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Friday, December 30, 2011

Prima Fleur Premier Skin Care: RADIANCE DAY & NIGHT CREME

Featuring only the purest and most effective ingredients, Prima Fleur Radiance Day & Night Crème [No. 1203] is for the most sensitive skin, offering hydration, gentle exfoliation, and anti-wrinkle efficacy. A natural, active compound derived from organic alfalfa offers retinol-like action to stimulate epidermis cell renewal and improve synthesis of collagen.

This crème is an anti-aging active for prevention of wrinkles and improving skin elasticity. This is an ideal ingredient for devitalized skin that is prone to slackening. Crithmum maritimum plays an important role, helping to reduce inflammation and redness by cooling the skin. Rose, neroli, lavender, chamomile and frankincense are some of nature’s most gentle botanicals that are idea for sensitive skin prone to redness, dryness, rosacea and eczema. It can be used day or night, offering your skin tremendous benefits, protection, and support.

Ingredients in bold are certified organic.
For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com ~ or call (415) 455-0957.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Prima Fleur Essential Oil: LAVENDER

Prima Fleur carries five kinds of Lavender essential oil and two kinds of Lavandin. We have organic, wild and cultivated. Please visit our website to see our extensive list of exquisite essential oils we source from around the world. Lavender is one of the most versatile of all essential oils, originated in the western Mediterranean, and was brought by monks to the northern parts of Europe more than 1,000 years ago.

Lavender essential oil is an effective ingredient for treating dry, sensitive skin, acne, and eczema. It inhibits acne-causing bacteria while soothing and helping to balance the over-secretion of sebum. It is also a natural antibiotic and antiseptic, which helps to reduce acne scarring and stimulates the growth of new cells to help rejuvenate the skin.

Lavender should have linalool and linalyl acetate in a proportion of 2:1 or about 40:20. It should never contain Camphor. If your Lavender has camphor in it, then you either have the wrong plants or the wrong earth. The essential oil is the expression of the earth in the plant. Camphor can be in Spanish Lavenders and spike Lavenders, but fine Lavender will have a soft and soothing scent.

Linalool is an alcohol like the alcohol in wine. The essential oil alcohols here are monoterpenols. They are bactericides, anti-infectious, antiviral, stimulating to the skin to heal, good general tonics, and free of hazards.

Linalyl acetate is an ester. Esters are gentle in action, soothing to the skin, anti-inflammatory, effective on skin rashes and other skin problems. They can both calm and uplift, and combined with the tonic virtues of alcohols, are very balancing, especially to the nervous system. This is why Lavenders are so desired by the skin care industry.

For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com ~ or call (415) 455-0957.


Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Skin Care for Men: Start with deep cleansing to clarify, exfoliate, and prepare the skin for shaving

Schisandra sphenanthera
A pre-shave oil does more than just help the blade glide across the skin; its lubricating properties will help plump up dead skin cells with moisture, pushing hairs away from the face and leaving them exposed for cutting. With a base of sunflower oil and shea butter, Treatment Oil for Sensitive Skin [No. 1207] immediately penetrates the skin, supporting moisture retention without clogging pores. Schisandra fruit extract reduces overactive cell turnover which can leave the skin dry and inflamed, and protects skin against stress factors. Helichrysum oil stimulates production and protection of new cells to rejuvenate skin. Palmarosa assists in reducing skin inflammation and helps to regulate sebum production. This treatment oil should be massaged into the skin and scalp.
For deep cleansing when time permits, Pomegranate Enzyme Mask [No. 1219] boosts hydration as it gently exfoliates without causing abrasion or inflammation. Enzymes from pomegranate and apple target lifeless cells, revealing newer, smoother skin with youthful vibrancy, depth, and luminosity. In addition to the cell turnover stimulated by exfoliation, an active derived from organic alfalfa encourages cell renewal and improves collagen synthesis to promote elasticity and prevent wrinkles, even for sensitive skin.

