African Botanical

Have a look at our African Kinetics Range for Christmas-!! Special!! Made with French Oak Barrels and top quality Romantic Fragrances in our Olive and Botanical Products.

2011-11-21T04:11:00.001-08:00

Its our hospitality range! But look at the super French Oak stand- it makes it look so finished and the guests love it!! This one is the four in one stand- baby oak 4 including Bath Oil.

This is the little French Oak with the 3 in one- shampoo/conditioner and Gentle Olive Cream.

The 14mg one nighter soaps! Natal Mahogany and Olive Butter finish these soaps off- to be classic and butter- everyone loves these little soaps!

The fabulous set tray - with massage candle as well. See the price list.

Selection of extras for the 5 star accommodation. Classic!

Little set with white perspex stand- lovely!

smart sewing kit!

My most favorite perspex stand- so classic and handsome!

That extra touch- tooth brush and paste especially packed.

Dont you love it when clients write and tell you they love your products! And its not the ego- the energy of integrity kicks in and you feel good.

2011-11-21T00:15:00.000-08:00

Dear Vee and Colin!

we looking for the Olive and Grape Body Butter 200 ml.

On our last vacation in SA we bought this famous creme in Bonnevale and now it is empty!!

Can you shipping us 4 of this creme to our adress in Munich Germany, we will pay with our Visa-card.

Thank you for information

Rainer Germany.

Ginger tea for winter days in UK.

2010-10-18T04:06:00.000-07:00

Overview
Ginger's medicinal properties have been celebrated by medical texts from China, India and Japan dating back to the 16th century, and modern researchers are investigating the scientific basis of its reported powers. One benefit of ginger under scrutiny is its purported ability to soothe the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. So far, no research has unequivocally supported the anecdotal evidence of ginger's benefits for people with arthritis, but some small studies including a study published in the journal "Arthritis and Rheumatology" in 2001 have found mild to moderate positive effects from using ginger to treat arthritis pain.

Step 1
Make ginger tea by steeping about 2 inches of sliced ginger root in hot water for 15 to 20 minutes. Add honey, lemon or sugar to taste. Arthritis Today's Supplement Guide recommends drinking up to four glasses of ginger tea a day for arthritis pain relief.
Step 2

Consume 1 to 4 grams of ginger in the form of powder, capsules, tablets or fresh ginger every day, splitting the total amount of ginger into several smaller doses throughout the day for best results, suggests MedLine Plus, the online health information portal published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
Lipton Ice Tea www.liptonicetea.co.za
Enjoy a flow of liquid refreshment Take a step in the right direction

Step 3
Limit your total ginger intake to 4 grams per day to prevent the stomach discomfort that can occur with large quantities of ginger. Since a number of arthritis medications, including traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, can also cause stomach discomfort, people with arthritis should pay close attention to the amount of ginger they consume.
Thanks to our friends at

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/95413-ginger-arthritis/#ixzz12hxabevs

This is a write up from our beloved Napiers the chemist in UK. Please support them-they are terrific.

2010-02-24T03:38:00.001-08:00

Herbal Solutions for low mood and Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.)

This is not a new problem! For centuries people have felt low energy and low mood in the winter months. This is especially so in our northern climates, with long nights and the sun low in the horizon. Traditionally herbalists have made up lotions and potions to keep the spirits up in the form of herbal tonics, uplifting oil blends and comforting herbal drinks.

Herbalists traditionally have used herbs such as Skullcap used for centuries to relieve anxiety and moodiness, Lemon balm can be drunk as a refreshing and uplifting tea. Oats were used (especially in Scotland) both as a food (porridge) and as a medicine. Oats act as a tropho-restorative to the nervous system. This means that they help to restore it back to the original state. St John’s Wort is one of the best known herbs to beat the winter blues. Clinical trials have shown that this herb relieves mild to moderate depression. Available in tincture (liquid) and tablet form, this herb has become one of the UKs best selling herbal products.

Duncan Napier developed the remedy that is used most in Napiers Clinics, in 1860. He prescribed it to deal with stress and depression. We have access to his sales records and he sold double volume of this product in the winter months. And as Duncan Napier said, (in his turn of the century mail order catalogue) ‘when the whole world seems dull, and you just want to sit down and cry, when the stresses and strains of modern living get on top of you’… that was the time to take his Nerve Debility Tonic. Today we now know this as Scullcap, Oat and Passionflower Compound.
Scullcap, Oat and Passionflower Compound contains over 20 different herbs, including Scullcap, Oats, Passionflower, Jamacian dogwood, Limeflowers and Valerian.

Another side effect of low mood and stress can be sleepless nights. Passionflower is the traditional remedy to aid sleep and uplift mood. This is the main ingredient of Sweet Dreams, which is my sleep mix formulation. It’s an easy to use formula and a great alternative to capsules and tablets.

What you eat during the day can also affect how you feel. You might think you are boosting your mood and energy levels by eating high carbohydrate foods such as white bread, potatoes and pasta, but it usually has the opposite effect. These foods give an instant boost, but they also trigger the release of a large dose of insulin to counterbalance the effect. The result is that you are left feeling lethargic and drained of energy. Brown rice and salad, wholemeal or granary bread sandwiches with hummus or peanut butter are great mind boosters at lunchtime. Try to include some oily fish, rich in the omega-3 fatty acids that help to maintain the health of brain cells and regulate neurotransmitters. A range of vitamins is vital too, so try to make lunches as varied as you can. Avoid sugary sweets, biscuits and highly processed snacks, fizzy drinks and sweetened juices or cordials because they are the worst offenders on energy levels and your mood.

Other things I find that can help to uplift your mood are Essential oils. These can be perfect in the bath or in an oil burner. Try soothing Lavender or Rose to aid relaxation and ease muscular tension.

Also I recommend try to begin each day by standing in front the lightest window in the house and allowing as much light as possible to reach you. It also very important to get out of the house or office and move around. Go out at lunchtime each day and have a half hour walk - this is when there is the most light available and you can get maximum benefit.

Wishing you the best of natural health

Dee

Hava and Peter in Singapore

2010-02-11T07:33:00.000-08:00

Hava and Peter are living in Singapore and have a business there, in the cosmetic and beauty industry- wonderful people busy making a new life for themselves. They have a internet shop as well. Hava sells our treatment range to the salons and spa's in her surrounds and also on the internet.

Their daughter also is involved in their business and they travel all over from the Orient to Australia.

Our Luxury Amenities Range for Hotels and Guest Houses.

2010-01-03T05:26:00.001-08:00

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Bonnevale/African-Kinectics-Luxury-Amenities/251050389047?ref

Robbie's letter from happy client! ; ) Who tried our Kigelia Gel....

2009-11-09T14:26:00.001-08:00

You are awesome!

The web site is soo cool and I really love Scott's post on WeFree Day....still waters run deep indeed!

The patron section has some interesting people in it...especially John Hope Bryant. It would be VERY interesting for him to come to San Pat I think.
hmmm (brain working ;) buzz buzz)

I am putting that soothing gel on my hands as i get rashes (dermatitis) on them. Would you believe after two times the rash totally disappeared? I could do a commercial for you mom's stuff!

I really hope to see you soon!
BIG KISS M

Interesting reading-I saw this last week-thought it would be useful-seeing as we use Cucumber in our products.

2009-10-27T13:18:00.001-07:00

Hi there- bloggers! I have been busy making the Christmas orders-from the beginning of this week- how will we ever keep up! The days are going faster and faster!! J

Here is something interesting I found on internet-it is doubly interesting as we use cucumber in our products and like the idea of what it does!!

Enjoy and don’t forget to keep your cool this summer - J make someone happy and wear a hat-saves a lot of doctors bills.

Lacking in Vitamin B - read on!

The Amazing Cucumber

This information was in The New York Times several weeks ago as part of
their "Spotlight on the Home" series that highlighted creative and
fanciful ways to solve common problems.

1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one
cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5,
Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus,
Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and
pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and
Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for
hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing
a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide
a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices
in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season
long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminium to give
off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make
them flee the area.

5. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out
or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your
problem area for a few minutes, the photochemical in the cucumber cause
the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and
reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber
slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free.
Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish
essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium,
avoiding both a hangover and headache!!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge?
Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European
trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you
don't have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber
over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that
not only looks great but also repels water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice
and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the
spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water,
the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the
boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing,
relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and
college students during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or
mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your
mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the
Photochemical will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for
causing bad breath.

12. Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless
steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to
clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the
shine, but is won't leave streaks and won't harm you fingers or
fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber
and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons
and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!

WOW! and we thought it was only for bags under the eyes!!

Some new happy clients - Wooo! Cream traveling all over the World!!

2009-10-24T22:42:00.000-07:00

Hi Vee,

We're just back from a week in Cornwall and your parcel was waiting for me on our return.

Your products are so lovely! I'm giving the small pots to lots of friends and relatives to try. The latest mix is still not as I remember the original, but given that my memory may not be accurate after all this time, I'm not worried and love all you've sent me. The creams soak into the skin beautifully and leave no stickiness.

I think I prefer the first fragrance of the two batches, but the texture of the second. (Fussy or what!)

Do let me know when you get an agency set up in the UK and the very best of luck with your business.

Kindest regards

Liz Taylor.

Some interesting pointers of research and chats about SLS's just for your interest.

2009-10-08T04:46:00.001-07:00

An old internet rumor is routinely re-circulated, and is often perpetuated in media articles, alleging that SLS can cause irritation and may even cause cancer.

The safety of SLS has not been questioned by the European Commission, nor its expert advisory committee (the Scientific Committee on Consumer Products, or SCCP), nor by any of the member states.

The safety and toxicity of this ingredient was reviewed in 1983 by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel of the USA. They concluded that SLS was safe for use in cosmetic products. This conclusion was re-confirmed by the CIR in 2002, after an additional 250 scientific research studies were considered.

Although prolonged contact with high concentrations may cause irritation, this is not seen at the low concentrations of SLS used in cosmetics and personal care products, such as shampoos and toothpastes; which have a long history of in-use safety.

SLS has an excellent safety record and has never been found to be carcinogenic even though it has been investigated many times around the world. It is widely used because of its good cleansing properties and because it combines safety with efficacy. Consumers may continue to use and enjoy their cosmetic and personal care products with confidence.

Sodium laureth sulphate (SLES) is also is used in many cosmetic products for its surfactant properties. This widely used cleansing agent is perfectly safe for use on the skin; it is therefore not surprising that other industries would choose to use this safe, effective and biodegradable cleanser too.

The Search for Spices- Today we find "The King of the Spices" - Black Pepper- our bath salts have real black pepper for soothing the body and muscles.

2009-10-03T08:39:00.001-07:00

So Valuable is This Spice that it was Once Used as Money

Black pepper is the most valuable and widely traded spice in the world. At the international Pepper exchange in Kochi, India, the price fluctuates depending on demand and the size of the crop. Black pepper is native to India and Southeast Asia. Vietnam ranks among the highest for exporting

Black pepper.

Pepper was a form of currency in ancient times. Attila the Hun named black pepper in his demand for ransom for Rome. Pepper was one of the reasons Portugal financed Columbus in his quest for a new route to India.

Black Pepper was used as a spice and was an active ingredient in a lot of the early medicines. There's no real scientific evidence that it has any medical benefits but recent studies shows that it may have benefits for pain relieve for arthritis. Studies have also shown that pepper helps the body absorb certain vitamins such as vitamin B, and beta carotene. It should be avoided if you have any kind of stomach problems as it can be an irritant to the lining of the stomach.

Black pepper has a pungent flavour is the most popular spice in American cooking. Grinding your own peppercorns will produce a better flavour than buying pepper already ground. Use air tight containers and store in a dark place to preserve its flavour. It loses its pungent flavour quickly when exposed to light and air.

The plant is a flowering vine (piper nigrum) is of the piperaceae family. Black Pepper is produced from the unripe berries of the pepper plant. The berry is cooked briefly in hot water. This cleans the berries and prepares them for drying. The peppercorns are dried in a machine but can be dried in the sun. The drying process takes several days. Black, white, green, and red peppercorns are produced from the same plant. The plant requires rich, moist but well drain soil with a lot of humidity in the air. It doesn't like a lot of sun and does best in partial to full shade with lots of light. The Black Pepper plant is not cold tolerant and the temperature has to stay above 45 degrees Fahrenheit but it grows better at 70 degrees and above. As a house plant it will grow from 3 to 5 feet and needs a trellis or some kind of support. It will bloom and produce seeds around three years of age.

