Season's Greetings

I'm sorry the blog has been quiet these last six months, but we have been very busy. Some interesting new products are planned for the New Year so watch this space.

In the meantime, have a great Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year!

Summer Savings

Hi everyone,

This is just  a quick note to point out some price reductions we have put in place over the entire range of essential oils. Look in particular at the higher quantities (50ml and 100ml), there are some fantastic bargains to be had.

I hope we all have a lovely summer. Enjoy! 

Litsea Cubeba (May Chang)

Litsea Cubeba essential oil is distilled from the fragrant fruits of a tree which grows in eastern Asia and is cultivated in Taiwan, Japan and China, where the bulk of the oil is produced. Julia Lawless describes the characteristics of the oil as follows:
'A pale yellow mobile liquid with an intense, lemony, fresh-fruity odour (sweeter than lemongrass but less tenacious).' 

The oil has been used in skin care for 'acne, dermatitis, excessive perspiration, greasy skin, insect repellent and [wait for it] spots [she says without further explanation] '. Furthermore, it is 'extensively used as a fragrance component in air fresheners, soaps, deodorants, colognes, toiletries and perfumes.'

Commonly known as May Chang (which always reminds me of a Chinese actress in the early days of Hollywood silent movies), this versatile oil is very reasonably priced, and great in the burner to freshen the kitchen or bathroom. As part of our on-going and extensive price-reduction policy, May Chang is now just £2.00 for 5mls (down from £2.45), £2.40 for 10mls (was £3.20), £5.63 for 50mls (was £7.20) and £9.66 for 100mls (formerly £11.20). 

More about boxes

We have had a number of enquiries about boxes, so here's the latest news about the 24-hole boxes we have in stock. We now have some beautifully carved hardwood boxes with brass inlay (capacity: 24 x 5ml bottles), which are on the site at £15. I hope you like them, here they are: roll of drums and fanfare - ta da!!

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.