The Natural Beauty Workshop

Chamomile

While we are on the subject of flowers, I thought it would be a nice time to discuss one of the most popular flowers used in natural skin care and aromatherapy.  Chamomile comes in many different varieties.  The two most commonly used in this field are German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), and Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis).  Both species of Chamomile are known for their strong anti-inflammatory properties.  They are often used to sooth sensitized and irritated skin.  Chamomile is also used to sooth and sedate the mind.  It is a key ingredient of aromatherapists and is often used to treat insomnia and anxiety.

Chamomile can be used in many forms.  The particular Chamomile product that you should be using will depend on the type of formula that you are creating.  Dried Chamomile Flowers are quite pretty, and are best used in formulas that can feature their unique appearance.  The little golden spheres can be added to bath teas, bath salts, dream pillows, or body wraps to incorporate their soothing properties.  For a more inconspicuous look, try Chamomile Flower Powder.  These Chamomile Flowers have been ground into a fine powder, allowing you to add them into a larger variety of products.  Chamomile Flower Powder can be included in body powder, scrubs, masks, milk baths and more. 

When using Chamomile Essential Oils you may want to pay attention to the particular species that you are using.  German and Roman Chamomile yield two very different oils.  While both Essential Oils possess anti-inflammatory properties, their colors, aromas, and compositions are quite different. 

German Chamomile Essential Oil
German Chamomile contains a high amount of a component called Azulene.  This chemical gives German Chamomile its deep blue color.  The color in German Chamomile Essential Oil is actually so strong that it may affect the color of your final product!  Unlike the sweet, apple-like aroma of Roman Chamomile, German Chamomile Essential Oil has a very deep, herbaceous aroma.  It is commonly used in soaps, medicinal salves, body balms, lotions, and more.

Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
Roman Chamomile Essential Oil possesses the classic light and sweet aroma that Chamomile is known for.  The aroma is often compared to the scent of a fresh apple.  It blends very well with Vanilla, Honey, Geranium and Clary Sage.  Due to its pleasant smell, Roman Chamomile is usually favored for use as a sedative.  It is used in dream pillows, milk baths, solid perfumes, balms, and much more.   Roman Chamomile Essential Oil tends to have very little color compared to the German variety.  The oil is often pale yellow, pale gray, or very pale blue.

We are also thrilled to be carrying an Organic Roman Chamomile Hydrosol on FromNatureWithLove.com.  This incredible product can be used as a facial toner that can benefit numerous skin types.  Sensitive skin, acne prone skin, and oily skin can all benefit from the use of Organic Roman Chamomile Hydrosol.  This ingredient can also be used to create an Herbal Hair Rinse that will soothe the scalp while adding shine and softness to the hair.  Blond hair can especially benefit from the use of Chamomile as it is known to lighten and brighten blond hair.  To up the Chamomile power in a hair rinse, try adding some Powdered Chamomile Extract.  This concentrated, water soluble extract makes it easy to incorporate herbal properties into your aqueous formulations.

Hibiscus Petal Powder

When I was a little girl my parents took a long overdue honeymoon to Maui.  They spent a week hiking, scuba diving, and exploring the beautiful Hawaiian island.  When they came back home, they brought back a pile of souvenirs for my sisters and I.  We each received a hula dress, a wooden necklace, and postcards.  My favorite gift of all was a life sized plastic Hibiscus flower.  It had been scented with Hawaiian White Ginger Fragrance.  To me, this was a magic flower.  It smelled like far away places, and it lived forever.  Whenever I think of Hawaii the memory of that toy Hibiscus Flower comes to mind.

When it comes to natural hair care, Hibiscus Flowers serve a greater purpose than simple decoration.  This exotic flower has been used for ages to condition and improve hair.  Teas and oil infusions can be made easily with dried Hibiscus Petal Powder.  Although the dried powder holds little to no aroma, the benefits of Hibiscus remain intact.  Oils, rinses, and toners made with Hibiscus Petal Powder can help to delay premature graying, encourage hair growth, and even aid in the prevention of hair loss.  Infused oils and waters can also be helpful in the treatment of dry scalp or dandruff.  Try infusing Hibiscus Petal Powder into your next hair rinse, hot oil treatment, or conditioner. 