Black Pepper is the most popular of all the spices and has been called "The King of Spices" Most homes have a pepper shaker or grinder on their dining table.

Sources Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_pepper
Ezine http://ezinearticles.com/?Black-Pepper----Benefits-and-Possible-Risks&id=200086
Exotic tropical plants

Turmeric extract suppresses fat tissue growth in rodent models

2009-10-03T08:29:00.001-07:00

Turmeric extract suppresses fat tissue growth in rodent models

May 18th, 2009

Curcumin, the major polyphenol found in turmeric, appears to reduce weight gain in mice and suppress the growth of fat tissue in mice and cell models. Researchers at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University (USDA HNRCA) studied mice fed high fat diets supplemented with curcumin and cell cultures incubated with curcumin.

Now this is interesting research- it seems that there are so many phyto-chemicals (plant based chemicals) that we must start researching to find better ways (ancient forgotten ways) of keeping ourselves healthy- and our environment-with out using so many harmful chemicals and medications.

oh lovely olive soaps!!

2009-09-30T05:18:00.000-07:00

Hi Vee

Hope you are well and that you enjoyed your holiday. I am glad you are back because I need soaps- the soaps from the shops are just not good enough.

You have spoilt us with good quality!

Please let me know when I can have posted 100 soaps special order!

Regards

Marié Erasmus

Skin like a crocodile.

2009-09-28T16:06:00.000-07:00

Hello there my name is David,

My Mum bought some of your Kigelia Gel last year – I have been using it for the last 6 months and it has helped my skin. There are no more bumps and the skin is feeling very nice.

I don’t scratch anymore. I don’t think it will make the scars go away, but I have stopped the scratching now.

Thank you for thinking about people like me.

David Stokes.

Durbanville. Cape town.

Success with the Mozzie repellent!

2009-09-28T16:00:00.001-07:00

Hello Vee and all at Olive Workshop/

Well I am writing to tell you that the tubes of Mozzie Gel (insect repellent) that we bought for the shop have been a huge success- the clients we have spoken to have felt so much better whilst out in their gardens and some that had been camping this summer- some came back this morning for more to give friends and for their animals too!

So well done to your new formula and the inclusion of the lovely smelly herbs that the insects did NOT like-but we rather do !

LOL

Donald and Simon.

The Olive Workshop.

P.O Box 489,

Bonnievale. 6730.

Western Cape.

Landline: +27 (0) 23 616 3538

Cell: +27 (0) 72 226 5750

web: http://www.theoliveworkshop.co.za

blog: http://africanbotanicals.blogspot.com

email: olivemaster@gmail.com

skype: veemice

Why is Olive Oil so healthy?

2009-09-20T13:09:00.000-07:00

http://liquidvitaminsupplement.biz/olive-oilforms-of-liquid-vitamin-supplement/comment-page-1#comment-41

I found this lovely blog about Olive Oil-thought I should share seeing as the Mad Hatters tea party has not gone on the blog yet!

Why is olive oil so healthy? It may seem contrary to popular belief, but the health benefits of olive oil come from its fat. In fact, olive oil is one of the healthiest fats you can eat. Although everyone knows too much fat can make you fat, as well as contribute to heart disease, many people don’t realize that too little fat is not healthy either. Your body requires enough essential fatty acids in order to function properly and stay healthy.

Fats can be broken down into 2 main categories: saturated and unsaturated. Saturated fats are the ones most doctors and nutritionists will tell you to avoid because they have been shown to raise cholesterol levels which can contribute to heart disease. The other category of fats is unsaturated. These fats are come in two forms: polyunsaturated and monounsaturated and both are healthy fats in moderation.

What makes olive oil special is that it’s a monounsaturated fat. This fat has been shown to not only lower your bad cholesterol levels (LDL) but can also raise your good cholesterol levels (HDL). This amazing oil has also been shown to help lower blood pressure and protect against strokes. This is good news for everyone and particularly those with heart disease and anyone who needs to watch their cholesterol.

Olive oil is not only healthy, but it is delicious and is the popular cooking oil for Italian and Mediterranean foods. You can easily incorporate olive oil into your cooking once you know what to purchase and how to cook with it.

What are the differences between the various types of olive oil?

When purchasing olive oil you will find there are four main types:

Extra Virgin is made from the first press of the best olives and is the richest in taste and color. It is the highest quality and also the most expensive, therefore the best extra virgin olive oils are often used to drizzle over salads and finished dishes or dips for bread rather than cooking.

Virgin olive oil is a high quality oil that is also made from the first press of the olives but contains a little less acidity than the extra virgin, and can be used for cooking because it is less expensive yet still has a great taste.

Olive oil is made from the second press of the olives and then is filtered and refined. It does not have the same rich flavor of the higher quality varieties but is much less expensive; therefore, if price is a concern this is a good choice of oils for cooking.

Light Olive -Don’t let the name fool you. The term "light" only describes its taste and does not imply it has less fat or calories. This is the lowest quality oil and therefore is also the cheapest. It is made from the last press of the olives and blended with other light oils, such as Canola. This oil is great for those who want to enjoy the health benefits of olive oil without the heavy taste of the other olive oils.

You do need to be careful when cooking with olive oil because it has a rather low smoke point and can burn at high temperatures. It’s best to use lower temperatures, but one way around this is to mix olive oil with clarified butter (ghee) when using it for higher temperatures; however, it is not the best oil to choose for deep frying. This would destroy its delicate taste and healthy properties.

Mediterranean’s have enjoyed the health benefits of olive oil for centuries and we are lucky that this wonderful oil is now available around the world. Try adding some extra-virgin olive oil to your diet.

To learn how to cook with olive oil, visit www.italian-cooking-made-easy.com

By: Joy Harrison

Benefits of Olive Oil

The benefits of olive oil in cooking are well known. But do you know that olive oil can provide numerous beauty benefits to naturally beautify your skin and hair?

10 Things to Know About Olive Oil

When it comes to Mediterranean cooking, which includes cuisines from Italy, Greece and Spain, olive oil is a staple ingredient that’s also quite versatile.

Rosemary and Olive Oil Firepow » Manage Blog Posts & Pages

But cracker issue or not I simply couldn’t get the thought of making these Rosemary and Olive Oil crackers out of my head. I kept flipping back to the recipe page over and over again until I just threw caution completely to the wind.

Last of the photos Potato Festival.

2009-06-25T15:27:00.000-07:00

And of course we were resident in the best part...olive oil and soaps. Ah what a lovely day! :)

More Pictures of the Potato Feastival at Napier Village.

2009-06-25T15:18:00.000-07:00

The Guys were there with their wonderful birds and their great metal letters to put on the walls in the garden-so fashionable for the garden wall. The weather stood up well, even with the winter fingers creeping in to our toes. The sun was out and we had a great time. Forgot to take a picture of the runners and people...having too much fun! See you next month after my travels to Zimbabwe. xxx

POTATO FEAST YAH!!! June frosting winter week end! Love that Olive Workshop was there!!

2009-06-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

This was a wonderful week end- promised to post up the event for all the stall holders-working away in the frosty Saturday morning-it was a great week end, the sweet potato pate and soup was delicious.
The Veggie man with his organic veggies and fruit. Excellent plants and Victorian posies.
The Deli made wonderful Croissants filled with Bacon Lettice and Tomato. Their Coffee-to die for! The jams and chutney, fresh bread and wonderful clothes and all sorts of super goodies to buy. The running and sport event was super too. But we loved the food. xxx

Lovingly borrowed and researched from Wikipedia and other Friends!! : )

2009-05-29T01:47:00.001-07:00

Hi there, if you have some time to read the little olive's history and uses of. Go get a cup of coffee and read this-its really a beautiful and historical little tree! :-) xxx

In addition to the internal health benefits of olive oil, topical application is quite popular with fans of natural health remedies. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the preferred grade for moisturising the skin, especially when used in the oil cleansing method. is a method of cleansing and moisturising the face with a mixture of extra virgin olive oil, castor oil (or another suitable carrier oil) and a select blend of essential oils. Olive oil is also used by some to reduce ear wax build-up.

Olive oil can be used as an effective shaving oil to shave facial and other body hair giving results that are equivalent to expensive commercial products.

Studies on mice showed that application of olive oil immediately following exposure to UVB rays has a preventive effect on the formation of tumours and skin cancer. Anne Calment, who holds the record for the longest confirmed lifespan, reportedly attributed her longevity and relatively youthful appearance to olive oil, which she said she poured on all her food and rubbed into her skin^.

Medicinal use

Olive oil is unlikely to cause allergic reactions, and as such is used in preparations for lipophilic drug ingredients. It does have demulcent properties, and mild laxative properties, acting as a stool softener. It is also used at room temperature as an ear wax softener. Olive oil is also a potent blocker of intestinal contractions, and can be used to treat excessive Borborygmus.

Oleocanthal from olive oil is a non-selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX) similar to classical NSAIDs like ibuprofen. It has been suggested that long-term consumption of small quantities of this compound from olive oil may be responsible in part for the low incidence of heart disease associated with a Mediterranean diet.

Other

Olive oil is also used in soap making and as lamp oil. (which we know of course! ) :-)

History

Olive press in Pompeii (79 AD)

Ancient Greek olive oil production workshop in what is now Kilizman,Turkey

The Manufacture of Oil, drawn and engraved by J. Amman in the Sixteenth Century.

Homer called it "liquid gold." In ancient Greece, athletes ritually rubbed it all over their bodies. Olive oil has been more than mere food to the peoples of the Mediterranean: it has been medicinal, magical, an endless source of fascination and wonder and the fountain of great wealth and power.

Besides food, olive oil has been used for religious rituals, medicines, as a fuel in oil lamps, soap-making, and skin care application. The importance and antiquity of olive oil can be seen in the fact that the English word oil derives from c. 1175, olive oil, from Anglo-Fr. and O.N.Fr. olie, from O.Fr. oile (12c., Mod.Fr. huile), from L. oleum "oil, olive oil" (cf. It. olio), from Gk. elaion "olive tree", which may have been borrowed through trade networks from the Semitic Phoenician use of el'yon meaning "superior", probably in recognized comparison to other vegetable or animal fats available at the time.

The olive tree is native to the Mediterranean basin; wild olives were collected by Neolithic peoples as early as the 8th millennium BC. The wild olive tree originated in Asia Minor in modern Turkey.

It is not clear when and where olive trees were first domesticated: in Asia Minor in the 6th millennium; along the Levantine coast stretching from the Sinai Peninsula to modern Turkey in the 4th millennium; or somewhere in the Mesopotamian Fertile Crescent in the 3rd millennium.

A widespread view exists that the first cultivation took place on the island of Crete. The earliest surviving olive oil amphorae date to 3500 BC (Early Minoan times), though the production of olive is assumed to have started before 4000 BC. An alternative view retains that olives were turned into oil by 4500 BC by Canaanites in present-day Israel.

Ancient oil press
Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, Bodrum, Turkey

Recent genetic studies suggest that species used by modern cultivators descend from multiple wild populations, but a detailed history of domestication is not yet understood.

Many ancient presses still exist in the Eastern Mediterranean region, and some dating to the Roman period are still in use today.

Eastern Mediterranean

Over 5,000 years ago oil was being extracted from olives in the Eastern Mediterranean. In the centuries that followed, olive presses became common, from the Atlantic shore of North Africa to Persia and from the Po Valley to the settlements along the Nile.

Olive trees and oil production in the Eastern Mediterranean can be traced to archives of the ancient city-state Ebla (2600–2240 BC), which were located on the outskirts of the Syrian city Aleppo. Here some dozen documents dated 2400 BC describe lands of the king and the queen. These belonged to a library of clay tablets perfectly preserved by having been baked in the fire that destroyed the palace. A later source is the frequent mentions of oil in Tanakh.

Dynastic Egyptians before 2000 BC imported olive oil from Crete, Syria and Canaan and oil was an important item of commerce and wealth. Remains of olive oil have been found in jugs over 4,000 years old in a tomb on the island of Naxos in the Aegean Sea. Sinuhe, the Egyptian exile who lived in northern Canaan about 1960 BC, wrote of abundant olive trees.

Until 1500 BC, the eastern coastal areas of the Mediterranean were most heavily cultivated. Olive trees were certainly cultivated by the Late Minoan period (1500 BC) in Crete, and perhaps as early as the Early Minoan. The cultivation of olive trees in Crete became particularly intense in the post-palatial period and played an important role in the island's economy. The Minoans used olive oil in religious ceremonies. The oil became a principal product of the Minoan civilization, where it is thought to have represented wealth. The Minoans put the pulp into settling tanks and, when the oil had risen to the top, drained the water from the bottom.

