Pages

Monday, April 11, 2011

Global View - Jakarta, Indonesia

We're sharing here an email from one of our suppliers who is building a new facility in Jakarta for harvesting and distilling Cinnamon. We are committed to supporting our global suppliers as they work toward creating sustainable communities around the world. 

"Ten years ago, when we established ourselves in Jakarta, we chose to work in an industrial area in the city center. For those of you who have visited Jakarta recently, experiencing the heavy traffic, we understand that it's time for us to move away from the capital. We have fortunately found a very nice plot of land, 40km from the city in a Japanese-owned industrial park.

Last week we had the official ground breaking ceremony, and our Jakarta mapKorean contractor is estimating that the factory will be done by June. The configuration of this new facility will allow us to increase productivity, provide a better guarantee of food, safety, and security, while working in better conditions.

So, to sum things up:  a French-owned company, operating in Indonesia, using a Korean contractor, in a Japanese industrial park. Can't be more international than that." - Francois Bernard
 

Premier Organic Regimen for Sensitive Skin

While being gentle in nature for the most sensitive skin, each of these Ecocert certified organic products features potent natural actives to target the "assault on youth" by the multitude of environmental and internal stress factors we experience throughout the day. 

Stress Relieving Cleansing Crème [Prima Fleur No.1201] - to cleanse away emotional stress while calming redness with anti-inflammatory schisandra, anti-oxidant seabuckthorn, and anti-irritant rhatany extracts. Developed to be massaged into tired, stressed skin, this gentle crème cleanser helps skin resist external stress factors while stabilizing lipid and moisture balance. An aromatic escape is provided by rose, neroli, lavender and chamomile, pure essential oils among the gentlest botanicals in nature, ideal for treatment of sensitive skin.

Immortelle Facial Mist [Prima Fleur No.1213] - to quench and revitalize exhausted cells with regenerative helichrysum and a sweet lupine extract, rich in oligosaccharides and glutaminated peptides to improve the synthesis of structural proteins and epidermal lipids. This intensely-soothing mist regenerates and preserves the barrier function of the skin. 

Radiance Day & Night Face Crème [Prima Fleur No. 1203] - to nourish skin with this delicate crème, abundant with organic actives, and featuring alfalfa extract, an anti-aging active for prevention of wrinkles and improving skin elasticity. This potent organic delivers retinol-like action to stimulate epidermal cell renewal and improve synthesis of collagen without the negative irritation factors of retinol. This is an ideal crème for devitalized, sensitive skin prone to slackening.

Samphire Eye Crème [Prima Fleur No. 1214] - to soothe the delicate eye area. The first sensation upon application is a dramatic feeling of soothing, cooling relaxation of the eye area. It is provided by our namesake ingredient, Crithmum maritimum, commonly called samphire, an aromatic water which has the ability to induce the skin's endorphin release from keratinocytes and  sensory neurons, providing a sensation of soothing calmness. Buckwheat is rich in phytosterols, which have a combined action that reduces fat production; obtained by CO2 extraction, this extract treats fatty deposits under the skin, creating a dramatic reduction in age-related puffiness. Endorphins activate opiate receptors expressed in the limbic or "emotional" brain, which plays an important part in the sensation of pleasure. Each ingredient in this all-botanical formula is selected for efficacy and gentleness, specifically addressing eye area issues of skin wrinkling, loss of elasticity, puffiness, hyper-pigmentation, reversal and prevention of free-radical damage.

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, March 14, 2011

The Wonders of Rhatany

Rhatany Root (Krameria Lappacea), derived from the rain forests in South and Central America, is a skin care ingredient with anti-oxidative, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory efficacy. Ideal for defense against aging and external stress, Rhatany supports the skin repair and cell turnover. It is also effective as an internal astringent, and is especially useful in relieving bleeding gums, halting blood flow and reducing bruising. Experience the healing power of Rhatany in our new ECOCERT® Rhatany Heel-all Foot Crème.
 
Rhatany Heel-All Foot Crème [No. 1113]
It is said that the average person takes between 7,000-10,000 steps per day! That’s quite a feat for our feet! To get the most mileage, it’s crucial that we care for our feet and legs with nurturing self massage, therapeutic aromatherapy and moisturizing crèmes. Prima Fleur’s Rhatany Heel- All Foot Crème combines the best of our effective raw ingredients, like Aloe vera and shea butter, with exemplary botanicals, like Rhatany root extract. Rhatany is the perfect addition to a foot crème due to its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory efficacy. It is also known to supportthe natural repair system of tissue, which is beneficial for the heels, or other calloused or rough areas. Our calophyllum inophyllum from Madagascar is known to treat most skin ailments including cuts, blisters, burns, psoriasis, acne, and dry skin. It nourishes and regenerates cells and has been used in Chinese and Tahitian traditional medicine for abrasions, odor and muscle and joint pain caused by inflammation. Peppermint, Spearmint, Lemon and Grapefruit are among the essential oils that provide a burst of fragrance as well as additional anti-fungal support. These therapeutic botanicals are blended in a rich base of Ugandan Shea Butter, Sunflower Seed oil, Orange Peel wax and Beeswax.

 
For more information on products and ingredient lists, please visit our website. To place an order, please call (415) 455-0957.

 

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.