The Debate on Palm Oil....

Sat, Jun 21 2014 08:45 | Permalink

Why do we use Palm Oil?

Firstly I would like to say that we are against the destruction of the Orangutang and their home, we would NEVER source ANY ingredient that would cause harm to another and where they live. Our organic palm oil is from a sustainable source in Colombia, South America. 20% of palm oil is grown by smallholders/farmers who rely upon it as their sole source of income. We at Naturalus feel it is beneficial to support these families, rather than have a 100% ban on Palm Oil & that is one of the main reasons we have gone with the decision to choose Sustainable Organic Palm as is the view of organisations such as Greenpeace and WWF. We also use for its many benefits i.e. hardness of bar, conditioning properties and nice creamy stable lather it produces.

Certified Organic Sustainable Palm Oil (COSPO) is produced by palm oil plantations which have chosen to be a part of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). The RSPO was established in 2004 to promote the production and use of sustainable palm oil for People, Planet, and Prosperity…..

….their top principles are…

1. Commitment to transparency.
2. Compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
3. Commitment to long-term economic and financial viability.
4. Use of appropriate best practices by growers and millers.
5. Environmental responsibility and conservation of natural resources and biodiversity.
6. Responsible consideration of employees, and of individuals and communities affected by growers and mills.
7. Responsible development of new plantings.

The RSPO is supported by many environmental and social activists including WWF, Oxfam, the Rainforest Alliance and Greenpeace. Do watch this video debate between Greenpeace, WWF, RSPO & Mongabay about Palm Oil -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBwTIP9Hc0k. Here’s what Greenpeace has to say:

“We’re not against palm oil or the palm oil industry. What we are against is any palm oil that comes from plantations converted from forest and peatland areas.”

We personally use Certified Organic Sustainable Palm Oil (COSPO) sourced from the Daabon Group in Colombia - who work with Greenpeace. DAABON is a family owned and managed company built on the passion and commitment of three generations of the Davila Family. Its headquarters and farms are located in Santa Marta, Colombia. The company's first few hectares of banana in the Magdalena region, established back in 1914, have today grown into one of the world's leading suppliers of organic tropical crops, including banana, coffee, palm oil and cocoa. They employ more than 2,500 people directly, and also support local employment by providing assistance to over 450 palm and cocoa smallholders who are organised as smallholders (co-ops).

So you can feel rest assured that the Palm oil we use at Naturalus is helping make a change, helping small farmers & their families, helping the environment and the communities that surround them. If you still feel that you would like to avoid even “Certified Sustainable Palm Oil”, then feel free to email us and we can personally make soap for you to your specifications…[email protected]

Links:

(Highly Recommend Watching)
Palm Oil Debate with Greenpeace, WWF, RSPO & Mongabayhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBwTIP9Hc0k

WWF:https://wwf.panda.org/our_work/food/agriculture/about_palm_oil/solutions/roundtable_on_sustainable_palm_oil/

RSPO:http://www.rspo.org/en/who_is_rspo
http://www.rspo.org/en/PALM_OIL_AND_SUSTAINABLE_PALM_OIL_FAQ

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Fig Leaf Tea

Tue, Jun 10 2014 04:29 | Permalink

Figs we all know are delicious as a treat on their own or in a dessert. But did you know that Fig Leaves made into a tea are very beneficial for our health. Upon first opening your bag of Fig Leaf tea you will notice it smells a bit like that unbaked cookie dough, sweet but with a hint of coconut, vanilla & cinnamon spice. Our Fig Leaf Tea is spray-free & grown by Dale & Lorraine Jones from the Whakaaio Orchard.

Consuming fig leaves can provide several healthy benefits for the body. Among these benefits, its anti-diabetic properties are among the most recognised. When drunk as a tea first thing in the morning, fig leaves actually lower the amount of insulin required by the body. These extraordinary effects allow the diabetic to administer less insulin by injection. (See study link below)

Along with their anti-diabetes properties, fig leaves also have been shown to lower the body's triglyceride levels. A triglyceride is the storage form of fat inside the body. Although a certain supply of triglycerides is required for proper health and body function, too many triglycerides greatly increase the risk for obesity and heart disease. However, a diet with regular fig leaf consumption may help lower these health risks as it gradually lowers triglyceride levels.

Fig Leaf Tea can also be used to help treat bronchitis and asthma. Eating the leaves (up to 2 leaves per day) has also been shown to help cure gastric ulcers & indigestion, but due to the stringy nature of this it is often preferred drinking as a tea. Fig Leaf Tea is also very soothing in a sitz bath, as well as applied directly for haemorrhoids, genital warts & ringworm.