Olive tree growing reached Iberia and Etruscan cities well before the 8th century BC through trade with the Phoenicians and Carthage, then spread into Southern Gaul by the Celtic tribes during the 7th century BC.

The first recorded oil extraction is known from the Hebrew Bible and took place during the Exodus from Egypt, during the 13th century BC.

During this time, the oil was derived through hand-squeezing the berries and stored in special containers under guard of the priests. A commercial mill for non-sacramental use of oil was in use in the tribal Confederation and later in 1000 BC., the fertile crescent, and area consisting of present day Palestine, Lebanon, and Israel. Over 100 olive presses have been found in Tel Miqne (Ekron), where the Biblical Philistines also produced oil. These presses are estimated to have had output of between 1,000 and 3,000 tons of olive oil per season.

Olive trees were planted in the entire Mediterranean basin during evolution of the Roman republic and empire. According to the historian Pliny, Italy had "excellent olive oil at reasonable prices" by the first century AD, "the best in the Mediterranean", he maintained, a claim probably disputed by many ancient olive growers. Thus olive oil was very common in Hellene and Latin cuisine. According to legend, the city of Athens obtained its name because Athenians considered olive oil essential, preferring the offering of the goddess Athena (an olive tree) over the offering of Poseidon (a spring of salt water gushing out of a cliff).

The Spartans were the Hellenes who used oil to rub themselves while exercising in the gymnasia. The practice served to eroticise and highlight the beauty of the male body. From its beginnings early in the seventh century BC, the decorative use of olive oil quickly spread to all of Hellenic city states, together with naked appearance of athletes, and lasted close to a thousand years despite its great expense.

Religious use

In Jewish observance, olive oil is the only fuel allowed to be used in the seven-branched Menorah (not a candelabrum since the use of candles was not allowed) in the Mishkan service during the Exodus of the tribes of Israel from Egypt, and later in the permanent Temple in Jerusalem. It was obtained by using only the first drop from a squeezed olive and was consecrated for use only in the Temple by the priests, which is where the expression pure olive oil originates, stored in special containers. A menorah similar to the Menorah used in the Mishkan is now used during the holiday of Hanukkah that celebrates the miracle of the last of such containers being found during the re-dedication of the Temple (163 BC), when its contents lasted for far longer then they were expected to, allowing more time for more oil to be made. Although candles can be used to light the hanukkiah, oil containers are preferred, to imitate the original Menorah. Another use of oil in Jewish religion is for anointing the kings of the Kingdom of Israel, originating from King David. Tzidkiyahu was the last anointed King of Israel. One unusual use of olive oil in the Talmud is for bad breath, by creating a water-oil-salt mouthwash.

Olive oil also has religious symbolism for healing and strength and to consecration—God's setting a person or place apart for special work. This may be related to its ancient use as a medicinal agent and for cleansing athletes by lathering them in oil then scraping them. The Catholic and Orthodox Churches use olive oil for the Oil of Catechumens (used to bless and strengthen those preparing for Baptism) and Oil of the Sick (used to confer the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick). Olive oil mixed with a perfuming agent like balsam is consecrated by bishops as Sacred Chrism, which is used to confer the sacrament of Confirmation (as a symbol of the strengthening of the Holy Spirit), in the rites of Baptism and the ordination of priests and bishops, in the consecration of altars and churches, and, traditionally, in the anointing of monarchs at their coronation. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) and a number of other religions use olive oil when they need to consecrate an oil for anointing.

Eastern Orthodox Christians still use oil lamps in their churches, home prayer corners and in the cemeteries. A vigil lamp consists of a votive glass containing a half-inch of water and filled the rest with olive oil. The glass has a metal holder that hangs from a bracket on the wall or sits on a table. A cork float with a lit wick floats on the oil. To douse the flame, the float is carefully pressed down into the oil. Makeshift oil lamps can easily be made by soaking a ball of cotton in olive oil and forming it into a peak. The peak is lit and then burns until all the oil is consumed, at which point the rest of the cotton burns out. Olive oil is a usual offering to churches and cemeteries.

In Islam, olive oil is mentioned in the Quranic verse: "God is the light of heavens and earth. An example of His light is like a lantern inside which there is a torch, the torch is in a glass bulb, the glass bulb is like a bright planet lit by a blessed olive tree, neither Eastern nor Western, its oil almost glows, even without fire touching it, light upon light." The Qur’an also mentions olives as a sacred plant: "By the fig and the olive, and the Mount of Sinai, and this secure city. Olive oil is also reported to have been recommended by the Muslim Prophet Muhammad in the following terms: "Consume olive oil and anoint it upon your bodies since it is of the blessed tree." He also stated that it cures 70 diseases.

Have a blessed and happy week end.

Love and Light Vee x

The Olive Workshop.

P.O Box 489,

Bonnievale. 6730.

Western Cape.

Landline: +27 (0) 23 616 3538

Cell: +27 (0) 72 226 5750

web: http://www.theoliveworkshop.co.za

blog: http://africanbotanicals.blogspot.com

email: olivemaster@gmail.com

skype: veemice

Some interesting new treatments for psoriasis -from the London rag. with thanks x

2009-05-08T13:22:00.001-07:00

Home light therapy psoriasis hope

Phototherapy has been around for decades

A specialist light treatment for psoriasis is just as effective and safe when given at home as in hospital, say Dutch researchers.

Phototherapy using UVB light is rarely used in the UK because of limited availability and the number of hospital visits required.

But a study of 200 patients found the same results with home treatment.

One UK expert said the British Medical Journal study highlighted an important treatment gap in psoriasis care.

Psoriasis is a common disorder caused by too rapid production of new skin cells, causing red scaly patches.

In my area there are very large numbers of people who don't have access to phototherapy which is a shame as it's a very effective and safe treatment

Professor Alex Anstey, Royal Gwent Hospital, Wales

Up to 3% of the UK population is affected by the non-contagious condition which can cause significant disability.

For those who have access to UVB treatment at their local dermatology unit, a course usually entails three visits each week for between eight to 10 weeks.

It works by dampening down the immune overreaction in the skin.

One reason that the treatment is usually done in hospital is because most dermatologists believe that home phototherapy is inferior and that it carries more risks.

In the latest study, patients with psoriasis from 14 hospital dermatology departments were randomly assigned to receive either home UVB phototherapy or hospital-based treatment.

Home treatment was equivalent to hospital therapy both in terms of safety and the effectiveness of clearing the condition.

And those treated at home reported a significantly lower burden of treatment and were more satisfied.

Equal treatments

Study leader Dr Mayke Koek, from Utrecht University Medical Centre, said: "We knew a lot of dermatologists are not convinced of the safety and effectiveness of UVB phototherapy but our theory was they should be equally safe."

"One of the most important findings was a lot of patients treated at home were more satisfied."

Professor Alex Anstey from the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport, Wales, said with the exception of Scotland, phototherapy in the UK was limited to people who lived near a big hospital.

"In my area there are very large numbers of people who don't have access to phototherapy which is a shame as it's a very effective and safe treatment."

He said that the equipment - similar to a tanning bed, but a different type of light - costs between £5,000 and £10,000 but was very cheap compared with some of the new biological therapies in use and could be lent to patients for the duration of their treatment.

Gladys Edwards, chief executive of the Psoriasis Association, said the guidelines on treating psoriasis should be reviewed in light of the new research.

"Patient choice is important and for some patients managing their UV treatment at home would clearly be preferable.

"It is crucial, however, that there is absolutely clear guidance and information on when this is appropriate and how it should be managed for patients and clinicians."

Lovely letters of results with Olive and Kigelia Gel.

2009-04-27T07:10:00.001-07:00

Dear Vee,

I went to the dermatologist again yesterday having seen her last week and she was absolutely amazed at the improvement in my skin - so it wasn’t wishful thinking on my part!!!! She is thrilled and says I must not stop!!!

So glad I read that article in the Country Life.

Do hope you are feeling better - this flu goes on and on forever.

Love

Sue Van Dam. Cape Town. Nov 2008.

Lovely letters.

2009-04-27T06:56:00.001-07:00

Thanks Vee

I have this lady who has the worst eczema I had ever seen, tried so many Products with her.

She is onto her second jar of kigelia gel.

Says its brilliant and I’m so impressed!

Regards

Isabelle

Durban.

RSA.

Interesting increase in the Occurance of Autoimmune Diseases.

2008-12-30T11:39:00.001-08:00

Hi there, it’s been ages without a chance to add something to our blogs at Olive Workshop.

We have been busy getting lovely orders together and had great success in helping many clients with irritated and diagnosed skin disorders.

But looking at skin disorders also makes us aware of the other factors affecting us.

This is an article I have read and have permission from a fabulous magazine to copy it to my blog. As it is fascinating and worth a read.

‘Since World War 2 approximately 93 million toxins have been developed using chemical means that this planet has never seen before. The average European is exposed to about 18 000 toxic substances per annum, which enter our bodies through contact, inhalations, food consumption or fluid intake. It is estimated that the average Briton consumes 4500 g of pesticides per annum in groceries obtained from their local food stores. As such pesticides consumption over a period of time has been listed as a cause of the increase in Parkinson’s disease in England as well as other developed countries.

Longevity in human subjects may have increased to an average life expectancy of 78 years over the last century- but we should ask ourselves in what state of health we reach that age.

Most would agree that we do not reach that age in a satisfactory condition, but are plagued with all sorts of degenerative illnesses along the way.

Technically, autoimmune diseases proceed immunologically in very much the same way as allergy. The only difference is that whereas an allergy is triggered by outside antigens, autoimmune diseases are triggered by internal antigens. An autoimmune disease is a rejection of the ‘self’ by means of an inflammatory attach against a particular target tissue. In homotoxicological terminology this is referred to as immune-toxicity.”

In lay mans terms this means the body actually turns in on itself.

“ The immune system is generally designed to protect us against attacks from the outside world. In past times these attacks mostly involved foreign matter or invasions by bacteria, viruses, fungi or other parasites. Another function of the immune system is to repair damage in the body, resulting from either injury or disease. The body normally does this by removing debris from injured or diseased sites in the body. So that healing in the affected area may occur.

However life is not perfect and even our healing mechanisms can go wrong at times.

The immune system is a complex system, but due to exposure to all sorts of biological and non-biological substances, corruption of this

Intricate mechanism takes place at times in susceptible individuals. The consequence of this corruption is that the system turns on itself and attacks its own tissue as if it were foreign material.

Four possible mechanisms have been identified so far for developing an autoimmune response to auto-antigens (antigens from one’s own body which antibodies and immune complexes react to):

1. Hidden or sequestered antigens (eg intercellular substances) may not be recognised as ‘self’.

2. The ‘self’ antigens may become immunogenic because of biological, chemical or physical alteration.

3. Foreign antigens may induce an immune response that cross-reacts with normal ‘self ‘antigens.

4. Auto-antibody production may result from a mutation in immune-competent cells and subsequent loss of tolerance to self- antigens.

Technically, then one may say that autoimmune diseases are due to a corruption of information flow in a biological compromised system that loses tolerance to itself and mounts an immunological inflammatory reaction against susceptible compromised target tissue.’

Read the rest of this interesting article on the site next month … www.naturalmedicine.co.za

Auto immune disorders are complex and treatment should only be undertaken by practitioners who have a special interest in such disorders. The treatment may involve both conventional and complimentary approaches in order to secure a successful outcome. Autoimmune disorders are complex disease patterns and require a multidisciplinary approach if treatment is to be successful.

So therefore it is so important to keep our bodies fit and well nourished to fight the onslaught of the chemicals we are all ingesting and surrounded by every day. There are things we can do nothing about, but there are things we can do-

The things we need to remember to include in our lives :

1. Food that is clean and organic ( as much as possible).

2. Water that is filtered and pure.

3. Exercise as much as we can, even if it’s just walking around the block once a week.

4. Not too much fat, sugar and alcohol.

5. Vitamins and mineral supplements

6. Keep our skins moisturised and protected.

7. Keep up to date with ‘green people’ and get involved with recycling and earth protection. If each of us do something in our area’s the country and planet will be a better place for our children.

See you next month!

Regards Vee J

With kind permission From Dr Patrick Fieuw’s article on Autoimmune Disorders. Natural Medicine issue 44/December 2008.12.30

Notes from Caro Verster on Skin Disorders.

