Did you know that Lavindin essential oil does not have the same chemical constituents as Lavender essential oil? The high level of camphor in it makes Lavindin a skin irritant so be careful not to use it on burned skin.

 

Niaouli essential oil, Melaleuca viridiflora, is related to Cajeput essential oil, and while they do have some similar properties, they should not be confused with one another. Cajeput essential oil can cause skin irritation, whereas Niaouli essential oil is well tolerated by the skin when used in a suitable dilution. Niaouli is obtained from the leaves and young twigs of the evergreen Niaouli tree, usually located in New Caledonia or Australia. The tree material is steam distilled to produce an oil that is naturally analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, decongestant, expectorant, insecticidal and a stimulant. It can be used in compresses, diffused, in massage, via inhalation or in your bath.

Niaouli has been used in hospitals in France as an antiseptic in both obstetrics and gynecology because of its antiseptic properties. It is a good oil to use in a wash for cleaning minor wounds,
cuts or grazes. It is also good when applied on sterile gauze to burns as it is reported to be a powerful tissue stimulant and as such helps to speed healing.

Niaouli may help with respiratory tract infections. A good way to use this oil here is to add 1 or 2 drops of it to a metal (not glass or plastic) bowl full of freshly boiled water and tent your head over the bowl with a large towel for 10-15 minutes, breathing deeply. This is very cleansing and
healing to the respiratory tract. Please note this is not for small children! As this
oil is a powerful stimulant, it is best not to do this before going to bed. Niaouli can be
blended into a chest rub for use during the day to help with these same respiratory conditions.

According to Aromatherapy author Patricia Davis, "A little known but very valuable use of Niaouli is in conjunction with radiation therapy for cancer. A thin layer of Niaouli applied to the skin before each session of cobalt therapy gives some protection against burning of the skin and has been shown to reduce the severity of such burns. The tissue-stimulating properties probably help
the burns to heal faster." (Aromatherapy An A-Z, 1998, pg 226-227)

You may remember that earlier this year we were unable to get Bulgarian Lavender and had to substitute Lavender High Alp. According to one of our European suppliers there is significant turbulence in the lavender essential oil market. There was a 30-40% shortfall from the recently harvested crop and subsequent oil production suffered. Consequently producers are reluctant to quote prices because they may be able to get a higher price due to the shortfall. They are waiting to see what other companies are pricing at so, as a result, there is a stagnancy in  the market which has translated into a shortage of the oil. This will ultimately lead to a significant jump in prices over the next number of months. We will keep you posted as we learn more.

As we announced last month, our new pricelist will be published next week on September 1st. While some prices have gone up, others will come down slightly. People often ask us why prices change so often and we thought it only fair to tell you.

Essential oils are a commodity. According to Wikipedia, "A commodity is some good for which there is demand, but which is supplied without qualitative differentiation across a market. It is a product that is the same no matter who produces it, such as petroleum, notebook paper, or milk. In other words, copper is copper. The price of copper is universal, and fluctuates daily based on global supply and demand." Market conditions such as currency exchange, crop success or failure, and demand, cause the prices of products to move up or down (see example in previous section).

When we buy our supplies, we try and anticipate demand as much as possible in order to ensure consistency in pricing. Unless otherwise published, we put out two price lists per year - January and September. Not only does this allow us to make price adjustments, it allows us to introduce new products!

 

1. Create a special area, with a desk or table that is free of clutter and noise. These are extremely distracting to a focused mind.
2. Turn down the TV or music in the general area.
3. Set a time limit to stop them dragging their feet.
4. Create an aromatherapy concentration blend to diffuse during the homework period. To a diffuser add: 2 drops of Black Pepper essential oil, 2 drops of Rosemary essential oil, 2 drops of Ginger essential oil and 2 drops of Basil essential oil. This synergistic blend can improve the mind's ability to concentrate.

"If the school sends out children with a desire for knowledge and some idea of how to acquire it, it will have done its work"