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.

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!

 

Prima Fleur Essential Oil: GINGER

Ginger is a wonderful essential oil. We have three kinds: Ginger Ecocert Organic from Madagascar [Prima Fleur No. 133], Ginger Wild steam-distilled from the root from India [No. 230], and CO2-extracted Ginger Total from Nigeria [No. 510]. The scent of all three is spicy, but there are delicious nuances that make each different. Fresh ginger tea has been shown to reduce gastric secretions and capsules of dried ginger are effective in reducing motion sickness. Ginger oil can be added to food or added to make spicy perfumes.

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: THYME

A manger herb, thyme, along with rosemary, bedstraw and pennyroyal, are used in home decorations. These fragrant herbs had a pleasing antiseptic fragrance the kept the bed of the baby Jesus wholesome, free from vermin. Thyme is a symbol of bravery and associated with Jesus, as he would have to endure much suffering and have to be courageous and patient. The essential oil can be used to fragrance your blends, spray on your decorations, use in your skin care and add to the festive mood. We have Thyme CT borneol [Prima Fleur No. 232] and Thyme CT linalool [No. 181].

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: GALBANUM

Galbanum (Ferul galbanifera) gum extract is a natural fatty gummy resin, and the essential oil is steam-distilled from the resin. It has a strong green odor and is used as a fixative in perfume and incense. Its anti-inflammatory qualities make it a wonderful aid for poor circulation and can be used in hot compresses for most pain relief. Since it is antiseptic and antimicrobial, wounds are more quickly healed. It has soothing properties, especially on aching hands, feet or joints. The essential oil [Prima Fleur No. 200] is used in skin products for revitalizing aging skin and in body care products to warm.

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 Premier Skin Care: GOTU KOLA & CYPRESS PORE REFINING CLEANSER

Gotu Kola & Cypress Pore Refining Cleanser [Prima Fleur 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. Ecocert Greenlife certified, 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 or cause photosensitivity or redness like other anti-aging ingredients such as Retin-A.

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: LITSEA CUBEBA

Litsea cubeba (May Chang) is a small tropical tree with lemon scented leaves and flowers and small berries which resemble peppers. Organoleptic Description of Oil: A pale yellow liquid, clear, not-viscous, intensity 5-6, taste, tart, and irritating, with a tart lemon-fresh and fruity odor. The scent of May Chang has been compared to lemongrass and lemon verbena. It is most valued for its antiseptic properties when used externally in skin care.

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: MYRRH

Myrrh is a resin extract, and one of the most ancient extracts used in medicine, ritual, ceremony, and sacrament, dating back as far as 4500 B.C.E. The Egyptians used this precious oil for embalming the dead as well as for beautifying practices. One of the Twelve Oils of Ancient Scripture, myrrh is mentioned in the Bible dozens of times, most often as a gift or the base oil in ointments and salves. In fact, it was so commonly used during the time of Christ that the Greek word for “ointment” and the Greek word for “myrrh” were the same: muron. It is known that Chinese, Egyptian, and Indian herbalists used myrrh as an inhalant and for religious sacrament more than 4,000 years ago. Today, myrrh is still considered special and is used in meditation, massage, and perfumery.

Our Myrrh Essential Oil [Prima Fleur, No. 196] is from Ethiopia obtained from “tears” of resin exuding from incisions made in the bark of a small tree of the Burseraceae family that is native to Yemen, Somalia and eastern parts of Ethiopia.  It is extracted by supercritical fluid extraction with natural carbon dioxide. It takes 11 to 16 kilos of raw material to yield 1 kilo of product. When soil, elevation, temperature, and rainfall conditions are conducive, testing the viscosity and stickiness of freshly exposed sap predicts the resulting resin’s quality.

 

In perfumery, myrrh is a rich deep base note adding dry, woody, balsamic properties. It is also a fixative, and extends the scent qualities of any other oils with which it is combined. Myrrh has been used to treat many conditions and is said to strengthen the immune system, fight viruses and bacterial infections, and act as an anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal. Skilled herbalists, Ayurvedic practitioners, and Chinese doctors use Myrrh for winter-related conditions, including cracked skin, colds, coughs, sore throats, and chest infections as Myrrh is soothing, drying, and restorative. 