2008-04-29T11:01:00.000-07:00

Some interesting descriptions of various skin complaints and helpful write ups…

Common skin woes explained. Sometimes your skin is more troublesome than simply being too dry or too oily. Caro Verster finds out more about a few common skin conditions.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is usually characterised by defined red patches covered in fine, silvery scales. These patches are sore and itchy and although psoriasis is not contagious, it can make you feel extremely self-conscious. Psoriasis is caused by abnormal skin growth, when cells have divided too quickly and create a build-up. New skin cells are formed about 1000 times quicker than normal because of a disturbance in the cell's replication control mechanism. It's believed to be an inherited condition and it affects men and women equally.

Know your type

There are five main types of psoriasis:
Chronic Plaque Psoriasis affects the knees, elbows or other crevices. It's the most common type, causing scaly red patches.
Flexural Psoriasis affects body creases such as the elbows, armpits and under the breasts. It typically causes reddening, but no scales.
Guttate Psoriasis (or teardrop/raindrop psoriasis) affects the entire body, except for the palms and the soles of the feet. This type of psoriasis often starts a week after a sore throat infection (if you are prone to psoriasis) and seen as tear-shaped scaly patches. It can be successfully treated if caught early, but can develop into chronic plaque psoriasis.
Pustular Psoriasis affects the entire body. It causes painful pustules, which are often accompanied by fever and may be aggravated by the use of strong steroids.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis also affects the entire body. This is a very rare form of psoriasis, where much of the skin is red and scaly. It's known to affect body-fluid balance and temperature.

Treating Psoriasis

Stress or emotional disturbances can cause psoriasis flare-ups. Treat these causes first before trying other treatments.

External Emollients are commonly used to moisturize affected areas. Other options are salicylic acid, retinoids, steroids, vitamin D, and medications that help stop cell growth, but these may have side effects so patients are monitored very closely. Ultraviolet light therapy, in conjunction with psoralen (which increases the skin's sensitivity to light) is used as a last resort because of the association between cancer and UV light. Limited sun exposure, and seawater have had positive effects – a common destination for psoriasis sufferers is the Dead Sea. To recreate the Dead Sea experience at home, try bathing in water than contains 1kg of Epsom salts and 500g of salt. Liquorice, camomile and cayenne pepper extract have also been known to be effective.

Internal If you have noticed that you are suffering from constipation, poor digestion or food allergies, toxins may be seeping into the body and affecting the skin. Faulty digestion of protein is closely linked to the development of psoriasis. It causes toxicity in the bowel, weakening the gut lining and poisoning the rest of the body. Maintain a diet that supports good digestive and liver health: beans, whole grains (wheat, oats, rye), root vegetables, lentils, fresh fruit and vegetables (especially the green variety). Avoid sugar, alcohol and fats, which have a negative effect on the liver. Supplements may be an option, especially those containing vitamin A and zinc, but large doses of vitamin A (more than 5000 IU a day for men and 4000 IU for women) can cause toxicity. Long-term overdose of vitamin A can cause symptoms ranging from hair loss to enlarged liver and spleen. Consult your healthcare practitioner before starting any supplementation.

Eczema and dermatitis

Eczema is an inflamed, red rash that's very itchy. In more extreme cases, the skin becomes broken, weepy and scabbed. This condition is also known as dermatitis.

Know your type

Atopic Eczema is usually a hereditary condition that is often associated with an increased susceptibility to allergies, such as hay fever and asthma.
Seborrhoeic Dermatitis affects the oilier arrears of the body, such as the face.

Treating eczema

External Moisturizing emollients are used to keep the skin soft, and proper cleansing is essential. Corticosteroid creams can relieve swelling and itching, although users may build up resistance to them, so you may find that you need stronger doses after prolonged use. There are side effects with steroid creams: stunted growth, weakened bones and suppressed adrenal gland function can occur. However, if patients are managed properly and monitored closely, side effects are minimized.

Internal If your eczema isn't hereditary, food allergies are the first place to look – eczema sufferers are usually intolerant of cow's milk and eggs. Other possible allergens are gluten (found in wheat products such as bread and pasta), fish, peanuts and food additives. If you suspect a food allergen is the cause of your eczema, eliminate these allergens from your diet for at least 10 days and see if your symptoms improve, then reintroduce foodstuffs one at a time. If your symptoms worsen when you start eating a certain food again, you have probably identified your food allergen. Atopic eczema sufferers may also suffer from hay fever or asthma. Disrupted fat metabolism makes their skin drier and an abnormally high presence of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria causes abnormalities in the immune system, so they release more histamines that cause itching and inflammation. If you're trapped in this cycle, ask your healthcare practitioner about anti-staphylococcal measures you can take.

Urticaria and Hives

Both of these skin conditions are characterized by raised white welts surrounded by redness. The swelling and redness are caused by the release of the body's allergy chemicals, histamines. Many factors can trigger a reaction – a scratch, heat, cold. Food and additives can all be causes.

Know your type

The most common cause of hives and urticaria are reactions to medications including antibiotics (such as penicillin), aspirin, the polio vaccine, quinine, essential oils and morphine, among many others.
Hives may be causes by pressure: fabric, jewellery or skin contact. Within minutes welts can come up.
A ‘prickly heat' rash is caused by heat exposure and overactive sweat glands. Any type of heat exposure can cause a reaction: heat from the sun, exercising, a hot bath, eating spicy food, or stress.
In other cases an urticaric reaction is brought on by cold – cold air, cold water or cold objects.
Hives may also be the result of a food allergy.

Treating hives and urticaria

External
If you react to heat or cold, protect yourself from temperature extremes. Wear natural fabrics to allow sweat to evaporate and avoid the use of heaters and electric blankets in winter.

Internal
Common food allergens include milk, fish, meat, eggs, beans, nuts, chocolate, cured meat, chicken, citrus, shellfish and food additives. It's important that the digestive tract is in good shape so that toxins don't build up. Eating fresh food is your best bet. Identify allergens to which your body reacts, using the food-allergy plan suggested for eczema sufferers, then eliminate these triggers from your diet. If you think your skin condition may be linked to a medication, ask your healthcare practitioner for alternatives.

Useful contacts
Dermatology department, Groote Schuur Hospital (021) 404-5250 UCT
Skin and Hair Centre, (021) 406-6890
International Psoriasis Association: e-mail mail@psoriasis.demon.co.uk
Cape Town Psoriasis Associa tion, (021) 981-1650

Words by Caro Verster

We would like to thank Caro for her interesting write up and hope that she will write many more interesting reports on this troublesome skin disorder, which we are all trying our best to help fine a solution.

letter from Adolf. please with his ears~

2008-03-26T00:05:00.001-07:00

Hi, Received Kigelia Gel today, hope you received payment. My ears have been killing me with itching, I applied the gel, and within minutes had relieve from this, thank you very much. Will watch progress on the scales and keep you up to date. What about the pitted nails? How would I apply to this problem? Regards Adolf. PRETORIA.

Ingredients you should try to avoid....

2008-03-05T13:25:00.001-08:00

Major gaps in public health laws allow cosmetics companies to use almost any ingredient they choose in everything from sunscreen and mascara to deodorant and baby shampoo, with no restrictions and no requirement for safety testing. To help you navigate your store's aisles, Environmental Working Group researchers have scoured thousands of ingredient labels to bring you our top recommendations for what not to buy — products with worrisome or downright dangerous ingredients that don't belong in your shopping cart or on your skin. Read more about why this matters.

Placenta (yes really!)
Extracts from human and cow placenta can condition skin and hair. Vital to a growing baby in the womb, these same extracts in cosmetics give the body a slug of hormones that may be enough to spur breast growth in toddlers according to a few recent case studies.

Mercury
Given everything we've learned over the past 30 years about mercury's ability to damage brain function at low levels, it's hard to believe it's still used in cosmetics. But it is. We found it in Paula Dorf mascara, listed as the mercury preservative "thimerosal." If you get a little bit of mascara in your eyes or face when it clumps or as you wash it off, you may also be getting a little dose of mercury. Watch out for mercury in eye drops, too. Send a message to companies that use brain-damaging ingredients and avoid these products.

Lead
When scientists recognized that lead harms the developing brain of a child, the government demanded its removal from gasoline and house paint — but not hair dye. This pernicious neurotoxin is in Grecian Formula 16 and other black hair dyes for men. It's hard to keep all the lead on your hair — studies find residues on door knobs and cabinets. Don't expose yourself or your children to this one.

Fragrance
It may smell great, but do you know what's in it? Fragrances are the great secrets of the cosmetics industry, in everything from shampoo to deodorant to lotion, and falling straight into a giant loophole in federal law that doesn't require companies to list on product labels any of the potentially hundreds of chemicals in a single product's secret fragrance mixture. Fragrances can contain neurotoxins and are among the top 5 allergens in the world. Our advice? Buy fragrance free. BUY "FRAGRANCE" FREE:

Animal parts
If fat scraped from the back of the hide of mink and emu isn't something you'd like to smear on your skin, you may want to avoid mink and emu oil, conditioning agents in sunscreen, shaving cream, hair spray and more. These are just two of many ingredients made from animal parts — you'll find a partial list here; use Skin Deep to find more.

Hydroquinone skin lightener
On a quest for lighter skin? Take a cue from FDA's recent warning, and avoid skin lighteners with hydroquinone. This skin bleaching chemical can cause a skin disease called ochronosis, with "disfiguring and irreversible" blue-black lesions that in the worst cases become permanent, intensively black bumps the size of caviar all over the skin.

Nanoparticles
These tiny little inventions are touted as the next green revolution, but we don't find much sexy or green about untested ingredients that can slide up the optic nerve to the brain or burrow inside red blood cells. They're found in cosmetics in forms ranging from tiny wire cages called "buckeyballs" to miniscule bits of metals used as sunscreens. Good luck finding them, though — companies don't have to tell us that they're in our products, though we found that more than one-third of all products contain ingredients now commercially available in nano forms. And we did find them listed outright on the labels of some sunscreens (nano metals) and skin creams (buckeyballs). Buyer beware! (see all ingredients known to be nanoparticles or see all ingredients that may be lurking as nanoparticles.)
BUYER BEWARE: We can't always tell from the product labeling, but you can take a look at our list of products that may contain nanoparticles.

Phthalates
Pronounced "tha'-lates," these little plasticizer chemicals pack a punch to male sex organs. Whether it's sperm damage, feminization of baby boys, or infertility, a growing number of studies link phthalates to problems in men and boys. Pregnant women should avoid it in nail polish ("dibutyl phathalate") and everyone should avoid products with "fragrance" on the label, chemical mixtures where phthalates often hide.

Petroleum byproducts
Surprised to learn that the same factories making gas for your car also make emollients for your face cream? Meet the workhorse chemicals of the cosmetics industry — petroleum byproducts, and the cancer-causing impurities that often contaminate them. These ingredients include carcinogens in baby shampoo (see new research on 1,4-dioxane) and petrochemical waste called coal tar in scalp treatment shampoos. We list a few products and their cancer-causing contaminants here, but use Skin Deep to find more.

To name a few of the brands is just to let you know what is out there-learn about your brands, keep your glasses on, not the pink tinted ones! These articles are studies from the Skin Deep Cosmetic safety studies and not necessarily the opinion of olive workshop.

But we appreciate their hard work in collecting these studies.

Have you ever counted how many cosmetics or personal care products you use in a day?

2008-03-05T13:04:00.001-08:00

Dear Friends-

I know I am harping a lot on the chemical facts within this industry-but people please read this, these are very interesting facts and they are not just from some little study group in South Africa-these people are all over the world and make it their business to study cosmetics! So go get some coffee or tea, print this out and read it quietly. Its important.

Have you ever counted how many cosmetics or personal care products you use in a day?

Chances are it's nearly 10

And chances are good that they include shampoo, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, hair conditioner, lip balm, sunscreen, body lotion, shaving products if you're a man, and cosmetics if you are a woman. And what about your children? On any given day you might rub, spray, or pour some combination of sunscreen, diaper cream, shampoo, lotion, and maybe even insect repellant on their skin.

Most people use these products without a second thought, and believe that the government must certainly be policing the safety of the mixtures in these myriad containers. But they are wrong about this. The government does not require health studies or pre-market testing for these products before they are sold. And as people apply an average of 126 unique ingredients on their skin daily, these chemicals, whether they seep through the skin, rinse down the drain, or flush down the toilet in human excretions, are causing concerns for human health, and for the impacts they may have to wildlife, rivers and streams.

