (Information from www.newhealthguide.org)

Aloe vera truly is a miracle plant. Grown in drier climates such as those of Africa and India, this herbal remedy can provide natural relief for a variety of conditions including dry skin and severe acne. The beneficial part of the aloe vera plant can be found in the clear, sappy substance hidden in its long, thick leaves. 

Benefits of Aloe Vera for the face:

Moisturize	Because aloe vera possesses excellent moisturizing capabilities it is commonly used as a daily skin cream. It is excellent for facial use, especially for women who use makeup frequently, as it effectively cleans and softens the skin. The moisturizing effect works for both men and women.
Treat Acne	The antimicrobial properties of aloe vera also make it an excellent option for acne treatment. Not only will aloe vera help to prevent acne, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the skin inflammation caused by acne.
Fight Skin Aging	Applying aloe vera gel to your face regularly will help to diminish the lines and wrinkles associated with ageing and loss of elasticity in the skin. This is due to the simple fact that aloe vera contains both vitamin C and E, both of which are known to be vital for healthy skin and also help to improve natural firmness, leaving your skin soft, supple and hydrated.
Treat Sunburn	The healing properties of aloe vera gel can additionally help to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with sunburn. It serves to restore your skin's natural moisture and also acts as a protective barrier against further damage.

Shaving

The razor is a surgical instrument. Up to and including the 18th century, the professions of barber and surgeon were practised by the same person, and the red and white poles seen outside barbers' shops told their own bloody story. The process of shaving removes many of the skin's natural oils along with the unwanted hair, causing dryness,discomfort and sometimes more serious damage, resulting in rashes and sore patches. Our Smooth Shaving Oil contains a combination of frankincense, organic lavender, bergamot, eucalyptus and tea tree oils in a grapeseed carrier, giving a combination which is effective for skin repair, rehydration and anti-sepsis. It smells nice too! A 10ml rollerball bottle is currently £3.50. To order, look under 'Blends' in the menu on the left hand side of the Homepage.

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,

“Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun; Conspiring with him how to load and bless With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run; To bend with apples the moss’d cottage-trees, And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core; To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells With a sweet kernel; to set budding more, And still more, later flowers for the bees, Until they think warm days will never cease, For Summer has o’er-brimm’d their clammy cells.” Don't you just love Keats's poem? I always think of it it when walking over the fields in Scarisbrick, inhaling the rich scents of Autumn, and watching the skeins of geese heading for Martin Mere. I started thinking of essential oils (never far from my mind), and wondered what would be the appropriate aromas for the season. Here are ten that sprung immediately to mind, listed in alphabetical order: Bay, Benzoin, Bois de Rose (Rosewood),Cardamon, Cedarwood, Clove bud, Ginger, Nutmeg, Patchouli, Sandalwood. What do you think? Any suggestions would be gratefully received.

Summer Offers on new creams and gels

The picture shows four of our luxury creams and gels. There are two new ones and two that you might already be familiar with, and they're all on offer for the summer. NEROLI, made from orange blossom, is one of the most beautiful, fragrant and expensive oils you can buy. It also stimulates circulation and the regeneration of skin cells, so makes the ideal ingredient in skin preparations. We have put this wonderful oil into a non-greasy gel, which is now on offer for an amazing £4.50 for a 60ml jar. ALOE VERA AND SEAWEED EYE GEL helps reduce the fine lines and wrinkles in the delicate skin around the eyes. Aloe Vera is well known for its gentle healing and moisturising properties, while Seaweed is rich in minerals and a good source of vitamin B12. These are just two out of our extensive range of skin care products. Have a look at the full list on the main site. Finally, it is with some trepidation that I mention our AFTER SUN GEL, which is also on offer. When I recommended this on the blog last year it rained for the following two months, but hey, I'm not (very) superstitious, so here goes ...

Oil of the Angels

Here's a quote from the wonderful Julia Lawless on Angelica archangelica 'It strengthens the heart, stimulates the circulation and the immune system in general. It has been used for centuries in Europe for bronchial ailments, colds, coughs, indigestion, wind and to stimulate the appetite. As a urinary antiseptic it is helpful in cystisis, and is also used for rheumatic inflammation.' As if that wasn't enough, this amazing oil smells nice too. It finds its way into soaps, perfumes, colognes, and is even used as a flavouring agent in food and alcoholic drinks, especially (hic) liqueurs. Cheers! Organic Angelica Seed oil is the latest addition to our range. Why not give it a try?