Upcoming Dates

Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Holiday Boutique Day
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Samuel S. Cohen Auditorium, Pavilion A
Jewish General Hospital
5750 Cote des Neiges Rd. entrance

Come see our luscious Soaps as gifts for all budgets.

Vitamin E

Overall for skin care, more benefit is obtained from topical application of Vitamin E through creams or lotions rather than taking Vitamin E orally. Skin is able to absorb natural Vitamin E effectively. However, taking Vitamin E orally is important for the good health of other areas of the body.

The recommended skin lotions and creams by many experts are those that contain the alcohol form of Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) instead of the acetate form (alpha-tocopherol acetate). The acetate form does not penetrate the skin’s surface well and provides less of the benefits of Vitamin E such as antioxidant activity for the skin.

Anti-Aging Benefits of Vitamin E
Vitamin E added to lotions, creams, and other skin care products, as well as taken orally, plays a role in the anti-aging of skin. It helps skin look younger by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Also, free radicals are believed to play an important role in skin aging and therefore the antioxidant activity is quite valuable for this skin problem.

Sun Protection and Sun Burn Treatment
Vitamin E lotions provide some benefit in preventing and treating sunburns. These lotions protect the epidermis layer of the skin from early stages of ultra violet light damage. Vitamin E preparations also increase the effectiveness of sunscreens. Such lotions do not work immediately. They must be applied about 20 minutes before sun exposure in order to allow the vitamin E to be absorbed deep into the epidermis layer.

Olive oil's health benefits

The greatest exponent of monounsaturated fat is olive oil, and it is a prime component of the Mediterranean Diet. Olive oil is a natural juice which preserves the taste, aroma, vitamins and properties of the olive fruit. Olive oil is the only vegetable oil that can be consumed as it is - freshly pressed from the fruit.

Olive oil is well suited for soap making as it has a very low pH. Popularly known as castile soap, handmade olive oil soap is popular for its rich source of vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and essential fatty acids that nourish the skin. Handmade olive oil soap is very mild, creamy and helps the skin to remain moist thereby preventing dryness of the skin. Oleic acid present in olive oil helps generate low and creamy bubbles. Olive oil is well suited for soap making as it has a very low pH.

Olive oil soaps tend to boast of deeper penetrating qualities when compared to soaps made with other vegetable oils. Olive oil soap works wonders on inflamed skin and sensitive skin. Properties such as healing of wounds, disinfecting and soothing the skin are additional benefits of olive oil soap. People with rough, extra sensitive and damaged skin would do well to use soaps enriched with olive oil.

Upcoming Fairs for HInt of Eden Soaps

Thanks to everyone who came out and supported Hint of Eden Soaps today at the Mind-Body-Spirit Show. It was a great day with a great turnout. It was wonderful to meet so many new faces and old friends.

Hint of Eden will be exhibiting next at the Sustainable Holiday Fair in support of the David Suzuki Foundation's new Montreal office...

Nov. 29 & 30
Sustainable Holiday Fair
Centre Holisitque Om West
46-3 Ste Anne Street, Pointe Claire Village

Dec 3rd
Boutique Day
Jewish General Hospital

Dec 6th
Hudson Pet Fair
Hudson Community Center

Health Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender oil is extracted mostly from the flowers of the plant, primarily through steam distillation. The flowers of lavender are fragrant in nature and have been used for making potpourris since years.

The various health benefits of lavender essential oil include:
* Nervous System: Lavender essential oil has a calming scent which makes it an excellent tonic for the nerves and helps in treating migraines, headaches, anxiety, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress. Its refreshing aroma removes nervous exhaustion and restlessness and increases mental activity.
* Sleep: Lavender essential oil induces sleep and hence it is often recommended for insomnia.
* Pain Relief: Lavender essential oil is also an excellent remedy for various types of pains including those caused by sore muscles, tense muscles, muscular aches, rheumatism, sprains, backache and lumbago. Massage with lavender oil provides relief from pain in the joints.
* Respiratory Disorders: Lavender oil is extensively used for various respiratory problems including throat infections, flu, cough, cold, asthma, sinus congestion, bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis, and tonsillitis. The oil is either used in the form of vapor or applied on the skin of neck, chest and back. It is also added in many vaporizers and inhalers used for cold and coughs.
* Skin Care: The health benefits of lavender oil for the skin can be attributed to its antiseptic and antifungal properties. It is used to treat various skin disorders such as acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, and other inflammations. It heals wounds, cuts, burns, and sunburns rapidly as it aids in the formation of scar tissues. Lavender oil is added to chamomile to treat eczema.
* Hair Care: Lavender essential oil is useful for the hair as it can be very effective on lice and lice eggs or nits.

As with many other essential oils, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using lavender essential oil. It is also recommended that diabetics stay away from lavender oil. It may also cause allergic reactions to people having sensitive skin. Some people may also witness nausea, vomiting and headaches due to usage of lavender oil.

Wake up with Orange Sunrise

Perky sweet orange is enriched with extra shea butter to give the olive oil base a rich boost. Tinted with a swirl of paprika, this creamy bar has just the right amount of zing to give your morning ablutions a burst of energy.

The scoop on exfoliation

Exfoliation involves physically scrubbing the skin with an abrasive. Mechanical exfoliants include microfiber cloths, adhesive exfoliation sheets, micro-bead facial scrubs, crepe paper, crushed apricot kernel or almond shells, sugar or salt crystals, pumice, and abrasive materials such as sponges, loofahs, and brushes. Facial scrubs are available in over-the-counter products for application by the user. People with dry skin should avoid exfoliants which include a significant portion of pumice, or crushed volcanic rock. Pumice is considered a good material to exfoliate the skin of the feet.

The exfoliating ingredient in most commercial big brand body washes products, are tiny particles of polyethylene, which are a hazard to marine life.

Chemical exfoliants include scrubs containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid, fruit enzymes, citric acid, or malic acid which may be applied in high concentrations by a dermatologist, or in lower concentrations in over-the-counter products. Chemical exfoliation may involve the use of products that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), or enzymes that act to loosen the glue-like substance that holds the cells together, allowing them to ease away.This type of exfoliation is recommended for people treating acne.

Honey & Brown Sugar Bar

Real Honey. Real Brown Sugar. This olive oil bar is a super rich sugar scrub for the tub. No need for extra fragrance, this soap is resplendent with the rich aromas of honey and brown sugar.