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Newsletter - October 2007

As the summer sun begins to fade into a distant memory, now is the ideal time to rejuvenate your dried-out, tangled tresses in preparation of the colder autumn weather. Autumn time generally means frosty mornings, biting winds and generally colder weather which does your hair no good at all.

So this months theme is all about caring for your hair, the natural way. In Head Start, our resident aromatherapist Sue brings you tips and recipes to keep your flowing locks in great condition the holistic, natural and aromatherapy way - and dispels a few myths along the way.

September saw the launch of a brand-new Hair Care Collection from Quinessence, with each product packed full of natural and organic ingredients to keep your hair in tip-top condition.

Read all about them below in New Products, along with the new additions to both our Candle and Vaporiser Collections. Regular customers may also notice we have expanded our range of Hydrosols, so you might want to check those out when you have a minute too.

In this months Oil Profile we extol the many benefits of Cedarwood Virginian essential oil, which seems to have fallen out of favour over recent years. Geoff reveals why this particular tree was so revered in its native country, and how you can use it to great effect in aromatherapy.

Once again we want to say a special thanks to everyone who has emailed to give suggestions for future products. Many of you have requested products that are health related, but outside mainstream aromatherapy.

That's fine, we are happy to look at all your suggestions, so please keep the feedback coming!

Floral Oils Collection Offer!

When you buy this collection of exquisite Floral Oils for £39.97 during October you will also receive a beautiful handmade 6 space Alderwood Essential Oil Storage Box worth £12.99 - absolutely FREE!

And there's more - when you order your Floral Oils Collection online the price even includes delivery to your door!

This 30 day only Special Offer includes:-

• Champaka 5% Dilution 5ml
• Jasmine 10% Dilution 5ml
• Neroli 10% Dilution 5ml
• Rose Otto 5% Dilution 5ml
• Tuberose 10% Dilution 5ml
• Ylang Ylang oil 5ml
• FREE Handmade Alderwood Storage Box
•Price includes delivery

Expertly sourced from around the world, these beautiful oils represent the very finest natural fragrances that nature has to offer.

Experience for yourself the sensual delights and health-giving benefits of our Floral Oil Collection - and receive a FREE hand-made Storage Box - the price even includes delivery!

But don't delay - we only have 50 Hand-made Alderwood Storage Boxes to give away this month - when they are all gone the offer will close.

Place your order now and claim your Free Gift to avoid missing out on this great offer.

 

Head Start

Like skin, hair is a reliable barometer as to the state of your health. When you are fit and healthy internally, your skin and hair will reflect this to the outside world,- but if you are suffering from stress, poor diet or ill-health your hair will often be the first visible sign that all is not well.

As if this news was not bad enough, we also abuse our hair on an almost daily basis by frazzling it with hairdryers, heated tongs and rollers, applying harsh chemical styling treatments, bleaches and colourants. No wonder we all have bad hair days from time to time!

So if you want to rejuvenate your flowing locks without a hefty bill from you hair salon, try our expert tips to restore your crowning glory and prepare it for aurumn, using nothing more than a little common sense, and of course - aromatherapy.

Hair necessities

First, the common sense. Wash your hair regularly and always use a mild shampoo, rinsing well and following up with a suitable conditioner. Its just a myth that frequent shampooing washes out natural oils and causes hair loss, - it is pollution that is the real enemy.

Dirt is attracted to hair shafts that are coated in perspiration and sebum, therefore regular shampooing with a mild, natural shampoo is vital for great hair condition.

Next, ease-up with that hairdryer! Over-drying hair will lead to brittle, dull and lifeless hair that is prone to split ends at any time of year. In an attempt to minimise such damage, many people allow their hair to dry until damp, then blow-dry it to finish it off.

But this is actually wrong; blow-drying hair from wet to damp does no harm at all, however blow-drying from damp to dry can damage your hair - particularly if you use too much heat or get too close to your dryer.

Aromatherapy help

Essential oils can work wonders on the condition of your hair and scalp because they are so versatile. They can be used to strengthen hair, control dandruff, improve condition and help an itchy, flaky scalp - all at the same time!

Some essential oils work directly on the hair, helping to restructure, repair or strengthen it. Other oils improve the condition of the hair by improving the condition of the scalp. For example greasy hair is caused by over active sebaceous glands, and essential oils can help to balance this when used correctly and on a regular basis. The scalp is a living organ, but sadly it is often neglected and abused.

Which brings me to the heart of the matter - to have really healthy hair you must have a healthy scalp. If you look after your scalp, I promise you that your hair will be much easier to keep in tip top condition. The essential oils listed in the sidebar willl improve the condition of your scalp and hair, simply choose according to your hair type.

Select your oils and add to a fragrance-free base shampoo, conditioner or carrier lotion which has been specially formulated to work as an aromatherapy carrier. Use 25 drops (in total) of your chosen oils to every 50ml of shampoo or conditioner, and then use in the usual way.

