Scent Entertainment

This Saturday night we had an interesting event at the Colorado Aromatics Store. Entertainer Sharon Glassman and I partnered to pair our aromatic waters with songs from her Blame it on Hoboken book. This is an overview of those pairings.

Scentertainment with Sharon Glassman and Cindy Jones

Colorado Aromatics Cultivated Skin Care

Blame it on Hoboken CD Release Party with Sharon Glassman

Song and Scent pairings by Cindy Jones, Ph.D.

Scent affects mood, memory and learning. We’ve all experienced a particular scent that has the ability to bring back strong memory. The aromatic waters that we are using tonight are distilled on our farm from herbs that we grow. They are lightly aromatic and great for the skin. We spritz them on our face for toning, hydration and refreshment. They are pH balanced to skin and antioxidant rich.  Feel free to spritz your face, skin or the air in front of you as we pass them around.

Blame It On Hoboken Theme Song – Clary Sage. I find the characteristics of Clary sage to be in line with Frank Sinatra and so with this song as well. In fact the nature of Clary Sage is in line with the store of the book itself.  Clary sage is said to be good for ‘women’s issues’, and some might argue that Frank Sinatra is also good for women. It’s a potent scent with calming effects. The scent is sweet, arid and nutty. It has ‘romantic’ or aphrodisiac properties. I think it pairs nicely with this very easy going song. Some sages are associated with immortality and doesn’t Frank Sinatra seem immortal?

The Broken Sea – Lavender. Lavender means to wash and most people think of the sea as a relaxing place to wash away their troubles. Lavender has a light, fresh and floral aroma. It is soothing and calming to the nerves. Sit back and imagine floating in the sea while you smell lavender.

Mulligan Waltz – Lemon Balm. Lemon Balm or Melissa has a sweet, fresh, citrus yet herbaceous aroma. It has been used for healing by those who suffer from mood swings or nervous disorders. This waltz which is about do-overs or second chances seems to fit with this characteristic of lemon balm.

Uh-Huh – Peppermint. Peppermint has a sharp, fresh aroma that is used for decongesting and improving concentration. It refreshes the spirit and is good for apathy and for refreshing the spirit. This song is a light uplifting bluegrassy tune that fits the scent well.

Voice I Used To Know – Mint. In this song, Caroline hears a voice that brings back a memory. She is seeking clarity while hearing this so we are pairing it with mint to go along with the shock she has at hearing this voice from the past.

Pebble with a Cause – Lemon Balm.  The poor pebble is only doing its job. In fact, its being there might even help Caroline slow down and take a closer look at things. Lemon balm is prolific, as prolific possibly as pebbles are. It may also provide some soothing relief for poor Caroline’s pain. Lemon balm, in previous times signified a secret message, possibly the pebble is sending Caroline a message?

Get It Line (Kachinsky's Theme) – Lavender and Rose. This is the song about the grouchy taxi cab driver. He is a little stressed out and in need of self-love which is why we are choosing these two scents. The lavender will calm him and the rose will embrace him.

Arrow of Love – Rose. Arrow of Love is a perfect love song. Rose bring love and affection into one’s life, it is associated with the heart. Rose can draw energy to a person to nurture them. It relieves fear, anger and tension.

www.coloradoaromatics.com

sharonglassmanlive.com/

Sagescript Institute Expands

 

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Sagescript Institute and Colorado Aromatics Expand Production

Longmont, CO - Sagescript Institute is moving its production into a larger facility located at Third and Lashley in Longmont.  Due to the growing demand for scientifically based natural cosmetics and the success of their farm to skin brand; Colorado Aromatics, the company has outgrown their current facility on the farm. The new production center will also more space for private label and consulting to expand as well as allow room for a store front for the Colorado Aromatics products. 

“This new facility reflects our investment in our future and our commitment to our customers as well as the hard work and dedication of the Sagescript Institute and Colorado Aromatics family, and our vision to be leaders in high performance, farm based cosmetics,” said Founder and Formulator Cindy Jones, Ph.D.

