Main navigation:

• Home
• About us
• Sitemap

Change my location:  United Kingdom Europe Rest of World

Shopping menu:

• Help Centre
• Your account
• Checkout
• Basket

---

Shop online

• Online Shop

---

Information

• About Aromatherapy
  • What is It?
  • How it Works
  • Aromatherapy History
  • About Essential Oils
  • About Absolutes
  • About Carrier Oils
  • About Hydrosols
  • Methods of Use
  • Safety Guidelines
  • Glossary of Terms
• Company Info
  • About Us
  • Sue Charles
  • Geoff Lyth
  • Ethical Policies
  • Industry Awards
  • Our Location
  • Trade Memberships
• Essential Oil FAQs
• Sources & Origins
  • Essential Oil Origins
  • Bulgarian Rose Oil
  • Chamomile Roman Oil
  • Tunisian Neroli Oil
  • Yuzu Oil
• Newsletter
• No Animal Testing
• Organic Issues
  • Organic Essential Oils
  • Organic Status
  • Why Buy Organic?
• Quality Assurance
  • Oil Purity
  • Oil Specifications
  • Oil Testing
  • Quality Control
  • Shelf Life
  • Oil Storage
• Testimonials
• Links Directory

---

Help & Support

• Currency Converter
• Help Centre
• Shopping Guide
  • How to Order
  • Moneyback Guarantee
  • Delivery Schedule
  • Security & Privacy
  • Returns
  • Terms & Conditions
• Your Account
• Contact Us
• Trade Application

---

Newsletter - November 2007

As the last few golden leaves of Autumn cling desperately to the branches of bare trees, it serves to remind us that harsh winter weather is lurking just around the corner. It also means it is time to start giving your skin some extra protection against the harsher outside elements.

In Season Survival Plan, our resident aromatherapist Sue shows how you can do this using nothing more than your humble aromatherapy carrier oils. These amazing oils can be used for so much more than diluting your essential oils, - Sue shows you how to keep your skin both protected and in great condition throughout the chilly winter.

As many of you may know, our managing director, Geoff Lyth, is also the Chairman of the Aromatherapy Trade Council (ATC) and has worked tirelessly for many years to raise standards of safety and quality in aromatherapy. Last month, his hard work and dedication were recognised by a leading aromatherapy organisation. See below for the full story.

Sweet Marjoram is the subject of this months Oil Profile. Geoff gets to grips with unravelling the 'knotty' problem of this oil's confusing identification, which quite often catches out newcomers to aromatherapy.

To help you keep up to date with all the new products we have been adding to our range over the past few months, we have added a new section to our website.

Now you can easily check for new additions to the Quinessence Aromatherapy Collection, - all in one place - at the click of a mouse. Find out more about this in our New Products Update.

The Christmas shopping countdown has now begun, so if you have yet to start your Xmas shopping or are stuck for ideas, take a look at our Monthly Special Offer which features a comprehensive Essential Oil Starter Kit with a deep discount. This one's definitely too good to miss.

Essential Oils Starter Kit Offer!

Are you looking for a very special Christmas present for a friend or loved one? Well, if they enjoy aromatherapy then your search could be over.

This comprehensive Essential Oil Starter Kit normally costs over £58.00, but throughout November you can save a massive 20% off this price and pay only £46.40 -and this price even includes delivery to your door!

And that's not all - When you order your Starter Kit online this month you will receive a 5ml bottle of Christmas Blend Mood Enhancer worth £4.60 - absolutely FREE!

This fantastic offer includes:

Bergamot 5ml, Benzoin 5ml, Cedar Atlas 5ml, Eucalyptus 5ml, Grapefruit 5ml, Lavender French 5ml, Melissa Blend 5ml, Orange Sweet 5ml, Pine Needle, Rosemary 5ml, Tea Tree 5ml, 12 Space Storage box - plus your FREE Christmas Blend Mood Enhancer 5ml.