Other areas of health it has been shown to be helpful are: insomnia; tumours; fungal infections; low libido; constipation; indigestion (hyper-acidity), fatigue; ulcers; liver cirrhosis; high blood pressure & liver damage in general (See study link below)

It’s antioxidants and anti-inflammatory activity has shown it to help relieve arthritis, myositis (muscle inflammation) and other inflammatory conditions i.e. shingles, eczema & psoriasis. Topically it works its wonders too, used as a wash for acne, eczema, psoriasis, shingles, skin conditions of unknown cause. Its rich contents of antioxidants i.e. quercetin, luteolin, Vitamins A, B, C, carotenes, zinc, magnesium, copper, manganese, potassium, calcium & more helping to reduce the severity of symptoms & decrease the chances of debilitating disease taking hold.

FIG LEAF TEA

STUDIES
Fig Leaf & Diabetes

Fig Leaf & Liver (Hepato) protective effects

[email protected]

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Ginger Oxymel (Vinegar Honey Syrup)

Tue, Jun 3 2014 06:25 | Permalink

Oxymels/Syrups are sweet tasting liquid medicines that are used to heal within as well as taste delicious…..fantastic to use on a daily basis over winter to help keep those cold & flu symptoms at bay....read on to find out how to make....

....(click on the links to stock up on ingredients)

Take the following:

1 tsp Naturalus Organic Ginger

10 cloves Organic Crushed Garlic

1tsp Naturalus Organic Fennel

100ml Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

2 tbsp Organic/Raw Manuka Honey

1. Put herbs into a jar and cover with the Apple Cider Vinegar and leave sitting in the sun for 7 - 14 days (bring inside in the evening).

2. Strain, squeezing out all the vinegar soaked into herbs into a pot.

3. Add Organic/Raw Manuka Honey.

4. Simmer at a very low heat until thickened or syrupy consistency is desired.

5. Put into a bottle for storage.

....Take 1 teaspoon daily over winter increase to 3 teaspoons if a sore throat or other cold symptoms appear.

For the more adventurous add in 1 tsp of chilli or Naturalus Organic Cayenne Powder and 1 tsp of Naturalus Organic Turmeric Powder

Other herbs you may add in:

Elderflower, Elderberry, Echinacea Root, Mullein, Thyme, click on the link to stock up, remember to use the drop down menu to choose...

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Saw Palmetto Monograph

Sun, Mar 16 2014 08:35 | Permalink

Serenoa repens

Common names:
Saw Palmetto, Sabal

Family: Arecaceae (formerly Palmaceae)

Plant Parts Used: Ripe berries (fruit)

Description & Habitat:
Small palm tree that grows 1-4 metres high. It’s berries are black, fleshy, growing in clusters each with 1 large wrinkled oblong seed approximately 1 - 2.5cm. Native to the West Indies, West Coast of the United States (South Carolina to Florida), growing in sunny savannas and thickets in moist rich soils. It is known to grown in parts of Australia but not in New Zealand.

Main Active Constituents:

1. fixed oil - (palmetto oil) - composed of 25% fatty acids including lauric, caproic, palmitic and 75% neutral fats
2. volatile Oil
3. sterols - beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol
4. resins
5. tannins
6. polysaccharides - stimulate immune system

Nutritional Constituents:

Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B3, C
Minerals: Potassium, Selenium, Silica, Phosphorus, Zinc, Chromium, Sodium and Calcium

Main Actions:

1. Diuretic
2. Urinary Antiseptic
3. Endocrine Agent
4. Anti-septic
5. Immunostimulant
6. Anti-inflammatory
7. Male Tonic (bladder & prostate)
8. Anti-prostatic
9. Anti-spasmodic
10. Anti-androgenic

Medicinal Uses/Applications:

Serenoa has been used mainly in the Urinary/Reproductive System. Clinically proven to benefit prostatic enlargement. Its lipid soluble constituent inhibits the binding of androgen and oestrogen to receptors in the male reproductive tract and may also diminish the levels of hormone active in stimulating all growth in the prostate, but does not appear to change in the serum levels of testosterone contributing to this activity. This fraction is also immuno-stimulatory and anti-oedema. It is also a tonic for the neck of the bladder and with its actions above makes it well suited for treating the following:

Genitourinary/Reproductive System
• cystitis
• prostatic enlargement (BHP specific)
• prostatitis of any origin
• dysuria
• impotence
• catarrh of genito-urinary tract
• urethritis
• testicular atrophy
• infertility male & female
• sex hormone disorders
• prostate cancer

Respiratory System
• influenza virus
• asthma
• mucous & lung conditions

Other Areas
• stimulates the appetite and can help people to regain weight (if underweight)
• treats acne
• hirsutism

Dosage (3 x daily):
Decoction: 0.5 - 1gm

Contraindications/Interactions:
Possible interaction with concurrent use of Warfarin.
No known contraindications.
Compatible with pregnancy.
Compatible with breastfeeding.

