Some interesting facts about olive oil...
The evergreen tree Oleaceae grows in warm
tropical climates and its fruit, the olive,reaches
up to 30% of its weight in an extraordinary
nutrient rich oil. It is virtually the only oil that can
be consumed in its raw virgin state as its obtained
from the fruit and when properly prepared
maintains the flavor, smell and nutrients of the
ripe fruit.
Traditionally olives are harvested by hand picking
and are ideally cold-pressed to release the oil. All
cold pressed oils are expeller pressed - which is a
chemical-free process that extracts oils from seeds
and nuts. However, all expeller pressed oils are
not necessarily cold pressed. It all has to do with
temperature. When flavor, scent and nutrients are key components to an oil, the
raw material needs to be treated with greater care. Oils that are cold pressed are
expeller pressed in a heat-controlled environment to keep temperatures well below
120 degrees. Some oils that have been expeller pressed may expose the oil to
temperatures of up to 470 degrees robbing it of precious nutrients.
In addition, olive oils may be refined which includes deodorizing, neutralization and decolouration. Bleaches are normally used to neutralize and decolour an oil. Some oils on the market today have also been cut with lower quality oils. The end result is an oil that is pale in color, lacking fragrance and contains a lower nutrient content.
You can see how golden in color and smell how rich our oil is. The olive oil we use in our body care products is fresh, Kosher, Certified Organic, First Cold-pressed, extra virgin and unrefined. In this state, our olive oil products contain an amazing array of beneficial nutrients including:
Did you know that CALENDULA is actually a member of the marigold family? Calendula officinalis has been used for
centuries on multiple continents and is one of the most versatile herbs in the plant kingdom. This healing
phenom is known as the “flower of the sun”.
With golden yellow flowers beaming upwards toward the sun this special flower has an amazing story to tell about
its history and healing. Calendula was derived from the Latin “calends” which means “the coming of the new month”. Folklore has
indicated that this flower has been used spiritually for its strong fiery vibrations and in situations where clairvoyancy, love,
health, justice, strength and courage is needed. Calendula’s gender is masculine. Its ruling planet is the Sun and element is Fire.
Historically calendula garlands have been hung over doorways and windows to prevent negative energy from entering. Early Christians
would use the flower to adorn the Virgin Mary’s statues and other Saints as a powerful protective. They named it “Mary’s Gold” - thus
the name Marigold. Its been consistently used to symbolize peace and protection against evil. It was one of ancient India’s most
sacred flowers. Calendula was used as a major medicine in Civil War times for amputations and severe injuries because it helped wounds
heal cleanly. Native Americans also used this amazing flower as a rinse for acne and eczema.
Five major steps occur in our skin’s healing process. Calendula with its potent and complex array of phytonutrients helps facilitate
the healing cycle every step of the way.
The chemical compounds in calendula’s resin include: many fatty acid esters, carotenoids including beta-carotene, lutein and lycopene, flavonoids, quercetin, rutin and ubiquinone, minerals such as iodine and manganese.
Calendula has been useful for many skin conditions including:
sunburns, razor burn, cuts, eczema, psoriasis, abrasions, recent and hard-to-heal wounds, cracked dry skin, bruises,
inflammations, swelling, scalds, rashes, impetigo, insect bites including mosquito (apply oil immediately after being bitten),
rashes, ingrown toenails, oily skin and acne, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, boils and stubborn acne. Calendula oil is also useful
for vaginal lubrication, hemorrhoid and perianal discomfort…as well as cracked nipples from breastfeeding and stretch marks. For
newborns its especially good for cradle cap and diaper rash. As with any herb, please consult your naturopathic doctor if you have
questions about allergies to flowers with daisy-like blooms.
For pets such as dogs, cats and horses, calendula is an effective topical treatment and among the first herbs to consider for minor wounds, post-surgical incisions, hot spots, bug bites, inflammation and bruises. It provides soothing relief to swelling and discomfort. In Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, he discusses treating your pet’s ears with calendula oil. “If the ear is very red and inflamed, use calendula oil…” As always, please consult your vet if you have any questions about your favorite four-legged friend.
For more information on calendula and its uses, please visit www.iherb.org
Angelique M. Saffle is the co-founder of Nature's Marketplace Nutrition in North Bend, Washington and founder & president of Bodyceuticals Organic Bodycare, Kirkland, Washington which specializes in high potency calendula products
Visit www.skindeep.com for more information on product ingredients
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