Green Valley Aromatherapy
March 2009
In This Issue
New Product - Auntie Vi
Litsea Cubeba
Helichrysum
Recipes
Customer Profile
Aromatherapy Books
News
 
We know this is not strictly aromatherapy news, but we thought you may find it interesting.
 
Donald Trump is planning to open a £1 billion pound resort in Aberdeenshire, in the north of Scotland. It is going to be comprised of two 18 hole golf courses, a spa, a club house and a 450 room hotel. The human race should be very healthy with all these health-related facilities being developed! We can only hope that he will see fit to add aromatherapy to his spa's offerings, like he does at his other resorts! 
 
"Spring is natures way of saying 'lets party'!" 
  Robin Williams
Greetings!

I promised myself that in 2009 I would "Get Up & Get Out" to get this old body moving again -  well the plans are made but as yet I am still making excuses: visitors, weather, colds, etc. By the time you get this newsletter I will have started, I promise. One of my best excuses is the weather, it is so unpredictable. I also find it hard to choose which activities suit my needs.
 
I saw a sport on television last week, that required two teams to wear harnesses attached to bungies and they had to bounce up in the air, grab a ball and drop it in a basketball hoop. Both teams were trying to score while stopping the other from scoring. It looked like really good fun! I considered it for about two minutes and then I remembered that I can't cope with rides on the fun fair so no, that won't work.
 
One of our staff people, Kelly, goes to dodge ball - that sounds fun. Apparently someone has started lists you can register on, saying what you would like to do and he creates the team/group around it. I fancy walking, yoga, aquasize or dancing as I am not very competitive.
 
On Monday I was on the phone with a customer from Alberta showing off about our blue sky and sunshine. The next day it snowed. The lesson for me I think is learn to adapt like the plants. It's time to start thinking about the garden now as the snow has almost all gone.
It is also time to start thinking about how much essential oil we will need for the next year as harvesting will start in June. I have still not found out why Lavender has gone up in price so much. There doesn't seem to be a shortage nor are there crop failures. I will let you know when I find out but in the meantime we have lots on hand at the existing price. 
 
Barb Greenwood
President
NutmegNew Product - Auntie Vi
 
Not exactly a new product, really reintroducing an old product with a new name. 
 
When MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) hit the headlines five years ago, Green Valley Aromatherapy did some research and found that Manchester University had found three essential oils that destroyed MRSA, the strain of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to a large group of antibiotics

The most challenging problem of this bacteria is it's resistance to antibiotics. This staph infection is being passed from humans to animals and is mutating within different species of animals. Dr. Peter Warn told the BBC when he was interviewed Dec 2004 that they had discovered three essential oils that destroyed MRSA. When tested in the lab, absolutely nothing grew. Rather than stimulating bacteria and fungi the oils killed them off.
 
The theory is that essential oils are made up of a complex mixture of chemical compounds which the ever-mutating superbug finds difficult to resist. These compounds are naturally occuring and are derived from plants. No two essential oils are alike which is the perfect complex compound to combat a mutating superbug. Current treatments such as antibiotics are made up of single compounds so MRSA becomes resistant very quickly. The biggest problem for the Manchester University research is funding. Because essential oils are naturally occuring, drug companies are not interested in investing in the research as they can't make a profit from a product that is naturally occurring and can't be patented.
 
Our Auntie-Vi blend is a fierce opponent to bacterial and viral infections. It contains the essential oils of Black Spruce, Cinnamon, Clove, Lemon, Oregano, Tea Tree and Thyme.
NutmegEssential Oil Profile - Litsea Cubeba
 
 
Litsea Cubeba or May Chang is steam distilled from the fruit of the shrub.
A small tree related to the Laurel and Cinnamon, Litsea is a member of the Laurel family. Native to East Asia, it has lemon scented leaves and flowers. Litsea Cubeba has a pepper-like fruit that is steam distilled to produce a yellow oil. It is mainly produced in China.

The main uses of Litsea are in skin care. It is great for oily and acneic skin types, as well as for dermatitis. It is non-irritating, antiseptic and effective in treating oily skin, acne and other skin conditions. It is a good alternative to Bergamot because there is no risk of photo sensitivity.
 
A newer oil on the aromatherapy scene, Litsea will give a wonderfully fresh top note, reminiscent of lemons, to any diffused blend. For this reason Litsea is said to be a good anti-depressant. It is a deodorizer and disinfectant, as well as having antiseptic and antiviral properties making it great for use when cleaning or when making a blend to help keep the air clean and fresh. This oil has been used as a deodorant as well as to help reduce excess perspiration. It has been reported to have antispasmodic properties for the bronchia that may help those suffering from asthma.

