romantic rose oil fromBulgaria’s legendaryValley of the Roses

the rise of the organic farmer in Australia

support the teenage years with aromatherapy

autumn edition 2011

autumnautumn edition 2011this issue

Someone once said, ‘don’t let today’s disappointments cast a shadow on tomorrow’s dreams.’ Following your dream takes a great amount of courage. Rising above adversities, taking risks and believing in yourself are all part of the challenge. But where does this courage come from? I believe it comes from those around us. I have recently been inspired and also humbled as I’ve witnessed the enormous community spirit that Australians have shared as many faced some of the worst natural disasters in our nation’s recent history. So if we take a moment to draw inspiration from those around us and apply it to our business or daily life, we can expect great things from the year ahead. Stepping up to a new challenge can be one of the most rewarding and exhilarating feelings. The key to achievement is a positive attitude and the desire to succeed. With this in mind, I wish you every success for the year ahead.

Lucille Wilson, editor

autumn04 Harvest: Rose from Bulgaria

Premier products from Enio Bonchev.

14 Lifestyle: Using Scents for Adolescence Aromatherapy for teenagers. 18 Up Close: Certified Organic farmers

Incorporating tradition with modern techniques.

20 News: The latest happenings at SEOC Community Spirit in Full Swing.

22 Product Specification: Rose Otto Bulgarian Oil

Specification for manufacturers.

23 Formulation: Bed of Roses Body Butter Featuring Rose Otto Bulgarian Oil.

Autumn cover:CalendulaCalendula officinalusCalendula offers excellent protective, healing & soothing properties. The bright orange flower imparts a rich colour to Calendula Infused oil & is an ideal addition to creams & lotions for all skin types. Calendula extract can be incorporated in many skincare formulations to provide protection from the drying effects of the sun & Calendula flowers add texture & colour to bath, toiletry & aromatherapy products. Available in Certified Organic. Visit www.seoc.com.au for more information.

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hArvest

Velvet petals produce the perfume of heavenSydney Essential Oil Co. is proud to represent Enio Bonchev Ltd, one of the most famous and respected rose oil producers in Bulgaria’s legendary Valley of the Roses.

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Whilst many producers allow their rose bushes to produce for up to 15 years, the staff at Enio Bonchev Ltd. limit their bushes to no longer than 10 years, ensuring the potency of the flower. Opposite: The company has their own rose fields which produce 250,000 kilograms of roses every year. On top of this they also buy roses from other local farmers ensuring they can meet demand for their quality distillations each year.

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On the first Sunday of June each year a celebration takes place like no other in the world. The people of the Kazanlak region, located between the Balkan and Sredna Gora mountain ranges of Bulgaria, come together for the annual Festival of the Roses. The festival, founded in 1903, celebrates the spirit, culture and lifestyle that the Rose Flower brings to the region.

This region, also known as the Valley of the Roses, is lauded worldwide for its Rose oil, which is utilised in both the perfumery and cosmetic industries. Due to its unique climatic and soil conditions, not only does the Rose bush grow robustly but the flowers yield an exceptionally high percentage of oil. The Valley is 100 kilometres long and is located just under Stara Planina Mountain which helps protect the flowers from strong winds. The area also experiences little difference in temperature between night and day which is ideal for the growing of Roses.

Cultivation and Harvest Before planting, each acre of land must be plowed with 5 tonnes of manure to ensure the soil is endowed with enough micro-organisms to help the Rose bush grow. This manure is a mixture of cow manure and dried waste roses that are recycled after the previous seasonal distillation. >

Opposite: Whilst most producers collect their rose water as a bi-product after the essential oil distillation, Enio Bonchev is unique in that it produces two distinct primary products from their steam distilled rose flowers. 1. rose Oil (rose otto oil) – when the Rose Oil is distilled, there is no rose water left over. All the distillation waters (after the cohobation) go into the Florentine container where the Rose Oil separates to the top to be collected, the remaining water then goes back into the cohobation column and the process is continuously repeated until there is virtually no Rose Oil in the remaining waters, and the full aromatic potency of the fresh flowers is retained in the Rose Oil. 2. rose Water (rose otto hydrosol super) – is made without any rose oil being collected. After cohobation, all distillation waters go directly to the storage tank, they do not pass through the Florentine container (where oil is separated). No rose oil is obtained in this process, all of the oil remains in the Rose Water, thus producing its powerful and intense aroma.

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New rose fields are planted by hand in November every year. Once planted the Rose bush requires 2-3 years of solid growth before the flowers are considered high quality for the distillation process.