Hanami - A Celebration of Flowers

Around this time of year something very special begins to happen.  Bulbs begin to sprout, the air begins to warm, and flowers begin to blossom.  In Japan, this event is celebrated by a tradition that is called Hanami.  Every year, between the end of March and the beginning of April, crowds gather throughout Japan to witness the beauty of thousands of trees in blossom.  While all flowers are worthy of celebration, the particular flowers that are viewed during the Hanami are Sakura,(or Cherry Blossoms) and Ume(Plum Blossoms). 

In The United States, the tradition of Hanami inspires countless festivals throughout the country.  These festivals celebrate not only the blossoming of trees, but Japanese heritage, traditions, and culture.  The largest of these American festivals is The National Cherry Blossom Festival, held in Washington D.C.  This year, the festival begins on March 29, and will run until April 13.  Other festivals can be found throughout the United States during the early Spring.  Here is a small sampling of festivals that are being held in 2008.

Hanami: Celebrating the Cherry-Viewing Season
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Brooklyn, New York
Saturday, April 5 - Sunday, May 11

Macon Georgia's 26th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival
Macon, Georgia
March 28 - April 6

7th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
April 5 - 6

Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
San Francisco, California
April 12, 13, 19, and 20

Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia
Horticulture Center, Fairmount Park
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
April 13

Denver Colorado Cherry Blossom Festival
Denver, Colorado
June 28 - 29

If you can't find a festival near you, you can always celebrate the Cherry and Plum Blossom Season at home by sampling some traditional Japanese Skin Care Ingredients.  Our Kyoto Scrub recipe is a great example of how these simple, and beneficial ingredients can be used.  Treat yourself to a healthful meal of traditional Japanese cuisine, a cup of steaming green tea, and a special home spa experience.  You can also celebrate Hanami by creating some bath and body treats scented with one of our blossom themed synthetic Fragrance Oils.  Asian Plum Blossom, and Cherry Blossom are two of my favorites!

Hazelnut Oil

Light, absorbent, and incredibly moisturizing, Hazelnut Oil is a wonderful addition to many types of formulations.  Due to its light, penetrating texture, Hazelnut Oil can be used in its pure form as a nourishing body or massage oil.  It is also an ideal carrier for Essential Oils.  Blend Hazelnut Oil into your favorite facial formulas to provide astringent properties, essential fatty acids, and even a small amount of protection from harmful rays in sunlight.

Since Hazelnut Oil absorbs into the skin so easily, it makes a fabulous addition to balms and body butters.  Pair Hazelnut Oil with Cocoa Butter to create a deliciously moisturizing skin care treat.  Oil and water emulsions can also benefit from the use of Hazelnut Oil.  This light oil would be perfectly paired with Almond Oil to create a nourishing body milk.  Like other Nut Oils, Hazelnut Oil is extremely versatile.  The formulation possibilities are practically endless.  While the oil can have the most benefit when it is applied directly to the skin, Hazelnut Oil can be added to a laundry list of bath and body products including; bath melts, bath tub fizzies, lip balms, soaps, salt and sugar scrubs.  Recently we published one of our most popular recipes yet, The Chocolate Truffle Sugar Scrub.  Hazelnut Oil was one of the main ingredients in the recipe, giving this scrub a soft, velvety finish.   

Kyoto Scrub

This month's scrub has been inspired by the signature principles of Japanese skin care; simplicity, harmony, and the use of natural herbs and grains.  This gentle facial scrub is traditionally preceded by the use of Camellia Seed Oil as a pre-scrub cleanser.  Camellia Seed Oil is applied to the face using a cotton ball or soft cloth, then wiped away.  This scrub can also be followed by a fresh toner made of cooled Green Tea.  You can also create your own Green Tea Toner by combining one of our Organic Hydrosols with our water soluble Green Tea Extract.