For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com ~ or call (415) 455-0957.

 

Skin Care for Men: A clean shave for fresh, smooth skin

Gotu Kola & Cypress Pore Refining Cleanser [No. 1202] includes a natural fruit acid complex with sugar cane, lemon, and orange extracts, which form a high-quality AHA complex that is less irritating than those found in comparable products. This complex has been proven effective at minimizing the appearance of wrinkles, age spots and fine lines. AHAs encourage the cell renewal process to be more like that of younger skin. The result is a fresher, smoother face with more even skin tone. These natural acids don't irritate, cause photosensitivity, or redness like other anti-aging ingredients such as Retin-A.

Larch Tree
Without the use of heavy waxes or excessive oil, our nutrient-rich Skin Conditioning Shave Creme [No. 1059] softens and prepares skin for shaving. without causing irritation or dryness. Because it penetrates the stratum corneum with an abundance of ingredients that hydrate, there is no irritation or dryness after use. It also contains ingredients - such as roseroot and larch - that protect against free-radical damage, help regenerate collagen, balance sebum production, and reduce any inflammation to maintain optimal skin health. Considered a longevity elixir, birch sap is a natural toning, firming and moisturizing ingredient particularly suited for men's products. 

For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com ~ or call (415) 455-0957.

 

Skin Care for Men: Healing, Protecting, and Renewing the Skin

Prima Fleur Aloe & Cucumber Face Balm [No. 1137] is an ideal after-shave for all skin types, and protects skin from common challenges such as razor burn and breakouts. Because it also contains ingredients that smooth and hydrate skin cells, it's an excellent twice-daily serum or light moisturizer. Vitamin A from carrot seed oil and omega 3 fatty acids from rare Indonesian kendi oil deliver powerful skin nutrition. Candida saitoana extract stimulates the cell detoxification process, and helps smooth the surface of the skin. Tests indicate it significantly reduces the level of oxidized proteins and peroxidized lipids.

 
Any of these products can be combined with one of our essential oil blends, such as Pharos, a rich blend of more than 20 extracts and essential oils - including frankincense, cardamom seed, juniper fruit, birch bark, vetiver, and bay laurel leaf - for a clean, sexy and masculine scent!
 
These Premier products have been developed for back bar use in spas an salons, and for amenity and private label applications. We have the capability to produce and package any of these products with your own branded labeling or packaging. The products also showcase our expanding inventory of the most sought after natural actives for use in custom formulations.
 
For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com ~ or call (415) 455-0957.

 

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Prima Fleur Absolute: FRANGIPANI

Frangipani Absolute [Prima Fleur No. 357] is imported from India. Frangipani is a small genus of extraordinary and fragrant flowers that is indigenous to the Americas and is now grown in many tropical areas. 
The flowers are solvent-extracted to produce an absolute. This absolute is thick and golden brown, almost solid, very viscous opaque, not intense odor that has many back notes of moss, hay, caramel, with an essence that is softly floral and woody. The absolute must be weighed to use; it dissolves slowly in alcohol and in any blend of essential oils. 
Frangipani works well with other floral odors and woods, and is a wonderful perfumery addition.
For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com ~ or call (415) 455-0957.
 

Monday, October 31, 2011

Prima Fleur Ingredient: ALOE VERA GEL

Aloe Vera Gel is one of the oldest medicinal plants known to science, and its remarkable healing abilities are due to its  anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. As a natural oxygenator that can draw and hold oxygen to the skin, Aloe is considered one of the most effective cellular renewal ingredients for use in skin care. 
Aloe is about 96% water and the remaining portion contains active ingredients including essential oil, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and glycoproteins. It has a composition similar to that of human blood plasma and seawater, and is extremely soothing and protective because its pH is the same as human skin. Prima Fleur uses only certified pure, whole leaf Aloe Vera, extracted by a patented process in the United States.
For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com ~ or call (415) 455-0957.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Prima Fleur Essential Oil: NIAOULI

Niaouli Essential Oil [Prima Fleur No. 187] is organic from Madagascar. It is a colorless to pale yellow, watery oil, non-viscous, medium intensity odor (4-5 on a 1-10 scale). The scent is pungent with herbs, a fungal and green subsidiary note and fruity, spicy back notes. The taste is herbaceous. Properties of this essential oil include anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and vermifuge, anti-infectious. It is useful for all sorts of skin ailments and disease, even as a gargle for sore or strep throat. It's also an effective ingredient for men's skin care products.

