Higher Nature Citricidal – One of Nature’s Little Cleaning Helpers

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Introduction: 

This product is a little wonder bottle of citrus concentrate containing 34% grapefruit seed extract, which is known for having numerous cleaning and preventative properties. It is antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and helps inhibit the growth of parasites. It can be taken internally and externally (will go further into this later) as long as it is diluted and is safe for humans and animals unless they have citrus allergies.

The bottle is a thick White squeezy plastic with a clear plastic dropper fitted at the top and covered by a solid Red plastic lid – all of the plastics are recyclable. It comes in three sizes; 25ml, 45ml and 100ml and is also available in tablet form. It is vegetarian and vegan friendly.

Ingredients: Vegetable glycerine and CitricidalTM grapefruit seed extract 34% (contains grapefruit extractives, glycerine. Antioxidant: ascorbic acid.)

A little goes a long way as I bought the 100ml version approximately 6 months ago for £14 (I can’t remember where from) and it’s not half empty yet. The prices greatly vary between sellers on Amazon, eBay and online health shops so you would have to do a comparison before deciding which is the most value for your needs. Higher Nature sells them directly: 25ml for £6.10, 45ml for £9.30 and 100ml for £18.25, they also offer free first class postage to UK members and free second class for non-members HERE

Why I bought it and what I’ve used it for:

1. Oral Hygiene/Dental Care – I originally bought this and still primarily use it as a mouthwash.
It was quite a journey that brought grapefruit seed extract and more specifically Higher Nature Citricidal to my attention, a story that I think needs outlining in order to best understand how much I’ve come to appreciate this product:

Just over 4 years ago I switched from pre-made and processed toothpastes to homemade toothpaste. I had been using healthy, vegan friendly and occasionally ayurvedic brands for 3 years already but my teeth were still on their way to cavity central crying for fillings and I had a long term issue stemming from a former dislocated jaw 5 years earlier which caused the inside of that area to swell consistently with an unpleasant liquid and of course an added helping of pain. So I thought enough was enough and it was time for a major change.

I had been reading about natural toothpastes and aids and had been using Black, and White herbal tooth powders on top of my regular toothpastes for quite some time. They had proved effective and I would recommend them but they were not enough for me. I had also tried natural toothbrushes, both the brushing and chewing variety (made from various types of wood) but even though I have known a number of people who are fond of them I couldn’t really get used to them enough to reap the benefits. So I decided to make my own toothpaste.

I use an extremely basic mix of bicarbonate of soda and 3% foodgrade hydrogen peroxide and any ‘toppings’ I feel like at the time such as mint, rosemary, cinnamon, cloves (all grounded) etc. Please note that although we use the term ‘baking soda’ interchangeably in the UK for both bicarbonate of soda (sodium bicarbonate) and baking powder they are not the same thing. Bicarbonate of soda can be mined naturally but can also be man made and is a quick acting raising agent and alkalizer. Baking Powder is made of at least bicarbonate of soda, cream of tartar and a filler starch or flour. Many of you who are into baking or cooking will know this but for general information, both can be used in food cooking but they have different uses and it is not recommended to consume baking powder unless cooked and in small amounts. – Anyway, regardless of lots of social misconceptions about bicarbonate of soda and hydrogen peroxide (people telling me my teeth would rot because bicarbonate of soda “is corrosive” and many equating hydrogen peroxide to bleach) 4 years later my mouth and teeth are in much better condition; no fillings, rare swelling, no need to brush more than once a day and to begin with, very White teeth. Now they’re more normal looking rather than bright White but as long as they’re healthy and clean I’m not bothered. My gums also stopped receding and I’ve had no problems with tooth erosion. My mother also made the switch with me and her lifelong bleeding gums stopped bleeding and her previously sensitive teeth were no longer sensitive. She used to cringe every time she ate something cold but no more.

THEN came the citricidal! 🙂
Despite my oral condition being greatly improved I still felt it was missing something and could be better. I’d found that when I ate too much or not looked after my mouth as well as I should have I’d get bleeding gums and I didn’t feel that my teeth were strong enough at the roots. I needed something as an additional boost to my toothpaste and came across reviews for grapefruit seed extract. I was extremely impressed and found a convenient yet high quality product to try first – Higher Nature’s Citricidal.

As per the instructions to use this as a mouthwash: ‘Allow 4-12 single drops to fall naturally into a full glass (300ml) of water, and stir thoroughly. Swish and/or gargle in mouth for 10 seconds, then rinse with water.’

Both my mum and I conservatively started with 6 drops and by ‘fall naturally’ they mean don’t squeeze the bottle, just let the nozzle drip. At half the dose I didn’t really notice the taste at first until I got to the bottom of the glass, as the liquid is more like a gel and tends to sink. My mother said the water did indeed taste different and we both noticed that it was a bitter taste – quite strong at first but with usage not so much. She felt that it made her mouth feel cleaner but overall she was happy with just the homemade toothpaste and stopped using the citricidal after a while. I on the other hand found more than one benefit using it as a mouthwash.

My personal method is to swish not gargle, and intentionally swish under my tongue as well because that is apparently the most absorbent area. Whilst holding the liquid in my mouth I noticed that at times, as aforementioned where I hadn’t been caring for my mouth as well as I should have, it would sting my gums and in the initial couple of months the sting was painful. However, straightaway my gums stopped bleeding and with continued use my gums no longer sting whilst swishing and no longer bleed. I still use 6 drops on average but when I’ve overeaten or been a bit careless I increase it to 8-9 drops.

As a mouthwash this is nothing like the more well known brands I’d previously tried before going vegan and even though my experience with them was limited to camping trips, to this day they still remind me of paint stripper (not that I’ve ever tried that!) The citricidal is colourless, doesn’t have anywhere near as much of a strong taste or smell and doesn’t look like it should only be used on industrial machinery. It probably doesn’t leave your mouth feeling as fresh for as long as its counterparts but I’m not one for feeling like an overwhelming gust of wind is passing through my mouth every time I breathe. I want my mouth to be clean but relative to what is supposed to be in there; sterilization is not what I am after.

2. Gargling
I tried gargling with this once and found it somewhat cleansing but as someone who is sensitive to pollution I usually go for oil pulling (a method of swishing and sucking oil in the mouth which has the side benefit of pulling everything out of the throat). My mother liked gargling with this though before she stopped using it – she found it a lot more refreshing than I did.

3. Digestive Aid
Some of you will know about the digestive benefits of grapefruit and grapefruit juice – as a general rule of thumb eating half a grapefruit after a meal can cut the amount of fat it will turn into sometimes by half. Also, as with most fruit it turns into alkaline in the stomach and can help stabilize the acids in there preventing or treating acid, gas and reflux. The seeds are also known for digestive benefits and hence I decided to try some as per the instructions:

‘By mouth: Allow 4-12 single drops to fall naturally into a full glass (300ml) of water or juice, and stir thoroughly. Consume 30min before or 2 hours after meals. 1-3 times a day (children over 8 years, half a dose) or as your health professional advises. Do not exceed recommended daily intake.’

Using this method my mother and I had different results again – I didn’t notice anything whereas she said her stomach felt much better and digested faster than before. We had used 6 drops but I increased the amount to 10 drops on my second try and still didn’t really notice anything except the heightened bitter taste. In regards to the taste, I felt it was better masked in water than in juice where the tanginess of the fruit can become unpleasant with the citricidal.

Neither of us continued using this method even though it proved half effective because we both think that grapefruit and grapefruit juice do a better job for speedy digestion and weight loss/maintenance. That said after a while they can be a bit too strong for my stomach and palate, whereas she can eat the fruit consistently, and I prefer diluted apple cider vinegar.

4. Skin Cleanser

Lastly, I’ve used this as a backup facial cleanser both when I ran out of my usual product and when I wanted to try it on some unsightly spots. I stuck to my conservative 6 drops, mixed it with a spoonful of water (dinner spoon not a teaspoon or cereal spoon), dabbed cotton wool with it and wiped my face before rinsing and moisturizing. I found it cleaned well, removing a lot of grime that comes with travelling in a city on top of any sweat and in my case cosmetic powder. I didn’t need anymore than a spoonful for my face and neck and I noticed that the spots did reduce quickly after that though the skin didn’t seem softer (as oranges do – some citrus clean and some soften).

What others I know have used it for:

1. Athlete’s foot
I have a friend who has had athlete’s foot all her life and is understandably very conscious of it. She uses this as part of a regular footwash and has noticed some improvement. However from my basic knowledge of the condition I’ve read that it is a manifestation of internal imbalance, usually digestive fungal issues, so treating the symptom will not stop the cause. She’s yet to start taking the citricidal as part of a drink because she doesn’t like bitter or sour tastes…

2. Shampoo
Another friend of mine has a very sensitive scalp and when I saw instructions on the label for scalp treatment she borrowed my bottle, tried it and then quickly bought her own :). The instructions are as follows:

‘Dilute 4-12 single drops in shampoo for each use. Rinse thoroughly.’

3. Stomach upsets in general
I’ve found from hearsay that this is very helpful for inexplicable stomach aches – you know those stomach aches you randomly get (hopefully rarely) that you just can’t explain and they will go away by themselves but can be distracting or dehabilitating in the meanwhile. Well a few people I know have used and still use this when they get those pangs and find that they subside quickly. (I personally take goldenseal for that and so have never tried citricidal that way.)

Other known uses:

1. Preventing food poisoning when travelling.
2. Water purification – or making safe to drink.
3. Vitamin C boost.
4. On the Higher Nature website one of the listed uses is as a household cleaner. I’ve never tried it but I have used lemon and lime juice for cleaning and would think it works in a similar way.