The attractive hand-made storage box is made of Alder wood and has a natural satin finish that will accessorise and blend perfectly in your bathroom or bedroom etc. Featuring a handy brass clasp, this useful Storage Box will hold 12 x 10ml bottles of essential oils, protecting them from heat and sunlight thereby keeping them in perfect condition.

But you must hurry - because this is a very special offer it is strictly limited to the first 75 customers who place their order.

Order yours today to save over 20% on this Essential Oil Kit and claim your FREE bottle of Christmas Blend Mood Enhancer - before the offer runs out!

 

Season Survival Plan

Just as your body needs different clothing to protect it against the changing weather, your skin needs a different skin care regime to properly protect it from the elements too.

Clothing protects most skin, but we often fail to protect our faces and when it is exposed to the harsh winter weather, it really takes a beating, becoming excessively dry, irritated and chapped.

Moving indoors isn't any better either. Constantly running heaters and dehumidifiers sap every bit of moisture from the air, which again takes its toll on your skin. You need a winter survival plan for your skin!

Natural approach

Thankfully, Mother Nature provides us with a huge range of natural skin care ingredients to protect and care for your skin, and they are all conveniently brought together under the gentle healing art of aromatherapy.

So instead of spending a fortune on all those over-priced brand name skincare products, simply use the aromatherapy oils you already have at home, and save money! Remember that an inexpensive carrier oil such as Sweet Almond can be used on the hands, feet, body and face to provide both moisturising and softening benefits.

And certain speciality oils such as Rosehip, Macadamia or Jojoba deliver some truly astonishing results when used regularly throughout the cold weather, as we will see later.

Face facts

Many people are a little reluctant to use carrier oils on the face, fearing that it will make a greasy, oily complexion much worse - but this is not the case when they are used correctly. On the surface of the skin is a layer called the 'acid mantle', and this layer is vital to the health of the skin since it it the first line of defense against invading bacteria.

The acid mantle consists of sebum and a colony of friendly micro-bacteria which works to protect the skin and maintain vital moisture. Gentle massage with suitable carrier oils - either by themselves or containing a blend of essential oils - helps to support the natural pH of this crucial layer.

Over production of sebum (the skins natural lubricant) can sometimes be a response to external aggressors. These aggressors can be found in alkaline soaps or caused by dietary deficiencies, for example.

Essential fatty acids

Some carrier oils contain powerful natural moisturising nutrients that actually resemble those found in the skin, making them invaluable in your daily skincare regime. For example, cold pressed Macadamia oil contains a massive 18% of palmitoleic acid. Palmitoleic acid is an essential fatty acid found in sebum, and there are very few other plant materials that contain such high levels of this precious component.

Evening Primrose, unrefined Avocado and Jojoba oils all contain high levels of palmitoleic acid plus other essential fatty acids that provide deep moisturising and nourishing qualities. Evening Primrose mixed with Calendula is great for relieving sensitive, red and irritated skin caused by harsh weather conditions, and either oil can be used undiluted or added to a lighter carrier oil such as Sweet Almond.

Mix and match

Avocado is a deep-penetrating oil that is great for very dry, mature skin. You can add up to 20% of this oil to a lighter carrier such as Peach or Apricot kernel for protective facial treatments.

When buying Avocado oil, always choose the unrefined type since it has not had all the vital nutrients removed during a pointless procedure to lightening the colour and remove the slightly nutty aroma. Believe me, putting up with the aroma is well worth the effort.

Jojoba is wonderful because it is a non-greasy, highly emollient oil that moisturises and conditions your skin without leaving your skin feeling like an oil slick, - and it even helps to unclog pores. This is the one oil that I use all year round in my clinic for clients with skin problems, and it never fails to produce great results.

