Newsletter
July / August 2010
Hello !
What an exceptional Spring and Summer we are having ! It was our first spring in Devon and we have watched with wonder the large bunches of daffodils springing out of the ground in great numbers, blue and white wild anemones and pink spring cyclamens bordering the paths with their bright and vivid colors. For a few weeks, the wild garlic covered the woodlands with their long lush green leaves and their heads of starlike white flowers, filling the air with the unmistakable smell of the spice. It has been so delicious to see and delicious to eat ! It is now June and the 
elders are now coming into blooms. I have just been given a recipe to make elderflower syrop and I can't wait to try !
To carry on with warm, flowery and summery aromas, we have chosen a resin as the profile of this newsletter. Benzoin has a sweet, warm, balsamic aroma with a delightful touch of vanilla. The pure resinoid is naturally thick, sticky and difficult if not impossible to work with.
We now have a benzoin which is diluted in ethanol (pure alcohol), therefore chemical free, liquid and 'user friendly'. We have applied to the Soil Association and have just heard back that our application will be approved - only a matter of paperwork !
Dont forget to browse our Special Offers which will end on 31st August 2010
and consult our updated list of Diploma course & Advanced Courses in Aromatherapy
BENZOIN
Styrax tonkinensis (STYRACACEAE)
Bezoin originates from Northern and Southern America, Asia and Europe. It is a resin that is extracted by tapping (inflicting a wound) to the tree. It is a creamy fluid that starts collecting under the bark or oozes out of the incisions.
There is not such thing as benzoin essential oil. It is actually a resinoid which is the result of a solvent extraction of the gum. The solvent used is alchohol which is evaporated to leave the pure fragrant resinoid on one side and the residue tears from which the fragrant compounds have been extracted on the other. The resinoid is a dark brown solid sticky 'mass' which needs diluting in a solvent to make it user friendly. D-propylene glycol is often used for that purpose.
THERAPEUTICALLY
- Respiratory system:
Benzoin works as a mild expectorant and is useful with conditions such as bronchitis, cold & fly symptoms, sore throats. It also helps with asthma along side frankincense and bergamot
- Arthritis & rheumatism
- Skin conditions
Its antiseptic & anti-inflammatory properties are useful in cases involving eczema, acne, red and inflamed of the skin, chapped skin, cuts and bruises.
- Nervous tension and stress related complaints
CAUTION
Benzoin is also said to be mildly irritant. It is recommended to do a skin test before applying. Do not use neat, always dilute in a carrier oil before use.
BLENDING
Benzoin will blend well with a number of other essential oils which makes it very versatile to use
If you wish to know more about benzoin, please follow the link to its profile
To order the oil
PRICE UPDATE
There will be some price changes over the next few months to bring up to date our current prices with the economic fluctuations of the past couple of years.
We have not changed our prices for 3 years now despite the unfavorable exchange rates. It does not mean that prices will necessarily go up. They will be adjusted to reflect the changes and fluctuations in the market of essential oils.
We won't update all the prices at the same time but little by little. Prices showing on the website will always be up-to-date.
Bergamot Cedarwood Eucalyptus citriadora Geranium Grapefruit
Spike Lavender Lemon Rosemary cineole 1.8 Thyme Linalol Tea Tree
Roman chamomile, Geranium & Lavender Floral Waters
Rose Essential Water
Normal Skin blend - Sunflower, Safflower, Sesame & Walnut
Facil Oil - Argan, Carrot phytol, macadamio, avocado, sesame & jojoba
.