54 Spirituality & HealtH / May~June 2012 / SpiritualityHealth.com

Nourish Your SkinNourish Your Skin

We all know that our skin is our largest organ, and we also understand that nicotine

patches and the like feed drugs directly into our bodies and bloodstream — and yet we

still continue to pay little if any attention to what we rub onto our skin. We eat organically,

we drink organically, we clean our homes and feed our pets organically — and then we

carelessly coat ourselves with chemicals, as if they don’t seep in. They do!

I’ve tested thousands of products over the years and have judged numerous beauty

awards, and I cannot stress enough the importance of reading your labels. If you’re

curious and serious about learning what goes into your products, check out Skin Deep, a

comprehensive cosmetic database created by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and the

Environmental Working Group (safecosmetics.org). You’ll find nearly 70,000 products

that have been analyzed for safety. In the meantime, here are 21 natural product companies

that put botanicals to good use.

The Best Natural Products, Herbs, and At-Home Recipes for Radiant Glow

By Mary Bemis

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56 Spirituality & HealtH / May~June 2012 / SpiritualityHealth.com

Alba BotanicaAlthough you’ll find everything from hair care to sun care at this natural

products company, we like the Rainforest Collection (try the Foaming Cream

Cleanser), with its exhilarating tropical ingredients like copaiba, derived from

the ocotea tree. Bonus: the company donates a portion of each product sold

from this collection to the Amazon Center for Environmental Education and

Research. (albabotanica.com)

AmalaWe’re partial to the facial masks (Rejuvenating Collagen

Mask, Purifying Clay Mask, and Hydrating Yogurt Mask) of

this NATRUE-certified line that formulates its products with

the highest possible concentration of certified organic and

wild-crafted plant ingredients. Founder Ute Leube recently

was nominated for the 2012 Veuve Clicquot Business

Woman of the Year award. Nice touch: the company gives

back 5 percent of its annual operating profits to the global

Fair Trade farm network. (amalabeauty.com)

Angelina Organic SkincareOwner Angelina Swanson wild harvests herbs and makes her own infusions for

her nourishing products using local, organic, and Fair Trade ingredients. The top

seller is the Youth in Bloom Phyto-Active anti-aging facial line that includes a

Chinese mushroom extract and goji berries to help hydrate and firm naturally.

Try the Extra Firming Eye Gel, a customer favorite. (angelinaskincare.com)

AromafloriaFounder Sharon Christie is an unusual blend of scientist, earth mother, and

aromatherapist, launching the company in the mid-1980s. Today, all of the

products are created in a USDA Certified Organic manufacturing facility and

formulated with organic essential oils, medicinal herbs, exotic botanicals, and

Fair Trade ingredients. This is an extensive brand with many lines. We’re fans

of both the Sensory Fusion line and the Organics line (we recommend the

Lavender and Chamomile Mineral Bath Salts). (aromafloria.com)

Dr. Bronner’sThis family-run company has been making soap since 1858 (regularly giving

back to worthy causes and charities worldwide), and introduced Dr. Bronner’s

Magic Soap to the United States in 1948. The all-in-one castile soap became

a cult favorite in the 1960s, and today the brand is a leader in the organic and

Fair Trade worlds, having launched the Truth in Body Care campaign, among

other good works. Products are Fair Trade and USDA Certified Organic and

offer a variety of almond, eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender-infused bath

and body products. The Lavender Hand Sanitizing Spray comes in a handy

2-ounce bottle, perfect for travel. (drbronner.com)

Dr. HauschkaDr. Rudolph Hauschka,

whose mission was to “heal

humanity and the earth,” founded this line in 1967. The brand has made a name

for itself by using natural botanicals that come from the WALA biodynamic

gardens in Germany and that are obtained through a unique holistic concept.