Kyoto Scrub

Ingredients
2 Tablespoon Ginseng Powder
3 Tablesspoons Adzuki Bean Powder
3 Tablespoons Rice Powder, Fine

Directions
This scrub is very easy to make.  Simply mix the ingredients in a small bowl, then pour them into a jar or powder sifter.  When you are ready to use the scrub, just combine a teaspoon of the dry mixture with a little water.  Gently massage the paste onto your face and rinse away.

Green Spring Projects

If your childhood was anything like mine, you were probably stuffed silly with Marshmallow Peeps and Chocolate Cream Eggs every Easter.  The memories of neon colored plastic grass, multi colored eggs, and outdoor treasure hunts will always be near and dear to my heart.  While I am a woman who  cherishes memories, I am also a big fan of reinvention.  Besides, Spring and Easter are all about renewal.  In that spirit, I've collected some links to projects that can help you reinvent your Easter Sunday or Spring celebration.

Naturally Dyed Eggs
The folks at Curbly.com have put together a great video tutorial on dying your own eggs with all natural materials.

Natural Wheat Grass Easter Baskets
If shredded plastic doesn't thrill you, why not plant your basket with some live grass?  In this article, Ecobites.com shows you how to create a living Easter Basket that will have you singing "Spring!"

Egg Carton Garden
Kids will love this eco-friendly activity.  Re-use paper egg cartons to create biodegradable nurseries for a variety of seedlings. 

Using Natural Herbs to Color Products

Adding color to natural products can enhance their appearance, and the user's overall perception of the experience.  While there are several ingredients available to color or dye skin care products, none are as unquestionably natural as Tinting Herbs.  Many plants release natural pigment when they are infused into oil or water.  These infusions can be added to the oil or water portions of your formulas, yielding a range of lovely earth toned colors. 

To create an infusion, simply warm your water or oil, place herbs into the liquid, and steep for 20 - 40 minutes.  After the infusion has taken place, the herbs must be strained from the liquid.  You can use a Cheese Cloth or a Fine Mesh Strainer to strain the plant material from the liquid.  Alternatively, you can avoid the mess by placing the herbs into a Large Tea Bag or a Large Mesh Tea Ball.  The colored oil or water can be added drop by drop to your formulas or it can be substituted for a portion of the water or oil called for in a recipe. 

Experimentation is the best way to find your favorite shades of color.  While these herbs are likely to repeat a shade in different formulas, they may react differently in unique oils or liquids.  To give you some ideas, I've listed a few of the most popular Tinting Herbs with the colors they are most likely to produce:

Alkanet Root Powder - Dark Red to Purple
Annatto Seed - Orange
Henna Leaf Powder - Orange
Paprika Powder - Orange
Parsley Powder - Green
Red Sandalwood Powder - Maroon to Purple
Turmeric Powder - Yellow

Amla Oil

Also known as the Indian Gooseberry, ingredients made from the fruit, bark, and leaves of the Amla Tree have been central ingredients in Ayurvedic medicine, massage, and skin care for ages.  With a high content of Vitamin C and Phyllemblin, it is no wonder that the Amla fruit is touted to have rejuvenating properties in Ayurveda.

As for cosmetic applications, Amla is best known for its role in hair care.  The oil is often used in scalp massages, hair conditioners, shampoos, and warm oil treatments.  It is believed that Amla Oil can help to enhance hair growth, quality, and pigmentation by stimulating the roots and scalp.  Amla Oil may also help to reduce dandruff, scalp irritation, and aid in the prevention of prematurely gray hair.  In warm oil treatments and scalp massages it may be beneficial to blend Amla Oil with Brahmi Oil.  The use of this blend of Ayurvedic Oils in scalp massage can provide a deeply relaxing experience.

Amla Oil is usually composed of Sesame or Coconut Oil that has been treated to a strong infusion of Amla extract.  The oil is often scented with an almost peculiar floral fragrance, reminiscent of Paperwhites or Narcissus.  This scent is often added as an attempt to mask the naturally herbaceous, but surprisingly subtle aroma that is inherent in Amla Oil.  The variety of Amla Oil that FromNatureWithLove.com currently carries is based in Sesame Oil, and has been left unscented.  The natural aroma of Amla Oil can be enjoyable as is, but if you prefer a less herbaceous scent, Essential Oils can be blended into your hair products to enhance their aroma.

