Shop online
Information
- About Aromatherapy
- Company Info
- Essential Oil FAQs
- Sources & Origins
- Newsletter
- No Animal Testing
- Organic Issues
- Quality Assurance
- Testimonials
- Links Directory
Help & Support
Newsletter - August 2007
Now that the British monsoon season is over we can finally get on with enjoying the holiday season! So to kick off this month we show you something that you can use to keep you refreshed, cool and calm on your summer break, wherever in the world you may be.
What are we talking about? We're talking about Hydrosols, which are also known as flower waters or hydrolates. Most people who are interested in aromatherapy will be familiar with them and may have even tried some already. If you are one of those that have, then you will already know how valuable they can be and why the author Jeanne Rose refers to them as the 'homeopathy of aromatherapy'.
If you are not familiar with them then you are about to make a great discovery, because they are absolutely brilliant! Hydrosols are a versatile, ready diluted, natural product that can be carried in your bag wherever you go, ready to spray on without mess. In Liquid Assets, our resident aromatherapist Sue tells you all about hydrosols, how to use them, and advises you on the pitfalls to avoid when buying them.
We have some more New Products again for you this month, and this time we have additions to both our Candle and Vaporiser Collections. More about these new additions can be found below. Regular customers may also notice we have expanded our range of Hydrosols too, so you might want to check those out when you have a minute.
Finally, based on customer feedback and requests we are currently in the process of introducing updates and improvements on our website to make finding things easier. So if you are unable to locate a product because it has been moved or you just can't find it, drop us an email and we'll send you the link.
The main updates are to our Candle Collection which we have re-categorised into sections such as Votive's, Decorative, in Containers etc which will make finding things quicker. We are also moving sub-categories like Vaporisers and Aromatherapy Storage Boxes out of Accessories to make them a category of their own. If you would like to suggest any similar changes, please let us know.
August Special Offer
Essential Travel Kit
This Essential Travel Kit includes:
• Basil 5ml
• Bergamot 5ml
• Citronella 5ml
• Geranium 5ml
• Grapefruit 5ml
• Lavender French 5ml
• Lemon 5ml
• Litsea Cubeba 5ml
• Orange Sweet 5ml
• Pine 5ml
• Rosemary 5ml
• Spearmint 5ml
PLUS
A FREE Hand-made 12 Space Essential oil Storage Box
Order Online
Essential Travel Kit Offer!
Holiday time is here and lots of you will be heading off to warmer exotic locations, so we've put together a unique Special Offer to help you get the very best from the summer sunshine.
And when you buy this versatile kit of refreshing, uplifting and bug-repelling essential oils - you will also receive a hand made wooden 12 Space Essential oil Storage Box - absolutely FREE!
That's right, - when you buy this selection of 12 Quinessence pure Essential Oils for only £47.40 you will receive this fantastic Essential Oil Storage Box worth £15.99 - absolutely FREE!
And that's not all - when you order your Essential Travel Kit online this month the price even includes delivery to your door! This fantastic Travel Kit offer includes:-
• Basil 5ml
• Bergamot 5ml
• Citronella 5ml
• Geranium 5ml
• Grapefruit 5ml
• Lavender French 5ml
• Lemon 5ml
• Litsea Cubeba 5ml
• Orange Sweet 5ml
• Pine 5ml
• Rosemary 5ml
• Spearmint 5ml
• FREE 12 Space Storage Box
• Price includes delivery
This special collection of Quinessence pure Essential Oils was carefully selected to provide everything that's needed to soothe and protect you whilst you enjoy your well-earned holidays. Relax, chill out, keep those pesky bugs away - and receive a FREE gift!
But you had better not delay - this Special Offer is strictly limited to the first 100 customers who place an order.
Order your Essential Travel Kit today and claim your FREE hand-made wooden 12 Space Essential oil Storage Box - before stocks run out!
Hydrosols
Hydrosols are 'ready to use', all-natural products that offer a vast range of health benefits to all age groups.
