Organic Essential Oils

Organic essential oils are derived from plants that have been grown without the use of pesticides, on land that has been certified by an authorised regulatory agent such as ECOCERT or the Soil Association.

Today, many aromatherapists and nurses prefer to use organic essential oils in their clinical treatments because they believe they have more healing power and vitality than conventional essential oils. There is also the issue of pesticide residues to be considered too, since they have far-reaching effects for both the environment, and our bodies.

Every one of our Organic Essential Oils has been analytically tested for purity and certified under one of the following official regulatory agencies:

• The Soil Association
• Nature et Progres
• ECOCERT
• Qualite-France SA
• Agrobio

Quinessence organic essential oils bring you unrivalled value for money because in most instances we have purchase them directly from the farms where they are produced, thereby cutting out the middle-man. We then pass these savings along to you, and in many cases our organic essential oils are not a great deal more expensive than many of our conventionally produced essential oils.

Further to the organic essential oils we purchase from around the world, an increasing selection of our Certified Organic essential oils are now distilled on-site from medicinal herbs and plants that have been grown for Quinessence on a 500 acre farm in the United Kingdom.

Whilst our preference is for organically produced essential oils, we do accept that it has yet to be proven scientifically they are any more effective than their conventionally produced counterparts. But even if it was proven there is no difference between them, we would still not change our view on this matter. There is much more to this subject than just efficacy.

By purchasing organic essential oils from growers who use traditional farming practices, we are all contributing towards a more sustainable ecological environment for the future. Surely this is a sensible and worthwhile investment for our forthcoming generations?

A large amount of agricultural land has already been lost due to soil erosion, and in many places the overuse of aggressive agrochemicals has destroyed the delicate balance between wildlife and its natural habitat.

Discover more about the sources of Quinessence organic pure essential oils and the importance of buying organic by browsing other pages under this category.

Johanniskraut

(Hypericum perforatum)

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Das Johanniskraut ist die bekannteste typische Mittsommerpflanze. Selbst sein Name stammt vom Johanni-Tag am 24. Juni ab.

In den Tagen um die Sommersonnenwende öffnet das Johanniskraut seine leuchtend gelben Blüten an Wegrändern, lichten Gebüschen, Böschungen und sogar auf Schuttplätzen.

Wie kaum eine andere Pflanze ist das Johanniskraut mit der Sonne assoziiert, dessen Kraft sie an den längsten Tagen des Jahres aufnimmt, um sie in den dunkleren Tagen des Winters an uns Menschen abzugeben.

Das Johanniskraut bringt wärmende Sonnenstrahlen in depressive Gemüter. Das wusste schon Paracelsus im Mittelalter und heutzutage wird dieses Wissen sogar von der Schulmedizin bestätigt.

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Steckbrief

Haupt-Anwendungen:	Depressionen
Heilwirkung:	abschwellend, adstringierend, antibakteriell, beruhigend, blutblidend, blutstillend, entzündungshemmend, harntreibend, krampflösend, schleimlösend, schmerzstillend, tonisierend,
Anwendungsbereiche:	Atemwege Bronchitis, Halsentzündung, Fieber, Verdauungssystem Appetitlosigkeit, Verdauungsschwäche, Magenbeschwerden, Darmentzündung, Durchfall, Hämorrhoiden, Stoffwechsel Rheumatismus, Gicht, Harnorgane Blasenentzündung, Bettnässen, Frauenheilkunde Gebärmutterkrämpfe, Menstruationsbeschwerden, Endometritis, Wechseljahrsbeschwerden, Zyklusunregelmässigkeiten, Nervensystem Depressionen, Nervosität, Schlaflosigkeit, Epilepsie, Kopfschmerzen, Migräne, Hypochondrie, Angstzustände, Neuralgien, Trigeminusneuralgie, Ischias, Hexenschuss, Bewegungsapparat Rückenschmerzen, Muskelzerrungen, Blutergüsse, Quetschungen, Verrenkungen, Verstauchung, Krampfadern, Haut Wunden, Verbrennungen, Beulen, Geschwüre, Ekzem, Schrunden, Stichwunden, Trockene Haut, Narbenschmerzen,
wissenschaftlicher Name:	Hypericum perforatum
Pflanzenfamilie:	Hartheugewächse = Hypericaceae
englischer Name:	St Johns Wort
volkstümlicher Name:	Hartheu, Alfblut, Blutkraut, Frauenkraut, Gartheil, Hartenaue, Hergottsblut, Jageteufel, Jesuswundenkraut, Johannisblut, Johanniswurz, Konradskraut, Mannskraft, Teufelsflucht, Tüpfel-Hartheu, Tüpfel-Johanniskraut, Unserer Frauen Bettstroh, Wundkraut
Verwendete Pflanzenteile:	das blühende Kraut, Blüten
Inhaltsstoffe:	Hypericin, Hyperforin, Flavonoide, Bitterstoffe, Gerbstoffe, äther. Öl, Harz, Myristinsäure, Hyperinrot, Phytosterin, Stearin, Taraxasterol, Violaxanthin, Beta-Sitosterol, Phytosterole
Sammelzeit:	Ende Juni bis September

