Let’s hear it for clay! It has a myriad of uses within the context of health and is the material that allowed for humanity’s oldest handicraft: pottery. The earliest recorded evidence of clay usage dates back to the Late Palaeolithic period in central and western Europe, where fired and unfired clay figurines were created as a form of artistic expression. I made my first pinch pot almost 30 years ago and my first clay mask 23 years ago, so clay and I have history too :) There are many different types of facial clays and they are usually identified by their color, from green, to yellow, to red and black. The different colors indicate the presence of other potentially nutritive elements,...
Phytoremediation is a low cost, solar-energy driven technique that uses plants to cleanup contaminated environments. The presence of plants can help control and contain pollutants by preventing wind, rain, and groundwater flow from carrying contaminants deeper underground and to surrounding areas. Trees act like a pump, drawing groundwater up through their roots to keep it immobilized.Beyond trees there are many types of plants that can help protect the spread of noxious metals, pesticides, explosives and oil. Some of the best are willow and poplar trees, hemp, sunflower, ‘Indian’ grass and mustard.There are also a range of plant behaviors that do more than just hault the spread of undesired substances. Plants can metabolize contaminants (phytodegredation); produce biochemicals that can sequester nearby...
Lemons are high in citric acid. When applied topically the citric acid in lemons may treat acne, even hyperpigmentation, unclog pores, and decrease the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots. Citric acid, combined with glycolic acid from sugarcane and lactic acid from bilberry, effectively exfoliate skin cells, and thus are key ingredients in our SCRUB face mask. Given the super acidic nature of citric acid, we formulate with only minimal levels of lemon extract to avoid sensitizing skin, and furthermore, we advise against applying fresh lemon directly to the skin.You must now wonder, ‘why if lemon is too acidic to apply directly to the skin, is it considered an alkalizing food?’ Well, that’s because once digested it produces a byproduct...
An antispasmodic, anti-allergenic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cicatrisant, antiseptic, emollient, fungicidal, and cytophylactic substance, Helichrysum essential oil is a highly valuable addition to skincare preparations. Evident in its common names “immortal” and “everlasting”, and owing to its exceptional content of beta diketones, the use of Helichrysum italicum will promote a youthful appearance. This essential oil promotes cell health, encourages the recycling of dead cells, and stimulates the production of new ones. This regenerative quality further helps control the appearance of skin blemishes and scarring from acneBeyond use in skincare this powerful essential oil is used to detoxify the liver, relieve congestion, neutralize the effects of nicotine and caffeine, and help to cure herpes, cystitis, arthritis, sinusitis, colitis, neuralgia and varicose veins. It is...
We're loving the longer days and all these rays. But as we know, too much UV exposure can cause damage to the skin (and premature aging). Fortunately our bodies naturally produce antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and other protective compounds, but as we age and environmental exposure increases, it’s important to supplement depleted reserves with bioavailable nutriment. For a clear, glowing complexion all summer long be sure to absorb hydrating ingredients and protective fatty acids both internally and topically. Yes you’ll look better, and you’ll feel better too. We hope to launch a sunscreen before next summer and in the meantime we are happy to offer products containing UV protective ingredients such as tomato lycopene, hazelnut oil, astaxanthin algae, Kakadu plum, mountain pepper berry and...