 

Myrrh is best blended with lavender, frankincense, sandalwood, geranium, sage and citrus oils. It is an excellent base in exotic, spicy blends with evergreens, patchouli, spice oils, and heavy florals. 

 

For more information on how to order from our Premier Product line, please visit our website. For questions, or 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: VETIVER

Native to South India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia, vetiver is of the Poacceae family that includes grasses and plants characterized by their elegant underground root systems. The two-year wait time for the roots to mature,  plus the arduous work of planting, pulling up the roots by hand, and washing, cleaning, parsing, and drying them before the steam distillation procedure can even begin is testament to vetiver essential oil’s value. Our Vetiveria zizanioides ~ Prima Fleur Vetiver Essential Oil [No. 218] ~ is from Java, where the plant is called akar wangi, meaning “fragrant root.” Good quality, mature dried Javanese vetiver root yields from 1.5 to 2% essential oil. Oils derived from older roots have higher specific gravities and optical rotations than younger roots and produce a richer and fuller quality of oil.  

Adaptable and sturdy, the vetiver plant is widely used to make fragrant blinds, shielding the sun’s rays and infusing homes with earthy notes. Fans formed from the roots and embellished with embroidery are dipped in water and wafted in front of the face to provide blissful relief from Southern Asia’s heat. For more substantial needs, the plant can be used as material to make thatched huts and floor mats. Vetiver also provides excellent protection from soil erosion. 

Yet the true treasure of this tufted grass is the essential oil derived from the root. In folklore, vetiver oil is used to increase financial abundance. In more common ritual, inhaling the oil is said to protect the body from menacing energies, including physical illness. Vetiver is employed in massage and aromatherapy for its grounding influence, to calm the central nervous system of one who feels “uprooted.” When used by a skilled practitioner, vetiver can be prescribed to increase blood flow and reduce muscle pain. Vetiver essential oil acts as a moisturizing humectant for dry, irritated skin and is found in cosmetics, soaps, and natural perfumes as a fixative. 

The main constituents of vetiver essential oil are vetiverone (bitter earthiness), vetiverol (sweet woody odor), and zizanol, an insect repellent. The oil blends well with lemongrass, grapefruit, evergreens, frankincense, myrrh, rose, and sandalwood, and is used primarily as a base note with tenacity and a richly distinctive masculinity.

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.

 

 

Especially for Winter - Exclusive Essential Oil Blends

Respiration [Prima Fleur No. 6042] is an immune-fortifying and therapeutic blend of ravintsara, owyhee, eucalyptus, and hyssop.

Ravintsara La Cure [Prima Fleur No. 6075] is sinus clearing and restorative with ravintsara, ginger, owyhee, and niaouli. Add it to our Therapeutic Dead Sea Bath Salts [Prima Fleur No. 1055] to soothe aching muscles.

Detoxifying II [Prima Fleur No. 6066] with juniper, rosemary, coriander, and lemon is purifying, clearing, and energizing.

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: COFFEE SELECT

Coffee Butter is the cold pressed oil from roasted coffee beans (Coffea arabica) with other vegetable oils. Coffee Butter has an exceptionally smooth and elegant skin feel and may be used in skin care preparations. The CO2 is a great addition to rich perfumes and blends, especially mixed with smokey or floral odors.

You can use Prima Fleur Coffee Select [No. 342] to make a nice solid perfume – it mixes well with vanilla, citrus and spicy notes like cardamom. Or you can use coffee in an SPA blend as a fragrant astringent that is stimulating. Coffee is said to fight wrinkles if you place it directly in 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.

Prima Fleur C02 Extract: MILLET SEED

Millet (Panacum miliaceum) is an ancient grass whose seed is now used in hair care formulas. The CO2 extract from this cereal grain has benefit for skin, skin conditioning and smoothing and is added to cosmetic formularies as a skin-conditioning agent. It is used for hair care (shampoos, conditioners, and styling aids), as well as body and skin care (facial care, facial cleansing, body care, baby care). It is a rich orange-red, clear, non-viscous, low intensity CO2 with a mild, buttery scent.