Why personal care products? At first blush it may seem that mascara and shaving cream have little relevance to the broader world of environmental health. Think again. In August 2005, when scientists published a study finding a relationship between plasticizers called phthalates and feminization of U.S. male babies, they named fragrance as a possible culprit. When estrogenic industrial chemicals called parabens were found in human breast tumor tissue earlier this year, researchers questioned if deodorant was the source. And when studies show, again and again, that hormone systems in wildlife are thrown in disarray by common water pollutants, once again the list of culprits include personal care products, rinsing down drains and into rivers.

At the Environmental Working Group we have researched and advocated on personal care product safety for five years now, and consider it an integral part of our work to strengthen our system of public health protections from industrial chemicals. Here's why:

Industrial chemicals are basic ingredients in personal care products. The 10,500 unique chemical ingredients in these products equate to about one of every eight of the 82,000 chemicals registered for use in the U.S. Personal care products contain carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins, endocrine disruptors, plasticizers, degreasers, and surfactants. They are the chemical industry in a bottle.
No premarket safety testing required — this is a reality of both the personal care product industry and the broader chemical industry as a whole. For industrial chemicals, the government approves an average of seven new chemicals every day. Eighty percent are approved in three weeks or less, with or without safety tests. Advocating that industry have an understanding of product safety before selling to the public finds common messages, common methods, and common gains whether the focus is cosmetic ingredients or other industrial chemicals.
Everyone uses personal care products. Exposures are widespread, and for some people, extensive. Our 2004 product use survey shows that more than a quarter of all women and one of every 100 men use at least 15 products daily. These exposures add up, and raise questions about the potential health risks from the myriad of unassessed ingredients migrating into the bodies of nearly every American, day after day.
No safety testing. According to the agency that regulates cosmetics, the FDA's Office of Cosmetics and Colors, "...a cosmetic manufacturer may use almost any raw material as a cosmetic ingredient and market the product without an approval from FDA" (FDA 1995). The industry's self-policing safety panel falls far short of compensating for the lack of government oversight. An EWG analysis found that in its 30-year history, the industry's self-policing safety panel has reviewed the safety of just 11 percent of the 10,500 ingredients used in personal care products. FDA does no systematic reviews of safety. And collectively, the ingredients in personal care products account for one of every eight of the 82,000 chemicals industries have registered for commercial use with the Environmental Protection Agency.

Nearly 90 percent of the 10,500 ingredients FDA has determined are used in personal care products have not been evaluated for safety by the CIR, the FDA, or any other publicly accountable institution.
While some companies make products that are safe to eat, other companies choose to use known human carcinogens or developmental toxins like coal tar and lead acetate. When risky chemicals are used in cosmetics, the stakes are high. These are not trace contaminants like those found at part-per-million or even part-per-billion levels in food and water. These are the base ingredients of the product, just as flour is an ingredient in bread. These chemicals are found in percent levels in personal care products, nearly all easily penetrate the skin, and some we ingest directly from our lips or hands.

Are our products harming our health? To learn about the safety of ingredients in personal care products, the Environmental Working Group compiled an electronic database of ingredient labels for 27,084 name-brand products and cross-linked it with 49 toxicity or regulatory databases. Here's what we found:

At Environmental Working Group we consider these results cause for concern, not alarm. Much study remains to be done on exposure levels and health risks. But what we do know shows that such study — and direct consumer action to avoid known toxic ingredients — is absolutely essential.

Cosmetic ingredients do not sit tight of the surface of the skin — they are designed to penetrate, and they do. Scientists have found many common cosmetic ingredients in human tissues, including industrial plasticizers called phthalates in urine, preservatives called parabens in breast tumor tissue, and persistent fragrance components like musk xylene in human fat. Do the levels at which they are found pose risks? For the most part, those studies have not been done. But a recent study showing feminization of human male babies in the U.S. linked to a common fragrance component (diethyl phthalate) joins a small but growing number of studies that serve as scientific red flags when it comes to the safety of ingredients in personal care products.

Are our products affecting wildlife, rivers and streams? When the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sought to understand human exposures to industrial plasticizers called phthalates, they passed up food, water, air, or human blood testing, and targeted urine instead. When ingredients in personal care products seep through human skin into our bodies, many end up in human excretions. Other ingredients get washed down the drain when we wash our hair and bodies in the shower, or clean a day's makeup and lotion off our faces at the end of the day.

A growing number of studies in the field of testing that targets what are known as "PPCPs" — pharmaceuticals and personal care products — finds our personal care product ingredients in rivers and streams across the country. And some ingredients have been linked to impacts in wildlife - those that target the hormone system, for example, that have been linked to feminization of fish and other aquatic life.

Personal care products are chock full of chemicals that act like estrogen and that raise concerns with respect to wildlife. Examples? Fifty-seven percent of all products contain paraben preservatives, nearly two percent contain surfactants called alkylphenols and just over two percent contain estrogenic sunscreen ingredients, according to EWG's 2004 product assessment.

EWG's research shows that 50 percent of all products on the market contain added "fragrance," complex mixtures of chemicals, some persistent, some neurotoxic, and some newly found to harm wildlife. Researchers at Stanford University published work in 2004 showing that mussels lost their ability to clear their bodies of poisons when exposed to parts-per-billion levels of common fragrance musks.

When the ingredients in our products are harming wildlife, what must be their impact to us? That is a question that remains unanswered by an industry with near complete discretion over product safety, making slow progress in screening ingredients for safety.
(this article is thanks to SKIN DEEP COSMETIC DATA BASE).

Another happy customer

2008-02-28T13:35:00.000-08:00

Dear Vee and Colin

Let me begin by saying that your products are totally awesome and a great hit in the one lodge that we have up and running since December!!

I would really love to have some of the treatment range for myself, and for Chanda - in the office - and also to sell from the Tasting Room area.

Kind wishes to you!
Andrea S

Feedback from Edgar, for Olive Workshop's African Kigelia treatments.

2008-02-24T02:22:00.001-08:00

Dear Vee

I have found the kigelia gel to be of the highest quality and it worked exceptionally well on the dry skin on my right hand which I have through driving constantly.

The doctor tells me its eczema and quite honestly the stuff that they gave me didn't work as well as your kigelia gel - so what I am saying is I NEED SOME MORE but that doesn't mean you can put your price up!

That's my story and please could you tell me where I can get some more.

Best regards.

EDGAR MORRIS

Lovely products!

2008-02-12T07:55:00.001-08:00

Thanks Vee and Colin for a fabulous website, and products that arrived very quickly and were packaged well.

Your shampoo and conditioner smell lovely, and both left my hair feeling very soft!

The flaxseed oil is very easy to use, and I look forward to all the health benefits that come along with the product!"

Warm regards,

Mz B Taylor - South Africa

Kigelia and Olive Gel-happy people!

2008-02-10T07:37:00.001-08:00

Hi Vee

I just wanted to drop you a line to say thank you!
Robbie 'prescribed” me some of your kigelia gel and it has worked so well, so quickly!

I have always had annoying skin – it gets really dry and even the tinniest scratch makes it red and sore.
I scratched myself messing about in the garden and, as always it was getting angry and giving me really ugly looking hands.
Then, I put some of the gel on and, within about half an hour, it had started to calm down.
The redness has disappeared and the skin is healing so much quicker than it would ever do before.

This stuff is great. It doesn't make your skin greasy and is really handy to keep with you too.
I am amazed. Thank you!

Best wishes,
Fiona.

Ps

The Rejuvenating treatment cream is lovely to use too and really effective.
And the smell of those real cucumbers is so nice and summery, I feel better just putting it on!

From Fiona Keen from twentysix in London

Parabens, Artificial Preservatives and other nasties.

2008-01-30T11:16:00.000-08:00

This year we want to encourage our friends and clients to read labels carefully and spend just a little more time looking at the selection of goods on sale...shops are not big on selecting the best, they only want the most reasonable prices-so its up to us to become educated and smart about what we put in our mouths and on our bodies.

It is a known fact that we try our best to buy good wholesome foods for our children and family.

However the production of foods, cosmetics and products for washing and keeping house and body clean has become quite 'dark and devious'.

There are thousands of smaller cosmetic houses that do their best to keep the pure product on the shelf.

Sadly, most of the big cosmetic houses have already fallen to the way side with their "organic and pure products".

But what I laugh about is that we DON'T make time to check, therefore we buy product because the packaging and aroma is good.

They are laughing all the way to the bank :)

We don't have a thought for what we are doing. SO spend a little more time checking and reading the label of the foods and cosmetics you buy.

Paying a little more DOES NOT mean it is good and safe. Especially mothers. Please check baby foods and creams that they don't have a load of parabens and colorings at the bottom of the ingredients.

Check and ask, read the Internet and become a 'green person' Its vital that we are all familiar with the chemicals and harsh products that these huge corporates are filling our shelves with.

Just to make a few more big boys wealthy and a few million children sicker.

Think before you buy for your children...keep it simple, don't buy because the package is pretty only-check the box. next week we will speak on the different chemicals used to preserve products.

Flaxseed Halts Prostate Cancer Growth New Study Shows

2007-12-24T02:19:00.000-08:00

Article from Medical News Today

Learn more about Flax Seed oil here: Flax Seed Oil

You can contact us here as we supply fresh cold pressed flax seed oils to buy in South Africa, coconut and sun flower oils.

Contact us today for information on these oils!

The Article

A new US study suggests that flaxseed, which is rich in omega 3 fatty acids and lignans, can stop prostate cancer tumours from growing.

The study was presented at the 43rd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago on Saturday by researchers from Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.

The researchers think that flaxseed, which has similar properties to sesame seed, probably interrupts the chain of events that eventually makes cells multiply out of control and become a tumour.

Dr Wendy Demark-Wahnefried, a researcher in Duke's School of Nursing and lead investigator on the study said that:

"Our previous studies in animals and in humans had shown a correlation between flaxseed supplementation and slowed tumor growth, but the participants in those studies had taken flaxseed in conjunction with a low-fat diet."

However, she explained that:

"For this study, we demonstrated that it is flaxseed that primarily offers the protective benefit."

The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health, and researchers at the University of Michigan and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill also took part.

Demark-Wahnefried and colleagues recruited 161 men who were due to have surgery for prostate cancer (prostatectomy: where all or part of the prostate gland is removed).

The patients were randomly assigned to one of four groups. One group took 30 grams of flaxseed a day for an average of 30 days before they had the operation (the flaxseed only group). Another group did the same but also followed a low-fat diet (20 per cent or less of their calories from fat). A third group did not take the flaxseed and only followed a low-fat diet, while the fourth group, a control, had none of the interventions.

After the surgery, the researchers examined the tumour cells under a microscope to assess how quickly they had multiplied.

They then compared the men who had only flaxseed, with or without following a low-fat diet, with the men in the other two groups: no intervention and low-fat diet only. They found that the slowest rate of tumour growth occurred in the two flaxseed supplemented groups.

Demark-Wahnefried said:

"The results showed that the men who took just flaxseed as well as those who took flaxseed combined with a low-fat diet did the best, indicating that it is the flaxseed which is making the difference."

The flaxseed supplement was given in ground form because in the whole form the seed coat is hard and undigestible. The patients took the flaxseed either in drinks, sprinkled on food, or with yogurt.

Flaxseed is thought to stop the growth and spread of cancer cells. This could be because the omega-3 fatty acids it contains interferes with the ability of cancer cells to cling onto other body cells, said Demark-Wahnefried.

The lignans it contains may also have antiangiogenic properties, the ability to stop the blood supply to the tumour.

Demark-Wahnefried said that they were "excited that this study showed that flaxseed is safe and associated with a protective effect on prostate cancer".

In next phase of their research the team hopes to study the preventative properties of flaxseed, and its effect on patients with recurrent prostate tumours.

As well as being antiangiogenic, the lignans in flaxseed, one of the richest sources of these fibre-related compounds, are thought to interfere with or prevent cell division and affect hormones. They are antimitotic, affect androgen metabolism and have estrogenic effects, said Demark-Wahnefried.

Flaxseed is also the richest known source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids which affect the production of cell membranes, the levels of natural killer cells and circulating levels of protein kinase C and tyrosine kinases, which profoundly affect cell activity.

According to the American Cancer Society, one in six American men gets prostate cancer. This year it is estimated that over 200,000 will be diagnosed with the disease and 27,000 will die from it.