For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com ~ or call (415) 455-0957.
 
 

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Prima Fleur Essential Oil: LANTANA CAMARA

Lantana Camara Essential Oil [Prima Fleur No. 300] comes from fresh leaves of the plant grown organically in Madagascar. The yellow oil is clear, non viscous, with an intensity of 2 (1-10) and the scent is mild, slightly green, slightly fruity. The major constituents identified in the oil included β-caryophyllene (23.3%), α-humulene (11.5%), germacrene D (10.9%), davanone (7.3%) and γ-curcumene (6.3%).
photo by Zeynel Cebeci
Lantana camara (Verbenaceae) is an aromatic shrub up to 0.3-3” in height native to tropical America and was introduced elsewhere as an ornamental and hedge plant. The leaves are used in teas the treatment of tumors, tetanus, rheumatism, malaria; they possess diaphoretic, carminative, antiseptic properties, and are main source of phosphorous and potassium when used as green mulch. In Africa, an infusion of the leaves is used against rheumatism, asthma, coughs and colds. The oil is reported to possess insecticidal and repellent activities towards bees, mosquitoes and cattle flies. The leaf oil of L. camara exhibits antimicrobial activities. 

When used in a custom blend, Lantana essential oil should invoke a sense of calm. The mild, fruity scent is beneficial in skin care due to its anti-microbial properties.

For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com ~ or call (415) 455-0957.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Prima Fleur Essential Oil: CALENDULA

Calendula Total [Prima Fleur No. 502] is a wonderful ingredient to nourish dry skin. This natural product added to a good carrier oil are used in aromatherapy massage, and can be added any skin care product. It is a local remedy for pain; a healing remedy for cuts, scratches, skin boils or pimples; it is smoothing and soothing to the skin. It is also a useful remedy for the pain and swelling caused by the sting of a wasp or bee when rubbed on the affected area. Prima Fleur offers premier stock products with calendula for spas and body care salons. 
 
For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com ~ or call (415) 455-0957.


Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Prima Fleur Essential Oil: VERVEINE

Verveine Essential Oil [Prima Fleur No. 296] is from Morocco, steam-distilled from the leaf. This is a richly complex, delicately herbal and lemony scented oil. Even a small amount adds great depth, tenacity, and sophistication to a blend. It is used for healing skin care. Our Moroccan Verveine oil is distilled by a family-owned distillery near Meknes. Considering the yield is very low - about 0.3 to 0.5%, the price is remarkable, especially for what it adds to a blend.
 
For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com ~ or call (415) 455-0957.
 
 

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Prima Fleur Essential Oil: LEMON MYRTLE

Lemon Myrtle Essential Oil [Prima Fleur No. 370] contains high amounts of citral, up to 95%, and used to treat sinus infections and respiratory problems, and externally for athlete’s foot, acne, itching, and applied to an aching tooth. Use it in healthful blends and soaps for the lovely lemon odor. It is a slightly yellow oil, clear, non-viscous and watery, semi-intense odor (5-6 on a scale of 1-10 ), citrus odor predominating, some herbaceous and mildly woody back notes. Strong aromatic citrus peel taste.
 
For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com ~ or call (415) 455-0957.