Because they are already diluted, they are safe for those with sensitive skin and can be even used on delicate babies skin.
Did you know?
Until the Middle Ages the art of distillation was employed specifically for the purpose of producing precious aromatic waters, and amazingly, very little attention was paid to the precious essential oil that was also produced.
Essential oils were utilised of course, but they were extracted by infusing the plant material in a vegetable oil until it had absorbed all of the healing properties of the volatile oils.
The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans are all known to have made great use of hydrosols for healing and aesthetic properties along with their infusions and unguents.
Later, as essential oils became increasingly more popular, the use of hydrosols began to slowly fall into decline.
By the early 20th Century the healing benefits of these miracle waters were generally being ignored, with the precious hydrosols actually being thrown away after distilling the essential oil.
They smell different!
Hydrosols do not always smell like their essential oil counterpart, and this is due to the difference in their chemical make-up.
German and Roman Chamomile for example, have quite musky and earthy fragrances quite unlike the essential oil, but their wonderful health giving properties more than make up for this.
Rose, Orange Flower and Geranium hydrosols however are absolutely exquisite and much more representative of the source flowers.
In fact, many people prefer the fragrance of these floral hydrosols to the oil. Each to their own!
Buyer Beware!
Of late it has become quite common for man-made products to be misleadingly referred to as hydrosols or hydrolats by some manufacturers and suppliers, thus making the situation extremely confusing.
Be sure to seek reassurances that you are buying a natural, co-product and not a re-constituted counterfeit.
Take care when buying hydrolates produced from sources such as citrus fruits or flowers that are usually extracted by other methods to steam or water distillation.
Since citrus essential oils are cold pressed and not steam distilled, this type of hydrosol must be specially made and therefore is not at all common.
Jasmine 'hydrosol' is another example that should be purchased with caution since the oil is almost exclusively extracted by the use of solvents.
Like the citrus hydrosols, Jasmine hydrosol must be specially made and can not be a co-product of the steam distillation process.
To be certain of what you are actually getting, always make enquiries with the supplier before buying hydrosols such as these. Caveat emptor!
Liquid Assets
When essential oils are extracted by steam or water distillation, some of the aromatic and healing principles of the plant are not captured during the process. Although these important components are not distilled over into the essential oil, they are not completely lost because they are absorbed by the steam or water that was used to extract the oil.
This steam eventually condenses back into water, and now contains small quantities of essential oil - plus many of the water-soluble (hydrophilic) parts of the plant. Amazingly, this aromatic water is supercharged with active principles not found in the distilled essential oil, and is now a ready to use product offering a safe and convenient way to deliver a wide range of therapeutic and cosmetic benefits. This is a hydrosol.
What's in a name?
Technically described as a distillate water, this type of fragrant co-product has been more recently referred to within aromatherapy as a hydrosol or hydrolat(e). Prior to this in the United Kingdom, all distillate waters were collectively known as flower or floral waters, and the availability was usually restricted to just a popular few such as lavender, rose and orange flower.
The historic term of floral water is now seriously outdated though, since any essential oil extracted by a process of water or steam distillation will produce a distillate water as a co-product. There are now a much larger selection of distillate waters produced from herbs, needles, leaves, woods, roots, barks and seeds widely available. The term floral water is out of step with them so the name of hydrosol has been adopted.
Is it the real thing . . . .
Unfortunately, many of the 'floral waters' available today have been made with synthetic compounds which have no therapeutic or beautifying qualities. Others are produced by adding essential oils or absolutes to water by using alcohol or some other type of dispersant or solvent. This may appear to be perfectly acceptable, since the finished product contains essential oil and has a pleasant fragrance similar to a natural hydrosol.
However, this type of reconstituted product lacks the wealth of vital healing properties present in a true hydrosol, - remember, many of the plant constituents dissolved into the water whilst extracting the oil, so they were never present in the essential oil in the first place! Therefore, adding an essential oil to water will never create a product with the same healing benefits as a true hydrosol. There is simply no substitute, so don't let anybody try and fool you.