At Green Valley we like it for its fresh, uplifting zzzz. Because some therapeutic blends have an unpleasant aroma, you can add litsea to them to influence the aroma. For example, when there is an outbreak of head lice, and there is a rush on Tea Tree essential oil, we suggest adding some Litsea to it because they blend well and smell wonderful together. As an added benefit, Litsea is a deterrent to head lice. Using Manuka in your diffuser to ward off all those cold and flu bugs is an excellent choice but the smell is not too pleasing. Try adding a little Litsea to it and watch the reaction of your family, friends, clients etc.
 
Free One Month Trial Continues
 
Have you wanted to try it but just weren't ready to make the commitment? Well, here is your chance to try Green Valley's Essential Smile!
 
This blend of pure essential oils in a fractionated coconut base was designed to help freshen breath and help keep your mouth clear of disease causing bacteria. It makes a wonderful treatment for your gums. It has been known to help with gingivitis and other bacterial infections of the mouth. Use on a dry toothbrush and rinse well after use. Contains: Coconut oil, Clove, Marjoram, Myrrh, Origanum, Peppermint and Spearmint.  
 
From February 1st to March 31st, 2009 you will receive a free 5ml bottle of Essential Smile with every order you place. Don't wait - start brushing naturally today!
Essential Oil Profile - Helichrysum
 
HelichrysumHelichrysum essential oil is steam distilled from the "everlasting flowers" of the Helichrysum italicum plant (also known as Immortelle, the French equilivant) to produce an essential oil that may be yellow or have a slightly reddish tint to it. Some of its chemical components are nerol, and neryl acetate, geraniol and linalol.

Helichrysum is a very safe oil; it is non-toxic and non-irritating making it good on even the most sensitive skin. It is an oil that does its best work when combined with other oils. It increases the body's own ability to heal, which says it carries with it some immuno-stimulating properties.
 
Helichrysum also contains powerful anti-bruising properties, making it great for having around children, especially those who enjoy rough and tumble activities. It is also an antispasmodic and may be helpful in calming asthma attacks as well as the "whoop" in whooping cough. Its expectorant qualities make it helpful for any kind of cough where there is fluid to be loosened. As an anti-inflammatory, it is great to use in a massage oil when treating arthritis or rheumatism (better when used with eucalyptus citriodora). Helichrysum is used in general skincare and due to its anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and cytophylactic properties, some individuals have had success in treating psoriasis.
Recipes
 
Bedtime Face Treat for Troubled or Teenage Skin
 
Litsea Cubeba has a fresh, lemony aroma and is primarily known as calming sedative and anti-inflammatory oil, which makes it a great for skin problems like acne. 
 
Cleanse your face thoroughly, spray on Chamomile hydrosol and let it soak into the skin . Gently massage in Emu cream to which you have added Litsea cubeba and Helichrysm, about 2 drops of each to 5 mls / 1 teaspoon of cream. 

Rosacea

First of all, avoid all stimulants like alcohol, coffee, tea, etc. Avoid chocolate because the chemicals and the sugar imitate our own hormones, causing problems like stimulating sebaceous glands into producing too much. Antibiotics are often prescribed but they kill off the friendly bacteria that we need to digest and get rid of the toxins, so a healthy diet and exercise all help. This plan works if you stick to it but it takes 7 to 10 days to clear the system and you may have a breakout but PLEASE persist.
 
We suggest regularly cleansing your face with Chamomile hydrosol because it is very gentle and anti-inflammatory.
 
At night, feed the skin with Evening Primrose or Rosehip oil which are both rich in vitamins A, C and E, and they are anti-inflammatory. To 50 mls of one of these oils add a total of 40 drops of the following essential oils: German Chamomile, Cypress, Geranium, Eucalyptus Radiata and Grapefruit. Choose any of these, a couple of them or all.
 
To 60mls of emu cream add 7 drops of Geranium and 8 drops of Grapefruit and stir. Use this cream as a day cream.
Customer Profile - Edible Island
 
Located in the Heart of downtown Courtenay, Edible Island Whole Foods Market provides nutrition conscious shoppers a complete and extensive selection of organic whole foods, produce, local breads, baked goods and meats, all the groceries, household cleaning products, plus quality supplements and fabulous bodycare alternatives, including a full-range of clean-ingredient cosmetics and quality essential oils.
 
Edible Island Whole Foods Market has been a Green Valley Aromatherapy customer since 2002.
Aromatherapy Books
 
We are excited to tell you that after a long delay we are finally getting our book shipment! The books should arrive and be available on the website by the first week in March!
Wholesale Customers
 
Wholesale pricing is available for qualified wholesale accounts. If you have an existing wholesale account, simply login to your account. If you would like to register for a wholesale account, please apply here. The minimum order for wholesale accounts is $100.
Quotes
 
"The day the lord created hope was probably the day he created Spring." 
Bern Williams

The Green Valley Team
Green Valley Aromatherapy
 
Toll-free: 1-877-572-7662