 

Monday, September 12, 2011

Global View: "Takulandirani" (Welcome) to Malawi, Africa

Malawi is famous for its slogan “the warm heart of Africa” because of its warm, friendly people and abundant natural resources. Located in southern Africa, bordering Tanzania in the north, Mozambique in the east and south, and Zambia in the west, it ranks among the world’s most densely populated and least developed countries. The economy is predominately agricultural with about 85% of the population (over 13 million) living in rural areas.

We currently purchase a beautiful rose geranium oil from a community grower in Malawi. Our Rose Geranium Essential Oil [No. 157] is certified under the USDA’s National Organic Program as well as EU certified through BCS OKO-Garantie GMBH Germany. This oil is a gorgeous emerald green with heavy notes of rosy floral and herbal-infused honey.
 
Planting rose geranium crops in the fields of Malawi.
An abundant crop and the native workers who harvest it.

There are more than 700 varieties of cultivated geranium; however, most are grown for ornamental purposes only. The oil producing species are P. graveolens, P. radens and P. capitatum. Pelargoniums are native to South Africa, and the Sotho used a paste made from the leaves to treat wounds and abscesses. The well-known geranium oil "Bourbon" is produced from the cultivars Rose, which is a hybrid of P. radens and P. capitatum.

Distillation process ... and the final beautiful essential oil.

Between 300 and 500kg of plant material is required to obtain about 1kg of essential oil. Most of the essential oil glands are found in the leaves. After cutting, the plants are partially dried leaving less water to be vaporized and extracted from the plant material during the distillation, thereby increasing the yield of oil. Geranium oil has been described as a natural perfume complete unto itself. It is often used to scent soaps and detergents because, unlike many other essential oils, rose geranium's aroma profile is not readily affected by the alkaline nature of soap products. Rose geranium varies much across strains and distillations, in part because the plant is greatly influenced by the climate and soil in which it grows.

A borehole for running water ... food distribution.

We have recently received reports from the Rotary Club of Limbe and Gift of the Givers, two African-based organizations that have been developing community projects to improve the living standards of this profoundly poor area. Projects include improving agricultural production, water quality and sanitation, healthcare, education, access roads, as well as food and vitamin distribution, donations of solar lighting (many villages in the air have no electricity at all), and developing income-generating activities. We are proud to be part of the solution in this area as we contribute to this effort by supporting the growers who produce such a remarkable essential oil.
 
For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com ~ or call (415) 455-0957.


Sunday, September 11, 2011

GET GLOWING! by Ann Mincey

When was the last time you felt your inner ‘glow?’
After a great workout, dining on colorful and nutritious foods, awakening from a great night’s sleep?
Finishing a term paper, correctly answering several Jeopardy questions, debating a topic about which you feel passionate?
Rocking your baby to sleep, sending a gratitude note, sharing an intimate moment with your beloved?
Paying your monthly obligations by click or mail, balancing your checkbook, booking the long-desired dream vacation?
Ann Mincey glowing in Laguna Beach, California
Sitting in stillness and meditation, singing with others in Sunday morning worship, reading or listening to an inspirational speaker and feeling the resonance of his message?
These and a million other experiences are examples that affirm the truth that your inner glow - that sense of content, satisfaction, love -  is always ready to flood your being and spill out into your world.
When I first knew that this kind of ‘glowing’ was possible was in 1978 when I saw the first photo of the planet Jupiter printed on the cover of a news magazine. It looked surprisingly similar to the skin photomicrographs I had seen in the laboratories of Redken, where I was employed.
I began to read of the atmospheric elements of Jupiter and realized that we are, as Carl Sagan once said, “made of star stuff.” And when I attended my first yoga class I stood in the balanced “star” pose.
To my amazement, I realized that we look like the stars, are made of the same elements of the stars, and when we stand with arms and legs extended, we form a five-pointed star. Every atom of the universe moves out of the way so we can be in our space.
That truth alone sets us ‘glowing!’
When all these elements come together for you, you’ll suddenly realize, as I did, that each of us is a star  with a unique place to ‘glow.’  We no longer need to live in the lie of comparisons.
All we need do is pause to appreciate the multitude of glow opportunities in each of the five major areas of our lives ~ physical, mental, emotional, financial, spiritual ~ as we experience them each day. When we do that, the ‘glow’ that radiates from within us will easily spill over to those we encounter throughout our day. And they will be ignited and inspired to get their own glow on.
Start now! GET GLOWING!
....................................................................................................................................................................
Ann Mincey is the author of the book “Get Glowing – You Are a Star Right Where You Are," available through Amazon. Ann has received numerous awards and recognition for her contributions in business, philanthropy and leadership, has been a contributing writer to several beauty industry magazines, and has been quoted in Vogue, Elle, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, American Salon and other publications. After 32 years as Redken's global brand ambassador, Ann is now Director of Beauty and Spirit for Shape Your Life and Destination Rejuvenation resort/retreat programs.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Prima Fleur Premier Product: ANTI-INFLAMMATORY MUSCLE & JOINT GEL