Conclusion:

This product was exactly what I was looking for when I needed a finishing touch to my dental routine but it also came with other surprising and pleasing benefits and is now held in high esteem as an all round fixer-upper when it comes to general cleaning maintenance of the bodily kind. It helps on the inside and the outside and so far I haven’t noticed any negative or unwanted side effects. I thought it was quite pricey when I bought it but now I think it’s value for money and because its concentrated it lasts a very long time.

I rate this as 5/5 stars and take care to note the warning on the label that reads: ‘Never use undiluted. From citrus; irritating to the eyes and skin. In case of skin contact flush with water for 10 minutes; if eye contact then also seek medical assistance immediately.’

Company Info:

For those interested the Higher Nature company they are committed to high quality, natural health products for all the family i.e. adults, children and animal companions. Their products are largely plant based, organic and vegan where they consider possible, they use recyclable packaging and neither they nor their suppliers engage in animal testing. More information is available on their ‘About Us’, ‘Promise’ and ‘Quality Assurance’ pages. In addition to their main website they also host Nutri People which has lots of information about health, conditions and ingredients/nutrients.

Summary: Grapefruit seed extract concentrate for body and home, lasts a long time.

Advantages: Has a range of uses incl. Oral care, scalp & skin care, digestive health.

Disadvantages: Some may find it more effective than others.

Viridian Coconut Oil – Go To The Top Of The Class

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FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

I won a 500g jar of Viridian Organic Raw Virgin Coconut Oil recently and being a fan of coconut oil both for external and internal health I was quite happy to receive it but then I’m a fan of coconut in general be it the juice/water, milk, cream/fat, oil, vinegar or flesh (and my parrots enjoy the husks for play housing). The first thing I noticed was the quality of the packaging which made the product a lot heavier than other coconut oils I’ve bought. It’s a dark blue, thick glass base which stays cold with a metal screw on lid – I appreciate the dark colour because it keeps the sunshine from apparently deteriorating the quality of the oil over time. There’s also a sticker on top which says ‘Soil Association Organic Food Awards 2012 – Winner’ which was nice to know and a quick search told me that it was one of Viridian’s new products.

EXPERIENCES:

I looked up the price and found that it was quite expensive at £14 for 500g, a fair bit more than I usually pay online or in store but I know that the Viridian brand stands for high quality/purity products that are carefully produced and from what I’ve seen of the coconut oil it is indeed a cut above the rest I’ve tried. For starters it has a stronger smell and slightly richer taste. The texture looks crystallized, something I rarely see in other coconut oils. Usually I don’t notice a visible texture as the solidified oil is quite smooth but I can clearly see the lines/shapes in this one. Also, it’s quicker to liquefy at body temperature and absorbs into the skin the fastest without leaving greasy marks on things I touch yet stays very solid in the container. Speaking of the container, something about its construction keeps the coconut cooler and solid. Additionally, most coconut oils I’ve used (when used alone) soften the skin but don’t necessarily make it look smoother/softer especially on the hands and feet but this one does make my skin look a bit more youthful.

As a body scrub (see end notes) it works nicely making my skin feel a bit more toned and moisturising it enough to reduce the amount of after bath/shower emollient needed. I haven’t tried it on my hair yet because it’s Winter and in cold weather coconut oil tends to go stiff, even after it’s been absorbed, and makes my hair look like straw until I’m indoors in the warmth when it suddenly goes soft and shiny. This one may be different but I’m not quite willing to try it and end up looking like Worzel Gummidge outside lol.

In regards to food use I’ve tried it on both cold and toasted yeast free breads with fruit spread and peanut butter, and in my homemade chocolate spreads (see end of review) and it spreads very nicely both cold and warm. The taste is nicer than the others I’ve used, it’s hard to describe but even though the taste is fuller bodied it’s more subtle and less ‘coconutty’ meaning that it blends better with the other flavours and doesn’t leave an aftertaste that is often not very appealing and a little gloopy on the tongue. I haven’t tried it in cooking yet so I don’t know how it holds up in higher temperatures and for longer periods (though remember that coconut is an oil best left for the end of the cooking process rather than from start to finish).

CONCLUSION:

I can’t say that I feel any healthier eating this brand of oil but I don’t feel any worse either but I know that it passes the muster because it passes my cat test. Yep that’s right – my feline ‘lil sis loves coconut oil, ever since she saw my mother using it on her skin some time ago. Now she always goes for my mother’s jar even though she has her own portion, she not only eats it (which she didn’t learn from us) but uses it to groom her fur and yes her fur is even softer for it lol. That’s not surprising given that coconut oil is high in ‘good fatty acids’ e.g. Omega 6 & 9 and Lauric acid and is very nutritionally dense in health benefits such as easing digestion and weight loss/maintenance.

So far I’d give this a 4/5 simply because I haven’t tried it on my hair or for cooking yet but suffice to say its prospects look good.

NOTES:

For more information you can find the product here: Viridian Coconut Oil and it shows that the price for the smaller jar is £10 for 180g therefore making the 500g version a better buy for those who regularly use coconut oil.

For those interested in ethically minded companies here’s a quick quote from one of their many ‘about us’ and ‘philosophy’ pages to give you an idea of what they’re about;

‘At the heart of Viridian Nutrition is a philosophy that cares for the natural products movement supporting organic growing, the essential nature of health and whole food stores, the respectful preservation of ancient health traditions and the sensitive introduction of innovative complementary health foods, supplements and concepts.’

For those interested in using coconut oil for chocolate spread here’s how I make it, roughly:

Base – 3-4 tablespoons raw cacao powder, 2 tsps coconut oil and 1-2 squeezes/dollops argave nectar or date paste (usually more date paste is needed than argave).

Toppings (if any) – fruits, fruit juice or fruit spreads e.g. berries, a bit of grape juice or a bit of pure fruit spread; and/or nuts e.g. uncooked/unsalted/unsweetened peanuts, walnuts or hazelnuts.

Mix whatever variation you have together in a jar and enjoy, whilst leaving any left in the refrigerator.

As a body scrub:

Simply mix equal amounts of coconut oil, shea butter and molasses (dark Brown) sugar or 1 part coconut oil, 1 part shea butter and 2 parts sugar. Then rub the end product over your skin whilst in the bath/shower (though of course make sure you’re not under the water whilst using it or you won’t get much on your skin).

A little goes a long way so you don’t need to make much unless you plan to store it for more than one use – you can also modify the amounts depending on what you prefer and add other ingredients such as ginger, oatmeal or essential oils.

MBT Shoes – Feel the Earth Move

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COMPANY INTRODUCTION

‘MBT (Masai Barefoot Technology) was born in 1996 when we discovered that natural instability can have positive effects on the human body. We made this discovery by observing the wonderfully agile Masai people walking barefoot on natural, uneven ground. Seeing these people in action made us realize that the human body is simply not designed to walk or stand on the hard, flat surfaces of modern society. So we set out to develop a new kind of footwear, one that would mimic walking on soft, uneven ground. The results have been dramatic and revolutionary. MBTs are now sold in more than 55 countries around the world and many enthusiastic users enjoy wearing MBTs.’ – http://uk.mbt.com

BACKGROUND ANY WHY I NEEDED MBTs

I bought my MBT sport ‘shoes’ in Summer 2010 after having accidentally discovering them on one of the Spring Bank holiday weekends. At the time they cost approximately £250 (the price varied a little depending on the retailer and boy did I shop around!) but I bought them from eBay for about £50 (bargain). The retail price is still around £250 now but I’ve noticed that stores (online especially) usually have a discounted price.

I’ve always been a fan of walking everywhere possible and in 2008 I decided to cut out the bus sections of my commute in favour of walking, and on some routes even finding shorter routes to walk rather than taking the tube or train. However, because I had started seriously working out pre-puberty my skeleton is not in the best of shape even though I’m pretty fit overall and I’ve had to change certain habits to support it better, footwear included. I went from wearing heels (platforms and wedges) to low heels (1-1.5 inch) and trainers every day. By the time I found out about MBT footwear the shoes, trainers, plimsolls and dance sneakers I’d been wearing just weren’t cutting it anymore. They would be fine for 6 months – 1 year but then they’d wear out and/or actually cause me more pain. So it must have been a message telling me to move on when I quickly stopped into an almost empty store soaked from head to foot looking for shelter and was confronted with a wall of MBTs…

INITIAL IMPRESSION

It was a typical UK Spring Bank Holiday, pouring with rain out of the blue, and rather than continue the walk back to the hotel I stopped at a health store to wait out the weather. I looked at all the freshly made foods (you know it’s essential to feed your stomach through your eyes ahem) and vitamins etc until I reached the back and saw curved sole shoes for the first time. I had vaguely heard of them previously but didn’t really know much so when the store assistant saw me looking she was more than happy to help out. WARNING – when you try curved sole shoes for the first time take care to keep your balance and not step on the kindly assistant’s hands in the process, as I did! She had warned me that it’s not like wearing regular shoes and you have to adjust your posture to get used to them first. However, hearing and doing are two different things and as I soon as she helped me put them on I felt like I was falling backwards and as aforementioned straight onto her hands. I was terribly embarrassed and apologetic but thankfully I’m light and quick so it was only for a split second… but still. She told me that to get used to the stance at first the best thing to do is try to put my weight directly on the centre of my feet or lean forwards a little. I wasn’t so sure but quickly got used to them after walking around. I still wasn’t sure though because I had always been weary of shoes that rock as I’ve had sandals that rocked at the front (though flat at the back) and I used to be scared of walking down stairs in them and I used a buckle a bit. However, MBTs curve at the front and the back and they are sturdy so the ‘rock’ is balanced out as you walk with each foot countering the rocking motion of the other. Unfortunately though none of the shoes in store were vegan friendly (the ones I had tried on at the cajoling of the store assistant were to see how they felt and not seem like a tourist who had gone into a shop for reasons unrelated to their wares) so I couldn’t buy any but I bought a bunch of foodstuffs to make up for the earlier incident.