Prima Fleur Millet Seed CO2 Extract [No. 532] is Ecocert and USDA/NOP 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.

Prima Fleur Essential Oil Blend: WARMING GINGER

Comforting, warming ~ an exclusive blend of ginger, cinnamon, orange, clove bud. Only from Prima Fleur, No. 6040.  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.

 

Prima Fleur Essential Oil: PINE

Maritime Pine contains Mono and Sesquiterpenes. It is a powerful antiseptic used to disinfect the air locally. Good for chronic bronchitis, chronic cystitis, and anti-inflammatory for the lungs. Can be used externally in massage blends for rheumatism or aching joints.A chemotype of Pinus pinaster contains large quantities of terebenthine which is composed of 62% a-Pinene and 27% b-Pubebe. This oleo-resin is used as a powerful expectorant, antiseptic, and to oxygenate the air. Indicated for infections of the respiratory system, add to hot water for steam-inhaling treatments. Mainly used as an aerosol treatment with possible allergies if used externally.

 

Prima Fleur Pine [No. 236] is organic, steam-distilled.

 and 27% b-Pinene. This oleo-resin is used as a powerful expectorant, antiseptic, and to oxygenate the air. Indicated for infections of the respiratory system. In hot water for steam inhaling treatments. Mainly used as an aerosol treatment with possible allergies if used external

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: LEMONGRASS

Lemongrass contains a healthy dose of vitamin A. It is used as an addition to tea and in preparations for a traditional herbal 'soup' used against coughs, colds, etc.
Lemongrass might help prevent the growth of some bacteria and yeast. It also contains substances that are thought to relieve pain, reduce fever, stimulate the uterus and menstrual flow, and have antioxidant properties, as well as being a wonderful addition to skin care products for oily skin and hair.

Prima Fleur Lemongrass Essential Oil [No. 145] is from East India.

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

Prima Fleur Absolute: FRENCH OAKWOOD

French Oakwood Absolute [Prima Fleur No. 095] is produced from wine barrels made of Quercus robur wood. The absolute has a rich, woods, green and spicy aroma with that delectable scent of wine and balsam back notes. Use with other wood and florals and roots such as orris root.

Quercus robur (sometimes considered Q. pedunculata or "Q. robur") is commonly known as the Pedunculate Oak or English oak. It is native to most of Europe, and to Anatolia to the Caucasus, and also to parts of North Africa.

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

Prima Fleur Essential Oil: CLOVE BUD

Clove oil is 60 to 90 percent eugenol. Its properties are anesthetic and antiseptic. India's traditional
Ayurvedic healers have used clove since ancient times to treat respiratory and digestive ailments. Clove first arrived in Europe around the 4th century A.D. as a highly coveted luxury. The medieval German herbalists used cloves as part of an anti-gout mixture.

Prima Fleur’s organic Clove Bud Essential Oil [No. 116] is from Madagascar.

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

Prima Fleur Premier Products

Prima Fleur Carrier Oil: JOJOBA

Jojoba oil is often preferred in perfumery as it is not an oil but a liquid wax produced in the seed of the jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) plant, a shrub native to southern Arizona, southern California and northwestern Mexico. The oil makes up approximately 50% of the jojoba seed by weight. Unrefined jojoba oil appears as a clear golden liquid at room temperature with a slightly fatty odor.

Jojoba oil is relatively shelf-stable when compared with other vegetable oils. It is more shelf-stable than oils of safflower oil, almond oil, or squalene but less than castor oil, macadamia oil and coconut oil. Jojoba oil is chemically very similar to human sebum. Most jojoba oil is consumed as an ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products, and works especially well in skin care and hair care.
 
Prima Fleur Jojoba carrier oil [No. 409] is organically grown in Hawaii.

For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. To explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com

Prima Fleur C02 Total: CORIANDER

Coriander seed CO2 can be added to a hair rinse for hair loss (along with rosemary CO2), and used in skin care formulas for pimples, blackheads and even dry skin. Prima Fleur CO2 Total [No. 509] from the seed, has a rich deep scent of both the coriander fruit and the leaf - a nice mild green scent for perfumery. 

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.