Aroma-therapeutic uses
Hydrosols are are just like essential oils in that each one has a unique range of health-giving benefits that can be put to use in a variety of ways. And recently there have been some exciting new additions to the range of hydrosols available to the world of aromatherapy, such as frankincense and geranium.
Lets take a quick look at some of these wonderful and versatile 'miracle waters':-
• Chamomile German
This hydrosol excels at reducing redness and irritation, and its soothing properties can even be used for nappy rash. Its antiseptic and soothing properties are indispensable, however, many people do not care for the earthy aroma. Together with Roman Chamomile, this is a hydrosol that you would use for its benefits rather than its fragrance. More
• Chamomile Roman
With a more pleasant odour than its German counterpart, Roman Chamomile also offers a soothing and comforting action on all types of problem skin. Takes the sting out of insect bites and relieves itching etc, and is excellent at reducing puffiness and dark circles around the eyes. More
• Eucalyptus
With its lovely cool and fresh aroma, this hydrosol exhibits analgesic, antiseptic and ant-oxidant properties which are helpful for treating insect bites, grazes and minor cuts. It makes a great refreshing mouthwash when mixed with Peppermint hydrosol. More
• Frankincense
With an earthy, resinous fragrance slightly reminiscent of frankincense oil, this is a very useful hydrosol for all skin types since it has the ability to improve the texture and clarify skin. It's great for mature skin or for those who wish to keep their youthful looks since like the oil, it helps maintain the skins elasticity. Can be used as a gargle for dry or sore throats. More
• Geranium
With a lovely feminine fragrance,
Geranium hydrosol is great as a facial spritzer to refresh both the skin and the mind. Due to Geranium's renowned ability to act as a balancer, this hydrosol tones, balances and re-hydrates all skin types. It is invaluable to combat power flushes during the menopause, and mixed with Peppermint hydrosol makes a refreshing minty mouthwash. More
• Lavender
Lavender hydrosol captures the full range of therapeutic properties found in the oil, and is particularly effective when used after over-exposure to the sun, cuts and grazes. More
• Melissa
This is an ideal travelling companion that helps to refresh and revive you on long, uncomfortable journeys. Of course this lemon-scented Hydrosol can be used as a rejuvenating spritzer at anytime, anywhere, when you are in need of an instant pick-me-up. More
• Orange Blossom
Use as a body or facial spritzer to refresh and revive. Orange Blossom hydrosol has a
natural hydrating and balancing effect on the skin. Smells great, - need we say more? More!
• Peppermint
The cooling effect of Peppermint hydrosol will refresh and invigorate at any time. Especially good when used on hot, tired and aching feet at the end of a busy day. More
• Rose Otto
The divine fragrance of Rose Otto hydrosol makes it the perfect facial or body spritzer to leave you smelling and feeling great. Used regularly, it helps to keep your complexion clear and fresh looking. A great travel companion. More
• Rosemary
On days when you need mental clarity and energy, Rosemary hydrosol is just what you need. It is a useful toner for oily skin types and excellent to use in hair care. When applied to wet clean hair as a final rinse it promotes healthy shiny locks and also has a gentle stimulating action useful in cases of mild hair loss. More
Perfect for summer
This time of year hydrosols are perfect to use as a cooling body mist, and the most cooling of all is Peppermint. Make sure you take some with you to use on holidays, on the beach and even to cool those aching tootsies when you are out shopping! Hydrosols help to revitalise you when your energies are beginning to flag, and a few sprays onto a tissue makes a handy wet-wipe for all sorts of applications including babies and grubby children.
To calm a restless baby try adding a few tablespoons of Lavender or Chamomile hydrosol into their bathwater. This can be especially beneficial if your baby is suffering from nappy rash or eczema, because the soothing properties of these hydrosols help calm the irritation and speed up the healing process. Hydrosols are quite safe to use on young children, and since they only contain a small amount of essential oil they do not need diluting much further except when using with very young babies.