Adding both essential oils and a little Jojoba or Coconut oil to a Carrier Lotion is highly effective when left on to soak for 5 minutes or more. It will condition and soften your hair in a way that 'off the shelf' products simply can not do.

Kindly carriers

Carrier oils can also be used with great effect to moisturise and condition your lifeless hair, both with or without the addition of any essential oils. Jojoba, Coconut and Macadamia oils can be used alone or blended together to moisturise and condition brittle, dull or dry hair making it softer and more manageable.

Infused Calendula brings relief to an itchy, flaky scalp and will also help to improve the general condition of your hair at the same time. At last we can reveal a real two-in-one hair product that is natural!

Intensive Revitalising Treatment

If you have dry, lifeless or chemically treated hair, here's an aromatherapy treatment to condition and give your hair a lovely healthy shine. Pour 10 mls (2 teaspoons) of Jojoba oil into a mixing cup and add 1 drop of Geranium, 1 drop of Patchouli and 1 drop of Sandalwood. You can substitute Rosemary for any of these oils if you prefer.

Pour one third of the oil into the palm of your hands, and massage it into the scalp. Repeat, massaging the oil through the hair until all the oil has been applied. Gently massage the scalp in small, circular movements for about 5 minutes to really get the circulation going. Cover the hair with a towel and relax for about 20 minutes - put your feet up and have a cup of tea!

This obviously makes your hair oily, but the final results are well worth the effort, believe me. After 20 minutes, simply shampoo, rinse and condition your hair in the usual way. If you repeat this treatment regularly every week over the next month your hair will feel soft and luxurious, and will soon be the envy of all your friends.

That's all for now, and I hope to see you again next month.

 

New Quinessence Products!

After more than 3 years in development, we are pleased to announce the launch of our reformulated range of luxury aromatherapy hair shampoos and conditioners. And before you ask - no, you will be pleased to learn that they DO NOT contain sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), sodium laurel sulfate (SLS), ammonium laureth sulfate (ALES) or paraben preservatives!

What they do contain is an abundance of the finest natural botanical extracts to deep cleanse, nourish, restructure and protect your hair. Synergistic blends of Certified Organic essential oils are also included to maintain the optimum moisture balance of your hair and scalp, and of course add that all important aromatherapy lift to improve your well-being.

Marketed under the Aroma-botanicals® brand, this new range represents a new dimension in real aromatherapy haircare and as always, none of these products or their ingredients have been tested on animals either by us, or any third party. After over 20 years as manufacturers, we are more committed than ever to supporting cruelty-free products.

Unlike many other sulfate-free shampoos, you will find ours produce a luxurious, creamy lather that deep cleanses without drying out the scalp or causing flakiness. We chose a combination of naturally derived cleansing agents including apple, olive and coconut extracts that are extremely mild and gentle to hair and scalp.

To condition your particular type of hair we offer a selection of solutions that include Shea Butter, Jojoba, Aloe Vera, Henna, Sunflower, Evening Primrose, Calendula, Melissa, Vitamin E and Pro-Vitamin B5 to restructure, nourish and protect.

The Aroma-botanicals® Hair Care Collection includes;-

• Anti Dandruff Shampoo
Specially formulated for the dandruff prone scalp, this advanced natural formula contains Certified Organic essential oils of Cedarwood, Bay Leaf and Juniper Berry oils to combat the itching and flaking caused by dandruff. Extracts of Seaweed, Olive, Rice Protein and Pro-Vitamin B5 add softness and shine. More info

• Tea Tree Shampoo
A luxury botanical shampoo containing Certified Organic essential oils of Tea Tree, Peppermint & Spearmint combined with botanical extracts of Aloe Vera, Olive and Pomegranate to keep your hair and scalp free from flakes, and looking good. More info

• Frequent Wash Shampoo
Infused with conditioning botanicals of Pomegranate, Aloe Vera, Olive and Pro-Vitamin B5 to keep hair from drying from every day use, this soft and gentle botanical shampoo also contains Certified Organic essential oils of Lavender, Geranium and Ylang Ylang. More info

• Balancing Conditioner
This advanced botanical conditioner contains Certified Organic essential oils of Rose Geranium and Palmarosa to balance an oily scalp, plus botanicals of Aloe Vera, Marigold, Melissa plus Pro-Vitamin B5 to condition. More info

• Moisture-Loc Conditioner
A natural botanical conditioner containing Certified Organic essential oils of Ylang Ylang, Lavender and Patchouli infused with softening botanicals of Jojoba, Evening Primrose, Wheatgerm and Pro-Vitamin B5 to moisturise dry, thirsty hair and add softness and shine. More info

• Nourishing Conditioner
Enriched with nourishing botanicals of Shea Butter, Aloe Vera, Calendula and Pro-Vitamin B5 to restructure and strengthen damaged hair, this advanced formula also includes Certified Organic essential oils of Lemongrass, Frankincense and Vanilla to restore strength and elasticity. More info

The Aroma-botanicals® Hair Care Collection is packed full of organic essential oils and natural botanical goodness specially formulated to keep your hair and more importantly, your scalp, in tip-top condition. We think you're going to love them.