SIZE/FIT

I went back to the hotel thinking I had to try some more that were suitable to my lifestyle because I was impressed with how ‘bouncy’ I had felt in them, like walking on air. Our feet are designed to walk on the earth not concrete, tarmac, asphalt etc with no ‘give’, when we walk on hard unforgiving surfaces all the downwards pressure comes right back up and for people like me with aching bones or joints, it can really hurt and turn into chronic pain. Hence I quickly started scouring online stores as MBTs weren’t so popular back then and not often seen on the high street. Doing so made me realise that getting the right size and feel for the shoes was more important than regular shoe buying.

My shoe size is quite small, sometimes I have to wear a half size up and my foot shape is a bit wide with even toes rather than the more common narrow with uneven toes shape so footwear with pointy or rounded toes are a no-no and so are shoes with a lot of fabric that isn’t accounted for in the sizing which then takes up the space your foot is supposed to be in. I did some online research reading reviews to understand the fit better (I find people’s experience wearing shoes outside of the shop and over time very helpful) and realized that the pair I wanted for walking a lot in were quite a slim fit and small in size. I bought one size up, they fit perfectly and I moved on to looking for a pair to stand around in more than walk and I knew the size to buy, or so I thought. I bought the MBT sport-2 style in the same size and was disappointed because they were too big, not just a little bit that I could make up for with an extra inner sole or thick socks, but big enough that I had to give them away (to my mother who is still very happy with them!) Size isn’t usually a problem once I’ve tried on a pair or two from a brand but with MBT I found that their sizing wasn’t consistent through the ranges, rather the size/fit differed per individual style and asking the sellers what they’d recommend wasn’t enough. So I tracked them down in a bricks/mortar shop and found that I needed a whole size down from the first pair I bought. (FYI – MBTs come in half sizes too.)

The sport-2 style is well made with sturdy construction and durable materials in thick and padded layers. They’re also breathable and can take a little water but are not waterproof, so walking in light rain is fine and they won’t get stained but walking through puddles or in a downpour will leave you with wet feet. They’re very comfortable but that’s once you’ve gotten used to them, since they’re quite bulky and even though they’re not heavy they can feel so when you first wear them. I also found the ‘tongue’ in both the sport-2 pairs I bought were quite hard/stiff and would stick into my feet until I bent them upwards a little and they adjusted as I wore the shoes.

EXPERIENCE

I’ve been wearing these regularly for quite a while now and find that they are perfect for standing in for long periods of time, I gently rock in them whilst standing still sometimes and my legs feel fine rather than being tired and achey from being on my feet. I personally don’t find them as versatile for walking as I walk brusquely and long distance but they support the body well for upto an hour of walking whether fast or on a nice constitutional, after that my feet and joints start to complain. I can also run/jog a little in these e.g. running for the bus whereas the other style I bought specifically for walking cannot be used for running at all. I can’t imagine jogging as a sport in these, but I guess it depends on the person and it might just be a case of getting used to it.

In regards to sports in general, I’ve found these supportive when using exercise/gym equipment but I’m not sure if they can be worn on waxed gymnasium floors (ask the instructor beforehand if you want to try them). They are well suited to outdoor sports but are a little too bulky for me as I like to feel light and agile on my feet, it might be different for those who need to feel more solidly in place/grounded in their actions. The soles have excellent grip and I have never slipped in them and I rarely buckle (if I do it’s usually because I’ve had to change direction or side step quickly whilst walking on a crowded pavement). Stopping, starting and pivoting are not problem in these.

They don’t take much maintenance except for a light clean with a damp (and sometimes lightly soapy) cloth now and then. Additionally the Grey/Silver sections on them are quite subtle so I’m able to wear them as part of work wear, however bear in mind that the colour accents on the front light up in dark lighting, they are not fluorescent but they do ‘glow’.

CONCLUSION

Since I discovered MBTs I haven’t looked back or regretted it and the two different styles I bought are my go-to shoes, they’re all I need every day except for special occasions. It would take something pretty special to supplant these and even though I was taken aback by the price at first, it didn’t take me long to realize why and now I fully understand their value. I had never bought shoes above £60-70 before and usually settle on a lot less but the pain relief and prevention these provide through their strength and supported mobility is worth it. I’ve taken a look at cheaper alternatives but I haven’t come across a brand that didn’t pale in comparison and if you don’t mind buying second hand there’s always places like eBay that sell both new and used (sometimes lightly worn or unworn).

The one thing I can’t decisively review is the claim that your muscles will be better toned for wearing these. I know that is one of the most popular reasons for wearing curved sole shoes and one of the main selling points for some brands but personally I’ve never noticed increased toning even though I’ve worn the shoes consistently. That could be because I’m already quite toned and have done a fair amount of regular exercise so short of suddenly trying a sport totally unrelated to what I do already I probably wouldn’t feel a change in muscle definition. That said, I did find that following periods of non-travel and/or weight gain I had to ‘get back into’ walking in the shoes again – the same applied for the other MBT style I have – it didn’t take long but initially it would feel like more work on the first outing or two. So those who do not exercise as much or regularly might find a lot more toning to their muscles. I can’t imagine that there’d be no muscle toning/building because of the rocking motion and the bounce whilst walking and with regular use they should help improve your style of walking and posture. I have good posture (drummed into me as a child) but I still feel that I stand straighter in these and if I bend my knees slightly the support is increased.

You can find out more about the benefits here:  http://uk.mbt.com/Home/Benefits.aspx

Overall I’d give these two scores – 4/5 for people new to MBTs because you have to give them a chance and get used to them and 5/5 for those who do that and realise that they are worth the effort and pay you back.

Pukka Ayurveda Organic Skincare Collection

Pukka Products – Practical and Pretty

Disclaimer: I was kindly sent this gift set by Pukka’s online PR but all thoughts and opinions are my own after having tested the products. I made it clear that I could only test vegan friendly products and so a couple of the samples have not been reviewed but their details are given below for reference.

I was pleasantly surprised when Pukka PR contacted me, previously I had known Pukka only for their awesome teas and hadn’t realised they specialised in skincare, let alone ayurvedic skincare, as well.

WHAT IS AYURVEDA?

In brief ayurveda is an ancient and comprehensive medicinal and health care system from India. It focuses on balancing a natural healthy body with one’s surroundings in harmony mainly via prevention but also treatment. It encompasses the whole lifestyle and further depths cover areas such as foods beneficial for the body, mind and ‘spiritual’ capacities. In regards to skincare most of the companies I’ve seen that sell Ayurvedic products tend to go by the tri-dosha method where there are three general types of person (‘person’ meaning both the body type and personality) and hence provide products with ingredients that cater well to each of those types.

You can do a brief and fun quiz on Pukka to check your type here: Pukka Dosha Quiz

I personally have a huge crossover of two types with a small but still significant third type so when buying ayurvedic beauty products I tend to just have a general mindset and pick things based on ingredients I like and know work well for me. I find that acceptable for ‘light’ ayurvedic products such as the ones from Pukka with well known ingredients commonly used and grown or imported here but I tend to be more cautious with ‘heavier’ ayurvedic products with lots of exotic and often strong ingredients especially those with numerous spices. In those cases I think being a crossover type has more of a consequence since I’ve had skin irritation and long periods of breakouts after using strong products meant for one type.  After having tested some of the Pukka range I don’t personally think I need to worry about that and haven’t had any adverse reactions but I’m mentioning it for people who are new to ayurveda and are a crossover type who might think it’d be ok to use any ayurvedic product because one range was ok for them. In those cases where people are interested in a tailor made program or products they should seek the advice of experienced practitioners.

PUKKA AYURVEDA ORGANIC SKINCARE COLLECTION:

The darling sample set, attractively presented in a small gift box reminded me of a chocolate box – always a temptation – and contained 5 x 10ml mini sized products securely slotted inside the inner box thus safely surviving shipping and a ‘free’ 2ml sachet of oil.

1) Gentle Cleanser
2) Uplifting Toner
3) Radiance Serum – vegetarian friendly
4) Deep Moisture Day Cream – vegetarian friendly
5) Nourishing Night Cream
6) Firming Face Oil 2ml sachet
And an information leaflet

‘Completely free from parabens, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances and colours’ and not only are the cardboard boxes recyclable but the plastic tubes along with their caps are as well.

Key for ingredient lists in review:

† Naturally occurs in essential oils
‡ Derived from plants
() Nature identical preservative system approved by Organic Standards

PRODUCT DETAILS:

1) Gentle cleanser – Organic Rosewater & Green Tea Skin Purifying Formula

INGREDIENTS
Aqua, Hemp Seed Oil*, Rose Flower Water*, Shea Butter*, Cocoa Seed Butter*, Glycerin*, Glyceryl Stearate‡, Sucrose Stearate‡, Coco-Glucoside‡, Castor Seed Oil*, Olive Fruit Oil*, Green Tea Leaf Extract*, Sunflower Seed Oil*, Aloe vera Leaf Juice Powder*, Soap Tree Bark*, Amla Fruit 100:1 Extract*, Gotu Kola Leaf 120:1 Extract*, Turmeric Root 20:1 Extract*, Manjishtha Root 70:1 Extract*, Neem Leaf 50:1 Extract*, Coconut Alcohol‡, Tocopherol‡, Xanthan Gum‡, Lactic Acid‡, Dehydroacetic Acid() , Benzyl Alcohol() , Citric Acid‡
Organic content: 92.9%

DIRECTIONS
Gently massage onto your face and neck. Rinse off with warm water.