"Агроуниверс 2006" - представяне от проф. д-р с.н. Иван Михов - Председател на УС

"Агроуниверс 2006" е регионално неправителствено сдружение , действащо на територията на Югоизточния район за планиране. Седалището на сдружението е в Бургас, в сградата на Бургаската търговско-промишлена палата на бул. Демокрация, бл. 117. Сдружението има три поделения в административните области Сливен, Ямбол и Бургас и се управлява от Управителен съвет. Сдружение "Агроуниверс 2006" е приело функциите на регионален информационно-консултативен, иновационен и образователен център по земеделие, агробизнес и устойчиво развитие на селските райони.
Мотото на Сдружението, ориентирано към своите потенциални партньори е :
" Ние знаем как да ви помогнем да успеете във вашия агро-бизнес и знаем как да го направим , защото притежаваме :

• висок професионализъм на нашите членове - 67 ерудиране професори, доценти, научни работници и висококвалифицирани специалисти и икипите на 19 колективни членове на Сдружението
  
• иформации за най-доброто в земеделската наука, практика и агро-бизнеса, както в България така и в страните от ЕС, Русия и САЩ
  
• капацитет и умения в разработката на проекти по програмите на Европейския съюз, ориентирани към повишаване на конкурентната способност, регионалното и социално развитие на селските райони, инфраструктурата и трансграничното сътрудничество
• възможности за повишаване на квалификацията и различин форми на обучения в сферата на аграрния бизнес, устойчивото развитие, иновационните технологи и интернет пространството
• условия за предоставяне на широк кръг безплатни консултантски услуги
  

The basics of Essential Oils therapy

Aromatherapy And Essential Oils - The Basics

by: Donovan Baldwin

Aromatherapy is the use of oils extracted from various, primarily fragrant, plants to aid in the relief of a range of physical or mental discomforts or illnesses. These oils, commonly referred to as essential oils are also used to enhance or encourage positive responses in the user. These oils may be used by direct application or by inhaling the aromas, hence the name aromatherapy. The inhaled aromas can be dispersed by candles prepared with the essential oils, by applying the oil to some object, such as a handkerchief or pillowcase, by spraying a mix of the essential oil and water into the air, or by means of a diffuser. A diffuser is a device generally available from essential oil providers which uses heat to disperse molecules of the chosen essential oil into the air.

Although long used in other parts of the world, such as the East and Middle East, aromatherapy is essentially new to Europe and the United States. In the last few years, in addition to an increase in the numbers of aromatherapy practitioners, a broad interest and corresponding retail market in aromatherapy, essential oils, and related items such as candles, perfumes, and diffusers has sprung up. It is now very easy for someone knowing little or nothing about aromatherapy to buy the necessary supplies and reap the benefits of aromatherapy.

EFFECTS OF ESSENTIAL OILS AND AROMATHERAPY

There are several essential oils, some having effectiveness in more than one situation. The list is not complicated, but is too long to go into in this article. You may wish to visit http://eherbsstore.com/aromatherapy/ to view a short list of some of the more common oils and their uses.

Overall, the effects may be divided into two basic groups. Some essential oils have actual physical effects. For example, eucalyptus oil can be inhaled to help clear sinuses and the respiratory tract. This would obviously relieve some symptoms of an upper respiratory infection (URI). Some oils may be used topically (directly on the skin, where they would usually be absorbed by the body, or on a wound) to possibly relieve swelling or fight certain infections.

Secondly, aromatherapy, usually thru the inhaling of the molecules of the essential oil, can affect moods and emotions. Since feelings and emotions are more and more appearing to be hard-wired to the health of the body, it is beginning to become apparent that improvements in such areas as moods can affect the actual health condition of the body in addition to simply making the individual feel happier, or more energetic, or more alert. Studies have shown, for example, that the status of someones emotional state can affect the ability of their immune system to fight off infection.

