Product News
From "Maple Street Co-op News", Dec 2005/Jan 2006

New Essential Oils Range
by Alan Harrington

Following member feedback and after careful research, the Co-op has decided to replace our existing range of essential oils with the Oil Garden brand. This is an extensive range of very high quality oils that are ideal for aromatherapy.

The Oil Garden's mission statement is to enrich and enhance the lifestyle and well-being of its customers. Its philosophy is to embody ethical business practices and act with integrity towards customers while offering genuine value for money. Its objective is to provide only the highest quality essential oils from around the world as well as innovative aromatherapy products. It regards the environment as precious and strives to preserve it for future generations to enjoy.

All the Oil Garden essential oils are licensed with the Therapeutic Goods Administration. The oils are tested by gas chromatography, and back-up analysis is carried out by mass spectrophotometry. In addition, they undergo microbiological tests to ensure product safety and purity. The full testing procedure ensures that no adulterants or synthetic additives are present.

By way of background, essential oils are highly aromatic natural extracts taken from tiny oil glands in the flowers, roots, stalks, bark, seeds, leaves, gum or rind of plants. Each essential oil has unique therapeutic properties.

A few words of caution about essential oils... They should not be taken orally or be used during pregnancy or when on medication unless under the guidance of a health care professional. Essential oils should not be applied to the skin undiluted, except where specifically recommended. It's advisable that you first test an essential oil (diluted) on a small area of skin, and that you avoid any contact with eyes. Furthermore, some essential oils are highly flammable, so you must keep essential oils away from a naked flame.

Essential oils have powerful therapeutic properties, and to make sure you get the most out of them you need to keep them well sealed and store them out of direct sunlight and away from heat.

The Co-op believes we've added a quality range to our shelves with these Oil Garden products.

[From "Maple Street Co-op News", Dec 2005/Jan 2006; published by The Maple Street Co-operative Society Ltd, 37 Maple Street, Maleny, Qld 4552, Australia, tel (07) 5494 2088, email maplest.co-op@serv.net.au,
website http://www.maplestreetco-op.com.au]