EXPERIENCE
This product reminds me of a lotion; it’s White, creamy, has quite a thin consistency and subtle fragrance. The first time I used it I was surprised at how much grime it removed. I live in a congested city as shown by the ‘black snot’ that many of us suffer from by the end of the day but I’m still not used to seeing that much dirt on my cotton wool pad and I used more than one serving of the cleanser to completely clean my skin. I was also impressed with how soft and smooth my skin felt afterwards, another reason why this reminds me of a lotion.

On the following occasions I used the cleanser as recommended in the directions above so I couldn’t physically see how much dirt it removed but my skin felt clean and just as soft and smooth as the first time so I was happy. The cleanser removes both make up and dirt well and when I used cotton wool to rub my skin with it I used two pea sizes for my face, and three for the front and back of my neck and ears. When using the washing method I used approximately three pea sized drops in total.

I’d rate this as a 5/5

Prices:
Full size 50ml – £11.00
Individual sample 10ml – £2.50

2) Uplifting Toner – Organic Rose & Orange Flower Skin Firming Formula

INGREDIENTS
Rose Flower Water*, Orange Flower Water*, Alchohol*, Aqua, Calendula Extract*, Chamomile Flower Extract*, Marshmallow Root Extract*, Gotu Kola Leaf Extract*
Organic content: 100% of the agricultural ingredients are organic.

DIRECTIONS
Spray onto your face after cleansing or as a refresher over make-up.

EXPERIENCE
This is a handbag bonus imo, it comes in a solid glass bottle with a securely fitted spray dispenser and strong plastic lid. It’s a watery thin liquid perfect for a spray and Gold in colour. The first time I used this I was feeling very tired and insufficiently hydrated and as soon as I sprayed my face I felt instantly refreshed and invigorated. I became wide awake and all traces of sleepiness were gone. It absorbed very quickly and left my skin feeling a bit more toned.

I don’t usually use sprays over my make up but since the directions say it’s ok to do so I thought I should give it a try. It was those attempts that emphasized the only downside of this product imo, and it’s to do with the packaging not the cosmetic. The spray nozzle has one small hole in it which meant that whenever I sprayed my face with it, it came out in a splurt rather than a fine mist and that happened regardless of the pressure I used on the pump. Hence when the liquid came into contact with my skin it instantly fell down to my neck and chest if I wasn’t quick enough to stop it. Therefore I didn’t find it suitable for spraying over make up, that is unless you wear make up that won’t streak or wash off easily and it’s not something you’d want to try unless you have your make up on you to reapply afterwards just in case. To rectify the issue I sprayed the palm of one hand (both hands cleaned beforehand) to then quickly pat together with the other hand and spread the liquid over my face/neck manually, and when wearing make up lightly dabbing my hands over my face.

Overall I liked using this product before or after moisturizing in the mornings, or by itself during the day to benefit from that instant revitalization. With a nozzle adjustment it would be perfect for long haul trips too. I’d rate this as 4/5 due to the packaging which makes it difficult to fulfill its purpose, but the liquid itself does what it says in the title.

Price:
Full size 100ml – £17.50
No sample info available on site

5) Nourishing Night Cream – Organic Frankincense & Avacado Total Repair Complex

INGREDIENTS
Aqua, Hemp Seed Oil*, Rose Flower Water*, Starflower Seed Oil*, Avocado Oil*, Perilla Seed Oil*, Shea Butter*, Cocoa Seed Butter*, Glycerin*, Glyceryl Stearate‡, Sucrose Stearate‡, Coco-Glucoside‡, Pomegranate Seed Oil*, Sesame Seed Oil*, Aloe vera Leaf Juice Powder*, Amla Fruit 100:1 Extract*, Gotu Kola Leaf 120:1 Extract*, Turmeric Root 20:1 Extract*, Manjishtha Root 70:1 Extract*, Neem Leaf 50:1 Extract*, Frankincense Oil*, Australian Sandalwood Wood Oil*, Coconut Alcohol‡, Tocopherol‡, Xanthan Gum‡, Lactic Acid‡, Dehydroacetic Acid()­, Benzyl Alcohol()­, Limonene†
Organic content: 92.9%

DIRECTIONS
Apply a blueberry sized amount to your face and neck after cleansing and toning.

EXPERIENCE
This product is a White cream, with a subtle smell and slightly more oily feeling/texture than the cleanser mentioned above. Using the recommended method of application I could just about spread it all over my face and the front of my neck if I was fast since it absorbs very quickly so I found that it’d sink into my hands or fingertips faster than I could apply it and it absorbed into my face just as quickly. I had to apply it swiftly in one direction over my face to get it everywhere otherwise parts would be missed if applied randomly and there wouldn’t be enough left on the hands/fingertips to spread in different directions. There was not enough for the back of the neck and ears so I had to use extra.

The cream left my skin feeling soft and full but not moisturized to the level I usually associate with night creams. That thought was validated in the morning when my skin felt dry. My solution was to either use more before going to bed or topping up during the night. However that still didn’t leave my skin feeling or looking well nourished or significantly softer.

Overall I’d rate this as a 3.5/5 as according to the leaflet the cream is designed for dry to damaged skin whereas I have normal skin and dehydrate internally quickly yet the cream didn’t last long enough or work deep enough for me so I don’t know how dry skin would fare. It might work better for people with normal to moist/oily skin however bearing in mind that this is an ayurvedic product it is blended with certain body balances in mind which was the reason why I didn’t combine it with another moisturizer or oil to further provide for my skin overnight.

It might have properties that work best slowly overnight but personally I see the night and sleep time as the perfect opportunity to make up for what the skin goes through during the day as well as a chance to add the nourishment the skin could have gotten through the day but didn’t i.e. because it wouldn’t be very presentable to have a visible layer of moisturizer on. Hence I like a night cream to give me extra in all those important areas both visibly and invisibly e.g. nourishment, softness, suppleness and if I’m lucky a youthful radiance. I don’t expect it to last throughout the day but I like it to last at least until I wake up and wash. I couldn’t really see or feel those factors in the mornings after using this cream.

Prices:
Full size 50ml – £28.00
Individual sample 10ml – £2.50

6) Firming face oil – Organic Starflower, Arnica & Rosehip Mature Skin Formula

INGREDIENTS
Evening Primrose Seed Oil*, Hemp Seed Oil*, Sesame Seed Oil*, Rosehip Fruit Oil*, Sunflower Seed Oil*, Starflower Seed Oil*, Poppy Seed Oil*, Wheatgerm Oil*, Neroli Flower Oil*, St John’s Wort Extract*, Tocopherol‡, Petitgrain Leaf Oil*, Arnica Flower Extract*, Amla Fruit 100:1 Extract*, Gotu Kola Leaf 120:1 Extract*, Turmeric Root 20:1 Extract*, Manjishtha 70:1 Extract*, Neem 50:1 Extract*, Citral†, Geraniol†, Farnesol†, Limonene†, Linalool†.
Organic content: 99.9%

DIRECTIONS
Apply a small amount to your face and neck before, or instead of, moisturising.

EXPERIENCE
Even though this oil is described as for mature skin, I’m 30 years old hence my skin isn’t young or old but it’s not far off from either and since I love oils I was still glad to give this a try. Plus looking at the ingredients I figured that even though they may be particularly beneficial for mature skin they wouldn’t be detrimental to younger skin, though I’m no expert and don’t claim to know how the combinations of the ingredients would work – but still, I risked it and wasn’t worse for wear 🙂

My first impression was that it was a nice, light oil and the scent strangely reminded me of soap – not a bad thing in the slightest as I love natural soaps, also some people might find that refreshing. I found that a little went a long way and it absorbed quickly in comparison to most of the oils I’ve used.

It left my skin feeling soft and a bit more taught around the eyes and mouth. Those benefits lasted with multiple uses and the oil is light enough to wear during the day if you use a thin layer and have a little time to let it sink in fully if you want to add make up afterwards, but it also works well overnight if you use a suitable amount to last. I found that when I used it twice a day the overall condition of my skin felt better, it didn’t have a noticeably youthful effect but the skin felt improved. I surmise that with long term use the benefits would be recognized more and since a little of the oil goes a long way a full sized version should show that.

I’d  rate this as a 4.5/5 since it’s not really designed for my skin but did help it a little.

Prices:
Full size 30ml – £38.00
Individual sample 2ml – £0.40

PRODUCTS NOT TESTED

3) Radiance Serum – Organic Aloe Vera & Manuka Honey Revitalising Formula

INGREDIENTS
Aloe Vera Leaf Juice*, Manuka Honey*, Xanthan Gum‡, Honeysuckle Flower Extract, Roman Chamomile Flower Water*, Australian Sandalwood Wood Oil*, Olive Leaf 1:1 Extract*, Amla Fruit 100:1 Extract*, Gotu Kola Leaf 120:1 Extract*, Turmeric Root 20:1 Extract*, Tulsi Leaf 70:1 Extract*, Lemon Balm Leaf 1:1 Extract*, Passion Flower 1:1 Extract*, Citric Acid‡, Potassium Sorbate()­
Organic content: 97.5%

DIRECTIONS
Apply a thin layer to your face and neck before moisturising.

DESCRIPTION
Aloe vera and manuka honey to soothe and refresh. Gotu kola and lemon balm to tone and brighten the complexion.

