1:- Animal Testing.
The Company totally rejects the use of animals for testing cosmetics. It is appreciated that there is an increased use of litigation on matters of safety in cosmetics and perfumery especially in the United States and the rest of the world will follow this trend.(This is one reason why perfumes are no longer sprayed on wrists, but put on cards). Both cosmetics and perfumes are composed of chemical compounds, many are extremely complex. New ones are emerging with increasing speed to satisfy an ever growing demand. At one time the various research institutes (RIFM and IFRA) regularly tested products, but this has significantly diminished.. The European Union has banned testing but the law has not yet been fully implemented.
As a company we make a statement to the effect that there is no justification for any animal testing and much of the 'science' used shows a poor understanding of both the anatomy and physiology of animals and their relationship with 'higher mammals'. There are sufficient alternative testing procedures available and the company feels that the European Directive to ban Animal Testing for cosmetics should be brought forward now instead of leaving it for a further year or more.
Our 'Position Statement' is that essential oils, absolutes and aromachemicals that are supplied to you by Butterbur and Sage have never been tested on animals by us. We have not carried out any such testing, neither have we sponsored work to be carried out for us by any third party or research establishment.
We our Members of the NatureWatch Uk group.
www.naturewatch.org
2:-
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ’s
What is Aromatherapy ? It is the treatment of disorders – whether physical, mental or emotional with aromatics. These are usually in the form of essential oils, absolutes or hydrosols.
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a treatment of the human body’s physical, mental and emotional disorders involving the controlled use of natural aromatic oils. These oils known as Essential Oils or Essences are extracted from various parts of plants and trees eg; flowers, leaves, wood, roots and seeds.
Aromatherapy can be a viable alternative and addition to orthodox medicinal treatments for many conditions and when carried out by a well qualified practitioner has little or no side effects.
What are Essential Oils ? Essential Oils are volatile oils – easily evaporate.
Essential Oils are distilled from plants or natural aromatics substances normally by Steam Distillation (or Steam and Water), Expression and Carbon Dioxide. Steam Distillation and Expression processes involve the least adulteration by or with other products.
What are Absolutes ? These are special compounds which are derived mainly from plant parts which do not provide much oil by steam distillation. These oils are extracted by Enfleurage - an old method of extraction not often used today or Solvent Extraction - more gentle way of extracting the oil from flowers such as - Rose , Hyacinth, Jasmine, and many other florals.
What is an ‘Aromatherapy Oil ?’ This is a mixture of a ‘carrier’ oil and essential oil or absolute suitable for using in an aromatherapy treatment.
What is an Aromatherapy Treatment ? This is where an Aromatherapist uses an Aromatherapy oil on the person having treatment. Treatment can be given in various ways – massage, inhalation, aromatic baths, compresses, skin care (cosmetic preparations), room-deodorisers, vaporizers etc.
What is a Carrier Oil ? Carrier oils are fixed oils – non-volatile – greasy (leaves a grease mark on paper) – cold pressed. Only vegetable fixed oils are used in Aromatherapy eg: Sweet Almond, Grapeseed, Olive, Peach Kernel, Avocado and many others – animal or mineral oils are not used.
Which Carrier oil is best ? As a general rule, the Aromatherapist will choose an oil which is best for the person’s skin. A very dry skin may call for Avocado, a moist may require Grapeseed and an aged skin may require a combination of oils suitable for the skin type.
What is an Oil Blend ? An Oil Blend may be just one essential oil in a carrier oil or a mixture of essential oils according to the treatment. An oil blend may be specific to either the Patient or the Treatment.
Do Aromatherapists have to be qualified ?. Yes. An Aromatherapist must know all about Carrier Oils, Essential Oils, how to design a treatment, how to carry out a session and how to diagnose and carry out a treatment. (We have to be careful in mentioning the word “diagnose” in Aromatherapy – Aromatherapy consortium would object – perhaps analyse would be better)
What do Aromatherapists need to know to be qualified ? They have to study plants essential oils, absolutes, gums and resins and other aromatics. They also need to be able to massage effectively and this requires a detailed knowledge of the Body’s muscular and bone systems. They also need to know about Acupressure Points, Reflexology and other types of treatments. They need to be able to determine what is the best massage for the patient and this requires analysis of symptoms. This would have to be determined before a treatment begins. Normally you should see their qualifications displayed in their clinic.
How many essential oils does the Aromatherapist need to know? Usually about 32 to 40. Although the longer the aromatherapist works with oils, the knowledge may grow to any number of oils. There are about 100 oils in general circulation and about 30 absolutes.
How long will an Aromatherapy Treatment take ? Usually about 1hr – 1hr-30mins minutes is a general rule but this can vary from patient to patient according to their needs.
How is an aromatherapy treatment carried out ? Normally in a warm relaxed atmosphere, sometimes with gentle music though some therapists prefer not to use music.
Does an essential oil or absolute have to be pure and natural for a treatment ? Yes. This is vital as the oil will contain compounds which have known therapeutic properties.
Is one Aromatherapy Session enough for a particular treatment ? There is no general rule for the number of sessions an individual requires. It depends upon what the person receiving treatment is suffering with – some may only need 2-3 visits whereas some people will require 6–8 sessions.
Is an Aromatherapy Treatment just a Body Massage ? No. Aromatherapy treatments differ from simple massage in that the therapist has to know what is needed. They also put into the treatment ‘chi’, mental or elemental therapy.
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