Citronella oil is one of the essential oils obtained from the leaves and stems of different species of Cymbopogon (lemongrass). The oil is used extensively as a source of perfumery chemicals. These chemicals find extensive use in soap, candles and incense, perfumery, cosmetic and flavoring industries throughout the world. The oil is a colorless or…
It’s been a particularly harsh winter for everyone’s skin, but at Jedwards we carry several products that can aid in a springtime rejuvenation! Besides our delicious edible hand-mined bulk Himalayan sea salt, we also carry a coarser grind that is a gentle and effective exfoliator. Combined with one of our natural oils or butters, and…
The Neem tree is indigenous to India and has been recorded as a source of medicine and skin treatment as early as 4,000 BC. In ancient times, Neem oil extraction in India was a specialized profession performed by the teli or oilmen. A traditional oil extractor, called a kohlu, reminiscent of a wooden pestle and…
Coconut, Palm Fruit and Palm Kernel oils are known as the “tropical” oils because of their roots in the climates of paradise. The name suits them—they are potent fruits with multiple uses, exactly the kind of efficient, compact resource one would need when stranded on an island! Coconut oil is perhaps better known worldwide than…
Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) appropriately known as the “seed of blessing” is one of the most documented healing herbs in recorded history. It appears in a broad range of ancient healing texts ranging from Ayurveda to Chinese herbalism and ancient Egyptian and Greek writings. An annual herbaceous plant, black cumin is believed to be indigenous…
Argan nut oil is the rarest vegetable oil in the world. It has been used for centuries by the Berbers, who have depended on the tree for fuel, shelter and food, getting a quarter of their daily fat intake from the oil. Known as “Liquid Gold”, Argan nut oil is rich in essential Omega 6…
Baobab Oil Baobab oil is made from baobab seeds. The seeds are found in large capsule-like fruit which grow on baobab trees. Baobab fruit grow on trees throughout the savannas of Africa. The trees themselves are a natural marvel—some have been aged at over 1,000 years, and some can reach widths of several yards. The…
For pottage and puddings and custards and pies Our pumpkins and parsnips are common supplies, We have pumpkins at morning and pumpkins at noon, If it were not for pumpkins we should be undoon.” Pilgrim verse, circa 1633 The pumpkin is a versatile vegetable. It is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world,…
Essential oils are wrung: The attar from the rose Is not expressed by suns alone, It is the gift of screws. The general rose decays; But this, in lady’s drawer, Makes summer when the lady lies In ceaseless rosemary. -Emily Dickinson, Complete Poems, 1924. Part Four: Time and Eternity, LXV Essential oil is the life…
“If what a tree or bush does is lost on you, you are surely lost.” –Anonymous, Native American Poem The Jojoba plant is native to deserts in North America, but today also grows in Israel, Peru, Argentina and Australia. It can grow in semi-arid regions, as it requires little water and maintenance, and yields a…
“Chocolate is the divine drink which builds up resistance and fights fatigue. A cup of this precious drink permits man to walk for a whole day without food.” –Hernando Cortez, 1519 Though Cortez marveled at the sustaining power of chocolate upon observing the Aztecs consumption, Europeans found cocoa extremely bitter. Sugar helped popularize the drink…
It is not out of the realm of possibility that the fruit of the olive that produces the delicious oil that contributes to our healthy dietary well being, may someday provide the fuel that powers our machinery. Due to environmental awareness and growing sustainability practices, many byproducts from the food processing industry are being converted…
