Pages

Monday, February 28, 2011

Roseroot

Rhodiola rosea root extract
Relief for stressed skin and an anxious body, this extract is a natural active ingredient that produces relaxation and a profound sense of wellness when applied to skin. The stimulation of beta-endorphin production and the strong antioxidant properties make it a true phyto-tonic. The root extract has traditionally been used to increase physical endurance and longevity. It has been used to relieve high-altitude sickness, nervous system disorders, fatigue and even depression. Found in our Samphire Eye Crème [Prima Fleur No. 1214], and Ecocert-certified products.

More About Roseroot ~ by Marianne Griffeth
The plant, also known as Golden Root or Arctic Root is a member of the Crassulaceae family. It is a low-growing (up to 70 cm) plant found in sandy soils, in high Arctic latitudes and mountain regions of Europe and Asia. It is a perennial with a thick rhizome that is golden outside and pink inside Both its yellow blossoms and the rhizomes have a rose-like aroma, hence the name, rosea, given by Linnaeus.
Chemical analysis reveals six groups of active constituents: Phenylpropanoids, phenylethanol derivatives, flavonoids, and monoterpenes, triterpenes, and phenol acids. The dried roots contain 0.05% essential oil. Phenylpropanoids, rhodioloside and tyrosol are considered the active compounds in the extract.

Extensive studies over the past 35 years in Russia and Scandinavia show it is an adaptogen. By increasing neurotransmitter levels, it improves central nervous system activity, strengthening the body’s resistance to stress, trauma, anxiety and fatigue. Rhodiola rosea promotes the synthesis of opioid peptides, thus stimulating central and peripheral receptors, resulting in mood improvement and general physical enhancement. The abundant polyphenolic compounds provide potent antioxidant 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.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Alpine Rose

Rhododendron ferrugineum leaf cell culture extract
NATURAL cert. ECOCERT
Alpine roses may be found growing wild in Switzerland at altitudes of about 2000 meters. Traditionally, they are known for their many medical benefits, but the plant is rare and so the best way to utilize its properties is by producing phyto-stem cells. Natural cell cultures from the leaves are used to produce live plant stem cells. Used in skin care, they help preserve the function of human epidermal stem cells creating a stronger barrier and contributing potent anti-oxidant protection. They increase the vitality of epidermal stem cells and protect them against UV-induced stress. 
Available for use in custom product development.

More About Alpine Rose  ~ by Marianne Griffeth
Alpine plants developed a variety of ways to withstand the extreme conditions of temperature, sun exposure (both intense and non-existent), poor soil, and high altitude.  A rare variety of Rhododendron produces leaves and flowers that are used in a variety of treatments including rheumatic disorders, neuralgia, muscle pains and migraine.  Today, the plant is used for homeopathy and external applications.  The leaves have dehydrins (proteins that protect them from dehydrating and freezing) and polyphenols to protect them from free radicals.

For more info on Prima Fleur products and essential oils, please visit our website.




Thursday, February 24, 2011

Dog Rose

Rosa canina (rosehip) fruit extract
USDA / NOP ORGANIC cert. by CERES 
The canina species is given the common name, dog rose, due to the belief that its medicinal value extended to curing rabies.  It is the variety of rose most commonly used for its rosehips in jams, syrup, tea, and wine. Leaf tea is said to have a wound-healing benefit. Native to Europe (imported to Britain via the Roman Empire), northwest Africa, and western Asia, it now grows wild or is cultivated in many parts of the world [PRIMA FLEUR No. 515].

More about Dog Rose ~ by Marianne Griffeth
This reddish-yellow clear oil, produced by supercritical CO2 extraction from the fruits and seeds under the use of natural carbon dioxide has a valuable fatty acid content of 41-59% linoleic acid (C18:2, omega-6), 20-35% alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3, omega-3), 12-22% oleic acid (C18:1, omega-9), small amounts of stearic and palmitic acid, tocopherol and traces of carotenoids.  This makes it very useful in treating chapped skin, neurodermatitis, and irritated skin. It is a rich source of bio-active compounds such as flavonoids with high antioxidant capability.  It is currently being studied for its food use as well as its possible use in halting or reversing the growth of cancers and its ability to inhibit oxidative stress. 

For more info on Prima Fleur products and essential oils, please visit our website.


Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Prima Fleur Essential Oil: ROSE GERANIUM

Pelargonium graveolens (geranium) leaf oil - USDA ORGANIC cert. BCS Öko-Garantie GmbH
We are pleased to tell you about our new Malawi geranium. Although we are very loyal to our suppliers from Madagascar and Egypt, our new Malawi Geranium is becoming quite a hit. The project is so worthy and the essential oil is exquisite. 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. Its oil is very special because of its scent quality as well as the source [Prima Fleur No. 157].
We also take this very appropriate time to honor our Egyptian Geranium [Prima Fleur No. 126]. We are expecting in the next few months to receive more Madagascar Bourbon Geranium [Prima Fleur No. 132] which has been in short supply.

More about Rose Geranium ~ by Jeanne Rose
History and Growing Conditions: The great part of the world’s supply of Pelargonium oil comes from the island of Réunion (Bourbon), a very fertile island about 400 miles east of Madagascar. The plant was introduced to the island in about 1880. The original plant grown for essential oil production was different from that cultivated today.

In about 1900 P. graveolens was introduced from Grasse in France and was a plant that grew larger and bushier, and therefore produced more oil—and the oil was of a sweeter, more rose-like odor. Since Pelargonium changes and develops according to the climate and soil type in which they are grown, the essential oil of Réunion also changed and altered.

Reunion oil contains more citronellol than that grown in France and less than that grown in Egypt and China. Pelargonium plants like a soil that is neither moist nor dry, a temperate climate with sea moisture (such as occurs in San Francisco) and do not like periods of heavy rain or torrid heat. Cuttings of this plant have been taken throughout the world and various plantings have been started.

Bourbon Geranium • Quest for the True Bourbon
By Jeanne Rose from AROMAtherapy 2037• APP, Winter 99/00
How many times have you heard about an essential oil called Geranium Bourbon? Did you stop to think what that was? Though I know what it means, I was bored and looking for information one day in a cabin in northern Canada and decided to call the various geographic survey organizations to see if they could tell me where Bourbon was.

Geranium Bourbon means that is a Pelargonium, probably grown on the Ile de Bourbon. However, if you look at a world map there is no Ile de Bourbon. The National Geographic Company that maintains maps from all over the world couldn’t find it. The organization that maps the world via satellite, however, did give me the correct information.

Bourbon was renamed Réunion in 1793. Réunion is the largest of the Mascarene Island group located in the Indian Ocean, SE of Madagascar. Réunion is a volcanic island, 3,069 meters (10,000 feet) high. St. Denis is the capital and it was founded by the French and named after the French royals, the Bourbons, in 1643. Bourbon is a seigniory in Central France as well. Ile de Bourbon (now Réunion) was named after this French family who were the rulers of France from Henry IV in 1589 until 1793.

Could you please tell me why we still call this particular Pelargonium Geranium Bourbon when it is now grown in Madagascar? Why is it that aromatherapy enthusiasts and herbal practitioners are so dreadfully behind in their geography and Latin binomials? In fact, in Guenther’s six volumes, The Essential Oils, the word ‘Bourbon’ does not exist. These books are copyrighted in 1950 and have managed to call Réunion by its correct name, which it has held since 1793. It goes on to say, “The greater part of the world’s total supply of Geranium oil” came from Réunion (formerly called Bourbon). But now this is no longer true as other countries are now producing quite a bit of ‘Geranium’ oil.

A fine, green-colored Geranium oil from Pelargonium graveolens comes from Madagascar; another supply comes from China, and some from the United States. So okay! Forget the word Bourbon when it comes to Geranium essential oil, because it just does not exist. Learn your essential oils by Latin binomial, variety, chemotype and part of the plant that produces the essential oil.

Bibliography:
·      Rose, Jeanne • “A Profile of Geranium”, Scentsitivity Magazine, 1996.
·      Guenther, Ernest • The Essential Oils. Kreiger, 1950.
·      Encyclopedia Britannica

http://www.CopperStills.com
http://www.aromaticplantproject.com

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, February 22, 2011

Prima Fleur Carrier Oil: ROSE HIP SEED OIL

Certified USDA Organic Rosa mosqueta oil [Prima Fleur No. 433] is a fantastic addition to face and body massages oils and face and body serums. You will also find it in our facial massage oil for dry, aging, and/or menopausal skin. It is one of the best vegetable oils for treating skin that exhibits the effects of environmental damage. Used traditionally to treat scarred, burned, and weathered skin. 
From the mountains of Chile, this naturally extracted organic oil is a complete product in itself having proven therapeutic benefits unlike other vegetable oils. It was first thought the positive regeneration properties of the oil were due to the high level of essential fatty acids: over 45% linoleic acid, 33% linolenic, and 14% oleic acid. Although beneficial to skin, there was more significant regeneration activity credited to trans-retinoic acid, a derivative of retinol (vitamin A).

