Teaching Tuesday-

I just put in my order for this months oil supplies, and finally got Meadowfoam seed oil again! I am so excited, and looking forward to making some great products with this oil. I especilly am anxious to whip up my facial serum, with this oil as a base, and some great, skin-loving essential oils to further enhance the skin and reduce wrinkles. can you say carrots? Lol Anyway, with this oil coming in, I thought that we would review Meadowfoam seed oil in today's Teaching Tuesday.


Meadowfoam Oil is pressed from the seeds of Meadowfoam plant, botanically known as Limnanthes alba.  It is an herbaceous, annual plant, native to northern California, southern Oregon, Vancouver Island, and British Columbia. Meadowfoam Seed Oil was developed in the 1970's as a way to save the whales. It was to be an ecologically responsible replacement for sperm whale oil, and did, in fact, succeeded as such.


Meadowfoam seed oil protects the skin from moisture loss, adds shine and moisture to the hair and the scalp,  offers ultra-violet protection (sunscreen applications), reduces wrinkles and signs of aging, moisturizes and revitalizes dry, cracked lips, provides good slip in massage oils and creams, and is highly valued as a lubricant type of oil. In also provides adhesion in lipsticks and other makeup formulations, providing them with lasting endurance.  Actually, this oil is suitable for a wide range of applications, so experiment away!




 Meadowfoam seed oil has an unique chemical profile. Even though it has a high molecular weight, it remains liquid at room temperature.  On the skin, meadowfoam seed oil feels distinctly different than many other natural oils. It has a non-greasy feeling and  soaks into the skin very easily. It is chemically different than most oils, as it contains over 98% fatty acids that have over 20 carbon atoms. It also  possesses outstanding oxidative stability.due to its high vitamin E content. In fact, meadowfoam 
Seed Oil is one of the most stable fats known and it will lend that 
stability to other oils that it is combined with. So, if you have a recipe that has some less stable oils, you can extend their shelf life by adding this oil to the formulation.  This oil also is often used as a binder, as it helps to extend fragrances better than other oils when used in bath salts, soaps and massage oils.  



















Meadowfoam seed oil received its name because when it is in bloom it resembles the foam blowing on the ocean, and it is quite a sight to behold. This oil has proven itself to be invaluable to the
body care and cosmetic industries. And currently it is being studied for potential pharmaceutical and industrial applications.


This plant is truly a modern marvel of human ingenuity. Not only does it protect the whale species, and provide a comparable oil for us to use, but the pressed seeds are then fed to cattle and other livestock, and are a good source of nutrients for these animals. Of course, while growing in the fields, birds, insects, mice, and all manner of critters also eat the nutritious plant seeds. Additionally, the meadowfoam plants themselves are a renewable crop, and are usually grown as a rotation crop for grass seed farmers. This eliminates the need to burn the fields in between grass seed plantings, and has the added benefit of providing farmers with additional income. Meadowfoam also requires less fertilizer and less pesticides than most other crops, so farmers, the environment, and all of us by extension, benefit. Meadowfoam oil is a versatile and amazing oil! 

What’s in your cup?

I grew up with “sun” tea on the farm. My father’s side loves their tea. Every family get-together there’s sure to be more containers of freshly brewed tea than anything else on the beverage table. I have a theory that most people who enjoy tea are those who grew up with it. I still feel the urge to brew tea outside during the long hot days of summer to taste that slightly bitter, refreshing good old fashion flavor. But now in my adulthood I have become a bit prissier with the teas I consume after discovering the world of fine teas and the wonderful benefits they bring to the table. High quality teas usually come in loose form. It is also important that the tea be free trade and organic. Here are the individual tea profiles White Tea • Contains cancer fighting anti-oxidants • Cooling and detoxifying • Has the lowest content of caffeine found in all teas • Anti-aging and anti-stress properties • High L-theanine amino acid content promotes longevity and concentration Green Tea • Contains the highest content of cancer fighting anti-oxidants than any other tea • Antiseptic and anti-viral effects: kills oral bacteria • Fights degenerative diseases and supports immune system function • Strengthens tooth enamel and fights bad breath • Potent source of vitamins and minerals • Effective for slimming and weight loss Oolong Tea • High content of tea polysaccharides • Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar • High content of anti-oxidants • Strengthens tooth enamel • Potent source of vitamins and minerals • Effective for slimming and weight loss *New Beauty Magazine published recently “A study conducted by scientists at the University of Tokushima School of Medicine in Japan revealed that those who drank oolong tea on a regular basis burned twice as many calories as those who just drank green tea.” Black Tea • Heart Health: black tea can help prevent heart attacks • Helps prevent plaque build-up in arteries • Increases bone density • Oral Health: Kills bacteria in the mouth that can cause cavities • Fights bad breath All tea in general promotes mental alertness and clear thinking, improving learning function too. Tea offers a balance in energy during the day and rest at night. When drinking tea regularly, it can strengthen immune system and aid in lowering stress levels. Tea has a much lower caffeine content than coffee, so I ask “what’s in your cup?” DISCLAIMER these statements are not meant to treat, cure or prevent illness/diseases. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. *http://www.newbeauty.com/dailybeauty/entry.aspx?id=4800 *The majority of the info presented to you is sourced from Rishi Tea a favorite tea company of mine, highly recommend. https://www.rishi-tea.com/

What's Happening Wednesday- Exotic Oils Cont.- Emu

I know that it is hump day, or for our purposes, What's Happening Wednesday, but today I thought that I would keep going with exotic oils, and discuss Emu oil. I really didn't think you would want to hear more about my soap making, which is still what I am up to, and will be for a few more Wednesdays to come! Lol ! So let's discuss emu oil!