Naturalus Products with Serenoa repens:

Saw Palmetto Tea
Prostate Tea
Libido Tea

History & Folklore:
Historically a tonic and nutritional agent; used to increase sexual function in men; improve mammary gland disorders; as an aphrodisiac; relieve chronic catarrh; as a mucous membrane tonic; treat chronic and subacute cystitis. It has a marked effect upon all glandular tissues, increasing flesh rapidly, and building up strength. Traditionally a staple food item for the Seminole Indians, kept dried as a year round food source. AS well as the indications above it was used for female health conditions such as under developed breasts; increased lactation; painful menstruation; appetite stimulant and as an expectorant for the lungs. In 1907 the early American settlers used to feed it to their horses and mules that had urinary problems. It was also included in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia in 1908. After World War I it was considered one of the most important natural remedies in Southern America. Word of its benefits led to French Researchers (1960’s) making a synthetic version called Permixon which became available in 1981.

Research Links:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24606563
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24463033
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24450252
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24399120
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23846725
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23683667
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23622773
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23432584
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23298508
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23173650
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22908779
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21969849
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19578780
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19394800
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19154468

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Fennel Seed Monograph

Sun, Mar 16 2014 02:54 | Permalink

Foeniculum vulgare

Common names:

Fennel, Bitter Fennel, Sweet Fennel, Marathos

Family: Apiaceae (formerly Umbeliferae)

Plant Parts Used: Fruit (Seeds)

Description & Habitat:

Native to Europe & the Mediterranean. Grows freely in New Zealand, well established along river beds, railways & wastelands. Self sows easily, loves an open sunny situation. Grows up to 1.5 metres high. Leaves are dark green and divided into thread like lobes. Umbels of yellow flowers 5-8cm across. Flowers are 2mm across. Fruit/Seed ovoid 4-6mm long with distinct ribs.

Main Active Constituents:

1. volatile oil - anethole, fenchone, limonene, camphene, phellandrene, pinene, estragole, cymene, myrcene, sabinene, terpinene, terpinolene.

2. flavonoids - rutin, quercetin, kaempferol

3. coumarins, bergapten

4. fixed oil - petroselenic acid, oleic acid & linoleic acid

5. tannins

6. resins

7. sterols

8. protein (up to 20%)

Nutritional Constituents:

Vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, C

Minerals: Potassium, Sulphur, Sodium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus & Zinc

Main Actions:

1. Anti-inflammatory

2. Carminative

3. Diuretic

4. Galactagogue

5. Orexigenic

6. Anti-spasmodic

7. Expectorant

8. Anti-microbial

9. Mildly oestrogenic

Medicinal Uses/Applications:

Gastrointestinal Tract

Fennels main area of use, helping with the following:

• colic (babies)

• flatulence

• intestinal cramps

• hiccoughs

• flatulent dyspepsia

• indigestion

• anorexia

• bloating

Respiratory Tract

• coughs

• bronchitis

Urinary Tract

• cystitis

Reproductive System

• breast milk production

Externally

Eyewash used for:

• blepharitis

• conjunctivits

• pharyngitis

Dosage (3 x daily):

Decoction: 0.9 - 2gms

Contraindications/Interactions:

Contraindicated if you have a known sensitivity/allergy.

No known drug interactions.

Do not use during pregnancy.

Compatible with breastfeeding - used to enhance lactation.

Naturalus Products with Foeniculum vulgare:

Fennel Seed Tea

History & Folklore:

Historically used to treat epilepsy, counter poison & venom, relieve headaches (in the form of snuff) and as a breath freshener (when chewed). Used as a diuretic; urinary stones; nausea; opening obstructions of the liver, spleen, gall bladder; jaundice; gout; dyspnoea; wheezing; aid in menstruation and delivery of placenta; make fat people lean; for longevity & to deter fleas.

Folklore has fennel as a magical herb, a sure defence against evil. In Greek Mythology, Prometheus concealed the fire of the sun in a hollow fennel stalk and brought it down to earth from heaven for the human race. The Greek name for fennel is marathon or marathos, and the place of the famous battle of Marathon and the subsequent sports event Marathon, literally means a plain with fennels.

Research Links: