we can re-use our empty nature's gift bottles for all sorts of things.
after using all the product from one of our bottles with a treatment pump i cleaned it out thoroughly and refilled it with a diluted version of my hair conditioner. my hair is very long, and needs conditioning frequently, but not everyday. it does, however, need to be untangled. by diluting my favorite over the counter conditioner about 50-50 with H2O i had the perfect consistency to use on the ends of my hair as a detangling agent.
if i buy super size bottles of conditioner i can decant small amounts of it into one of our bottles with a lotion pump to more easily use in the shower.
if you love to use the old timey hair rinses try the atomizer top bottle as a spray.
the atomizer top especially has many uses: filled with water and handy for misting your houseplants. homemade pet spray is easily dispensed with it, too. if you work in watercolors it's a great spray for your creative endeavors.
i shouldn't neglect to mention the disc lid which was the first of our tops i experimented with for re-use. one of our used bottles with a disc lid dispenses my dishwashing liquid. i could go on and on.
i'm interested to know if you have any ideas about re-using our packaging. use your imagination, and please let me know what you come up with in the comments area. we might put it in our newsletter as we move forward into the "green age"!
bright blessings to you-
t
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Happy Earth Day from Sadie
"the earth laughs in flowers."
ee cummings
That is one of my favorite quotes. I know we've all also heard the old adage that "Laughter is the best medicine." So if flowers are the Earth's laughter, and laughter is medicine, it follows that the glorious beautiful essential oils that we distill from said flowers are Mother Earth's truest medicine. Liquid Laughter from our Mother...
We Have a Beautiful Mother
By Alice Walker
We have a beautiful mother
Her hills are buffaloes
Her buffaloes hills.
We have a beautiful mother
Her oceans are wombs
Her wombs oceans.
We have a beautiful mother
Her teeth the white stones at the edge of the water
The summer grasses her plentiful hair.
We have a beautiful mother
Her green lap immense
Her brown embrace eternal
Her blue body everything we know.
Happy Earth Day!!!
ee cummings
That is one of my favorite quotes. I know we've all also heard the old adage that "Laughter is the best medicine." So if flowers are the Earth's laughter, and laughter is medicine, it follows that the glorious beautiful essential oils that we distill from said flowers are Mother Earth's truest medicine. Liquid Laughter from our Mother...
We Have a Beautiful Mother
By Alice Walker
We have a beautiful mother
Her hills are buffaloes
Her buffaloes hills.
We have a beautiful mother
Her oceans are wombs
Her wombs oceans.
We have a beautiful mother
Her teeth the white stones at the edge of the water
The summer grasses her plentiful hair.
We have a beautiful mother
Her green lap immense
Her brown embrace eternal
Her blue body everything we know.
Happy Earth Day!!!
Monday, April 21, 2008
earthday/birthday
every year on April 22 i have two reasons to celebrate. along with many of our fellow inhabitants i celebrate and give thanks for our beloved planet. on a more personal level i have the unlimited joy of celebrating the birth of my beautiful daughter. Gretchen was born on April 22, 1971, the first celebrated earth day. i am grateful to have her in my life and for everything she has done to make my life a happier one. i truly admire the woman Gretchen has become. i enjoy having her to share things with. if i need a shoulder i can count on her to listen carefully and respond with wisdom beyond her years. if i have good news she celebrates with me. she very simply is the brightest blessing in my life.
today we at nature's gift celebrated earth day by hanging flower baskets and tending to our pots out back. we planted pink geraniums and purple petunias. later we will add a rosemary plant, and maybe another herb or two. the herbs from last year died across the winter except for the st. john's wort. affectionatly known as "st. johnny", he thinned down during the dark season, but we expect him to be picking up real soon. johnny got a good haircut today and is looking quite spiffy in time for new growth.
please indulge me as i add a word regarding our mother. all we have, all we need and all that we are originates with our mother earth. on the other side everything we don't need returns to the earth as well. to our disgrace we have been less than dilligent in honoring earth for all the blessings she has provided. on the contrary, it's as though we create open wounds in her, insert the most horrendous materials that she can never absorb, cover the wound with a band-aid and forget it.
thankfully, it has gotten much easier to recycle, and it is great that so many have had the inititive to take that first step towards liberating the earth from our misuse. but to heal earth's wounds and re-create an acceptable balance will take more than recycling alone. because we have neglected our duty for so long extreme measures must be taken. one way we can contribute on an individual level is to thoroughly research products we buy and who we are buying them from. if we boycott those who don't manufacture responsibly possibly we could have an impact on their decision making processes. manufacturing responsibly includes every aspect of the process, from where they purchase their supplies to how they dispose of their waste.
it is shameful that so many, for so long, have taken so much that they've forgotten there is a cost. self interest and the obsession with wealth has robbed people of their sensibilities.
i know there are numbers of responsible world citizens out there who are willing to help turn this thing around. we can impress on the selfish and desensitized members of society that there is no place in our lives for the products they produce nor the leavings of their processes. consider yourself a volunteer. volunteers give back because they are grateful for what they have been given.
we should not shrug it off and wait for someone else to do it. the time is now. express gratitude for the powerful opportunity to learn more about what you can do and the even more powerful opportunity of doing it!
bright blessings, love and light to you all!
t smith
today we at nature's gift celebrated earth day by hanging flower baskets and tending to our pots out back. we planted pink geraniums and purple petunias. later we will add a rosemary plant, and maybe another herb or two. the herbs from last year died across the winter except for the st. john's wort. affectionatly known as "st. johnny", he thinned down during the dark season, but we expect him to be picking up real soon. johnny got a good haircut today and is looking quite spiffy in time for new growth.
please indulge me as i add a word regarding our mother. all we have, all we need and all that we are originates with our mother earth. on the other side everything we don't need returns to the earth as well. to our disgrace we have been less than dilligent in honoring earth for all the blessings she has provided. on the contrary, it's as though we create open wounds in her, insert the most horrendous materials that she can never absorb, cover the wound with a band-aid and forget it.
thankfully, it has gotten much easier to recycle, and it is great that so many have had the inititive to take that first step towards liberating the earth from our misuse. but to heal earth's wounds and re-create an acceptable balance will take more than recycling alone. because we have neglected our duty for so long extreme measures must be taken. one way we can contribute on an individual level is to thoroughly research products we buy and who we are buying them from. if we boycott those who don't manufacture responsibly possibly we could have an impact on their decision making processes. manufacturing responsibly includes every aspect of the process, from where they purchase their supplies to how they dispose of their waste.
it is shameful that so many, for so long, have taken so much that they've forgotten there is a cost. self interest and the obsession with wealth has robbed people of their sensibilities.
i know there are numbers of responsible world citizens out there who are willing to help turn this thing around. we can impress on the selfish and desensitized members of society that there is no place in our lives for the products they produce nor the leavings of their processes. consider yourself a volunteer. volunteers give back because they are grateful for what they have been given.
we should not shrug it off and wait for someone else to do it. the time is now. express gratitude for the powerful opportunity to learn more about what you can do and the even more powerful opportunity of doing it!
bright blessings, love and light to you all!
t smith
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Earth
We have been blessed with so many amazing plants on this earth. Tastes and scents soothe our mind, feed our body, and produce our oxygen to breathe. Essential oils can not exist without the amazing species from which they are distilled. So many are already extinct. With all of the technology of our time, it seems as if we could do something about this. Unfortunately, technology cannot save these plants; only we can.
If every person could just plant one rare species, think of the impact it could have. If everyone could plant one tree, think of how much better our air could be.
The earth seems so huge. What can one person do to make a difference? What does one little plastic grocery bag matter? 1,000 years is the number I've read. One little plastic bag could hang around that long. If we could all just recycle or not use that one bag, think of the thousands.....millions.......billions fewer bags. Less Pollution, better aromatherapy.
EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS. It adds up so quick. Please, don't forget to love the planet which keeps us alive. Thank you for trying.
If every person could just plant one rare species, think of the impact it could have. If everyone could plant one tree, think of how much better our air could be.
The earth seems so huge. What can one person do to make a difference? What does one little plastic grocery bag matter? 1,000 years is the number I've read. One little plastic bag could hang around that long. If we could all just recycle or not use that one bag, think of the thousands.....millions.......billions fewer bags. Less Pollution, better aromatherapy.
EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS. It adds up so quick. Please, don't forget to love the planet which keeps us alive. Thank you for trying.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Providing Support
We've recently heard from several old friends and clients who are dealing with advanced cancer diagnoses among family or close friends, and are looking for ways that they can provide support to their loved ones. When I answer the same basic question six times in two weeks, it's time to put my thoughts together.
First, although certain essential oils have shown anti-tumor effects in a laboratory, to make any claims that ANY essential oil can provide a cure for cancer is at the very least irresponsible and cruel.
What the oils CAN do, however, is strengthen the spirit, and provide both emotional and spiritual support, both for the patient and for family members and care-givers.
I'm remembering the "hospice blend" that we recently put together and sent to a hospice in Montana, for their newly approved aromatherapy program. Basically we used 10 drops each of our Somalian distilled Frankincense, and our Frankincense CO2 extracted, with just 5 drops of Rose Otto 10% dilution. (This would be the equivalent of 40 drops of Frankincense to 1 drop of undiluted Rose Otto.) This may be either diffused, or diluted WAY down (a 1% dilution, 6 drops of the blend to one fluid ounce of carrier oil or lotion) for hand or foot massages.
The nurse aromatherapist who commissioned the blend recommended using it with the ‘m’ technique® (a very simple to learn, structured method of hand massage that is wonderfully gentle and relaxing.)
Other thoughts, besides our Hospice blend, have been, of course, Frankincense by itself, Rose to support the spirit of any female patient.
Atlas or Himalayan Cedarwood oils, or our Valour synergy, for spiritual strength.
We have had reports of people using our Sacred synergy, designed to create a sacred space, as an anointing oil, to create a sacred space within the body.
I find Sandalwood oil, perhaps blended with either Cedarwood or Rose, emotionally supportive and comforting.
All of the above are designed to provide comfort and support on an emotional and spiritual level.
On a physical level, we have heard of wonderful results in dealing with post radiation pain and burning with a blend of Jojoba oil and Aloe vera gel, with Helichrysum, Lavender, German Chamomile and Geranium oils added. (I would mix equal parts of the jojoba and aloe, blend equal amounts of the four essential oils and add the synergy at a 2.5% dilution. 15 drops of the essential oil blend to one ounce of blended jojoba and aloe gel.)Since the Aloe and the Jojoba will not blend, this will need to be shaken well before each use.
These are some things that immediately come to mind that might be helpful and supportive. If you have other ideas to share, please add them on to this post.
First, although certain essential oils have shown anti-tumor effects in a laboratory, to make any claims that ANY essential oil can provide a cure for cancer is at the very least irresponsible and cruel.
What the oils CAN do, however, is strengthen the spirit, and provide both emotional and spiritual support, both for the patient and for family members and care-givers.
I'm remembering the "hospice blend" that we recently put together and sent to a hospice in Montana, for their newly approved aromatherapy program. Basically we used 10 drops each of our Somalian distilled Frankincense, and our Frankincense CO2 extracted, with just 5 drops of Rose Otto 10% dilution. (This would be the equivalent of 40 drops of Frankincense to 1 drop of undiluted Rose Otto.) This may be either diffused, or diluted WAY down (a 1% dilution, 6 drops of the blend to one fluid ounce of carrier oil or lotion) for hand or foot massages.
The nurse aromatherapist who commissioned the blend recommended using it with the ‘m’ technique® (a very simple to learn, structured method of hand massage that is wonderfully gentle and relaxing.)
Other thoughts, besides our Hospice blend, have been, of course, Frankincense by itself, Rose to support the spirit of any female patient.
Atlas or Himalayan Cedarwood oils, or our Valour synergy, for spiritual strength.
We have had reports of people using our Sacred synergy, designed to create a sacred space, as an anointing oil, to create a sacred space within the body.
I find Sandalwood oil, perhaps blended with either Cedarwood or Rose, emotionally supportive and comforting.
All of the above are designed to provide comfort and support on an emotional and spiritual level.
On a physical level, we have heard of wonderful results in dealing with post radiation pain and burning with a blend of Jojoba oil and Aloe vera gel, with Helichrysum, Lavender, German Chamomile and Geranium oils added. (I would mix equal parts of the jojoba and aloe, blend equal amounts of the four essential oils and add the synergy at a 2.5% dilution. 15 drops of the essential oil blend to one ounce of blended jojoba and aloe gel.)Since the Aloe and the Jojoba will not blend, this will need to be shaken well before each use.