Some of the most remarkable benefits have been found in treatment of photo-aged skin. While treatment with synthetic forms of Vitamin A produce undesirable side effects, the natural “time-release” properties of Rose Hip Seed Oil eliminate any risks. It is often suggested for treatment of dermatitis and scarring. It is also useful in hair and scalp treatments.

More about Rosehip Seed ~ by Jeanne Rose
Rose Hip Seed oil, FAMILY: Rosaceae and the Common Name: Rosa mosqueta, which is not a recognized species.

Habitat & Growth: Rose Hips are the fruiting (seed-holding) bodies of the Rose that develop after the rose has been fertilized, petals drop off, the hip (uterus) enlarges, and forms seeds. The hips are picked when ripe and are very high in vitamin C. The seed is removed and pressed to extract the oil, which is often deep red (when some of the fleshy hip is left) or clear. It often has a strong, almost fishy odor. 

Properties, Indications & Uses: It has been found to be a very effective skin treatment. Promotes tissue regeneration. Good for scars, burns, and wrinkles. Can be used as-is, or diluted with other vegetable oils and used in blends for skin treatment. 
 
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.

 

Monday, February 21, 2011

Prima Fleur Essential Oil: BOURBON ROSE

Rosa bourboniana (rose) flower oil, (Rosa gallica x Rosa chinensis): Bourbon Rose [Prima Fleur No. 356] is an absolute from India possessing a warm, sweet, spicy scent that takes its time to unfold and fill the air with its mystical, heady presence. The absolute has distinct olfactory characteristics from Rosa damascena and Rosa centifolia – it presents an amber, green and honey note with a rich floral rose heart.

More about Bourbon Rose ~ by Jeanne Rose
Rosa bourboniana absolute is extracted in Southern India in the state of Tamil Nadu. The deciduous shrub is also grown extensively in Rajasthan but its main use is for the production of attar, gulkand and rose water with a small amount of essential oil being produced in that dry desert region. Used in ceremonies and celebrations, petals are showered on the most fortunate honorees.

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.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Prima Fleur Essential Oils: ROSEMARY from Morocco

 
When our latest shipment of wild Moroccan Rosemary, cineole variety, arrived, we opened it and at once the air was perfumed with the fresh, purifying, expansive, and perfectly delicious aroma. Distilled from the flowering tops of plants growing wild near Meknes, it is the variety preferred for respiratory blends. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) leaf oil variety 1.8 Cineole [Prima Fleur No. 203] is distilled from plants abundant in sunny North Africa bordering the Mediterranean. The oil is clear in color, with a strong, expansive scent, a characteristic indication of its high percentage of cineole (typically around 40%). It is quite likely the featured oil in a famous old-world remedy, the Four Thieves Vinegar, which was purported to prevent epidemics. Cineole rosemary blends well with many other essential oils and is particularly beneficial used in massage oils for the body. It is used more often for sinus and respiratory symptoms than for skin care. It is said to be anti-depressant, fortifying, and uplifting.

See our other Rosemary essential oils: Corsican Rosemary verbenone [Prima Fleur Nos. 114, 345, 508]. The CO2 Rosemary verbenone and our California-grown and distilled certified organic Rosemary Hydrosol [Nos. 719 and 729] are perfect for mid-life phyto-tonics as well as sluggish, congested skin and teen-problematic skin conditions.  
 
For information on our essential oils 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.


Friday, February 18, 2011

Prima Fleur Essential Oils: BULGARIAN ROSE

 
Our supplier in Bulgaria
Rosa damascena (rose) flower oil ~ A visit from the queen of flowers will mend the tender heart. The pure essential oil of rose is a complete bouquet for skin-revitalization, circulation, and toning. If, in the evolution of plants, the first flower is praised as a glorious gift to Earth’s botanical menu, the first rose represents the beginning of the Belle Époque and no doubt, the Bulgarian Rose is the Queen! We gladly offer the precious essential oil, steam-distilled Rosa damascena from Bulgaria, now at a new lower price for spring 2011 [Prima Fleur No. 207]. We also offer the same variety of rose as an absolute [Prima Fleur No. 294].

More about Bulgarian Rose ~ by Jeanne Rose
The Bulgarian oil-bearing Rose was descended from the town of Damascus – this is why it was called Rose “damascene” in the past. According to some sources, it was transferred by the coming of the Turks from Damascus and into the region of Stara Zagora, and later on to the valleys of the Stryama and Tundzha rivers, Karlovo region and to a part of the Kazanluk fields where if has found its finest habitat. The Kazanluk Rose oil and water is appreciated not only here but all around the world.
 
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.