Rosehip oil is the finest overnight treatment because it is a natural antioxidant with excellent emollient properties. Even more importantly, it is a powerful skin cell regenerator that can help to soften fine lines and wrinkles. There have been extensive clinical trials that have proven the efficacy of Rosehip oil in reducing scars caused by accidental burns, radiotherapy treatment, surgery, natural pigmentation and stretch marks.

A little and often

You can use these valuable carrier oils at any time of day. Only a small amount of oil is required but you must use it regularly to obtain the maximum results, since it can take up to 30 days for a new layer of skin to grow during cellular renewal. A little and often, is the best approach to keeping your skin smooth, soft and radiant using carrier oils.

Gently massage a few drops onto the face and neck area twice a day during the colder weather and your skin will soon show the benefits. Remember your legs need protection too since they often feel and show the effects of cold first.

For the very best results you should use the rejuvenating carrier oils such as Macadamia, Rosehip and Jojoba after your cleansing routine for an intensive overnight treatment.

Remember, every single one of these carrier oils is highly nourishing and emollient to the skin, and they are especially recommended for the treatment of mature and dry skin that is more susceptible to the harsh environment.

Start your regular winter regime now, and I promise that you will have soft, supple and conditioned skin throughout the winter period this year.

Next month I will be showing you which are the best essential oils to blend with these carriers to bring you further protection against the effects of the weather, and to improve the condition of your skin.

I look forward to seeing you then.

 

International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists honour Geoff Lyth

Quinessence Managing Director, Geoff Lyth, was awarded an Honourary Membership of the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA) at their Annual General Meeting last month.

Each year the IFPA recognizes a few individuals who have made a significant, sustained contribution to aromatherapy by electing them as Honorary Members.

This year an award was given to Geoff in recognition of his exceptional services to aromatherapy as Chairman of the Aromatherapy Trade Council (ATC).

He was a founder member of the ATC in 1992 and has been Chairman since its official formation in 1993, guiding it through all its development stages over the past 14 years to its recognition today as the only self-regulating and authoritative body for the UK aromatherapy trade.

The ATC upholds responsible marketing of real aromatherapy products by specialist suppliers, who share common concerns about the safety and quality of essential oils and aromatherapy products now available on the mass market. It's primary concerns are consumer safety, and it promotes the safe usage of essential oils by establishing co-ordinated policies within the trade, and by publishing guidelines for safety, labelling and packaging.

Geoff was unable to attend IFPA's Annual General Meeting due to a previous commitment, so Sue Charles accepted the award in his absence. 'I was surprised when the letter came through from IFPA' commented Geoff. 'Both the ATC and Quinessence have had a close relationship with IFPA from its conception, so it will be great to belong to it officially.' he added.

 

Oil Profile - Marjoram Sweet (Origanum majorana)

Sweet marjoram is a frost-tender perennial plant which can grow to a height of 60 centimetres (24 inches), producing oval leaves and pale or dark pink-purple flowers. These flowers are small but plentiful and form in spiky clusters, blooming between June and September. It is a warm climate plant, preferring lots of sun and well-drained soil.

The whole plant is highly aromatic, exuding a pleasing peppery, warm and fresh fragrance of which Culpepper said 'It helpeth all diseases of the chest which hinder the freeness of breathing'. The fresh and dried aromatic leaves have been used for centuries throughout the world as a condiment in cooking due to their spicy, pungent flavour.

Origins and folklore

Originating from the Mediterranean and North Africa, marjoram spread far and wide reaching Egypt circa 2000 BC according to early records. The Egyptians dedicated marjoram to the god of the underworld, Osiris, and it was used as a funerary herb as well as to produce unguents, medicines and even love potions.

The Greeks and Romans considered it the herb of happiness, dedicating it to Aphrodite, the goddess of love, fertility and beauty. Garlands of marjoram were placed on the heads of newly weds as a symbol of love and honour. It was also employed as a funerary herb by the Greeks to promote restful peace for the deceased.

What's in a name?