“My doctor said there was nothing that could be done for the pain in my wrist. Arthritis was present where a fracture had improperly healed many years ago. His only suggestion was to take a popular (and costly) prescription drug. When I mentioned this to someone at Prima Fleur, she suggested I try their anti-inflammatory muscle and joint gel. Frankly, I didn’t expect very much from it. But to my amazement, after just 1 application, my pain virtually disappeared! I threw away the prescription. Now, whenever my wrist hurts, I spread a little joint gel on it. Within minutes, I get relief. Count me as one of your enthusiastic customers.” ~W. Wood, Jacksonville, Florida

In a pure base of Hawaiian seaweeds, water, and willow bark extract, the minerals and essential oils used in this penetrating wrap are specifically targeted to relieve the aches of abused and over-used joints and muscles. Arnica has traditionally been used as an immuno-stimulant and anti-inflammatory as early as the 16th century for the treatment of aches and sprains. Willow bark has natural preservative properties and is rich in natural tannins and salicylic acid.

Produced in the same manner as it was in time-honored shamanistic tradition, the extract is made by an aqueous infusion technique from freshly harvested bark collected in the spring. Reported to have analgesic, antiseptic, astringent, anti-pyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties, it has the added benefit from the tannins and beta-hydroxy acid of providing exfoliation to the skin. The multi-mineral cocktail of zinc, copper, and magnesium supplies the elements necessary for cell vigor and the maintenance of skin functions.  It stimulates cell turnover, restoring vitality.

The particular blend of essential oils in this Joint Gel [Prima Fleur No. 1044] has been carefully chosen for its anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory and purifying properties.  In addition to its fresh clean scent, the ginger, jasmine, and cistus provide a comfortable warming sensation which is soothing and relaxing.

This gel is good for athletes or when feet and legs are heavy tired and swollen from poor circulation which occurs during long airplane flights, prolonged standing or sitting. Also useful as a light moisturizer for arms and legs.  It penetrates quickly yet leaves skin feeling moist and supple without any oil or wax residue.

For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com ~ or call (415) 455-0957.


Monday, August 1, 2011

Muscle Relief Essential Oil Blend

“Four years ago my husband developed what is called a mucocele. These are usually encapsulated growths [in the brain] that could be viral or bacterially laden. We had to wait many months for a laboratory to make a new forehead plate for him. During the months of waiting, the growth continued getting bigger and bigger and it put pressure on my husband’s brain and eye socket. His eye was nearly swollen shut because the mucocele had grown so large. He was prescribed all of the oxycotin medications which did nothing for his pain and he did not want to go into the heavier pain medications. 