ESSENTIAL OILS IN OTHER PRODUCTS

Essential oils can be used in other products such as perfumes, lotions, cleansers and other cosmetics and personal care items. Essential oils are even used in such common items as household cleaners and toothpaste. Many people even use essential oils with other elements to create their own products. One company even offers a Health, Home and Beauty Kit so that those interested in aromatherapy can use essential oils to ...create hundreds of blends for everything from women�s concerns to cleaning your bathroom tiles.

SCIENTIFIC STUDY TENDS TO SUPPORT AROMATHERAPY

Being an alternative form of healthcare, aromatherapy was, until recently, looked down on by the traditional medical community. However, with the increasing tide of evidence of the importance of the mind-body connection in health, and with an increasing volume of empirical and anecdotal evidence, the scientific community has begun to accept aromatherapy and the affect of essential oils on health...at least to some extent.

In the last few years, researchers at the Kurume University School of Medicine in Japan, the University of Miami School of Medicine, the University of Alaska, and the University of Pittsburgh, to name a few, have shown positive results in subjects through the use of aromatherapy. Subjects have experienced improved mental and physical functions after the use of essential oils. Subjective measurements have indicated positive experiences in participants, while objective measurements, such as electroencephalograms (EEG) have borne out these results as well.

Participants have used essential oils to improve their immune systems, improve athletic ability, increase alertness, ease depression, be more effective students, and to quit smoking.

PRECAUTIONS BEFORE USING ESSENTIAL OILS

While essential oils are natural products and may be inhaled directly with no harm, you should always be careful to merely inhale the aroma rising from the container, much as you would inhale the scent of a cologne or perfume. Do not place essential oils directly into nasal passages. Using a diffuser, candle, or item with the oil on it to release the molecules are the most common ways of experiencing the actual aroma.

Essential oils are stronger than what would be experienced when sniffing a rose, for example, so it is best to ease into their use. Essential oils usually come in small vials or bottles and are used a drop or two at a time. Products from various suppliers may have different concentrations, so the product from A may only need a drop while that from B needs two drops.

Take time off. Prolonged contact with the oils can result in allergic reactions in some cases or even mild toxic reactions. Always follow your distributors recommendations and make sure you have a distributor who can and will give warnings and recommendations.

If using a product claiming to be an aromatherapy product by virtue of its ingredients, always check to make sure that it is actually using essential oils. While the smell which reminds us of the fragrant flower or plant it copies might produce positive feelings in most of us, the genuine essential oil itself will be more effective.

Unless you are under the guidance of a skilled, experienced aromatherapist, you should never ingest essential oils. Children and pregnant women should never ingest essential oils.

Lastly, while essential oils used in topical applications or inhaled during aromatherapy can certainly produce beneficial results, they should never be used in place of professional medical treatment.

Promoting Sustainable Rural Development

Numerous articles and news items released during the last months confirm that organic farming and food in Bulgaria is increasingly gaining public attention in the country and abroad.

Organic agriculture was introduced to Bulgaria in 1990, when agricultural land was put into small plots and distributed among the population after the fall of the communism. The EU as well as the government of Bulgaria encourage the transition to organic farming and subsidise organic farmers and food producers. Precisely it is since 2006, when SAPARD (Special Accession Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development) got introduced in Bulgaria in preparation of accession of the country to the European Union, that farmers receive financial support during the three-year conversion period to organic farming.

Most organic farms in Bulgaria are very small and run less than one hectare. Some cooperatives have succeeded in bundling the activities of these small holders or wild collectors in order to make available quantities relevant for export. Only few farms are large enough to provide these quantities directly. They often rely on investments from and supply contracts with foreign companies. On one hand, this hinders the establishment of local processing capacities, on the other hand it helps surviving the difficult conversion period. In 2005, about 0.3 per cent of agricultural land was farmed organically.

Currently, 90 per cent of all Bulgarian organic food is exported to wealthier members of the EU. The country’s crops include fruits (apples, peaches, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, plums, and grapes for wine-making), nuts (walnuts and almonds), herbs and spices (dill, peppermint, lavender and many others) as well as essential oils, tobacco, and vegetables. Cows, sheep and goats are kept for the production of milk, yoghurt and cheese. Lamb and calf meat is available as well as organic jam and honey. In addition, large areas of wild land have been certified as organic to collect wild fruits, herbs and mushrooms. It is assumed that currently about 60 per cent of raw materials come from wild collection.