Emu oil comes from the prehistoric, Australian bird, the emu, a large, flightless, ostrich like bird. This bird is thought to have wandered the Australian outback for the past 80 million years, and can still be found there today! Its history can be compared to the Native Americans' relationship with bison, as this bird provided the Australian Aborigines with food, clothing, shelter, medicine ( it was used for wounds, aches, pains and skin protection) and spiritual sustenance. The emu has been valued by the Aborigines for thousands of years, especially for its healing powers, and it does indeed, have many natural qualities which are  beneficial to our health.

Emu oil is a by product of the Emu, after it is processed for it’s meat. It has a thick layer of fat, just under its skin on its back, and this is what is rendered, refined and sterilized, to get the oil that is used in cosmetic and medical applications. Unlike many other oils, the emu oil is beneficial to your health without the addition of any additives, either herbal or chemical. In fact, the fatty acid composition of this oil is very close to the correct composition of the fats found in [normal] human skin. Emu oil has been proven to be an intensive pain reliever in cases of chronic arthritis, strains, sprains, and muscle pain. And it is known to  possess; anti-inflammatory properties, with effects comparable to ibuprofen;  bacteriostatic properties, meaning that it inhibits the growth of bacteria, but may not prevent it; Hypoallergenic properties, which means that it is not known to cause skin irritation or have any side effects; is a non-comedogenic oil, meaning that it does not clog the skin pores; and it is [also] widely used as am accelerant for wound healing. 

When you look at the contents of emu oil, its benefits are not all that surprising. Emu oil contains Vitamin E, which is a major antioxidant and healing agent; Vitamin A, which is a known skin repairer, as well as another antioxidant; Linoleic acid, which helps to ease muscle and joint pain; Oleic acid, a proven skin cell regenerator and anti-wrinkle agent; Sapogens, which are skin softeners; and Terpines, which are known antiseptics.

Skin care products made with emu oil, because of the powerful antioxidants, will be great skin cell regenerators, and anti-wrinkle agents, actually improving the condition of aging skin. Additionally, products made with this oil are great moisturizers, capable of smoothing and conditioning even the roughest and driest of elbows, knees and heels. It is also good for reducing the itching and flakiness that often accompanies dry skin issues, as it forms a protective barrier after it moisturizes and lubricates the irritated skin. Emu oil is actually  a skin-thickening agent, as well, and it affords the skin protection from wind and other weather conditions, especially that of the face and hands. 

Not too mention the fact that, because of its natural bacteriostatic, anti-inflammatory, and cell regeneration properties, this oil would make a great addition to homeopathic balms. In fact, it is gaining popularity in the sports medicine world, as its properties make it a natural choice for balms to treat  muscle aches, pains, strains, pulls, sprains, and cramps, as well as minor wound repairs, especially when scarring could be an issue. It is also a good oil for recipes intended to; lessen the pain of chronic conditions, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia;  lesson the pain and scarring of burns and sunburns; reduce the appearance of stretch marks; alleviate the discomfort of eczema, psoriasis, diaper rash, and shingles; as well as ones that reduce the infection, pain and swelling of insect bites and/or stings. Emu oil has also been shown to help reverse hair loss, so you may wish to consider it in a shampoo or scalp conditioning type of treatment.  

 The anti-inflammatory, as well as the other benefits, of emu oil are considered to be long lasting. Because the human skin lacks phosphorus, and the fact that the chemical composition of emu oil is very similar to that of human skin, this oil, and its beneficial substances, can  quickly and easily penetrate the skin, to a deep level. Then, after it's applied to the skin, this odorless product goes on to moisturize and condition the skin's surface, leaving it smooth and non-greasy. Even after repetitive washings, the skin will still reap the benefits of an application of emu oil. 

When searching for warnings for the use of emu oil, all I found was a note that warned that not all emu oil sold on the market today is of animal origin. Just what the impostors are made with, I didn't find, nor did I find a way to tell whether you had an impostor or not. So my only suggestion is to purchase this oil from a reputable company. Additionally, I found warnings that some  

emu Oil is only rendered and filtered, not purified, so therefore it can contain contaminants. So be sure to read the fine print, and always choose the refined product. 

*As with all these posts, please make sure to read the references/bibliographies by clicking on the Reference tab at the top of this page.