Prices:
Full size 50ml – £32.00
Individual sample 10ml – £2.50

4) Deep Moisture Day Cream – Organic Neroli & Shea Butter Deep Nuture Complex

INGREDIENTS
Aqua, Hemp Seed Oil*, Jojoba Seed Oil*, Shea Butter*, Beeswax*, Rose Flower Water*, Rosehip Fruit Oil*, Poppy Seed Oil*, Cocoa Seed Butter*, Glycerin*, Glyceryl Stearate‡, Coco-Glucoside‡, Sucrose Stearate‡, Coconut Alcohol‡, Amla Fruit 100:1 Extract*, Gotu Kola Leaf 120:1 Extract*, Turmeric Root 20:1 Extract*, Tulsi Leaf 70:1 Extract*, Pomegranate Seed Oil*, Aloe vera Leaf Juice Powder*, Neroli Flower Oil*, Ylang Ylang Flower Oil*, Tocopherol‡, Xanthan Gum‡, Lactic Acid‡, Dehydroacetic Acid() , Benzyl Alcohol() , Citral †, Eugenol †, Iso Eugenol †, Benzyl Salicylate †, Geraniol †, Farnesol †, Linalool
Organic content: 92.6%

DIRECTIONS
Apply a blueberry sized amount to your face and neck after cleansing and toning.

DESCRIPTION
Neroli flower and shea butter to soothe and soften. Rosehip and poppy seed oil to firm and protect.

Prices:
Full size 50ml – £26.00
Individual size 10ml – £2.50

CONCLUSION

This is a lovely set of high quality products with practical variety and caters to various skincare needs. It’s presented just right for a gift or personal treat and makes an interesting introduction to complex skincare principles.

I’m thankful for the opportunity to try these and share my experiences.

The set can be purchased at http://www.pukkaherbs.com/organic-skincare-collection.html for £18.90

Dr Bronner’s Magic Soaps – Which is your fave?

LtoR – Almond, Rose, Citrus Orange, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Peppermint.

Who doesn’t love Dr Bronner’s Magic Castile Soaps, from those who’ve tried them? (‘Castile’ refers to olive oil based soaps made in the same/similar style to that originally in Castile, Spain.)

Dr Bronner’s soaps are some of the best known all natural, environmentally friendly and vegan friendly soaps on the market. They have a ton of uses but are officially recorded to have ’18-in-1′ uses and are also packaged with the most unique labelling I’ve ever seen. There’s so much information packed onto the label template that there’s no space and it’s full of his philosophy, I don’t agree with all of it but it makes an interesting read.

I’ve used all seven of the classic ones with the Almond and Lavender being my favourites and the Rose and Tea Tree coming a close second. They share the ingredients below along with their title top note:

INGREDIENTS: Water, Saponified Organic Coconut*, Organic Palm* and Organic Olive* Oils (w/Retained Glycerin), Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Essential Oils**, Citric Acid, Vitamin E

I like that they come in a variety of practical sizes, liquids and solid soaps, and are very good value for money both in price and quality – they are much more economical than many of the other healthy alternative soaps I’ve tried and last a long time. I initially found them too drying/strong for my skin when using ‘normal’ amounts but quickly realized a few drops were more than enough and cleaned just as well. They also have a rich and sizable amount of lather, which isn’t necessary in soap at all but it makes it easier for those trying natural soaps after having gotten used to commercial soaps that have synthetic ingredients added specifically to make lather. Basically, people have gotten used to it and like it so having it naturally is a bonus.

I find these soaps particularly helpful to take out with me in a small bottle or as refills. Before I was vegan I never liked the soaps at work or public places with their awful colours, textures, smells and questionable quality but was too lazy to take my own. Then I went vegan and had to take my own soap and found these ones beneficial.

What are the 18-in-1 uses?

Dr. Bronner recorded the “18 in 1 uses” on his label, which we have left mostly intact since his passing in 1997; however, people have told us many, many more uses for it than that. Here is his version.

Dr. Bronner’s version:Always dilute for Shave-Shampoo-Massage-Dental Soap-Bath! Peppermint is nature’s own unsurpassed fragrant Deodorant! A drop is best Mint Toothpaste; brushes Dentures Clean! A dash in water is the ideal Breath Freshener & Mouth Wash! Peppermint Oil Soap for Dispensers, Uniforms, Baby, Beach! Dilute for ideal After Shave, Body Rub, Foot Bath, Douche. Hot Towel-Massage the entire body, always towards your heart. Pets, silk, wool & body tingles head to toe – keeps cool! 3 dashes in water rinse most Sprays Off fruit & vegetables! 1/4 oz in qt H2O is Pest Spray! Dash, no rash Diaper-Soap!

Which of the recommendations have you tried and have you tried other ways? I’ve used them for hands/face, shower, shampoo, washing clothes and general household cleaning like surfaces. I love the idea of trying them on fruit/veg! I’ve never used the solid soap bars so would be interested in reading your views on those.

Renowned for their quality, versatility and eco-friendliness, Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps enjoyed a small but loyal following in the early years. In the late 1960s, however, soap sales started to explode, due to the unsurpassed ecological quality combined with Dr. Bronner’s urgent message to realize our transcendent unity across religious and ethnic divides. Word-of-mouth soon made Dr. Bronner’s the iconic soap of that era, and in the decades that followed the soaps spread into every health food store in the U.S. and then into the mainstream as well — winning over fans from all walks of life on the way to becoming the number-one-selling natural brand of soap in North America.

Link (if you want to know more about the history, look at the timeline tab it’s very interesting!)

MuLondon Promotion – Send in a review for freebies!

MuLove = free MuLondon products & accessories (worldwide)

I love a company that listens to its customers and rewards them and so was happy to be informed about a great promotion from the fabulous MuLondon.

Here’s what you do and what you get:

– Video review (2 minutes+): FREE MuLondon product + accessory of your choice, sent to anywhere in the world! Worth £35+.

– Text review (100 words+) with an image of you and your MuLondon product: £8 MuLondon voucher + T-shirt or a cosmetic bag! Worth £18.

– Text review (100 words+): £3 MuLondon voucher + small coin purse! Worth £8.

Outstanding videos and images will get extra prizes! Worldwide entries are welcome.

Rules:

Make your submissions through my contact page: http://www.mulondon.com/contact/ – Mark your entry “MuLove” and enclose the links to your image or video. You will get a personal response within 48 hours.

Text reviews need to be at least 100 words. Images should be submitted as high-resolution files, at least 800x800px. Videos can be uploaded via YoutTube or Vimeo and need to be at least 2 minutes long and in English. This promotion is available worldwide and subject to quality control. Complimentary accessories are sent out with your next order. MuLondon reserves the right to disqualify invalid or inappropriate entries. One submission per person per month. The promotion applies to new reviews only. By submitting text, images and video, you grant MuLondon the rights to use these. That said – have fun, be creative – and please share to let your friends know.

For more info about the promotion, prizes and tips go HERE

Bomb Cosmetics – They are ‘da domb!’ (and make great gifts)

I had the distinct pleasure of being introduced to bomb cosmetics recently, by the same friend who introduced me to Lush years ago (thank you friend!) and wow – I was impressed.

Bomb cosmetics have a wide variety of delightful and delicious looking (don’t eat them!) products that really appeal both asthetically and nutritionally for your body. Just looking at their product displays is somewhat overwhelming, it’s like being a child on their first trip to a candy store. The designs, colours, smells and for an adult, knowing that the company is one with values.

Now I’m the kind of person that likes to give gifts, for whatever reason or even no reason, if I like someone (and sometimes even if I don’t lol) I like to give gifts. It’s just my nature and I’m always looking for ethically minded gifts that people in general will like, whether we share the same ethics or not. That way I’m not going against my principles and the recipient still gets something truly beautiful and enjoyable.

From Bomb Cosmetics I think that the Bomb Cosmetics Luxury Ballotin Assortment Bath Gift Set would make an excellent introductory purchase or gift since it lets you can try six of their best selling cocoa and shea butter based bath products for a much lower price than if you bought them separately – bargain!

The set includes:

Rose Bath Creamer, Purple Bath Mallow, Marigold Bath Creamer, Rosebud Buttercup, Pink Bath Gem and Jade/Turquoise Bath Gem. Great for some luxuriating bath times and all vegan friendly.

OR for the more creative and quirky tastes there is:

The Bomb Cosmetics Soap Paint Gift Pack is a gift set with three colours; rich raspberry (pink), crunchy apple (green) and oceanic wave (blue).  They are fruity, rich and cleansing soap paints are enriched with essential oils and make bath time for fun especially if bath time is shared (not suitable for children of 3 and under).

Some more info about their company:

Bathing…

One of life’s necessities but also one of life’s greatest pleasures. At Bomb Cosmetics we believe bathing is a time to indulge, a time to reflect upon and enjoy those increasingly rare opportunities to spend a little quality time by yourself. But being a little selfish and enjoying some “me time” doesn’t need to come at a price to the environment.

Environmental Issues

At Bomb Cosmetics, we aim to run our business in the most environmentally friendly manner possible. For example, the card we use in our products has a minimum recycled content of 70%. We use glass, aluminium and PET for our jars and bottles, all of which are easily recycled.

Animal Testing

Animals shouldn’t suffer because we choose to take these little pleasures in life. We ensure that none of our suppliers test our ingredients on animals by committing to a fixed cut off date policy in line with major animal right groups recommendations. We never will and never have tested our finished products on animals. We will support raw material manufacturers who fund alternative methods of testing the raw materials we buy.

Our manufacturing is very simple – we make everything by hand.

All of our products are mixed, pressed, moulded, rolled and shaped by hand. We don’t use anyone else to make our products and all of our products are made in our factories by our own trained staff. This way, we make sure our product quality is of the highest order – all of our products are 100% inspected before they are packed.

Our commitment to animal rights and the protection of our environment are commitments we take very seriously.

Hand Made Soaps

Our soaps are all made by hand in our own factory by hand. Each block is poured by hand, and then sliced by hand. All the shapes you see in the slices are made of soap and they are made by hand too. We use the finest quality ingredients and essential oils to make our soaps. They all contain Glycerine (from Palm oil) which is proven to lock moisture into the skin, meaning our soaps moisturise while gently cleansing your skin. They are very mild, having a pH of around 7 which is neutral. Our soaps contain the very finest perfume oils which means they leave your bathroom smelling fantastic, even when they are not being used. Why not treat yourself and find out how good they really are?

We take the art of bathing seriously

At Bomb Cosmetics we take the art of bathing seriously. Whether you want to relax after a hard day, refresh yourself before you go out or just lock yourself away for a little time to pamper yourself, we have designed our products with all of these situations in mind.

Our aim is to design products that make you feel special every time you use them. We combine fragrances that make your mouth water, or remind you of special times, or simply make you smell divine, with the finest, carefully selected essential oils.

And to complement our fragrances, we use natural ingredients like Cocoa Butter, rare oils like Gold of Pleasure and exotic naturals like Tabatinga White Clay which is harvested from the rainforests of the Amazon in a sustainable manner.

Their ingredients are not 100% natural but they are head and shoulders above many of the normal high street brands. This is a great introduction into the world of natural health.

They also sell soaps, face/body cosmetics and fragrances; a one stop shop for skincare 🙂

Enjoy!

Weleda Products Review – Oils and Body Wash

Weleda Goodies – Mini Oils and Creamy Body Wash

Weleda is the world’s leading producer of anthroposophical medicines and natural cosmetics. We exist to serve humanity and the world as a whole. We believe that every human is a unique individual, connected to the world in body, soul and spirit.

For the past ninety years we have been working in harmony with nature and the human being, using the purest natural ingredients to create meaningful products that enhance your body’s own vitality and the ability to nurture and heal.

100% Pure and Natural. All our products are certified natural by Nature and we aim to use only the purest wild-crafted, biodynamic or organically grown ingredients.
– No petroleum derived ingredients
– No synthetic chemicals
– No synthetic preservatives
– No synthetic fragrances
– No GMOs
– Never tested on animals

Disclaimer: I was kindly sent these sample size goodies by Weleda PR but all thoughts and opinions are my own after having tested the products. All of the products tested are vegan friendly.

Oils that do the business! 10ml

I am a big fan of natural oils, for food, skincare and healing so I was more than a little excited to try these and I have to say that I was and continue to be very impressed. They are packaged in small yet solid glass bottles/vials, with a leaflet inside a cardboard box.

Sea Buckthorn Oil

Ingredients – Sesame Seed Oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Fragrance* Limonene*, Linalool*, Benzyl Benzoate*, Benzyl Salicylate*, Geraniol*, Citral*, Farnesol*. (*From natural essential oils)

This was the first oil I tried and even after having used many oils, I was still a Sea Buckthorn oil newbie and for the first time in a long time I had a ‘Wow’ feeling after using this. I hadn’t really moisturized that much during the Summer heat especially not with oils but with the change in temperature my skin was ready for some pampering nourishment and it got it, and then some, with this oil.

It is a bright Orange rich/heavy oil with a subtle (and imo lovely), slightly heady smell. I primarily used it overnight, first cleansing my skin and then putting a little on before going to sleep, and when I woke up in the morning had the pleasant surprise of glowing and ultra soft skin. For the first week I woke up to these lovely results and my skin also looked a little fuller (alas with age the face tends to get more defined and the ‘rounded’ face of youth becomes a memory). After that my skin stopped glowing and the youthful look wasn’t as pronounced but my skin was still extremely soft whilst looking and feeling well nourished. I also found it especially helpful to use after steaming e.g. having a bath, when the skin needed moisturizing more this oil really stepped up to the plate and my skin did not feel like it lost anything through the exposure to water.

Overall I’d give this product a 9/10 because it does what it says on the packaging though I would have liked the initial reactions to have lasted a bit longer before my skin got used to it. But anything that naturally makes my skin both look and feel younger has my appreciation!

Sea Buckthorn Body Oil. Intensely nourishes and revitalizes. Helps skin regain its natural vitality.

Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil

Ingredients – Jojoba Seed Oil, Sesame Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil, Millet Seed Extract, Fragrance*, Pomegranate Seed Oil, Sunflower Petal Extract, Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Limonene*, Linalool*, Geraniol*, Citral*, Eugenol*, Coumarin*, Farnesol. (*From natural essential oils)

As you can see this particular product is like an oil powerhouse. I don’t usually use so many in combination as I find, even with the best ingredients they can have different effects and some ingredients will downplay or overwhelm others hence it’s hard to get the full range of benefits. However, using this product showed me that the recipe was balanced and complimentary in its effect.

This oil is the more traditional Yellowish tone and has a strong scent that reminds me of sweets/candy but with a sourness too. I used it mostly as an overnight product due to its ‘richness’ and because of all the different oils included I was slightly worried about how long it would take to absorb. It turns out that I was right and that it served best overnight on my ‘normal’ skin (not too dry or greasy), as well as an after-steam moisturizer.

It didn’t have the same ‘Wow’ factor as the Sea-Buckthorn but I was still more than pleased with it – I had the initial (though shorter lasting than the Sea-Buckthorn) ‘glow’ that I tend to have when trying new products and deeply moisturized feeling but the difference was that with product the softness lasted all day. I’d top up my skin’s condition with cream/lotion after washing, but overall the skin was still soft so I didn’t need to use as much. With long term use I’d guess that I wouldn’t need to top up with lotion as much because the oil would improve the overall condition of my skin.

Overall I’d rate this as 8/10 – it does what it says on the box and over time I think would be good value for both younger and mature skin but with the combination of oils might noticeably work differently for different people.

Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil. Promotes skin renewal. Helps to increase appearance of skin firmness.

Almond Soothing Facial Oil

Ingredients – Sweet Almond Oil, Plum Seed Oil, Blackthorn Flower Extract

When I read the ingredients list on this one I thought ‘now this is my kind of product’ – I like such lists to have few and whole ingredients, though that is just my preference and I’m not adverse to longer lists as long as they show quality over quantity.

As many of you will know sweet almond oil makes an excellent base for other oils that need to be used more sparingly and as such it is quite mild and suitable for many skin types. I therefore knew that I could use it more casually than the Sea Buckthorn and Pomegranate oils and was happy to see it combined with what I’ve read as ‘super’ nourishing and beneficial ingredients. It has a very light Yellow tone and very subtle smell that I can’t quite figure out what it reminds me of – but nevertheless should please those who dislike fragrant products.

I used this particularly after the temperature/climate significantly told us ‘Winter is here’ when my facial skin was feeling sensitive and a bit sore. I found the oil to be gentle and soothing like a light barrier, and it absorbed quite quickly with some massaging. It didn’t act so much as a preventative or very protective shield for the cold as it did a soothing balm but it isn’t supposed to be – it worked well for what is was/is, all day mid-level to cold (but not too cold) weather conditioner and buffer for sensitive to normal skin. Coupled with warm clothing it did the business.

Overall I’d give this a 7.5/10 because again this product does what it claims is a gentle general/all purpose oil but does not have the extra noticeable benefits that many are looking for nowadays like regained youthfulness, extra softening, sustained results over time, firmness yet elasticity etc. (Note – the full facial oil product size is 50ml, whereas the body oils reviewed are 100ml.)

Almond Soothing Facial Oil. Calms and nourishes sensitive skin. Ideal to use an eye makeup remover.

Lavender Relaxing Body Oil

Ingredients – Sweet Almond Oil, Sesame Seed Oil, Lavender Oil, Fragrance*, Limonene*, Linalool*, Geraniol*, Coumarin*. (*From natural essential oils)

Lavender is well known for its relaxing yet uplifting properties for both the skin and the mind. What is lesser known about it is that it has anti-sceptic and anti-inflammatory properties – two things that I gladly welcomed when for the first time in years my lips were invaded by cold sores! Perhaps its age combined with life and the quick change in whether we experienced in the UK recently but whatever the reason(s) I was not happy about them and was glad that I had a helper, in the form of Lavender oil on hand. In addition to using it as a shield on the more exposed parts of the body (hands, face and neck) I carefully used it around the cold sores (both when fresh and after having dried and turned into scabs) and noticed that even though the cold sores were still present and stayed as long as cold sores do, there wasn’t any actual ‘soreness’ to the skin. It didn’t hurt or later itch when using the oil and most importantly they didn’t spread or resurface in later infections.

The oil has a barely Yellow tone and doesn’t have as strong a smell as other branded Lavender oils I’ve used but that may be because there are two oils before the Lavender in the Weleda version whereas I am used to one base/carrier oil.

Overall I’d rate this as an 8/10. The oil isn’t as softening as other oils but it’s special in its soothing/calming properties and health care value, also a little goes a long way and it absorbs quicker than heavier oils. The main point I’m unsure about is based on people’s preferences – if you prefer a bigger dose of lavender this may not be for you as it is more subtle than others I’ve tried, but on the other hand a milder version might just be what you are looking for.

Lavender Relaxing Body Oil. Soothes and calms. Helps to reduce tension and harmonize the mind.

Wild Rose Body Oil

Ingredients – Jojoba Seed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Oil, Fragrance*, Limonene*, Linalool*, Citronellol*, Benzyl Alcohol*, Benzyl Benzoate*, Geraniol*, Citral*, Eugenol*, Farnesol*. (*From natural essential oils)

I had’t been too impressed with many other rose products that I’d tried so far but that was until I tried this rose oil…

The first things I noticed was that this oil has quite a strong Yellow colour and the smell, wow the smell – The first time I opened the bottle and got a waft of the scent I thought ‘beautiful’ and then when I put it on the palms of my hands to put on my face and it warmed with the temperature, only then did I realize fully how beautiful the aroma is. It is enchanting and I can see why rose oils have been used since ancient times to attract one’s love interest. It really is like walking into a rose garden every time I use it.

The oil is fairly absorbent and doesn’t take too long to sink in with massaging so I was able to use it during the day (hands, face and neck) as well as overnight. I noticed that not only was my skin very soft, it was also smooth and more taut. There were a few nights during the testing period where I was too tired to moisturize before bed and where I didn’t sleep in good positions i.e. I ended up sleeping on my face but the following mornings I noticed that the tautness remained from the day use of the rose oil, all the way through the night and to the next morning. My skin would be drier than when I’d first applied it but as soon as I got up it went straight back into place rather than leaving sleep lines.

Overall I’d give this 10/10 – again it’s a Weleda oil that does was it says on the box, but it also has everything my skin needs. It’s moisturising, nourishing, improves the skin’s aging condition, is absorbent, long lasting and smells heavenly.

Wild Rose Body Oil. Pampering care. Helps improve skin’s suppleness and elasticity leaving it smooth and radiant.

(From advertising received) Musk rose oil is rich in skin-caring essential fatty acids, and helps stimulate the skin’s natural functions. The Wild Rose Smoothing Facial Care range contains a selection of products to protect, moisturise and care intensively for delicate skin. The scent is uplifting, refreshing and feminine. It takes three tonnes of fresh rose petals to make just one litre of precious essential oil of rose.

Weleda’s European beauty consultant, Lilith Schwertle, explains: “In our 30s the skin retains still its youthful resilience and elasticity but is also starting to show the fist signs of ageing, mostly around the eyes. Our unique facial characteristics are beginning to form. The skin may not glow as much as it used to in our 20s, and may be drier. At this time it’s important to support the regenerating processes in the skin with ingredients high in polyunsaturated fatty acids such as Rosa Mosqueta seed oil. This helps skin stay elastic and firm, strengthens the skin and builds up the protective barrier functions. Rose seed oil has also been traditionally used to counteract and reduce scar tissue and pigmentation, and to stimulate skin cell renewal. This nourishing oil contains vitamins A and E which help minimise the signs of ageing. Rosa Mosqueta helps the skin to maintain a harmonious balance.”

Shower Special

Pomegranate Creamy Body Wash 20ml

Ingredients: Water, Coco-Glucoside, Sesame Seed Oil, Alcohol, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sunflower Seed Oil, Glycerin, Fragance*, Carrageenan, Macadamia Seed Oil, Pomegranate Seed Oil, Millet Seed Extract, Sunflower Petal Extract, Xanthan Gum, Lactic Acid (non-milk, plant based [confirmed by Weleda PR]), Limonene*, Linalool*, Citronellol*, Geraniol*, Citral*, Coumarin*. (*From natural essential oils)

For those special minutes showering each morning that I need to wake me up properly, I also worry about losing skin moisture. I’ve tried a number of shower cleansers and have liked very few. In this case as the name said it was creamy, and soft – but not only that, it actually felt somewhat revitalizing. I say somewhat because in general I use just enough and don’t lather up in soapy way but it’s enough to make me feel more awake and alive lol.

My skin felt instantly softer underneath it and retained some of that softness after toweling dry, unlike a number of other products I’ve tried where none of the softness stayed once washed off. The smell wasn’t one I particularly cared for as it was a tangy sweet smell that generally reminded me of lozenges but as I no longer use anything with artificial perfumes/fragrances, I appreciate that it’s the smell of natural ingredients and it doesn’t last after the wash. However my skin quickly got ‘used’ to this product and the post-towel softness decreased.

Overall I give this product a 6.5/10 because I have products that moisturize more, are more creamy and luxurious feeling and I personally enjoy the smell of more (which hence serves to enhance my mornings). The product also doesn’t really say ‘pomegranate’ to me, but it does clean and softens well whilst washing. The full size product is 200ml (in recyclable plastic) and this sample lasted just over a week so it would have been long last and value for money had I bought a full sized squeezy tube.

Here are choice quotes I found interesting from the advertising I received:

Enjoy this ultra-creamy cleanser with the confidence that the eco-friendly ingredients are as gentle on the planet as they are on skin. In standard shower gels the foaming agents – tensides – can adversely affect the environment as well as upset your skin’s natural balance. But the genuinely natural cleansing agents in this Weleda body wash are especially mild, are made from sugar and coconut, are quickly and entirely biodegradable and ecologically-sound even for aquatic life. Unlike many shower gels which can irritate delicate skin due to their high alkali content, this creamy body wash is naturally pH balanced, and it’s also free from sulphates (SLS/SLES) which are known skin irritants.

Weleda’s organic pomegranate comes from the fertile valleys in the coastal region of Icel in southern Turkey. This thriving fair trade farming partnership ensures Weleda has a top quality supply of organic pomegranate, and guarantees the farmers a reliable income. Harvesting begins just after dawn, the crop is hand picked, carefully and laboriously, to ensure the best quality fruit. The juice is extracted (for Weleda’s new hydrating Pomegranate Facial Serum) and the seeds are then dried before they are cold pressed to extract the valuable oil for this Creamy Body Wash. To produce just 1kg of the precious oil requires 500kg of pomegranates.

As aforementioned, Weleda caters to people in general, not just specific target groups and so they also offer cosmetic lines for Mother and Baby Care, Mens skincare, Oral Care (for all people) and natural Medicine (helping issues like muscular pain, stress, upset stomach, first aid and coughs/colds) and homeopathic remedies. One particular line I’m interested in are their additive free, sugar free (diabetic friendly) juices and elixirs – some of which are also honey free (vegan friendly). So if anyone has tried them please let me know!

I hope, dear reader, that you have found this review helpful and interesting; my thanks to you and to Weleda PR for giving me the opportunity to review these products.

All the best!

Urtekram Olive Hand & Body Lotion – Lasting Lovliness

Urtekram – Olive hand and body lotion 245ml (used to be 250ml)

http://www.urtekram.com

This is a company that really seems to care, not just about the quality  of their products but about the consequences of their actions and  manufacturing. For those of us that don’t have gardens and have  limited indoor/outdoor space or those without access to farmer’s  markets and so it’s harder to make our own cosmetics – companies like  this are fantastic.

 Urtekram Manifesto Values
Urtekram Ecology

Reading through the sections on the above links are impressive, they  state and give examples of how they care not only about the quality of  their products but also the individual steps in how they made from the  ground to the factory to shipping/exporting. Awesome!

The lotion itself is an Ivory/Cream colour and has a medium texture, meaning it’s not thin and liquidy or it’s not thick and creamy. It absorbs quickly and instantly makes the skin look younger, softer and somewhat radiant. A little goes a long way and I can use it frequently  throughout the day without taking too much time and it keeps that  fresh/youthful look all day, or I can use it at longer intervals and it will keep my skin looking younger and softer but obviously isn’t as soft/radiant as when I use it more, it also depends on how many times you wash your hands. I find that it is also easily absorbed into my nails and makes them look shinier, which is nice since I have fairly long nails but I rarely decorate them.

I’ve been using this for months and unlike many other products I’ve tried the effect was not only immediate but long lasting. Most products I’ve tried have had a very nice instant hydrating, moisturizing and youthful effect but after a while it’s like my skin gets used to it and the effect decreases – meaning that even just after I put it on, my skin doesn’t look or feel as nice as it did when I started using the product. I have yet to find a product that actually has anti-aging effects whereby the skin stays soft and supple after washing, most products maintain the skin until I wash my hands for example but this one has had the same effect through continuous use and the effect lasts the longest. That is especially important to me as I dehydrate quickly (it must be all that hot bloodedness… Hehe.)

The rest of my body likes this lotion as much as my hands, and my skin appreciates the instant hydration as well as long term moisturizing effect it has. I find it helpful for drier areas such as elbows, knees and ankles/feet. It combines nicely with oil or body butters and helps them absorb faster so you don’t have to sit around massaging/rubbing the skin for ages before being able to move around or change clothes.

I’ve tried other lotions in their various ranges e.g. the Rose, Lavender, Aloe and Chamomile lotions. An interesting note is that all the aforementioned are labeled as ‘body lotions’ whereas the Olive is the only hand and body one. That might be because, in my opinion, is it the most moisturizing/strongest one. The others are excellent too and display the properties of their namesake e.g the soothing/’cooling’ effects of Lavender and Chamomile for itchy or irritated skin, but they aren’t as ‘rich’ as olive oil, a characteristic which makes it particularly helpful for areas that show aging the most, like hands.

Ingredients

Water, glycerine*, olive oil*, jojoba oil*, shea butter”, olive oil and palm oil products, apricot kernel oil*, lecithin, pea flour*, broccoli seed oil*, lavender oil*, anisic acid, citric acid, vegetable vitamin E. Nothing else.
* = Organic Farming

(the list below is the same above, just with their scientific names)

Aqua, glycerin*, olea europaea oil*, simmondsia chinensis oil*, butyrospermum parkii butter*, cetearyl olivate, sorbitan olivate, prunus armeniaca kernel oil*, cetyl alcohol, lysolecithin, pisum sativum*, brassica oleracea italica seed oil*, glyceryl caprylate, lavandula angustifolia oil* (aroma*), p-anisic acid, sodium citrate, lavandula hybrida oil*, citric acid, tocopheryl acetate, limonene”, linalool”
* = ingredient from Organic farming
” = ingredient from essential oils

100% of the total of the ingredients are of natural origin
20% of the total of the ingredients proceed from Organic Agriculture.

Natural and Organic Cosmetics certified by ECOCERT Greenlife according to ECOCERT Standard available at cosmetics.ecocert.com

The only ingredient that I’m not sure about is the ‘palm oil products’ – as many of you know, the manufacturing of palm oil has been very destructive and the qualiy has been questionable with it being used commonly as a filler with little value. However there are companies, such as Lush, that use palm oil from sustainable farming. Side note  – unfortunately I have never seen a cosmetic product that states where the water comes from or how it is treated e.g. if it is filtered.

They also have a non-perfumed body lotion, in which it seems they use alcohol instead of an essential oil (which gives the fragrance in the others, it’s not a ‘perfume’ as in a synthetic perfume made up of lot’s of unnamed ingredients), as well as a non-perfumed baby lotion, a children’s lotion and a family sized lotion.

Urtekram – Hand and Body Lotion Olive- 245ml

In Conclusion

I find this essential, as both a stand alone product and as a partner to thicker/oilier emollients. It can be used throughout the day, for pick-me-ups and overnight. The skin doesn’t become dry again too quickly after using and with long term use keeps the skin softer overall.

It’s cost effective in comparison to other products of a similar type and size. I’ve never paid over £6 for a bottle and I find many online stores give a discount when buying a few of them. Most other products I’ve seen in similar sizes are noticeably higher priced and their ingredients lists aren’t always as impressive, so this is a star buy for me.

PLUS – They do food too! You can see on their website that they make pasta, muesli, cereal flakes and rice cakes too – how cool is that?

Argan oil – giving it a go!

Gallery

Olinia Argan Oil 100ml – cold pressed, organic certified by Ecocert

http://www.organicarganoil.org.uk

I’ve been hearing a lot about Argan oil (from the Argania Spinosa tree in     Morocco) and the opportunity to buy   some presented itself recently, so I  decided to see what all the hype was  about. As a regular user of a variety of  oils, I’m quite content and so wasn’t in a  rush to try Argan oil, which is why I’ve  left it until now but two main factors  persuaded me to go for it; firstly the  price (£8.38 from eBay) and secondly the brand was a  Vegan Society registered one. Now I  know it’s just a single ingredient oil and  before I buy any cosmetic the  prerequisite is that it has to be ethical  and natural, so there was no need to buy  a specified vegan brand. An ‘accidentally  vegan’ brand would have been fine (one that doesn’t have certification but is still vegan friendly) but I thought I’d show some support to a company that has gone through the hoops to make itself obviously available to those who need the clarification or to people starting in ethical and natural products. So basically, for me, this was a bargain.

The container/bottle itself is plastic with airless pump – I usually prefer dark glass bottles but this was an impulse buy. However the same brand has smaller amounts available in the type of packaging I prefer – 30ml and 50ml in screw-top bottle. I went with the 100ml one because I use a fair bit of oil and because I didn’t notice the smaller ones ’til after I’d paid, ha!

The oil is cold pressed and filtered/decanted, which the company explains HERE, I found that page very helpful and informative. As far as I know there are also two other methods; the expeller and unrefined. The expeller method uses a higher heat than cold pressing and is more economical than cold pressing. I prefer unrefined, because I like that the oils solidify when cold or room temp, the strong flavour (and nutritional content for food purposes) and the rich smell they have (no added perfumes) is to me, indicative of quality. However, I’ve found it quite hard to find unrefined oils and cold pressing seems to be the more common option for organic products.

Tried everyday for 1 week on face, hair & hands.

Some of the oils I usually use on my skin and hair are coconut (in warm/hot weather), carrot, olive, neem, jojoba, tea tree, avacado and ginger, and some of those are blended sweet almond oil as a base. My skin type is normal, though it used to be problem skin. My hair type is thick/coarse, curly Asian and is bleached (the exception to my natural ethos alas) though I leave to grow out a fair bit before doing the roots (thank goodness for the ombre trend being popular!)

The bottle label reads ‘Use only 1-2 drops on skin, hair and nails’. I personally find that very hard without a specific dropper insert in the neck of the bottle or a dropper pipette so I was skeptical at first, but tried as little as I could get out of the bottle in one go.

Face: the label reads: ‘Massage into skin using gentle circular motions’. I tried it on my face first and it left a nice healthy/well nourished looking, subtle sheen and was suitable to leave or put make up over. However, it’s not hydrating enough to use only that amount for a long period of time and would need touching up which would be difficult if you put make up over it but fine if you intend to wipe/clean your skin and re-apply e.g. from a day to evening look. For overnight use it would mean waking up and putting more on, so instead, I used more before I went to sleep.

Hair: the label reads: ‘Wash hair, towel dry, then apply through ends of hair using fingers.’ I personally use three methods for oil application on the hair.

1) Put it straight on the scalp and hair and do nothing else with it, let it sink in by itself and do its work.

2) Put the oil on and then a quick warm (not hot) blow dry.

3) Put the oil on and then have a bath so it steams into the hair.

Using those methods I found that, akin to other oils, it makes the hair softer and shinier but unfortunately like other oils in general it tends to make my scalp itch. I didn’t always have that issue and I used to use a lot of oily hairspray (Dark & Lovely mainly) on my hair and scalp but something changed as I got older – now very few things (incl. 1 oil) will sit comfortably on my scalp and this isn’t one of them.

Hands: the labels reads ‘Mix equal amounts of argan oil with lemon juice in a bowl to treat nails’. I haven’t tried this but I did use it on my hands and found it was nice and softening but enough for me and so I mixed it with my hand lotion and it worked better that way.

Observations: After a week’s regular use I’ve found that it’s comparable to other oils – which all have their own specific properties but in general are all nourishing and moisturizing. Like the other oils I use, it leaves the skin soft and makes my skin look/feel younger. It doesn’t make the skin look more taught/toned but it does seem to add a subtle, youthful radiance whereas other oils such a neem or tea tree give a more brightening/glowing radiance. Just a note – for those only just starting to use oils instead of, or in addition to other emollients, such as creams and whipped body butters – you may find that oils alone (and unwhipped) soften the skin but don’t visibly make it look softer or younger. Both my mother and I found that when we first started but that changed over time. Now it’s a case of hydration, where oils take time to sink in, and they soften and nourish but other emollients hydrate faster and make your skin feel quenched and refreshed. Shea and cocoa butter offer a balance have to be whipped or made into a cream to be softening, nourishing and hydrating, otherwise they are very thick, turn oily when warm and take a long time to absorb.

The one thing I definitely agree with from the information I’ve read, is that it is quick drying/absorbing – it’s the fastest absorbing oil I’ve come across when used in small amounts and so is very handy for commuting or traveling, you can touch stuff quickly afterwards without leaving greasy stains. I think it could be very handy for short trips when you don’t want to carry too many lotions and potions with you lol.

Conclusion: Argan oil, though an ancient oil (from a pre-hisoric tree), seems relatively new to the commercial market or at least, it has recently become popular and though it may have enjoyed the spotlight previously it is being lauded in the media as ‘miraculous’ and as if it were new. I don’t know if there are strict cultivation/production limits for it, but the advertising and production might be factors behind the price. From the range of prices I’ve seen it is approximately £10 per 100ml (on eBay), whereas I usually pay approx £4.50-£5 for 150ml refined oils (bricks and mortar shops), and £6-8 for 250-500ml organic/cold pressed (online). So far, even though I like the oil, it doesn’t seem to be any better or worse than the others I use, and since I tend to dehydrate easily I find I need to use more than recommended and so it would be more costly. I can use it with a cream or other oil to address that issue and it works well with other products I use but the same can be said for other oils, so there doesn’t seem to be much point. I’m not saying that it’s not value for money, from what I’ve read it’s a slow and difficult manual process, though with the production done by womens cooperatives and the introduction of mechanical aids it has gotten less time and labour consuming but I’d guess it is still hard work. Also, I read that:

‘It takes all the fruit from an average tree, about 250 pounds, to yield enough seeds for just one litre of oil. The fruit is traditionally harvested by entire Berber families.’ (moroccolondon.co.uk)

So it’s definitely value for money and I believe that oils are essential for both internal and external health, and organic oils using higher quality extraction methods are more pricey (what an upside down world we live in eh when using less ingredients and cultivating them in more natural ways is more expensive than using more – usually a lot more ingredients, many unhealthy – and not treating them). However, for the time being there doesn’t seem to be a greater benefit to using this over the others and because it’s out of my price range, for me personally, it doesn’t seem worth the investment. That might change though. I don’t give up on ethical and natural products just like that, I know that things don’t often happen overnight and that products will work differently and at different rates for different people, so I’d love to hear from any of you that have experienced the long term benefits or have any recommendations for different brands.

http://www.moroccolondon.co.uk

I think for external use the product may be best for people who need or prefer only a small amount of oil and who don’t use many other oils, that way they will probably reap more of the benefits. For myself, I think I may try using argan food oil (which is slightly roasted in production) if the price becomes less prohibitive (the same problem with cumin/black seed oil which I love). I would notice it more in my food as I use various oils for different tastes and cooking/preparation methods. For example I use sunflower oil as a base because it can stand high heats and safflower, grapeseed or flaxseed as finishers to add flavour or cold meals to retain the most nutritional content. I also use olive or macadamia as either a base or topper/finisher. I love the different tastes of oils and blend them with different herbs and spices, and depending on whether I’m making sweet, savoury or sweet/sour foods so I will probably enjoy it more that way.

Finishing note – remember that when using any natural product, I’ve found that the best way to experience as many of the benefits as possible is when also sticking to a healthy diet and lifestyle. I don’t always find that possible, and certainly not easy in the environments many live in, but overall I find I look and feel better when I manage it at least a little.