Organic rose oil, tobacco, wine and fruit growing are assumed to be of the highest potential for the country. Organic aquaculture seems also promising due to favourable natural conditions. In 2004, four farms produced organic propagation material and seeds (strawberries, lavender, roses, and dill). Only five farms kept livestock according to organic guidelines, compared to 77 organic plant production holdings and 12 green house facilities. The “National Plan for Development of Organic Farming” reports that the beekeepers produced close to 1000 tons honey in the same year – which seems a lot, considering that they kept 23 500 bee colonies only.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, nine manufacturers are currently certified organic and provide dried and frozen herbs, spices, seeds, (wild) fruits, vegetables, honey and rose oil. Examples for processing companies which maintain an internet website are:

· IRA-EKO Ltd. (www.ira-eko.com), dried herbs, spices, seeds, and roots

· Biostart Ltd. (http://biostart.cbivel.org/html/hist.htm), herbs, spices, fruits, vegetables

· Ecomaat Ltd. (http://www.ecomaat.com/), essential oil and cosmetics

· Cooperative Bio-Bulgaria (http://www.biobulgaria.hit.bg/), essential oils, herbs and fruits, dairy products, meat, and honey

· Balkan Bioherb (http://www.euroherb.nl/uk/BULGARIA.asp), herbs and spices – in cooperation with the Dutch company Euroherb

Two milk producers and one processors recently launched the organic yoghurt brand “Bio Kiselo Mlyako” (the dairy was formerly known as “Rima”) which since has attracted much media and consumer interest. The project was initiated by the largest certified organic dairy farm in Bulgaria near Troyan, keeping around 50 cows - with plans of expansion. (http://www.bio.bg/english)

The project has been promoted since its beginnings by Magdalena “Magi” Maleeva, Bulgaria’s international tennis champion. Ms. Maleeva spent several years in Switzerland were she became interested in organic products. On her website www.gorichka.bg she aims to inform her fellow citizens on organic production and environmentally sustainable practices in a fresh and funny way.

In the meat sector, “Tandem”, a local producer of meat products, has announced plans last year to invest EUR 2 million within the next two years in an organic animal breeding programme. Tandem is one of few Bulgarian meat manufacturers which only process locally farmed beef and pork, despite the fact that beef from Argentina and Brazil and pork from Western Europe is available to lower prices than meat of Bulgarian origin. Although Tandem has already adopted the EU standards necessary for export, production is primarily intended for the domestic market.

However, awareness for and availability of organic foods within Bulgaria is still limited. Nevertheless, there is reason for optimism: some supermarkets have started to sell a small range of organic products, mostly imports. Furthermore, the first organic box scheme “Gaia” (home delivery service for organic vegetables) was launched in August 2006. (http://gaiaorganic.com)

Most data are based on the annual reports of the two national certification bodies, SGS Bulgaria Ltd. (www.sgs.bg) and Balkan Biocert Ltd. (www.balkanbiocert.com), although several foreign control bodies have also been active within Bulgaria. Balkan Biocert is being established in cooperation with the Swiss Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), the Swiss Institute for Market Ecology (IMO) and the Foundation for Organic Agriculture “Bioselena” in Bulgaria (www.bioselena.com). In 2005, Balkan Biocert already opened its first branch in neighbouring Macedonia where organic farmers, processors and traders also need accredited certification services to be able to export their produce.

Besides Bioselena, the association “Agrolink” is lobbying for the interest of organic farming and sustainable rural development in Bulgaria (www.agrolink.org). Agrolink also publishes the organic magazine “Zhiva Zernia” (Living Earth) and maintains an organic demonstration farm where consumers can directly get involved with the production of organic food. The chairperson, Dr. Svetla Nikolova, represents her country at the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM). In addition, the Organic Farmers’ Association Agrolink (OFA Agrolink) was founded in 2004 as a second, independent organisation. The cooperative “Bio-Bulgaria” is another organic farmers’ initiative already founded in 1999, which is linked to “Bioselena”.

Another project which has helped to spread and promote organic agriculture methods in Bulgaria is the “Bulgarian Herbs Network” which was created within the framework of the JOBS scheme. “Job Opportunities through Business Support” is implemented by the Bulgarian Ministry of Labour and Social Policy with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The mission is to support the growth of competitive businesses by providing professional and innovative assistance to micro and small entrepreneurs. Herbs and organic agriculture form part of the priority areas.
(www.jobs-bg.org/herbs.htm)

The continuous effort of these and many other organisations eventually resulted in considerable political support. A working group formed, together with representatives from all relevant ministries and under the guidance of the Bulgarian Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), to develop an Organic Farming Action Plan. The process was co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and MAF, and backed by the larger project “Capacity Building for Sustainable Land Management in Bulgaria” SLM (http://www.unccd-slm.org/), a joint initiative of the Bulgarian government and the UNDP.