Also known as Knotted marjoram, Sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana) is part of the Labiatae family which includes over 30 species of 'marjoram' within the taxonomy of origanum. This diversity and the fact that origanums have been widely used for both medicinal and culinary purposes over many centuries, has led to a certain amount of confusion regarding their correct identification.

For example, Origanum vulgare is often referred to as 'wild marjoram', although botanists today generally agree that it should be more properly called origanum. Confusingly, pot marjoram (Origanum onites) is also referred to as both 'wild marjoram' or origanum!

As many of you will already know, there is an oil used in aromatherapy extracted from Thymus mastichina known as 'Wild' or 'Spanish Marjoram' - and this one belongs to the thyme family. Duh?!

Origins and extraction

Sweet marjoram is cultivated for the production of essential oil in Egypt, France, Germany, Hungary, Tunisia, Spain and more recently in the USA. In the south of France, harvesting usually takes place between August and September.

The oil is extracted by steam distillation of the flowering tops, and produces a yield of around 1%- 1.5% essential oil. The oil is a pale straw or yellow colour, with a warm, spicy and enlivening aroma that is quite distinctive.

Aromatherapy uses

Used in aromatherapy, marjoram excels in massage for muscular aches and pains, muscle spasms, arthritis and rheumatism. It's warming, soothing action seems to bring instant relief to all muscle and joint conditions.

In common with most oils extracted from culinary herbs, it is effective for digestive problems and intestinal cramps. Always massage in a clock-wise direction when working on the digestive system. If you suffer with cramps during menstruation, try a hot compress with a few drops of marjoram for relief.

Used as an inhalant oil it helps to clear sinuses and a stuffy head, as well as easing asthma and bronchitis. A few drops on a tissue can really help to soothe a tickly cough due to its highly effective antispasmodic action. When used this way it also has a calming action on the nervous system, helping to dispel anger and stress.

Sweet marjoram is also a powerful relaxant, and is therefore an excellent oil to use when you have any trouble sleeping. Put a few drops in a warm bath before bedtime, and if you have a vaporiser try burning it in the bedroom before retiring. The warm and soothing fragrance is perfect to lull you into restful sleep. If you think you need something a little stronger, blend it with Clary Sage for a truly relaxing experience.

In fact, this oil blends well with a wide range of oils including; Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cedar Virginian, Chamomile Roman, Clary Sage, Cypress, Lavender, Myrtle, Rosemary and most citrus oils.

Be bold with your blending and go with your instincts because this is one aspect of aromatherapy that must be learned by practice. Marjoram is a very 'forgiving' oil and it is very helpful in adding a nice herbaceous, spicy note to a blend. Try it and you will see what I mean.

New Products Update

For those of you who have missed our earlier Newsletters, we have been busy introducing a whole raft of new items – many of which will make great Xmas presents and save your legs and time on searching through the high street for ideas.

New Candles

Everyone likes candles especially at Xmas. Our new collection is really striking, featuring a range of Transitional Candles in different styles and fragrances. Whether you enjoy the smell of the sea breeze or the fragrance of the forest, we’ve a candle to suit you.

Soapstone Burners Back

Also 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.

New Hair Care range

The launch of our brand-new Hair Care Collection has been well received and no wonder – they DO NOT contain any sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), sodium laurel sulfate (SLS), ammonium laureth sulfate (ALES) or paraben preservatives, but are packed full of natural and organic ingredients to keep your hair in tip-top condition.

New Incense Sticks

If you need a bit of relaxation after a hectic or stressful day, why not light one of these New Incense Sticks that combine different aromas in one stick and produce a range of moods; Meditation, Energising, Sensuality, Refreshing, Stress Relief and Relaxing.

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.

To see all of these products plus many other new additions, just go to our New Products page.

 

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

Subscribe to the Quinessence Newsletter

Terms & Conditions of Sale | Privacy Policy | Accessibility | Validation
Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 1997-2010. All rights reserved.