About Sagescript Institute

Sagescript Institute provides formulating and development consulting and small scale manufacturing to the natural cosmetics industry. They also create the Colorado Aromatics Cultivated Skin Care line, a farm to skin brand that utilizes herbs grown on their Longmont farm. 

The farm will stay in its current location and continue to grow the herbs needed for the business. Cindy Jones, Ph.D.  Founder and Formulator, started the company in 2004. She brings a scientific perspective to the field of herbalism and has found her niche in cosmetic formulating.  

Sagescript is appreciative for the clients and customers who have helped us succeed over the years. For more information visit: www.coloradoaromatics.com and http://www.sagescript.com.

Five Herbs to Fight Cancer

Best Herbs for Health and Fighting Cancer

 
Parsley

1. Rosemary – Contains many antioxidants such as carnosol. Antioxidants help prevent DNA damage leading to cancer. Carnosol and cineole may also help to detoxify certain carcinogens that can initiate the cancer process, especially breast, skin and lung. It is also great for the hair as a rinse and great in skin care to increase circulation. Use in soups, stews, meat or vegetables and bread.

3.  Oregano - Contains farnesol, a phytochemical that has been shown to block the growth of skin cancer in mice. Also contains quercetin, an antioxidant, which may be protective against breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers. This herb is greatin Mexican or Italian dishes with chili, garlic, tomatoes and onions (all of which also have their own health benefits).

4. Ginger - The pungency in this herb is due to gingerol. When dried, zingerone is formed. Both have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. They are believed to suppress the growth of cancer cells by inducing cell death. This herb is used fresh in many Asian dishes. This makes a great tea when you are feeling under the weather too.

5. Parsley - Rich in polyacetylenes, which seem to protect against certain carcinogens found in tobacco smoke. It may also help to regulate the body's production of some prostaglandins which can be tumor promotors. Parsley is great in any salad and with tomatoes.

6. Mint – Contains limonene which is also found in citrus peels, cherries, and lavender. Studies suggest that this phytochemical can block the development of breast tumors and shrink them. Limonene is currently being used in clinical trials for the treatment of cancer. My favorite use of mint is a mojito!

7. Turmeric - Contains the yellow pigment curcumin. Curcumin is a good anti-inflammatory agent and can block cell proliferation in the colon that results in colon polyps and possibly colon cancer. In cell culture studies, curcumin has slowed the proliferation of prostate cancer cells. Curcumin can also help with inflammatory diseases like arthritis.

Summer Skin Care with Herbs

Sunny beach

The dog days of summer are upon us. That hot sun not only dries out our skin causing premature wrinkles, but is can also increase the risk for skin cancer. Herbs can help skin in a number of ways, including cleansing, cooling, and protecting. 

Make an infusion or strong tea from herbs that can be applied to the skin or put in the bath. Also try herbs as a steam facial by putting them in a bowl and pouring boiling water over them. Lower your face into the steam being careful not to burn yourself. Feel your pores open and your worries drift away. Yet another way to use herbs for your skin is to make a tall glass of iced herbal tea to relax with.  These are some common plants for summer skin care:

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) – Some call it a weed, but it is a very good source of vitamin A which is important for maintenance of the skin’s epithelial layer. Vitamin A is also found in stinging nettles, parsley and violets.

Rose Hips (Rosa spp.)– After the rose flower fades you still have the hips, which are high in vitamin C. This vitamin is essential for making collagen, the foundation upon which the skin rests. Rose flowers also make a good face cleanser and are considered hydrating for the skin. Parsley and strawberry leaves are also high in vitamin C.

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) –The phytoestrogens in red clover can help diminish wrinkles, giving your skin that plump youthful look. It has also been used to treat several skin conditions including eczema. Since it is a legume, it can also feed your soil!

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)– It's anti-inflammatory properties can be soothing to the skin, especially after a sunburn. It is also antiseptic which can help prevent infection of minor scrapes.