I studied which oils would help treat pain, strengthen his immune system, be antiviral, antibacterial and calming. I purchased hundreds of dollars of oils and your Muscle Relief Blend ... which contained all the oils that I had researched. We found that if I massaged him twice a day his feet, the front of his body and feet and back … he would experience no headaches. All day. For months. We experimented around with some blends that I put together and they did not work. Your Muscle Relief Blend was the perfect solution. I have shared your blend with many people who experienced success. We are now again facing some really radical complicated surgeries. There is one thing that I know I can rely on, and is of great comfort to me — your essential oils. So thank you Prima Fleur for your gifts and talents in making what we needed.”  ~ Mindy, Aromatherapist

Active ingredients for Prima Fleur Muscle Relief Essential Oil Blend [No. 6028]
  • Ravintsara Aromatica is an analgesic, anti-bacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, disinfectant, relaxant and tonic.
  • Basil is an anti-inflammatory and acts like aspirin, blocking the enzyme cyclooxygenase.
  • Peppermint is used to relieve headache, nausea, stress, pain and fever. It is also an immune booster.
  • Katrafay has been used for centuries as a healing oil after childbirth and is known to relieve headaches, tension, joint and muscle pain
For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com ~ or call (415) 455-0957.


Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Prima Fleur CO2 Extract: POMEGRANATE

While some CO2 extracts are essential oils that retain the delicate fragrance compounds in their original source, approximating the smell and even taste of the native plant material, others retain volatile and precious elements beneficial to the skin. Calming to dry and sensitive skins, pomegranate seed extract is age-protective, and aids in boosting self-repair and regeneration with essential fatty acids, tocopherols, and sterols.
 
Prima Fleur’s Pomegranate Seed CO2 Extract [No. 524], extracted in Germany, is highly recommended for use in moisturizing creams and lotions, anti-aging formulations, and formulations for dry, irritated, or chapped skin. It is very effective in softening dry, irritated and aging skin.
 
For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com ~ or call (415) 455-0957.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Prima Fleur Essential Oil: PETITGRAIN

Prima Fleur’s Wild Forest Petitgrain Essential Oil [No. 242], from the leaf of Citrus Aurantifolia in Madagascar, is certified organic by Ecocert. It’s a wonderful citrus woody scent for blends and perfume. Originally, petitgrain, which means “small seed,” was distilled from the immature and small, round, green fruits of the citrus trees. Of course, if you distill the fruits then there will be no mature fruit to eat or preserve. So, eventually the distillation was limited to the leaves and small branchlets but the oil is still called petitgrain.
 
For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com ~ or call (415) 455-0957.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Prima Fleur Essential Oil: MASSOIA BARK

What smells like coconut, comes from a tree bark in Indonesia, is CO2 extracted? Cryptocarya massoy - Massoia bark oil - is used in the flavor industry as an additive in butter and milk flavors The Massoia lactones are rare essential oil components and have only been found in a few other plants. Prima Fleur's Massoia Bark Oil [No. 251] makes an interesting addition in small amounts to blends and perfumes.
The massoia tree, C. massoia, is a species endemic to the island of New Guinea. It is a medium-sized tree with optimal growth in rainforests between 400 and 1000 meters in altitude. The aromatic bark from the tree has been an article of commerce for centuries. Massoia bark has a sweet, coconut-like aroma, and is steam-distilled to yield massoia bark oil. The bark is obtained by cutting the tree at the base, making circular incisions at one meter intervals, lifting the bark off and allowing it to dry.

For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com or call (415) 455-0957.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Prima Fleur Essential Oil: TURMERIC

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) contains curcumin. Curcumin is the active ingredient and has a wide range of therapeutic effects. Curcumin is known for its antitumor, antioxidant, anti-amyloid and anti-inflammatory properties. Science News wrote several bits of information about Turmeric in 2007. It appears to help prevent, and possibly treat, Alzheimer’s disease. Normally the herb or herb tea or extract is taken.
 
Prima Fleur’s Turmeric CO2 Select [No. 352] is organically-grown in India and extracted from the rhizomes. The extract is a deep orange-colored liquid (no wax), and is very nice in perfumery for both color and scent, and in your culinary endeavors where just a tiny amount adds a lot of scent and flavor.
 
For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com ~ or call (415) 455-0957.


Thursday, June 16, 2011

Prima Fleur Essential Oil: PEPPERMINT

Prima Fleur's Willamette Peppermint Essential Oil [No. 310] is from the Willamette Valley in Oregon, an organically grown leaf, wonderfully fruity, herbal and minty. It can be used for stomach ache with 1-drop of peppermint oil [Mentha x piperita] in a cup of water or tea. Or use it in your personal care products and blends. We also have white crystal peppermint [No. 231], and peppermint [No. 257] from the USA.
 
For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com ~ or call (415) 455-0957.


Prima Fleur Essential Oil: VANILLA, TOTAL

Vanilla comes from Mexico but is grown extensively in the tropics, most noticeable in Madagascar. Our Vanilla, Total [no. 507] is food-grade cultivated CO2 from Madagascar. Use it in perfumes, luscious skin care, aromatherapy blends - wherever you want that sweet childhood scent, care and love. We also have the absolute.
 
Vanilla planifolia is the only orchid being grown as a domestic plant. The long, slender fruits ('beans' or 'pods') are harvested before they ripen, but the powerful vanilla flavor only develops after a several months of special curing. The beans are spread in the sun in the morning, then covered and kept enclosed during the night. After a while, the green beans turn brown and the glycosidically bound vanillin is slowly liberated. It is understandable why vanilla is so expensive. The small, black ‘pricks’ in the desert are the seeds, which shows that true vanilla has been used. White fluffs on the surface of the vanilla pods are pure crystallized vanillin (not mold or insecticide), and a sign of high quality. 

For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com ~ or call (415) 455-0957.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Global View : Madagascar & Malawi, Africa

 Dateline 9 March 2011: “Thank you for your e-mail. We have not yet finished distilling the ylang-ylang oil. It's now 2.10 am here, near flowing small river and mountain. We are still waiting for the oil to be finished. I really enjoy distilling ylang-ylang oil here. Here is surrounded by exotic aroma. I will send you photo of the ylang water very soon.”  ~Prima Fleur supplier in Madagascar

“Both the Ylang Ylang and Geranium oils we sell come from countries that need so much support economically,” explains Marianne Griffeth, owner and lead chemist for Prima Fleur.

She continues, “The Ylang Ylang and one of our other Bourbon Geranium essential oils come from Madagascar. We have worked with the same family-owned Malagasy business for almost 20 years. We've been through some very tough times with political revolutions, hurricanes, and civil wars. We hosted the ambassador from Madagascar when he visited here. We purchased their entire production of their very first distillation of geranium about 18 years ago and have bought it every year since. 

Picking ylang ylang flowers in Madagascar
"Taking the oil" from the ylang ylang distillation

One of our Bourbon Geranium essential oils is from Malawi, Africa.  Malawi is one of the very poorest counties in Africa with a high incidence of HIV/AIDS. We work with people from Malawi who are trying to develop schools, energy plants, water-treatment plants, etc. Still in its early stages, the geranium project helps so many people. For holiday gifts last  year, we bought desks for an entire classroom at one of the schools and told our customers that was their gift! We are just about to receive their third distillation of beautiful, emerald-green, rose geranium oil. 

Rose geranium growing in Malawi Africa
Distilling rose geranium oil


We also get a very pretty geranium essential oil from Egypt. The prices have gone quite high there and it is currently difficult to get but we anticipate things leveling off soon. When they were in the middle of the peaceful civil uprising which led to the resignation of Mubarak, my supplier was in the middle of Tahrir square sending me video on his Blackberry. It was positively, wonderfully, thrilling! I told him, ‘Today, we are all Egyptians!’ After 9-11, many of my suppliers sent emails of sympathy, expressing their strong support and deep sadness for our loss. 

It is all these wonderful global business-to-business relationships that form tight bonds, especially when the trade is Fair Trade. If we are ever to have peace in the world, I am convinced the way that we honor each other in these relationships is one of the keys.”