What a Difference a Diet Made

No matter your size or shape, there is nothing more striking than the natural glow of health.  It can be found in the gleaming halo of youth, the soft glow of a mother-to-be, and the shine in a truly beautiful person.  We often refer to the whole body approach when it comes to health and medicine, but when it comes to beauty and skin care we tend to forget the rest of the body.  Fixated on one small piece of our selves, we reach for potions and serums, when we could be reaching for fruits and vegetables.

My skin has always been a challenge for me.  As a child I burnt.  As a teen I battled with acne.  As an adult my skin entered yet another stage - a dry, flaky, sensitive stage.  I developed customized cleansers, moisturizers, and treatments to deal with my problematic skin, but I never felt like I was really winning the fight.  My skin would have good days, and it would have bad days.  Unfortunately, despite my best efforts, my skin would often revert to being red, uneven, and dull.

It wasn't until I changed my diet that my skin really and truly changed for the better.  With whole body health in mind (never thinking of my skin or hair) I began to incorporate whole grains, vegetables, and  raw food into my diet.  I also began eliminating things like starch, junk food, corn syrup, and alcohol.  As my body adjusted to the changes I found myself feeling better, and to my surprise, looking better!  My skin was clear, bright, and calm for the first time in my life. 

The change was as welcome as it was striking.  Nowadays, my face is clear aside from the occasional stray pimple.  It is hardly ever red or inflamed, (unless I am in direct contact with an allergen) and the chronic dryness that I used to experience can now be tamed with a little Shea Butter or Rosehip Oil.  I've continued my skin care routine, and I wish that I could assign full responsibility for the change to my personalized formulas.  However, I know that the true hero in this story was the change in my lifestyle.

Sometimes I miss things like cola, white bread, and coconut flavored rum, but I don't think any of those things can compare with the feeling of finally being comfortable in my own skin.

My experience is unique, and while the diet I chose was the best one for me, it may not be the best one for you.  If you are interested in changing your diet, I recommend consulting a professional dietitian or nutritionist.  These experts can help you target your dietary needs and sensitivities, evaluate your goals, and help you avoid creating nutritional gaps.  Making this change with the aid of an expert can greatly increase your success. 

For some wonderful recipes and healthful cooking inspirations I'd like to invite you to check out some of my favorite "foodie" blogs.

Vegan Yum Yum - Lolo shares delicious and unique recipes and advice on vegan cooking.
What the Hell Does a Vegan Eat Anyway? - A cheeky title to a mouth-watering, recipe-packed food blog.
The Whole Gourmet Natural Cooking Blog - Healthful recipes for the meat eater and vegan alike.
A Veggie Venture - Vegetable inspiration from asparagus to zucchini.

Brahmi Oil

In Ayurvedic Massage, Brahmi Oil is used to revitalize the senses while easing tension and anxiety.  Brahmi Oil is said to improve memory, promote intelligence and brain function, as well as provide deeper, more restful sleep.  While massage alone boasts many of these benefits, adding Brahmi Oil to a massage blend may enhance the overall experience.

Bramhi Oil is composed primarily of Sesame Oil.  This light, moisturizing oil has been infused with Brahmi and Spikenard Extracts, creating a potent ingredient for massage and skin care.  This infused oil makes a beneficial addition to the bath.  Especially useful before bed, Brahmi Oil can strongly aid in relaxation.  Brahmi Oil can be added directly to bath water, incorporated into a bath salt mixture, or it can be mixed with an equal portion of the synthetic emulsifer, Polysorbate 20 to make it water dispersible.

This herbal infused oil is also thought to help improve scalp condition, decreasing dandruff and dry, flaky skin.  Brahmi Oil can be added to hair treatments, conditioners, and shampoos.  Scalp massages using Brahmi Oil are another popular way to incorporate this Ayurvedic Oil into a hair care routine.  Apply warm Brahmi Oil to the roots of the hair and gently massage to stimulate and revitalize the scalp.  This practice may also help to relieve minor insomnia.