Mix and match
You can also blend different hydrosols together just like essential oils to produce a unique fragrance, or to unite certain therapeutic properties synergistically. For example, a mix of Geranium, Frankincense and Rose would make a great travelling blend that could be used for reviving, refreshing, de-stressing and generally keeping you going! I have found that a mix of Melissa and Eucalyptus hydrosol makes a ready-to-use, highly effective insect repellent too.
Orange Blossom, Rose or Geranium hydrosols can be added to the final rinse water in your washing cycle as well as used as a fragrant linen spray whilst ironing, and they smell much nicer than their synthetic counterparts. Around the house, hydrosols are great to freshen the air instead of using aerosols which of course are harmful to the environment.
In her best-selling book 'Hydrosols', Suzanne Catty recommends taking diluted hydrosols internally using only 1 teaspoon of hydrosol to a glass of water. Many people use them when cooking and also on salads, but before doing this please be sure to read up on the subject and be absolutely certain of the quality of hydrosol you are using. There are many benefits to be gained from this method of use and lots of experienced aromatherapists follow this practice, just exercise caution and you will be okay.
Enjoy using your hydrosols, and I hope to see you again next month.
Soapstone Burners
Top - 'Sliding Door' Soapstone Burner. Available in either a dark brown or a mid-brown colour.
Above - 'Vine' Soapstone Burner. Each burner features a unique speckled or marbling effect. No two burners look quite the same!
Transitions Candles
Top- Small Pillar Candles, available in 3 colour ranges, with Ylang ylang & Geranium fragrance.
Middle - Tall Pillar Candles, available in 2 colour ranges, and Forest Valley or Apple Mulberry fragrance.
Above - Tall Pillar Candles, available in a choice of two-tone colour hues. Both candles feature a fresh uplifting fragrance.
Facial Massager
Incense Sticks
Authentic 'Satya Sai Baba' Nag Champa.
Soapstone Ash Catcher with flower inlay.
New LOW CD Prices
New Quinessence Products!
Back in stock due to customer demand is the Quinessence Vine Soapstone Burner - plus a new and distinctive addition to the soapstone range that features a handy sliding door.
In case you are not familiar with soapstone; it is quarried like marble and granite, and contains magnesite, dolomite, chlorite and talc, and may be up to 300 or 400 million years old. For thousands of years it has been used for sculptures, karafes, vases, goblets, kitchen countertops, sinks, and due to its ability to absorb intense heat it was used for many years to build fireplaces.
Each Quinessence Soapstone Burner displays natural variations in its colouring and pattern because of the way that it was produced by Mother Nature over millions of years. And like all natural materials, soapstone is created across a wide range of colour hues, so our pictures are only able to give an approximation of the colour hue and patterns, since no two burners are ever quite the same!
The Sliding Door Soapstone Burner is crafted in India by hand from the finest soapstone, and this innovative design provides easy access for lighting the candle. All four sides of this hand-crafted burner are patterned with an attractive lattice design through which the candle radiates a soft and gentle glow.
Sensibly, the water reservoir is permanently secured to the body to avoid the possibility of it being dropped and broken. This burner is available in a choice of either dark brown or mid-brown. More info
The stylish Vine Soapstone Burner also features a secured lid and an intricate interwoven vine design which is hand-carved throughout. Due to a lid that is far deeper than usual, this burner can be used for much longer without the need to continually refill with water. Supplied complete with a nightlight candle and instructions for use. More info
'Transitions' Candle Collection
The candles in this new collection are really striking, and feature multi-coloured swirls of marbled patterns that add a wealth of colour wherever you choose to use them in your home.
These Small Pillar Candles feature a unique sloping top that adds a nice touch of distinction, and the fragrance of Ylang Ylang and Geranium will diffuse a soothing atmosphere of peace and harmony throughout your home.
