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…
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…
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…
Globally, approximately 3 million tons of olive oil is currently produced on an annual basis. Nearly 90% of this production is crushed and pressed in the making of olive oil; the remaining 10%, consumed as fruit. Spain currently produces over 44% of the world’s supply of olive oil for human consumption: Italy is second with…
Olive oil has for long been considered one of the greatest natural assets of the ancient world and a symbol of peace and prosperity. Although recorded history disagrees as to the date, let alone century, of its first cultivation, archaeological evidence suggests that olives were grown on the Greek Island of Crete, as well as…
Almonds have been revered in many cultures since the beginning of time. This widely cultivated seed is native to the Middle East and South Asia, and is also a cousin to the peach fruit. “Wild” almonds differ from the “Sweet” almond variety, in that they are bitter and contain toxins (cyanide). All commercially grown almonds are of the…
Jedwards International is a wholesale supplier of African Black Soap from the western African nation of Ghana. Regionally, in Africa, Black Soap is often referred to as “Ose (soap) Dudu (black)”. Since African Black Soap is produced by different cultures in several regions of West Africa, and is often associated with tribal practices and spiritual…