NEWS FROM GERMANY OLIVE PRODUCTS CONTINUE TO GROW.

2007-11-30T12:49:00.001-08:00

30^th November 2007

Surfing the web today I found some interesting write ups, that I think worth attaching to my web page should anyone feel the need to read something motivating! (thank you to the media24 team for the articles).

By Melanie Brandl

Munich - The fruit of the olive tree is at first glance inconspicuous and unimpressive, but that small olive packs a lot of health benefits.

Olive oil is good for the body whether it's applied to the skin or ingested through salads and other foods. It's actually been a guarantor of health and beauty since antiquity, and now more and more cosmetic companies have rediscovered its natural properties and are using it as a basis for entire lines of personal care products.

"Cleopatra and Nefertiti knew the wonderful effects of olive oil," said expert Margot Hellmiss of Munich, author of the book Healthy And Beautiful Through Olive Oil. When the "liquid gold" is used in the kitchen, its higher proportion of unsaturated fat lowers the level of LDL cholesterol in the body, helping prevent clogged arteries and heart disease.

'Absorbed quickly'

In addition the secondary plant materials and the high proportion of vitamin E in olive oil fends off so-called free radicals, which are dangerous byproducts of metabolism, "thereby putting the brakes on cell ageing," said Hellmiss.

Olive oil also is good for the skin. The oil's fat composition is very similar to that of human skin, said Dieter Oberg, who represents a Munich-based organisation offering information about olive oil. Therefore, olive oil generally doesn't cause any allergic reactions.

"In addition it is absorbed quickly, doesn't leave a greasy film behind and helps lock moisture into the skin," Hellmiss said. The result is soft, smooth skin. The higher proportion of unsaturated fat and vitamin E also work on the outside, particularly on sensitive skin. People who tend to have oily skin, however, should refrain from putting on additional oil.

The palette of products that use olive oil as a base has grown in recent years. The British chain, The Body Shop, offers a bath and shower gel and the classic olive oil soap in addition to an olive body spray, which is designed to hold moisture in the skin after a bath. Alternatively, the skin can be treated to a peel made of olive oil and rounded olive oil pits before a fragrant body butter is applied.

The Greek company Korres and the German company, Just Pure, also include olive oil pits in their peeling products. Olive Stones Natural Scrub from Korres and Just Pure's Olive Pit Herbal Peeling are two products that cleanse the face and body, leaving the skin smooth.

Soft, smooth skin

German cosmetic maker Sante bases most of its personal care product lines on olives. Shower gel, body lotion and shampoo strike a refreshing note through the addition of lime, ginger or grapefruit. Sante cosmetics from makeup to rouge and eye shadow also are based on olive oil and should be used to feel the effect of the olive's protective, skin-smoothing and healing oil, said company spokeswoman Silke Fleiss.

The company Biotherm in Duesseldorf also appears convinced of the power of the olive. Within five days, the facial cream Age Fitness Power 2 promises to revitalise the complexion and liven up puffy skin. There are two active ingredients responsible for these rapid results: olive water, which neutralizes free radicals, and olive fruit extract, which smooths the skin, according to Biotherm.

For a quick beauty treatment, however, it's sufficient to reach for the olive oil that's in the kitchen cupboard, assuming it holds a bottle of high quality cold pressed olive oil. Four tablespoons full of this type of olive oil warmed up slightly and mixed with sea salt can be used as a skin-tightening peel. Mixed together with lemon juice, olive oil is an ideal overnight treatment for wrinkles, and soaking hands in warm olive oil makes them supple and is good for fingernails as well.

New olive oil products, however, have their critics. Andrea Kraut of the Professional Trade Academy for Wholesome Cosmetics in Cologne said there was nothing new about unsaturated fats working as antioxidant and about vitamin E making skin supple, and she said these benefits were not exclusive to olive oil.

"The cosmetic industry is reinventing the wheel," she said, adding that she views the trend toward olive oil-based personal care products as a marketing ploy. "Natural cosmetics are in. The Mediterranean lifestyle is in, and, thanks to cooking shows on television, olive oil is in. It's that simple."

Oberg sees it differently. "If you do the test and wash your hands with normal soap and then with an olive oil soap, you feel the difference," he said. - Sapa-dpa

By Anne Harding

New York - Certain micronutrients contained in olive oil and other foods could be responsible for the Mediterranean diet's well known heart-healthy effects, Spanish researchers report.

These compounds, known as phenols, have been shown in laboratory studies to have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and blood clot preventing powers, Dr Francisco Perez Jimenez and colleagues of the Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia in Cordoba write.

Their study is the first to show a benefit for phenol-rich olive oils on blood vessel function.

Function poorly after a high-fat meal

"The intake of food high in phenols compounds could improve cardiovascular health and protect the heart," Jimenez said.

"An example of these foods is virgin or extra virgin olive oil."

Jimenez and his team compared the effect of consuming phenol-rich olive oil or olive oil with most of its phenol content removed in a group of 21 volunteers with high cholesterol.

The researchers measured the ability of the study participants' blood vessels to respond to rapid changes in blood flow after they had consumed a relatively high-fat meal containing either type of olive oil.

Blood vessels have been shown to function poorly after a high-fat meal.

Blood vessel response and function was improved for the first four hours after the high-phenol olive oil meal, the researchers found, but there was no difference in blood vessel function before and after volunteers ate the low-phenol olive oil meal.

The researchers also found increased levels of the blood vessel dilating molecule nitric oxide and reduced levels of oxidative stress after consumption of the high-phenol meal.

Consumers should reach for olive oils labelled "virgin" or "extra virgin," which have the highest phenol content, Jimenez said.

He and his colleagues suggest that phenols' anti-oxidant effects, as well as their ability to help the body use nitric oxide more effectively, could be responsible for their effects.

On the road again-but hey its a most beautiful drive to sell and market olive products!

2007-11-29T12:54:00.000-08:00

14112007(001)

Interesting notes on our famous brand fizzy drinks and 'spring' water!

2007-11-06T23:29:00.001-08:00

Dear friends- something interesting to read about the natural world and the un natural corporate world!!

Coca-Cola's "Dasani" brand bottled water product is under fire this week with a global effort to shame the company into admitting the truth about the source of its Dasani water. What truth? That Dasani water comes from tap water -- the same stuff used to flush your toilet. Of course, the water is filtered and augmented before being put into Dasani bottles, but it's still from the same source as your tap water.

This week, on November 7th, Corporate Accountability International (www.StopCorporateAbuse.org) is holding a nationwide rally in seven key U.S. cities and college campuses across the country to demand that Coca-Cola honestly label their Dasani bottled water products as "coming from a public water source." Details about the event are available now at: www.ThinkOutsideTheBottle.org

This grassroots consumer action aimed at Coca-Cola follows the hugely successful effort launched earlier this year to pressure Pepsi into making the same admission on its own branded water product: Aqua Fina. As reported by NewsTarget on August 2 of this year, Pepsi was bombarded by consumer complaints and, in response, agreed to add the phrase "Public water source" to their bottles. As I mentioned in that article, it's not a crystal clear phrase that openly admits the water comes from the tap, but it's a step in the right direction.

The new CAI action aimed at Coca-Cola features events in Austin (TX), Baltimore (MD), Boston (MA), Chicago (IL), Minneapolis, (MN), Oakland (CA), Portland (OR), and college campuses across the country. You can find more details at: http://www.stopcorporateabusenow.org/campaign/exposebottledwater
My take on the issue

If you want an example of two companies engaged in hyping worthless beverages, look no further than Coke and Pepsi. In my opinion, both of these companies operate with an astonishing lack of integrity -- not only in the way they hype their bottled water products, but also in their ongoing marketing of beverages that I am convinced are closely tied to the obesity and diabetes pandemics now ravaging our world.

Coke and Pepsi have, in my opinion, played a significant role in the destruction of human health among advanced nations over the last three generations. Not only do they aggressively market disease-promoting beverages containing high-fructose corn syrup (linked to diabetes) and phosphoric acid (linked to osteoporosis), but they also use another chemical substance in their diet drinks that many naturopathic practitioners consider to be a neurological poison: Aspartame!

Knowing the true history of Coca-Cola and Pepsi (click here to read the unauthorized history of Coca-Cola), it's no surprise that these two companies would find a way to dishonestly market bottled water products, too. Failing to disclose the real source of these bottled water products is, in my view, an inexcusable lapse in corporate responsibility. I have no doubt that whatever products these two companies may market in the future, they will always be marketed in a way that is dishonst, harmful to human health and damaging to the environment.

Join me in this grassroots effort to shed light on Coca-Cola's practices by taking action on this issue. Here's where you can learn more: http://www.stopcorporateabusenow.org/campaign/exposebottledwater

###

About the author: Mike Adams is a natural health researcher and author with a strong interest in personal health, the environment and the power of nature to help us all heal He has authored and published thousands of articles, interviews, consumers guides, and books on topics like health and the environment, impacting the lives of millions of readers around the world who are experiencing phenomenal health benefits from reading his articles. Adams is a trusted, independent journalist who receives no money or promotional fees whatsoever to write about other companies' products. In 2007, Adams launched EcoLEDs, a maker of energy efficient LED lights that greatly reduce CO2 emissions. He's also the founder of a well known HTML email software company whose 'Email Marketing Director' software currently runs the NewsTarget subscription database. Adams also serves as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a non-profit consumer protection group, and enjoys outdoor activities, nature photography, Pilates and adult gymnastics. He's also author of numerous health books published by Truth Publishing and is the creator of several consumer-oriented grassroots campaigns, including the Spam. Don't Buy It! campaign, and the free downloadable Honest Food Guide. He also created the free reference sites HerbReference.com and HealingFoodReference.com. Adams believes in free speech, free access to nutritional supplements and the ending of corporate control over medicines, genes and seeds. Known on the 'net as 'the Health Ranger,' Adams shares his ethics, mission statements and personal health statistics at www.HealthRanger.org

Testamonals to Olive Workshop - for help with Psoriasis and Eczema.

2007-11-04T13:20:00.001-08:00

These are some of the letters I have been receiving in the last few months- and they are still more coming in to the web page-in our time building and researching this project, that has been the first thing in my mind…before making an income I would really like to be able to find something that would maybe heal, but mostly give people relief from psoriasis…I wish that I could say it was a cure, but psoriasis and eczema are ‘challenges’ that involve the inside and outside of the body as well…however if we can be of service and help give some relief from these ‘challenges’ then that is the most wonderful thing. Luv Vee.

14th August email received.

Dear Vee,

Good day, my mother and father recently visit your shop and obtained an ointment from you for psoriases. I suffer from severe psoriases and have tried everything under the sun. I started applying your ointment on Saturday, twice a day on a specific area which was terribly red and inflamed. I got immediate relief and after 2 applications the redness and inflammation is gone. I am truly amazed at the effect of this ointment as nothing else has worked like this.

I would really like to order a large container of this ointment if possible.

Many thanks and regards,
Deon Myburgh
Group IT Operations Manager
Medi-Clinic Ltd
www.mediclinic.co.za

Dear Daphne

You might not remember me, Meg Cowper-Lewis from Southermost, Agulhas. You called on me (my B&B) a few months ago and enlightened me about your olive/kigelia products. I bought some little soaps from you for pressies for friends and they have been highly praised.

I am now interested in your night cream for very dry skin. I've just returned from Australia and New Zealand and have been examining chemical free body products there. Very difficult to find. Could you therefore let me have a list of ALL the ingredients that go into your night cream. I would like to assess each of them in turn.

Hoping to hear from you soon, and with kind regards

Meg

(Wrote back and supplied Meg and she helped us with our pamphlets-now a firm friend and lovely lady). July 2007.

Sept 2007.

Hi Vee

Please let me know where you live in Bonnievale - I might have a lift for the air mist on Thursday, but he will need to know where to collect it from. If you send the invoice with, I will do a payment for both the bath salt and mist together.

Thank you - I must say, I do love your products.

Kind regards,
Karlien Heunis

SANBONA PRIVATE LODGES
SANBONA WILDLIFE RESERVE

www.sanbona.com

---------------------------------------------------------

11th September 2007.

Dear Vee

Thank you for the e-mail. I have had bronchitis so not looked in the box for a few days.

I did receive the gel and, it seems to have helped even though I have used it but a few days. I am sure that progress will be maintained.

Best Wishes

Mervyn D. Cole

The Allergy and Bio-Resonance Clinic

17th September 2007.