If you have been looking for an alternative to the chemical-laden leading brand names and would prefer a more natural approach to caring for your hair, try Aroma-botanicals® luxury shampoos and conditioners. We promise you will notice the difference - and so will your hair!

Soapstone Burners back in stock

Recently re-introduced 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.

Aromatherapy Incense Sticks

Here's a new concept in Incense Sticks that combines several 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

To see all the latest additions to the Quinessence Aromatherapy Collection in one location, click here. If there any products that you would like us to add to our range, please do let us know.

Oil Profile - Cedar Virginian (Juniperus virginiana)

As the botanical name of this particular 'cedarwood' implies, Juniperus virginiana is not really a true cedar but rather it belongs to the genus Juniper, of the Cupressaceae family. There are several cedarwood essential oils extracted from trees of the Cupressaceae family, but very few are used in aromatherapy.

Also known as the Virginia cedar, Eastern Red cedar and Pencil cedar, Juniperus virginiana is native to the eastern United States and adjacent Canada. So far as essential oil production is concerned, United States is the sole producer.

It is a slow growing evergreen tree that can reach a height anywhere between 10 to 18 metres (33-60 ft) and displays a narrow conical habit. The fibrous shredding bark is reddish-brown or grey in colour with branches that are mostly horizontal, with a thin and scaling bark.

The needle-like green or blue-green leaves grow in pairs, and berries appear in spring that change colour as they mature, turning from a greenish-white to a dark blue-purple colour with a fine bloom in autumn.

The common name for this tree is derived from the beautiful fragrant heartwood, which is a reddish colour and highly valuable to the furniture manufacturing industry because of its special virtues.

Virginian cedarwood has long been known to possess natural moth repelling properties which have been employed in cedar chests, wardrobes and closets, and its poles are highly resistant to decay when used for fence posts because of their durability and longevity in damp, wet soil.

Traditional uses & Folklore

Native American tribes revered this tree along with other so-called ‘red cedars’ such as the southern (J. virginiana var. silicicola) and western red cedar (Thuja plicata). Tribes including Cheyenne, Blackfoot, Flathead, Crows, Nez Perce, Kutenai, and Sioux all employed parts of the tree for medicinal purposes.

Leaves, twigs, berries and bark of J. virginiana were used in decoctions taken internally to treat respiratory and urinary tract infections, asthma, colds, fevers, tonsillitis, pneumonia and to encourage menstruation.

Poultices of leaves and sprigs warmed on hot stones were also applied to treat rheumatic aches and pains, arthritis, backache and skin conditions. In later years these remedies were also used by the white settlers too, and later J. virginiana was included in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia.

Tree of Life

Symbolising the tree of life and known as the ‘medicine tree’, the wood was believed by some tribes to have been blood-stained by a powerful magician and it became sacred to them. It was burned in rituals, purification ceremonies and sweat lodges to drive away negative spirits and bring prophetic visions.

On a more practical every-day level, cedarwood strips were used to weave storage bags and finely twined mats or partitions, and sachets were used to protect ceremonial head-dresses from insects. The Cheyenne made flutes from the wood, but it appears it was the Western red cedar Thuja plicata that was most commonly used to make totem poles.

Extraction

The prime source of wood today is the waste from cedar furniture manufacturing factories; stumps, chipped logs, shavings and sawdust are subjected to steam distillation and yield a relatively viscous, yellow-amber coloured oil. It has a fresh and slightly sweet woody aroma with a balsamic dry-out note that makes an excellent low cost fixative in perfumery.

At cool temperatures, crystals of cedrol often form in the oil, but this is quite natural and they will usually dissolve when the temperature returns to around 20 degrees centigrade.

Aromatherapy uses

Virginian cedarwood oil is used to treat muscular aches and pains, painful joints, rheumatism and arthritis, and is especially beneficial when blended with Roman or German chamomile. Although milder in action, like juniper berry it has an influence on the kidneys and bladder and creates an effective synergy when they are blended together for use in massage or baths. It’s astringent and antiseptic properties are ideal for treating acne and oily skin conditions.

Blends with

Bergamot, chamomile roman, clary sage, cypress, frankincense, jasmine, juniper berry, neroli, patchouli, petitgrain, rose, rosemary, sandalwood, vetiver, ylang yang. It works particularly well as a base note for blends where rose or jasmine predominates.

Safety issues

Many aromatherapy books state that J. virginiana oil is an abortifacient without providing any evidence in support of this claim. As in many other cases, this information originated in older herbal references where it was confused with the related species J. sabina, which is a known abortifacient if taken internally. After all, J. virginiana is an approved flavouring ingredient which would not be possible if it was not considered safe.

All articles are Copyright: © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd. All rights are reserved.

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