Packaged with a decorative pendant bearing an attractive motif, and available in three different colour combinations as seen on the right. More info
The Tall Pillar Candles feature 3 swirling colour hues and come complete with a decorative pendant bearing a distinctive design, tied with a leather cord. Available in Forest Valley fragrance (left), or Apple Mulberry (right). Both of these striking triple coloured scented candles bring a truly unique touch of style and fragrance to your home.
If soothing and relaxing aquatic colours are your thing, then you will just love these stylish two-tone Surf Breeze pillar candles. These fresh and pleasing aromatic candles come complete with a pendant bearing an attractive motif tied with a leather cord.
The intriguing swirling colour tones of these contemporary candles will form an attractive centrepiece in any location around your home. Let these candles bring an atmosphere of joy, peace and tranquility into your life. More info
There are also other new additions to our Candle Collection, so if you are a candle lover be sure to take a look around this section of our store.
The Magic Wand
The Magic Wand was the Silver Award Winner in Pure Beauty 2006, and was later given the Women's Own "This Works" seal of approval in the May 28th issue. As soon as we tried one out we knew we just had to add it to our popular Massage Tool collection - it's brilliant!
This facial massager was specifically designed to diminish dark circles, puffy eyes and minimise wrinkles. It boosts facial circulation which improves delivery of nutrients to the skin for efficient cell renewal and skin tone.
High speed micro-vibrations of the Magic Wand produce a non-invasive stimulation of acupressure points in the face and neck. This encourages lymphatic drainage, relaxed muscles and increased blood circulation, helping skin to look toned and more radiant. More info
Aromatherapy Incense Sticks
Here's a new concept in Incense Sticks that combines different aromas in one stick to produce a range of moods; Meditation, Energising, Sensuality, Refreshing, Stress Relief and Relaxing.
This new range is available as individual packs containing 20 sticks, or as seen opposite the entire range is presented in a Gift Pack containing 8 sticks of each type. More info
Nag Champa Incense Sticks
After numerous requests from incense lovers we have finally managed to track down one of the very finest manufacturers of Nag Champa incense sticks. Made by Shrinivas Sugandhalaya, this renowned Sai Baba Nag Champa is the most popular Indian Incense in the world and its exotic and stimulating fragrance exudes a sensual and romantic aroma.
The hand rolled blend of sandalwood and champaka flowers, plus spices, resins and masala all unite together to create the perfect soothing aroma. The unique sweet fragrance of these incense sticks also reveals a spicy and earthy back note, creating a special ambience for all occasions. More info
Soapstone Ash Catcher
Also imported from India, these hand-made soapstone ash catchers make an interesting alternative to their conventional wooden counterparts. Featuring an attractive flower motif inlay and a countersunk channel to catch the ash, these soapstone ash catchers really are great value for money. More info
CD Prices Down!
We also have some great news for those of you who enjoy listening to soothing, calming or inspiring music along with your aromatherapy!
The continual increase in demand for these items has strengthened our bulk-buying power, and we have just finished negotiating a new, even lower price from the CD publishers. This means that we can now pass these saving along to our customers.
From the 1st June, all of the CD’s in our Relaxing Music Collection will now be only £ 11.97 , which gives a you saving of over £1.00 off the price of every CD!
And remember,- the price of these Relaxing Music CD's even includes delivery to your door! There are no further hidden charges to be added to this price.
If you are hassled, stressed or having trouble sleeping, then just relax for 30 minutes every day with the simple but effective combination of aromatherapy and music, and you will discover the natural way to health and wellbeing.
In fact, these CD's are so relaxing, soothing and serene that you'll wonder how you ever managed without them in the past!
Browse the full range of our Relaxing Music CD's
All articles are Copyright: © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd. All rights are reserved.
Terms & Conditions of Sale | Privacy Policy | Accessibility | Validation
Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 1997-2010. All rights reserved.