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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!

 

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

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.

Monday, March 11, 2013

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.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

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.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

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.