CHI Spring 2008 - (Page 60) beauty secrets and phytonutrients—all of which are dormant treasures awaiting rebirth. These include: n An herbal fragrance that contains the enfleurage jasmine oil. n Olive therapy organic essential oil blends consisting of basil, chamomile, geranium, lemongrass, marjoram and peppermint essential oils. n Olive therapy natural extract blends containing nettle, thyme, watercress and fenugreek. n Olive therapy organic natural oils including organically grown, virgin olive oil with black cumin seed and the anti-inflammatory tamanu oil. n A natural antioxidant and antibacterial from an olive leaf extract that contains 10-percent oleuropein, a powerful phytonutrient. n Desert oasis therapeutic salts, muds and sands. Modern Ancient Ingredients The prior-mentioned ingredients have been selected and combined with the guidance of modern science using ingredients and techniques in use since ancient times. The ancient Egyptian technique, enfleurage, is a simple and ingenious solution, recently resurrected, for the extraction of natural oils (see sidebar). Other ingredients have been in use for centuries in local folklore formulations and have clearly stood the test of time. n Black Cumin Seed In modern times, the black seeds of this plant are used in baking. When pressed, the oil produced is used to condition hair and stimulate hair growth. It is commonly used as a curative for insomnia, earaches, sore throats and high blood pressure. Legend has it that it is a stimulant and treats sexual disorders. The Prophet Mohammad declared that there is a cure for every disease in this black seed. n Fenugreek Photograph by Thomas Hartwell An Ancient Extraction Technique Delicate, organically grown floral ingredients are commonly extracted using harsh petrochemical solvents. These solvents negate the otherwise organic status of the item. Using the ancient technique of enfleurage, the essence of these flowers is absorbed by a layer of vegetable fat, requiring reapplication of fresh flowers over many days. This results in a pomade of the floral essential oils which, when dissolved in alcohol, yields an extract that is chilled, filtered and concentrated to an absolute of that floral. This technique has successfully yielded pomades, extracts and absolutes of jasmine, rose, neroli, bitter orange, violet leaves and carnation. 60 Volume IV, Issue 14 This small annual herb carries three oval shaped leaves, small single white flowers and a thin, elongated fruit with numerous seeds. The seeds are soaked in water, sprouted and used to treat fevers and stomach ailments. It’s known to stimulate breast milk and is found in many maternity and nursery preparations. It is reputed to neutralize the excess acid in breast-feeding children. In the realm of esthetics, fenugreek is believed to increase elasticity of the skin to prevent stretch marks. According to ancient Egyptian history, fenugreek transforms old men into young men and leaves skin beautiful and blemish free.
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.