The products are BDIH and NATRUE certified. Two best-sellers: Rose Day

Cream and Rosemary Bath. (drhauschka.com)

Eminence Organic Skin Care“Our mission is to provide the most results-oriented skin care

using the finest ingredients Mother Nature has to offer,” attests

Boldijarre Koronczay, president and founder of Eminence. A

popular spa brand, the company has set itself apart from its

competition by working closely with Demeter, the only global

certifying body for biodynamic agriculture and products

(see sidebar). Of note is the Beyond Organic Collection of

biodynamic products, which includes two products — the Herbal

Recovery Gel and the Cornflower Recovery Serum — that bear

the Demeter-certified seal, making them the first and only Demeter-certified

biodynamic skin-care products in the United States. (eminenceorganics.com)

Essence of ValiLaunched in 1994, out of a charming townhouse in New York City’s West Village,

this line includes ten essential oil blends that address a variety of concerns,

including Balance, Fortify, and Passion. The first product, named “Sleep,”

created by founder Valerie Bennis, continues to be the most popular. It’s a

synergistic concentrate of essential oils of lavender, marjoram, cedarwood,

and ylang-ylang. “One drop on the pillowcase is all it takes to ease into a

peaceful sleep,” shares Bennis. Choose from mists, balms, and massage and

bath oils. (essenceofvali.com)

Violet Syrup “This is a great syrup for spasmodic coughs or to lift the spirits,” says its creator, Jane Hawley Stevens of Four Elements Organic Herbals, who also warns, “Violets can cause apoplexy, although some use the flower for this reason!”

In a small pan over medium heat, mix 1 cup sugar with 1 cup water. Simmer to dissolve, turn off heat, and immediately add 1 cup fresh-picked violets; let sit for 1 hour to overnight. Strain violets, then bottle, and label and date.

SpiritualityHealth.com / May~June 2012 / Spirituality & HealtH 57

Farmhouse FreshThis Texas-based company offers a number of

hand-assembled, natural skin-care products with

an emphasis on bath and body. We’re fans of the

One Fine Day Flawless Face Polish with good-for-you

ingredients that include sugar grains, shea butter,

sunflower seed oil, and grapefruit, lemon, lime, and

tangerine oils that contribute to its uplifting scent.

(farmhousefreshgoods.com)

Four Elements Organic HerbalsLocated in the pristine Baraboo Bluffs of central Wisconsin, this line of herbal

wellness products is handmade by local women on a 130-acre certified

organic farm. We met founder Jane Hawley Stevens at the Integrative Health

Symposium in New York City four years ago and have been enamored of her

violet-based products ever since. She shares one of her recipes with us here.

(fourelementsherbals.com) Violet Syrup recipe on opposite page.

HollyBeth’s Natural LuxuryThis is a lovely line of USDA Certified Organic products that are made with

love and passion in HollyBeth Anderson’s studio in Atlanta, Georgia. Stand-

out products include the Rose Geranium Face Moisturizer, Lavender Hand

Cream, one of the best eye creams we’ve tested, and a collection of lovely

aromatic candles. (hollybeth.net)

Intelligent NutrientsWe’ve had our eye on this brand since its founder, Horst Rechelbacher,

renowned environmentalist and founder of Aveda, first started playing around

with it, slowly introducing products in the 1990s. Now, it’s a full-blown USDA

Certified Organic health and beauty brand that’s making innovative leaps

in the organic beauty category. Many of the plants used as ingredients are

grown on Rechelbacher’s solar-, wind-, and geothermal-powered organic

farm in Wisconsin. A few of the results-oriented products we admire: Plant

Stem Cell Renewal Complex, featuring ingredients from a proprietary blend

of antioxidant-rich plant cells from edelweiss, coneflower, and pennywort, as

well as Lip Delivery Antioxidant Gloss. (intelligentnutrients.com)

Jurlique This leading Australian skin-care company launched in 1985 and operates

a 153-acre farm that’s certified organic and biodynamic by the National

Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia (NASAA). Its mission is to

produce the most effective natural skin care, using the most potent organic,

biodynamic, and natural ingredients available. Cult favorites include the

Rosewater Balancing Mist and the Calendula Cream. (jurlique.com)

Marie Veronique OrganicsWe fell in love with this small company after a facial we had at Solage Resort

and Spa in Calistoga, California. Developed by Marie Veronique Nadeau, a

former chemistry teacher, and her daughter, physicist Dr. Jay Nadeau, the

goal was to create a skin-care line that would allow women to age not only

gracefully but naturally. Ingredients are Fair Trade, organic, and locally grown,

Herbs for At-Home Beauty TreatmentsWe asked Trisha Shirey, the director of Flora and Fauna at Lake Austin

Spa Resort in Texas, to share a bouquet of her favorite herbs for

homemade spa treatments. Here is her fragrant pick.

Bay leaves are stimulating and soothing.

Calendula flowers are soothing for dry skin.

