Plant essential oils are the end-products of plant metabolism, and are some of the oldest substances used by humankind. These plant oils, produced from the leaves, stems, flowers, or roots, have been prized through the centuries as medicines, cosmetics, and perfumes.

The roots of modern aromatherapy began in the 1920's when a French cosmetic chemist, Rene Gattefosse, burned his arm while working with fragrances one day. He plunged his arm into a vat of cold liquid, which happened to be lavender oil. He found that the pain was much less than he had expected, and the burn healed without blisters or scarring. Gattefosse became dedicated to researching the qualities of essential oils, and it was he who first coined the term "aromatherapy".

Many hundreds and even thousands of pounds of plant material are often necessary to produce one pound of essential oils; therefore, properly distilled genuine and authentic oils command extremely high prices in today's marketplace. For example, over 2000 lbs. of rose petals are needed to produce one pound of true rose essence! (Schnaubelt, 1997).

Some of the most common essential oils that we incorporate into our products are:

Bois de Rose: This oil is also known as rosewood oil. The rosewood tree grows in Central and South America, and is used to create musical instruments. This tree is endangered, so we are careful to purchase the oil from sustainable sources. Rosewood oil is beneficial to the skin, and is used in our Wild Irish Roses soap.

Geranium: Geranium brings a glow to the skin when used in skin care (Wormwood, 1991) and is used by aromatherapists in the treatment of a variety of women's disorders. Its delightful fragrance makes it a very popular oil for many skin care applications.

Grapefruit: Grapefruit is useful in treating cellulite and water retention, and is useful as a facial toner. Citrus scents are said to be uplifting and enjoyed by most people.

Lavender: Lavender is distilled from the stems and flowering tops of the lavender herb. Lavender promotes relaxation and rest. According to Valerie Wormwood, "Lavender is a natural antibiotic, antidepressant, sedative and detoxifier which promotes healing and prevents scarring." We use Bulgarian or French Lavender in our lotion, souffle', anti-aging serum, and lavender soaps and bath salts.

Neroli: Neroli, or orange blossom essential oil, is one of the most celebrated members of the cast of aromatic stars. Its name comes from a romantic story of Princess Neroli, whose bridal bath was covered with a blanket of orange blossom flowers. Neroli oil comes from Northern Africa, and has a warm, soft aroma. This oil is used on all skin types, but is especially beneficial for maturing skin. Neroli is used in our Tropical Moonlight soap and anti-aging serum.

Rose: Often called the Queen of Flowers, steam distilled rose essential oil from Bulgaria is arguably the most prized flower essence for skin care. Thousands of petals must be collected in the early dawn hours (when the oils are at their peak) to make one pound of essential oil! British aromatherapist Tisserand suggests that rose essential oil is an effective treatment for aging, dry, and sensitive skin. Magnolia's Natural Beauty uses rose otto (steam-distilled) from Bulgaria, and only buys genuine and authentic oils for use in soaps, lotions and souffle', bath salts and anti-aging serum.

Seabuckthorn Berry CO2 Extract: This extract is used in our lip balm and anti-aging serum formulas to restore and smooth skin. Seabuckthorn berry is rich in beta-carotene, linoleic acids, and vitamins A and E. We also use seabuckthorn berry oils in soaps and serums due to it anti-aging and restorative effects.

Spikenard Essential Oil: Spikenard is often said to have been used during Biblical times for anointing and for its soothing, sedative properties. We use spikenard in bath salts, and in serums used to counteract effects of aging.

Tea Tree Essential Oil: Often called "Natures' Pharmacy", Tea Tree is one of the most powerful antibiotic and antifungal essential oils. Tea Tree is used in moderation to balance and regulate sebum production for almost any skin type. We incorporate tea tree oil into soaps either alone (for irritated, troubled skin) or in conjunction with rose, spearmint, or lavender to balance and tone all skin types.

Peppermint Essential Oil: Peppermint's primary constituent is menthol, which supports ease of muscular aches and pains, as well as provides a "spirit uplift" from its cheery, peppy aroma. We use peppermint essential oil from China in our Peppermint Twist hand and body lotion, Pampered Soles Foot Balm.

About the owners of Magnolia's Natural Beauty

Magnolia's Natural Beauty, LLC was formed by a mother and daughter in April 2004 in Baton Rouge, LA.

Angie Schumaker, BSN: holds certification as a registered nurse in Louisiana, and has completed a course in Integrative Aromatherapy after receiving her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. Angie holds certification in the Holistic Nurses' Association, and has developed and taught courses in aromatherapy and integrative therapies at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, Baton Rouge, La. She researched and experimented with developing these formulas after discovering that her young son's eczema did not respond to prescription medications, but responded well to safer, more natural preparations. Magnolia's Natural Beauty products have received ovations from satisfied customers in Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida.

Susan Williamson, M.A.: is a life-long educator and administrator who is currently a student at the well-respected Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy. Growing up with family legends about her great grandmother, Magnolia's famous, beautiful skin and her natural skin care regimen of rosewater and glycerin created an interest in natural skin care. When her extremely dry skin failed to improve from standard lotions and creams, Susan eagerly tried her daughter's "skin treatments" and received immediate and impressive results. In fact, the results were so impressive that she and Angie immediately formed Magnolia's Natural Beauty to provide the benefits of natural aromatics to others. "The kind of beauty that we want to emphasize is "timeless beauty", or beauty from the inside out...in fact, we call it 'being alive as long as you live'. We are not advocating extreme measures like surgery, injecting oneself with harmful substances like botulism, but simple things like natural beauty products, excellent nutrition, and healthy exercise and lifestyles. We want all women to celebrate the benefits that these things can bring, in terms of greater health and well-being throughout the lifespan."

For information purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the FDA, and is not intended to diagnose or treat any illness.