The “National Plan for Development of Organic Farming in Bulgaria 2006-2013” provides a comprehensive overview of the current situation and of future opportunities and challenges for organic farming in the country. It is available for download in Bulgarian language from the Bioselena-Website and as hard copy in English language from the SML Project Office (slm@moew.government.bg).

In the future, foreign control bodies will have to apply for permission to the MAF if they want to become active in Bulgaria. In addition, a Bulgarian organic logo is going to be developed by the MAF. The ministry also announced to support organic farming and food processing with around EUR 12.6 million in 2007 in order to boost the domestic market and gain market shares on the European market. 75 per cent of this investment is to be financed by the European Union (SARPAD), the remainder by the Bulgarian government. It is expected that within 5 years 1000-1500 crop producers with an average farm size of 5 hectares will be supported. There are, however, no plans to also directly support animal farming. Till 2013, 8 % of agricultural land in Bulgaria shall be farmed organically and 3 % of the food products sold there shall be organic according the strategic goals of the National Plan. In addition, legislation, education and research, and certification in the field of organic farming shall be improved within the next years. The Bulgarian law on genetically modified organisms (GMO) is already highly restrictive which favours organic farming and prevents conflicts between organic and non-organic farmers.


Katharina Reuter (PhD thesis)

Bulgarian Ministry of Agriculture

Why buy Essential oils from Bulgaria

Essential Oils straight from the core of the Balkans – Bulgaria

Essential oils marketed by Elboma Ltd. are 100 % natural and contain the true essence of the plant it was derived from. Our Essential oils are distilled from leaves, flowers and roots of plants. Bulgaria has been renowned for the high quality and range of its spices and medical plants. In more recent times spices, medical and aromatic plants have been the source of a number of unique Essential Oils.

Essential oils are not the same as fragrance or perfume oils

Essential oils are derived from true plants, whilst perfume and fragrance oils are artificially created or contain artificial substances. They do not offer the therapeutic benefits of Natural Essential oils.

Uses of Essential oils

Essential oils can be fun and offer therapeutically benefits to your lifestyle. Discover the secrets of the ancient art of aroma therapy , first used many thousand of years ago. See how nature can help you improve you and your immotional well-being. Time and again modern science is turning back to this age old knowledge for answers.

Handy hints on the use of Essential oils :

Massage

For a massage place a table spoon of oil into a saucer and add two or three drops of the Essential oil

Vaporising

Fill the top of the vaporiser with a few table spoons of warm water and add a few drops of your chosen Essential oils.

Baths

Run a a warm bath and add four to six drops al the Essential oil under the running tap. Lie back and soak in the goodness for at least ten minutes.

Steam inhalation

Boil two cups of water and pour the water into a bowl. Add 3 - 5 drops of a proper Essential oil. Place a towel over your head and the bowl and inhale the vapor for a few minutes. Steam inhalation can help you with colds and influenza.

Easy inhalation

Place 2 - 3 drops of Essential oil on a tissue. Place the tissue near your nose and inhale. Initially ensure that you don't have a reaction to the Essential oil.

Insect repellent

Some Essential oils are an excellent repellent against insects. Sprinkle a few drops onto cotton balls or tissue and place them suitably.

Room freshening

Make up a pot with petals and leaves and add a few drops of Essential oil. Make a room freshener by adding a few drops of Essential oil to the water in an Atomiser.

Storage of Essential oils

All our Essential oils are sold in 2,5 Kgs metal bottles to keep sunlight away and avoid deterioration. This will protect the aromatic and therapeutic properties of the Essential oils.

Organic Farming Can Feed the World

National Gardening Association

http://www.garden.org/regional/report/national/2505

National News: July 19, 2007

From NGA Editors
Organic Farming Can Feed the World

One widely held criticism about large-scale organic farming is that if all farmers grew crops organically they could not produce enough food to feed the world. Researchers at the University of Michigan set out to see if this belief is actually true. Researchers compared yields of organic versus nonorganic production from a global database of 293 farms and estimated the average yield ratio (organic:nonorganic) of different food categories grown in the developed and the developing world. For most food categories, organic production yields were projected slightly lower than nonorganic yields in the developed world, but up to three times higher in the developing world. Models predict organic agriculture can produce enough food on a global per capita basis to sustain the current population and even a slightly larger one, without increasing the amount of land farmed.

The study also calculated the amount of nitrogen fertilizer that cover crops could supply compared to synthetic fertilizers. Researchers found leguminous cover crops could fix enough nitrogen to replace the amount of synthetic fertilizer currently in use. Not only can organic agriculture produce enough fertilizer and yields to feed people, the benefits of this farming system include less soil erosion, less habitat disruption, less groundwater pollution, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.