These are some things that immediately come to mind that might be helpful and supportive. If you have other ideas to share, please add them on to this post.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Jasmine Absolute - pricing and availability problems
We were restocking some of our Indian oils and absolutes, and received the following information from our producer (when we went through a bit of "sticker shock" at the cost of his beautiful Jasmines!)
"Jasmine : Pls note the current market scenario for Jasmine both Sambac & Grandiflorum:
Jasmine Grandiflorum Jasmine Sambac
As you all know that South India is the major producer for Jasmine flowers. This year due to climatic conditions, the production of flowers was less compared to previous years. These flowers are not used only for processing but also for making garlands & other needs. Actually after satisfying the local market needs, the surplus of flowers is normally taken for processing so that the cost of concrete & absolute is competitive. But since the production of flower itself is very less, a limited quantity of flowers is available for processing.
These are obtained after paying very high cost. Much above $ 1 per Kilo which is our highest bench mark for processing.
Also this year, demand of Jasmine concretes & absolutes is much higher than expected whereas the supply is less so there is scarcity of material in the market.
Jasmine Grandiflorum Bud Jasmine Sambac Bud
The flower suppliers have increased their cost for flowers & since the flowers i.e. raw material is procured at high rate, the price for the resultant product i.e. Concrete has increased directly.
The situation is also worsen due to less availability of labor in the production area because of migration of literate people from the production area to metro cities in search of better Job Opportunities so the limited labor available there have more demand & thus they have increased their labor cost from $ 2 per day till last year to $ 3 per day.
The overall impact of all these factors has affected the cost of Concrete & absolute & cost of the same have already increased. We would like to inform you all that looking at the current scenario, if the situation remains the same, there is possibility of further increase in the cost of Concrete & Absolute in near future.
We want you all to make sure that you have sufficient stock of the material to cover your requirement so that you don't have to pay very higher price later this year & perhaps you may not be able to procure the material after paying high cost also."
Side note from our website:8000 individual blossoms (carefully hand picked) are required to produce one gram (approx one ml) of absolute. No bruised flowers may be used for extraction, since their aroma is ruined by bruising or mishandling.
I'm glad that we still have a fair amount of our Jasmine Auriculatum left from last year. I really couldn't justify this year's pricing for that rare and exotic specimen!
"Jasmine : Pls note the current market scenario for Jasmine both Sambac & Grandiflorum:
Jasmine Grandiflorum Jasmine Sambac
As you all know that South India is the major producer for Jasmine flowers. This year due to climatic conditions, the production of flowers was less compared to previous years. These flowers are not used only for processing but also for making garlands & other needs. Actually after satisfying the local market needs, the surplus of flowers is normally taken for processing so that the cost of concrete & absolute is competitive. But since the production of flower itself is very less, a limited quantity of flowers is available for processing.
These are obtained after paying very high cost. Much above $ 1 per Kilo which is our highest bench mark for processing.
Also this year, demand of Jasmine concretes & absolutes is much higher than expected whereas the supply is less so there is scarcity of material in the market.
Jasmine Grandiflorum Bud Jasmine Sambac Bud
The flower suppliers have increased their cost for flowers & since the flowers i.e. raw material is procured at high rate, the price for the resultant product i.e. Concrete has increased directly.
The situation is also worsen due to less availability of labor in the production area because of migration of literate people from the production area to metro cities in search of better Job Opportunities so the limited labor available there have more demand & thus they have increased their labor cost from $ 2 per day till last year to $ 3 per day.
The overall impact of all these factors has affected the cost of Concrete & absolute & cost of the same have already increased. We would like to inform you all that looking at the current scenario, if the situation remains the same, there is possibility of further increase in the cost of Concrete & Absolute in near future.
We want you all to make sure that you have sufficient stock of the material to cover your requirement so that you don't have to pay very higher price later this year & perhaps you may not be able to procure the material after paying high cost also."
Side note from our website:8000 individual blossoms (carefully hand picked) are required to produce one gram (approx one ml) of absolute. No bruised flowers may be used for extraction, since their aroma is ruined by bruising or mishandling.
I'm glad that we still have a fair amount of our Jasmine Auriculatum left from last year. I really couldn't justify this year's pricing for that rare and exotic specimen!
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