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Friday, April 26, 2013

Prima Fleur Essential Oil: CALENDULA CO2

Calendula CO2 Extract [Prima Fleur No. 502], Calendula officinalis marigold flower extract is supercritical carbon extracted from flowers organically grown in Germany. It is used in in both cosmetics and pharmaceuticals for treatment of dry and sensitive skin as well as for burns, bruises and irritations. It contains 17-25% faradiol esters which have significant anti-inflammatory effects. It also contains carotenes evidenced by its amazing golden-orange color. It is enjoyed by perfumers for its rich, sweet, warm, and somewhat floral scent that is exquisite in salves and healing balms. When heated slightly in a Bain Marie (water bath) it easily blends into other essential oils. It may be added to vegetable oils directly by first warming and stirring the calendula with a small amount of the vegetable oil before mixing into the entire batch. Because of the intense color, a conservative dosage of 0,1 - 0,3 % is recommended. Experience calendula CO2 blended with neroli, palmarosa, rose, and Australian sandalwood in our Calendula Hydra Boost Face Lotion [No. 1217].

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, April 24, 2013

Wholesome Waters

As the weather warms, freshen your face, freshen the air, and cool the skin with the potent aromatic waters known as hydrosols. Produced similarly to essential oils, through steam distillation, hydrosols can be misted directly on the skin without dilution, and are gentler than essential oils themselves, although they still naturally bear anti-inflammatory and antiseptic benefits. Because they contain water-soluble beneficial compounds, hydrosols also make excellent bases for or additions to water-based products for custom development.

How do our growers and distillers make our hydrosols? Pristine plant material is exposed to steam to create essential oils. Once the steam cools into water, the molecules of essential oil float to the top. The two are separated, and the water left behind is hydrosol. The scent of these hydrosols is similar to that of the essential oil, but more delicate. (In fact, due to this delicate nature, hydrosols should be refrigerated or preserved for storage.)

We offer more than a dozen hydrosols. A few to try:
  • A guardian of health for mind and body, rosemary has an aroma that lifts the cloak of melancholy, restoring a sense of well-being. Rosemary Hydrosol [Nos. 719 and 729, organic] is an excellent tonic for sluggish skin, as it stimulates microcirculation and balances hydration and oil production. Blend with Rose Geranium, Lavender, and/or Rose before using.
  • Lovely for anyone, any time of year, Rosewater [No. 701] has been used throughout the ages to restore radiance to skin. The most precious of all flowers, rose represents earthly passion and divine enlightenment. There is no need to add anything to enhance rosewater, but it can bring beauty to medicinal scents and soften heavier herbals. Ours is certified organic and sourced in Bulgaria, where the finest rose oils and rosewaters are produced.
  • From Northern California, Rose Geranium Hydrosol [No. 707] is excellent for relieving the discomfort of hot flashes from mid-life changes. It balances the skin and calms redness. Excellent paired with Peppermint Hydrosol [No. 717] for a summer cooler.
Sampling is strongly recommended before purchase as we do not accept returns on hydrosols.

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, April 3, 2013

Inspired Treatments with Sage

Marianne Griffeth shares her expertise in this American Spa article about out how sage-inspired treatments and products provide clients with herbal healing. Click to read the full article!