Mint (Mentha spp) – The cooling properties of the mint family are refreshing on a hot afternoon. Make a tea to drink as well as to apply to the skin in a mister or with a cotton swab. Mint can also help relieve dry cracked skin.

Green Tea (Camillia sinensis) – Although you probably don’t have this one in your garden it is an important one for summer skin care. Many animal studies have shown that green tea can prevent skin cancers when applied topically. Try making a strong infusion to put in the bathtub, or apply it directly to moles on the skin. It also provides beneficial properties as a drink. Better safe than sorry.

Calendula (Calendual officinalis) – This orange flower is great for dry skin and can hasten the healing of cracked hands or abrasions of the skin. It is also antiseptic and anti-inflammatory and has been used to treat eczema.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) – This herb can bring relief from sunburn and has also been used as an insect repellent and to treat skin allergies and rashes.

Recipe

Rose water toner

2 c rose petals

1 cup water

2/3 cup witch hazel

2 tsp honey

Bring water to a boil and add rose petals. Remove from the heat and steep for one hour. Strain out the petals. Add the second cup of rose petals to the water and again heat to just boiling, steep for one hour and strain. Mix in witch hazel and honey. Keep this refrigerated and use within three days.

You can find a good green tea herbal bath mix from Colorado Aromatics to use after exposure to sun here.

What's Growing This Week in June

I came back from 6 days in Tucson for a soap conference and was surprised at how much things had grown here on the farm in the time I was gone; especially the weeds. I have been weeding non stop since getting back. Ouch, my shoulders and back are sore. It rained quite a bit while I was gone so I am glad that I got some of my lavender planted and I got calendula seed planted which sprouted while I was gone! I didn’t plant chamomile yet, and looks like I have plenty of it that has reseeded; even growing up through the landscape fabric. Here are some pictures.

A row of chamomile

Mary likes to eat weeds while I work - at least I hope she is eating weeds.

Calendula just coming up.

2014 Soap Conference Tucson

I just got home for the 2014 conference for the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetics Guild Conference held in Tucson. As a previous resident of Tucson I needed little excuse to get back. If you’ve never been to a Soap Conference before, just imagine being able to share your excitement for the craft with 400 other soapmakers! All the while being well fed and cared for at the Loews Ventana Canyon resort. Upon first arriving in Tucson I drove around and scouted out some places I had been familiar with. I learned that Tucson had changed a lot with time.

Take a look at the view I had from my room at the resort. Wow, right?

One thing I really liked about the resort was a paved nature trail that wound up the hill behind the resort.  It included signage for plants and animals along the trail with benches for sitting alongside the creek and on to a waterfall behind the resort. This walk made a nice break  between sessions involving too much sitting. I was also able to do some hiking near Tucson which I wrote about here.

There of course were many good talks to choose from. Some of the action steps I plan to take as a result of the conference include trying to make clear cold process soap. It was something I had tried unsuccessfully several years ago and didn’t have the time to work out the kinks. But now, armed with some good tips I’m sure I’ll be able to do it. I’ll also try some ‘landscape’ soaps. I’m always amazed at the skill soapmakers have in designing beautiful soaps and the bar is raised every year. I’ve been wanting to make some Colorado scenery soaps though and now feel that I can do it. Anyone want ‘Twin Peaks’ soap?

 

Any soapmaker is bound to find something useful from attending a soap conference. Topics range from learning technique in soapmaking and business, meeting suppliers and learning about new and better supplies, and networking with other soapmakers.  Oh, and there is the soapers showcase where you can oooh and aaah over different soaps and vote for the best. Next year it’s in Indianapolis and here is the link to find information about it. Its a bad picture, but here are some pics of the soaps entered.

As the week ended I realized that I took alot of pictures of cactus but not much else. So, I got this one at the awards dinner on the final night.

Cindy Jones, Lela Barker, Lori Nova, Ruth Esteves