Dear Colin and Vee

Sorry I was not here, things have been a bit crazy lately.
Thank you so much we are very happy with all the products, great!

The labels look excellent and it looks as if they are working well.
Hope you are both well and business is going great guns.

Kind regards

Louise

--------------------------------------------------------

Hello Vee,

Hope you are well. I received your message. That is absolutely no problem; I have in the interim been using the Olive and Kigelia cream which my mother also gave me, and it too works fantastically, providing relief and is very soothing.

You certainly can post it to me. I think the best will be my work address, as this will be delivered to me at the office. The address is:

Medi-Clinic Ltd
Att : Deon Myburgh

Interesting Notes and research on the Kigelia Pinnata- by Professor P J Houghton of Kings College.

2007-11-04T12:49:00.000-08:00

Interesting notes from Kings College.

The sausage tree (Kigelia pinnata): Ethnobotany and recent scientific work

Professor PJ Houghton

Pharmacognosy Research Laboratories,

Department of Pharmacy, King's College London

Kigelia pinnata (Bignoniaceae), colloquially called the Sausage Tree, or Worsboom, on account of its large fruits, has a variety of medicinal uses throughout Africa where it grows as an endemic species in many areas. Chemical examinations has resulted in the isolation of iridoids and naphtoquinoids as important secondary metabolites but flavonoids and lignans have also been isolated.

Investigation into the biological activity of Kigelia pinnata has focussed on its antibacterial activity and its cytotoxic effects against cancer cell lines. These are related to the traditional uses of bark and fruit extracts for treating diseases caused by micro-organisms and as a remedy for skin cancer.

The iridoids and naphtoquinones have been shown to display antibacterial activity and also the ability to inhibit the growth of yeast. Considerable in vitro cytotoxicity has been demonstrated by extracts of the fruits and barks and the iridoid-related compound norviburtinal and the naphtoquinone isopinnatal have been shown to be two of the compounds responsible.

Although little ethnopharmacological evidence exists, the naphtoquinones are active against several protozoal species associated with disease. The compounds also show cytotoxicity against mammalian cell lines.

Introduction

Kigelia pinnata is also commonly referred to in the scientific literature as Kigelia africana.

Kigelia is now generally considered to be a highly variable monospecific genus of the Bignoniaceae, although several species have been reported in the past. It is a reasonably large tree, attaining 20 m in height and grows in moist places, such as river banks, throughout the savannah areas of tropical Africa.

Ethnobotanical uses of Kigelia pinnata with particular reference to its medicinal uses

Kigelia pinnata is mentioned in all the reference books dealing with economic plants of the parts of Africa where it grows. There are some uses which are widespread, like a decoction which is used in many parts of Africa as a laxative and the powdered dried fruit helps extensively as a dressing for wounds, ulcers and sores. Of particular interest is the use of the fruit to treat cancer which is reported from Togo (Neuwinger 1996) and especially from Southern Africa where it has a consideralbe reputation for being effective against solar keratosis which may develop into skin cancer (Hutchings et al. 1996)

Chemical constituents of Kigelia pinnata

It is important to know which secondary metabolites are found in plants because these may provide a basis for its traditional uses, particulary if they are the same as, or similar in structure to compounds from other species which display relevant activity. To some extent, the type of compounds likely to be present can be deduced from its taxonomic position and this can be seen to be the case with Kigelia pinnata which is a member of the Bignoniaceae, a family noted for the occurrence if iridoids and naphthoquinones in many constituent genera (Hegnauer 1964).

The iridoids (Figure 1) found in Kigelia correspond to the 9-carbon skeleton type, e.g. catalpol 1, found in other

members of the Bignoniaceae. The major iridoids found in the rootbark and stembark of Kigelia pinnata are the catalpol derivatives esterified with phenylpropanoic acid derivatives at C-6 and these were indentified as specioside 2, verminoside 3 and minecoside 4 (Houghton and Akunyili 1993).Norviburtinal 5, generally considered to be a breakdown product of the iridoids has also been isolated from the roots, stembark and fruits.

Lapachol 6 (Figure 2) which is known to be cytotoxic has been reported present by several investigators (Binutu et al. 1996, Govindachari et al. 1971, Inoue et al. 1981, Joshi et al. 1982).

Three furanonaphthoquinones kigelinone 7, 2-acetylnaphto[2,3-b]furan-4, 9-quinone 8 and 2-(1-hydroxyethl) naphthol [2,3-b] furan-4, 9-quinone 9 have been isolated from Kigelia pinnata stem- and rootbark (Figure 2). Two pairs of monoterpenoid-naphthoquinone compounds (Figure 2) named pinnatal 10 and isopinnatal 11 and kigelinol 12 and isokigelinol 13, unique to Kigelia pinnata, have been isolated from the roots and fruit.

The flavonol quercetin 14 and four flavonones luteolin 15 its 6-OH analogue 16 and corresponding

7-O-glucosides 17, 18 were isolated from the leaves and fruits of Kigelia pinnata.

Three isocoumarins 6-methoxymellein 19, kigelin 20 and 6-demethylkigelin 21 were isolated from the roots of the plant. The lignan kigeliol 22 was isolated from the wood and was the only lignan reported

until 1999 when the neolignan balanophonin 23 was isolated from the stembark.

The common steroids ß-sitosterol 24 and stigmasterol 25 have been isolated by various workers from

the bark and root of Kigelia pinnata, ?-sitosterol 26 Kigelia pinnata fruit by Khan 1998 (Figure 4).

Figure 1: Iridoids from Kigelia Pinnata Figure 2 : Naphthoquinones from Kigelia Pinnata
Iridoids from Kigelia pinnata Naphthoquinones from Kigelia pinnata

Figure 3: Flavonoids & other shikimate-derived compounds from Kigelia Pinnata Figure 4 : Flavonoids & other shikimate-derived compunds from Kigelia Pinnata

Flavonoids and other shikimate-derived compounds from Kigelia pinnata

Biological studies on Kigelia pinnata

Most of the studies on the biological activity of Kigelia pinnata extracts and constituents have been connected in some way to its traditional uses. In many parts of Africa the extracts of Kigelia pinnata bark has been used as a treatment for STDs. An unpublished ethnobotanical survey amongst traditional healers of the Ibos in south eastern Nigeria conducted by Dr. Akunyili from University of Nigeria revealed that they use an aqueous or dilute alcohol extract of Kigelia pinnata roots as a treatment for STDs. Extracts of the roots equivalent to those obtained using the traditional methods were found to contain the iridoids specioside 2 and minecoside 4 as major constituents. The extracts, as well as two of the isolated iridoids, were tested and also their 1/10 and 1/100 dilutions, against four representative species of bacteria viz. Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherrichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the yeast Candida albicans in the absence and presence of the enzyme emulsin. This enzyme converts catalpol-type iridoids to their more antimicrobially active non-sugar containing aglycones. The growth of the organism in culture broth was assessed by measuring the turbidity of the solution. The results showed that the aqueous extract had strong activity, even in the absence of emulsion, against all the bacteria tested but especially against the yeast C. albicans.

This is of interest since Candida infections are common opportunistic infections of genito-urinary tract and the traditional use of this plant extract might alleviate this in sexually transmitted diseases.

Both isolated iridoids also showed activity in the same way but did not seem to account for all the activity shown by the extracts.

Futher studies using a wider range of micro-organisms and compounds showed that the naphthoquinoides from the stembark also had a moderate antimicrobial effect.

Kigelinone 7 and Isopinnatal 11 were the most active compounds with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) not less than 50 µg mL¯©ˆ against any other the bacteria or yeasts tested. However, it should be pointed out that the naphthoquinoids are unlikely to exist in sufficiently high concentrations in aqueous or dilute alcohol extracts such as those used in traditional medicine.

There thus seems some evidence that the extracts of the roots and stembark of Kigelia pinnata possess antimicrobial activity. As well as some justification for the traditional uses against genito-urinary infections, this observed effect may also be relevant to the use of such preparations in skin conditions which might be caused by micro-organisms such as dermatophytes (ringworm and associated conditions) or bacteria (complications of acne, boils and similar diseases).

As well as reported in the literature which are mentioned above several independent anecdotal reports were received by our group of the usefullness of Kigelia Extract in treating skin cancer, particularly amongst the white population in Southern Africa.

Although the nature of the extract and the part of the plant from which it was derived were at first unclear, further investigations revealed that a 50% ethanolic extract of the fresh fruits was most commonly used.

Other findings included the information that the white population had learned of this use of the plant from the indigenous ethnic groups in Zimbabwe and surrounding countries, a fact supported by literature reports (Neuwinger 1996, Hutchings et al. 1996). The precise definition of skin cancer was unclear and there is a range of diseases with different severity which could be classified as such. These range from erodent ulcers, which are common in fair-skinned persons exposed to bright sunlight, and are not melignant per se but often develope into malignant growth, to melanoma which is often refractory to treatment, particulary it has metastasised.

As well as the ethnobotanical evidence, there were other indicators that Kigelia extracts might possess anticancer activity. A large number of related species of the Bignoniaceae are used for this purpose in traditional medicine (Hartwell 1968) and also some naphthaquinones from this family, e.g .Lapachol 6, have attracted interest as potential anticancer drugs. Studies were consequently initiated testing Kigelia pinnata extracts in vitro for cytotoxicity against cultured melanoma cells using the SRB assay for cell viability. The compound with the greatest activity, isolated from the most active fraction after separation on a silica gel column, was not a naphthoquinone but the iridoid-like compound norviburtinal 5. The steroid ß-sitosterol 24 was also found in the most active fraction but had negligible activity. Comparison of the activity of norviburtinal 5 with the amount present in the dose of extract having the same activity showed that it did not contribute to a large part of the effect e.g. norviburtinal 5 had an IC50 of 3.25 µg mL¯©ˆ
against G 361 cells (144 hours exposure) but it was calculated that its concentration in the total extract (C50 2.1µgmL¯©ˆ) was only 0.154 µg mL¯©ˆ, thus indicating that other cytotoxic compounds are present. This was also shown by the fact that other fractions which did not contain norviburtinal 5, which were not investigated further, also displayed appreciable activity.

Although norviburtinal 5 had a reasonable good level of activity against the melanoma cell lines tested, it was also cytotoxic against other cancer cell lines (Table 1), thus reducing its suitability as a lead compund for cancer chemotherapy. Although it does not appear to be used in traditional medicine for treating cancer, the rootbark extract also showed some activity and the naphthaquinone isopinnatal 11 was shown to play a major contributuin to this (Jackson et al. 2000).

A paper by Khan (1998) ascribed some in vitro cytotoxic activity found in an extract of the fruits to the steroid ?-sitosterol 26 but this has not been confirmed by other studies.

It is interesting to note that the related S-sitsterol 24 was found in the active fraction of Kigelia pinnata fruit and bark but showed no activity.

However, the occurence of novel naphthoquinones prompted the investigation of antiprotozoal activity of extracts and isolated naphthoquinoids since naphthoquinones exhibit antiprotozoal activity (Croft 1985).

Table 1: In vitro cytotoxicity of norviburtinal 5 against cultured cell lines

Cell line IC50 value µM*†

G 361 melanoma 22

StML 11a melanoma 50

C 32

melanoma 50

ACHN renal cancer 48

Colo 668

colon cancer 22

*) measured using the SRB assay. Figure given is the mean of three separate determinations.

† IC50 value for vinblastine sulphate (positive control) against these cell lines is 0.95 – 1.65 µM

This activity is due to the increase of oxygen consumption and stimulation of hxdrogen peroxide production in the protozoal cell. Protozoa do not have the same biochemical mechanism as mammalian cells for dealing with excess peroxide and consequent oxygen free radicals and so this process is used as a target in the search for novel antiprotozoal compounds. Bioassay guided fractionation of extracts of Kigelia pinnata rootbark and stembark was carried out using in vitro cultures of Trypanosoma cruzi (the organism associated with Chaga's disease) and T. brucei rhodesiense and T. brucei (associated with sleeping sickness). Similar studies were carried out with Leishmania major (associated with leishmaniasis) and Plasmodium falciparum (the causative agent of malaria) for which the chloroquine-resistant K 1 strain was used. No great dose-related acitivity for extracts of compounds could be found against T. cruzi or the amastigote forms of Leishmania major or Trypanosoma but some acitivity was observed against the other protozoa.