Chamomile flowers contain a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient called azulene. it calms and soothes itchy, irritated skin. a good addition for a child’s bath.

Ginger root may be grated using a Microplane grater and added to baths to stimulate skin, increase blood flow, and energize the body. it also can be added to coconut oil for a stimulating and mildly exfoliating skin scrub. Ginger tones and softens the skin.

Horsetail or Equisetum is a mineral-rich astringent. Good for skin toning and improving hair and nails.

Lavender is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory and healing for the skin. it relaxes you, calms nerves, and aids in getting a good night’s sleep.

Lemon balm is cleansing and sedating.

Marjoram is a decongestant and is invigorating. it aids with muscle pain and strains.

Rosemary is stimulating and refreshing to add to baths and hair rinses. a good choice for baths for sore muscles.

Rose petals from your organically grown roses add a nice fragrance to any bath or body treatment.

Sage is antiseptic and astringent and deeply cleansing for the skin. it is especially good for oily skin.

Spearmint and peppermint are cooling, anti-inflammatory, and very refreshing. they contain menthol, which stimulates blood flow. Peppermint is stimulating and invigorating.

58 Spirituality & HealtH / May~June 2012 / SpiritualityHealth.com

Make-at-Home Recipes, Fresh from the Garden into your BathPick your own herbs right out of your garden, or purchase them at your local co-op or grocery store and start experimenting! There are numerous ways to enjoy

the healing power of herbs in your everyday health and beauty rituals. We’ve gathered a handful of easy at-home recipes from the pros to inspire you, beginning

with these four wonderful bath recipes created by Trisha Shirey, director of Flora and Fauna at Lake Austin Spa.

Basic Bath Infusion4 cups fresh herbs, or2 cups dried herbs of choice1 quart boiling water

Add herbs to boiling water. Stir, cover, and remove from heat. Allow to steep for 10 minutes, strain, and add to bath.

Sore Muscle Bath Blend2 cups fresh rosemary½ cup fresh sage ½ cup fresh eucalyptus leaves½ cup fresh bay leaves2 TBL allspice berries 1 cup fresh peppermint1 cup fresh comfrey, chopped 1 TBL whole clovesOne 4-inch piece of ginger root, cut to

¼-inch slicesPrepare according to Basic Bath Infusion directions. Add 2 cups of Epsom salt, 1 cup cider vinegar, and ½ cup of bentonite clay to the bath water when adding the herb tea. Stir well and soak for at least 20 minutes. Rinse skin with clear water after the bath.

Sample Bath Bag Blend¼ cup powdered milk ¼ cup Epsom salt½ cup dried herbs of choice ¼ cup of sugar10 drops of essential oils of choice

Stir together and place in a muslin bag (four-by-six-inch muslin bath bags are available from Elements Bath and Body, elementsbathandbody.com), or in several layers of cheesecloth secured with a rubber band. Add to the tub, and add hot water to steep the bath tea bag for several minutes before enjoying your bath. Use the softened herb bag to gently exfoliate the body. The entire bag may be added to your compost pile after use. Seal unused bath bags in a glass jar for up to several months, if desired.

Skin Softening Bath BlendGrind these ingredients in a food processor until coarsely processed:

¼ cup oatmeal (rolled or minute type) ¼ cup milk powder ¼ cup brown sugar ¼ cup herbs of choice

Add:10–15 drops essential oils of choice

2 TBL honey 2 tsp body oil of choice

Combine and add to a bath bag. Steep for a few minutes, covered in hot water in the tub. Add remaining water to bath and enjoy. Use cold tea bags (green tea or chamomile) over your eyes as you enjoy your bath. (Do not store bath bags if using oils or honey in them.)

Strawberry Seed Body Scrub This delicious natural scrub comes from Yael Alkalay, creator of Red Flower. Mix:

½ cup baking soda ¼ cup distilled water

Stir until blended. Add:1 cup brown sugar 5 well-mashed strawberries1/3 cup olive oil.

Stir until smooth. To thicken, add raw oatmeal until texture is rich and firm.

SpiritualityHealth.com / May~June 2012 / Spirituality & HealtH 59

whenever possible, and the company donates 10 percent of profits to organizations

dedicated to helping women and children in Third World countries. Of the many

products, Every Day Sheer Coverage is favored by many for its anti-aging and sun

protection qualities. (mvorganics.com)

Nature GirlA fun and quirky skin-care line

founded by Nanette Pallrand,

who developed a special

appreciation for nature

during her extensive travels,

spending several years in Brazil.