In all cases the extract of the plant material proved to be the most active and the greatest activity was shown by 2-(1-hydroxyethyl)naphtho(2,3-b) furan-4,9-quinone 9, with isopinnatal 11 also showing some activity. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the compounds was also tested using cultered mammalian KB cells and the values obtained suggested that the compounds had a general cytotoxic effect which tended to preclude any clinical usefulness.

It should be noted, however, that the selectivity against Trypanosoma was more promising (Table 3) and indicated that the active compounds might prove useful lead compounds for further studies against these organisms.

The traditional uses of Kigelia pinnata bark and fruits as a treatment for oedema, ulcers and other sores might indicate antibacterial, wound-healing and anti-inflammatory effects.

Table 2: In vitro antiprotozoal activity (IC50 inµM) of compounds isolated from Kigelia pinnata

Compound Leishmania major

promastigotes T. brucei

brucei T. brucei

rhodesiense Plasmodium falciparum

K1 (chloroquine resistant)

2-(1-Hydroxyethyl)-naphtho

[2,3-b] furan-4, 9-quinone 9 1.77 0.12 0.045 5.23

Isopinnatal 11 1.74 0.37 0.73 25.10

Kigelinol 12 24.40 4.21 21.3 > 100

Isokigelinol 13 12.46 1.36 11.1 > 100

Positive control (Pentamidine) 0.578 0.007 0.016 0.228 (Chloroquine phosphate)

Table 3: Selectivity ratio of cytotoxicity of compounds isolated from Kigelia pinnata stembark between protozoa and mammalian cell lines

Compound IC50 KB/ED50

L. major

promastigotes IC50 Vero/ED50

L. major

promastigotes IC50 KB/ED50

T. brucei

brucei IC50 Vero/ED50

T. brucei

brucei IC50 KB/ED50

T. brucei

rhodesiense IC50 Vero/ED50T. brucei

rhodesiense IC50 KB/ED50

Plasmodium

falciparum K1

2-(1-Hydroxyethyl)-naphthol[2,3-b]furan-4,-quinone 9 2.2 1.86 33.6 85.5 28.2 71.8 0.70

Isopinnatal 11 8.5 9.42 41.8 20.0 46.2 22.2 0.59

Kigelinol 12 6.1 5.00 35.1 7.0 28.9 5.7 N D

Isokigelinol 13 13.4 9.23 122.6 15.1 84.7 10.4 N D

Positive control (Pentamidine) 7.4 284 710 284 435 174 861

ND = not done

Conclusions

Kigelia pinnata is an interesting example of a plant, used in traditional medicine for many years, but which is now attracting interest and use far beyond its original geographical range.

Experiments into the effect of Kigelia extracts and some of the pure compounds contained therein, on micro-organisms and cancer cells have shown that the traditional use of this plant is given considerable justification. In addition, there exists evidence for its anti-inflammatory reputation (see attached research studies of Professor H. Kolodziej Freie Universität Berlin, Germany).

Natural and Organic products Expo. 2007.

2007-10-15T14:59:00.001-07:00

Natural and Organic Products Expo. 2007.

2007-10-15T14:59:00.000-07:00

The Pure and Organic Expo was in Cape Town at the amazing International Convention Centre.

People were coming from all over southern Africa, there where all kinds of yummy things to eat and drink for free!

That’s what people wanted!

We were three of the members of Phyto trade, that had been lucky enough to be invited and it was a real experience.

I will be back tomorrow with more info.

Vee xx

The History of Soap

2007-10-13T05:09:00.000-07:00

Early History

Soapnut Tree (Reeta / Sapindus tree)
The earliest known use of a natural soap-like substance was the powder of the Reeta(Sapindus) nut, which was used by Indians since antiquity. Hindus in India were obliged to bathe at least once a day, every morning, in accordance with Ayurveda. Evidence of manufactured soap use are Babylonian clay cylinders dating from 2800 BC containing a soap-like substance. A formula for soap consisting of water, alkali and cassia oil was written on a Babylonian clay tablet around 2200 BC.
The Ebers papyrus (Egypt, 1550 BC) indicates that ancient Egyptians bathed regularly and combined animal and vegetable oils with alkaline salts to create a soap-like substance. Egyptian documents mention that a soap-like substance was used in the preparation of wool for weaving.

Roman History
It is commonly reported that a soap factory with bars of scented soap was found in the ruins of Pompeii (79 AD). However, this has proved to be a misinterpretation of the survival of some soapy mineral substance, [citation needed] probably soapstone at the Fullonica where it was used for dressing recently cleansed textiles. Unfortunately this error has been repeated widely and can be found in otherwise reputable texts on soap history. The ancient Romans were generally ignorant of soap's detergent properties, and made use of the strigil to scrape dirt and sweat from the body. The word "soap" (Latin sapo) appears first in a European language in Pliny the Elder's Historia Naturalis, which discusses the manufacture of soap from tallow and ashes, but the only use he mentions for it is as a pomade for hair; he mentions rather disapprovingly that among the Gauls and Germans men are likelier to use it than women.[1]
A story encountered in some places claims that soap takes its name from a supposed "Mount Sapo" where ancient Romans sacrificed animals. Rain would send a mix of animal tallow and wood ash down the mountain and into the clay soil on the banks of the Tiber. Eventually, women noticed that it was easier to clean clothes with this "soap". The location of Mount Sapo is unknown, as is the source of the "ancient Roman legend" to which this tale is typically credited.[1] In fact, the Latin word sapo simply means "soap"; it was borrowed from a Celtic or Germanic language, and is cognate with Latin sebum, "tallow", which appears in Pliny the Elder's account. Roman animal sacrifices usually burned only the bones and inedible entrails of the sacrificed animals; edible meat and fat from the sacrifices were taken by the humans rather than the gods. Animal sacrifices in the ancient world would not have included enough fat to make much soap. The legend about Mount Sapo is probably apocryphal.

Arab History
The Arabs made soap from vegetable oil such as olive oil and some aromatic oils such as thyme oil. Lye (Al-Soda Al-Kawia) was used for the first time, and the formula hasn't changed from the current soap sold in the market. From the beginning of the 7th century, soap was produced in Nablus (West Bank,Palestine), Kufa (Iraq) and Basra (Iraq). Soaps, as we know them today, are descendants of historical Arabian Soaps. Arabian Soap was perfumed and colored, some of the soaps were liquid and others were hard. They also had special soap for shaving. It was commercially sold for 3 Dirhams (0.3 Dinars) a piece in 981 AD. Al-Razi ’s manuscript contains recipes for soap. A recently discovered manuscript from the 13th century details more recipes for soap making; e.g. take some sesame oil, a sprinkle of potash, alkali and some lime, mix them all together and boil. When cooked, they are poured into molds and left to set, leaving hard soap.
Historically, soap was made by mixing animal fats with lye. Because of the caustic lye, this was a dangerous procedure (perhaps more dangerous than any present-day home activities) which could result in serious chemical burns or even blindness. Before commercially-produced lye (sodium hydroxide) was commonplace, potash, potassium hydroxide, was produced at home for soap making from the ashes of a hardwood fire.
Castile soap was produced in Europe as early as the 16th century.

Modern History

1922 magazine advertisement for Palmolive Soap
In modern times, the use of soap has become universal in industrialized nations due to a better understanding of the role of hygiene in reducing the population size of pathogenic microorganisms. Manufactured bar soaps first became available in the late nineteenth century, and advertising campaigns in Europe and the United States helped to increase popular awareness of the relationship between cleanliness and health. By the 1950s, soap had gained public acceptance as an instrument of personal hygiene.
Rarely, conditions allow for corpses to naturally turn in to a soap-like substance, such as the Soap Lady on exhibit in the Mutter Museum.

when is a soap not a soap?? when its a moisture bar.

2007-10-07T06:25:00.000-07:00

Well the years dashed past, the soaps were becoming more and more professional-great grand mother Esprancia Isabella would have been so proud!

1.Body milk for the intense heat of the day. mixing all kinds of wonderful herbs and butters and essential oils. The workshop's perfumery floated up and down the little road. Word was getting around that some interesting herbal remedies were being brewed here!
2. lip and feet butter for the dry areas with Mafura and olive butter and eventually the piece de resistance...
3. The African botanical treatment cream. Mixing this was a dream. I found a chemist to help me as well, too much for my little round brain to expand on tens of kilos instead of kilos!

Then the sad day came-"Enough "said C," its time to stop playing and messing about, you have to stop giving people what you are making and start selling it...otherwise we will be out on the street."

So there the Olive Workshop was born. its fun though to see someones eyes light up, after months of exhaustion and lack of sleep when they carefully try some of the gel or cream on their raw hands. "It feels like cold cream," said Mrs M " straight from the dairy, smells like the forest, its delicious!"

We feel so good, that we have been able to help people as best we can.

Its one of the best feelings in the world. THe old fashioned feeling of pure selfless giving of ones best to help people in pain.

Kigelia (sausage tree) and Olive Gel. Olive and Botanicals!

2007-10-07T06:07:00.000-07:00

Hello...

I thought I would tell you about my pots of Kigelia(sausage tree) and Olive Gel...there are a lot of good products out there. I am proud to position my little gel pots along the side of other good products-just for people who would like to try something with Olive butter and organic glycerin instead.

How to use it for the relief of eczema and psoriasis:· Apply thrice a day, sparingly, to affected areas. · Gently rub the cream in until it is absorbed into the skin. · Persevere, it can take at least ten days, times vary a lot, depending on the severity of the skin disorder.

If the psoriasis does not show any sign of response, consider using Cream made with (African Potato Tuber) at the same time. The combination is good for stubborn psoriasis.
Kigelia and Olive can be used on childhood eczema, even babies. …on acne (both acne vulgaris and the odd pimple)- Apply regularly with washed hands- Kigelia and Olive will help any acne scarring…on cold sores. Use when the tingling that precedes the cold sore is first felt.
If the cold sore develops, apply small amounts every hour throughout the day until the sore heals.
Kigelia and Olive will help to lessen any scarring that may result.…on verrucas, viral warts, cuts, stings and burns.
Apply regularly (at the very least twice a day) and try, if possible, to apply every hour or so until the skin has healed.
Please read carefully-We always recommend a patch test, as with everything that goes onto the skin.

Disclaimer-African medicinal wisdom speaks for itself, and we are passing on to you our clients and families experiences.

We would suggest that you consult your doctor for advice on any worries you may have. Absolutely no official claims are made herein concerning total cures.

hey this is fun! soaps and all.....strong coffee strong thoughts!

2007-10-07T05:04:00.001-07:00

There was a time in the world that people thought the human race was invinciable.

hell they really thought the world owed them a living!

Now comes the time for payback. The world is running out of time....when you are at the super market and the rows and rows of soap suds and commercial specials are shouting from the intercom think carefully of your choices...don't go into the shop unless you are focused. It's not the fifties now-people are not stupid and they know a lot about chemicals. Lets spend a bit of time looking at chemicals in our soaps and the things we put on our skin...did you know that 65% of what ever goes on your skin is absorbed into it! Its from the basic washing soap for clothes to the paint thinners you accidentally brush on your skin after painting the kitchen wall!
Think ladies...its vital that you choice a soap that is pure. Even if you don't buy our pure extra virgin olive oil soap, its the purity of soap that is vital for your family. Forget the multi nationals, they have the poor souls that don't have any choices to buy their nasty (I did not say nasty, did I?) cheap soap made with soap pellets from the middle eastern child labour factories... we want to look for good soaps, even if you stick to your best supermarket soap-Pears-this is the best from the supermarket and I would not buy any other. GO out to the craft markets and health shops and look for pure soaps. There are some.

Now I better go and make some lunch for the hungry brood working here.
take care and see you later we will pick up the thread then... ceo, Vee!

The african botanical range - birthing of a product.

2007-10-04T15:17:00.001-07:00

Here we were sitting in the middle of an olive grove after looking at umpteenth small business‘s with no success in finding anything reasonable to get our teeth into.

“C shot his arms up in excitement, what about the olives,” he said.

I said “what? What olives?” We are surrounded by olives and there must be something we can do with them? Funny enough there is I thought, we could make soap the ol’spanish way.

So whilst he finished off our little cottage I began to re establish and practice my soap making skills- various pots were brought out, but they had to be stainless steel and nothing else would do. The first batches were very interesting, mushy golden soup and burnt yellow custard was sitting at the kitchen table for C instead of his supper.

Words were few in the early months.

Now I must go to bed as it’s the magic hour and I will continue this tomorrow! Well today…later…

The cows are mooing already and the crickets have stopped cricking so it must be late!!

Ciao

Vee XXX