The country, she says, “Truly gave me

an appreciation for nature because of its sheer beauty and the overwhelming

diversity of plants and flowers.” Nature Girl uses natural, organic, and wild-

crafted ingredients that are cultivated on small family-run organic farms. A few

of our favorites: She Dreams in Green organic bath salts and I Am Plant oatmeal

exfoliating face mask. (nature-girl.com)

Naturopathica Holistic HealthFounder Barbara Close is a Renaissance woman — aromatherapist, herbalist,

esthetician, and product formulator, she founded a healing arts center 15 years

ago. Her results-driven product line soon followed and is certified natural and

organic by EcoCert. Ingredients are carefully sourced from local farmers and

herbalists, and best-selling products include the Aloe Cleansing Gel and the

Carrot Seed Soothing Serum. (naturopathica.com)

OseaThis line is rich in essential oils and USDA Certified Organic algae and seaweed and

was lovingly created by Jenefer Palmer. A former massage therapist specializing

in energy work such as polarity and cranial sacral, she also was a spa director.

During this time, she became disenchanted with the products she was putting

on guests’ bodies, learning that what you see in a bottle all too often is not what

you get! She took matters into her own hands, founding Osea after 11 years of

development. Cult favorites include Salts of the Earth body scrub and Ocean

Cleansing Mudd. (oseamalibu.com)

Pevonia BotanicaOne of the first brands to cater to the spa market, Pevonia

was founded in 1991 by Sylvie Hennessy, a serious skin-care

educator who also established the Academy of Esthetics

and Spa Therapy. This is a huge brand that includes a

number of lines for all ages and skin types and prides

itself on its focus on science and nature. Product to try:

the Aromatherapy Face Oils. (pevonia.com)

PrimaveraAlthough this German-based company (headquartered out of a carbon-neutral

facility) turns 25 this year, it was introduced to the United States only in 2011.

Products are all natural and certified by EcoCert and NATRUE. Cult products

include the Intensive Seed Oil Capsules (we don’t board a plane without them!)

and the Moisturizing Lip Balm, rich in neroli cassis. (primaveralife.com)

Red Flower NatureYou may recognize the name Red Flower, a company that launched in 1999,

for its delicate signature petal-topped candles, but it’s come a long way since

then. Founder Yael Alkalay, who shares some recipes here, created the brand

to inspire a sense of living fully and celebrating life through the purity and

freshness of flowers. Nature is the name of the natural skin-care line made

up of six products that are just as good for the face as they are for the body

and are meant to consolidate skin-care regimens. Made with certified organic

ingredients sourced from Finland, they include waters that are pure flower

distillations and whole essential oils that are cold-press extractions. We love the

Organic Birch Mineral Hydrotherapy Soaking Plunge. (redflower.com)

See Strawberry Seed Body Scrub recipe left.

Weleda“Cultivators of beauty” is how this 91-year-

old company refers to itself. With 135

acres of biodynamic gardens in Germany

(and more spread from Switzerland to

New Zealand), it collectively grows more

than 300 healing herbs and flowers.

Named after the Celtic goddess of

wisdom and beauty, Weleda is NATRUE

and BDIH certified. Bestsellers: Rosemary

Hair Oil and Weleda Lavender Relaxing

Body Oil. (usa.weleda.com)

Wild BeautyFelecia Scott, whose family is a blend of African American and Chickasaw Indian,

founded this aromatherapy company using recipes passed down from her

grandmother. Since childhood, Felecia has been making ointment, balms, and

body oils with her grandmother, who taught her how to infuse flowers, roots,

tea leaves, and herbs into nutrient-rich oils. There are a number of delicious

handmade elixirs for the skin and hair from which to choose. The latest offering

is Oh My Aching and includes eucalyptus and rosemary to help ease minor aches

and pains. (wildbeautycreations.com)

Mary Bemis is the lifestyle editor of Spirituality & Health. She is passionate about healing spas and is a major voice for natural products and sustainability. She was founder and editor-in-chief of both American

Spa and Organic Spa magazines and has tested thousands of personal-care products over the years.

See our website www.spiritualityhealth.com for a listing of 50 more botanically based companies.