When fully grown the bush produces flowers 4 to 5 cm in diameter with approximately 40 flowers to each bush and flowers begin to appear in the early Spring. One of the main reasons this region produces such high quality roses is that it receives steady rainfall throughout the Spring period ensuring the Rose flower receives continuous sustenance until picking occurs.

The flowers are picked by locals from the region and this task has been generational within the communities surrounding the Rose Valley. Harvest occurs in May and June. Due to the flower’s delicacy, the flowering top or blossom is handpicked first thing in the morning between 5am and 10am before the day becomes too hot and the oil within the petal starts to evaporate. An average picker can harvest 30-40 kilograms of rose flowers a day. When the picking season finishes, the task of oil extraction and water production continues for months to come.

Production Process Once delivered to the distillery, the petals are scheduled for processing into various rose oil and water products. The flow charts on pages 7 and 8 illustrate the methods of manufacture of these popular rose items. Here at Sydney Essential Oil Co. our rose range contains some of our all time favourite and best selling items. 1

Opposite: Rose Absolute (Rose premium Absolute) – the same quality rose flowers are used to produce the Rose Absolute, however this alternative extraction method enables a higher yield of oil.

The standard ratio of rose petals to water is generally one to four but in the case of the Enio Bonchev distillation process they use one to one ensuring oil with a stronger bouquet.

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SEOC’s relationship with Enio Bonchev Ltd. dates back 10 years, and in 2010 we became exclusive sales agent. We chose them as our rose oil supplier because not only were their products of outstanding quality and reputation, but their ethics aligned so closely to our own. This is still the case today.

enio Bonchev is known in the area as a ‘fair’ employer. Permanent staff enjoy benefits including a dental programme which is rare in Bulgaria. Harvest-only workers are given food for the Christmas and Easter period and are also supplied wheat for making bread. Enio Bonchev has been Certified Organic since 2005 with approximately 55 hectares of Certified Organic rose fields. There are approx. 5000-5500 bushes per hectare (opposite top left). Once harvested this is taken to their separate Certified Organic distillery for the processing of oil and hydrosol (opposite bottom). The standard ratio of petals to water is generally one to four but in the Enio Bonchev distillation process they use one to one ensuring oil with a stronger bouquet (opposite right middle).

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Located in the village of tarnichene, 190 kilometres east of the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, the company is now owned by Filip Lissicharov, who has upheld the traditions of his great grandfather Enio Bonchev (opposite top left). The oldest distillery was built in 1909 & continues to be used today to produce rose water. Workers must fill these with water by hand (opposite top right). In comparison, the modern stills are connected directly to water tanks that automatically pump through the base whilst workers insert rose flowers from the top. A light is suspended inside to continually monitor water and rose levels ensuring the quality ratio is maintained (below). The final step to oil production relies on a separate piece of equipment called a Florentine. The distillation waters are processed through the cylindrical Florentine tank to isolate the rose oil. Once the process is complete the oil is easily separated as it floats to the top of the water (opposite right middle).

Founded in 1909, Enio Bonchev Ltd. has established itself as Bulgaria’s most respected distiller of Rose Oils and Hydrosols and is truly a family run business.

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Adolescence is a time of great change. Tension is often high, communication becomes more difficult, emotions run rampant and bodily changes feel overwhelming, and at some time through this stage most teenagers will experience a sense of imbalance.

The introduction of Essential Oils can be a subtle and simple way to help bring them more stability and peace of mind. Following are some ideas that can provide support for our teens.

Helping your teen studyAs children reach their high school years, students are pushed harder and harder academically. The amount of homework and study that is required to meet expectations are now higher than ever. This extra pressure comes at a time when teens are at some of their most vulnerable stages and it can be enough to drive more than a few of them over the edge. Aromatherapy can provide some welcome support to ensure a clearer mindset and relief during this overwhelming period.

Scent and memory have a very strong physiological connection, whereby certain aromas evoke strong and specific memories. This can be very useful during exam preparations. Connecting with the aroma of an essential oil during study time then smelling the same oil in the exam room will assist in retrieving stored information and help recollection of precise details. >

using scents for adolescenceAromatherapy can be used at all stages of life to help regain equilibrium in mind, body and spirit. But one stage that is sometimes overlooked when thinking of essential oils, are the adolescent teen years.

using scents for adolescence

LifestyLe

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Essential Oils for Study:Select 1 to 5 applicable oils to make up your study blend. Use in a vaporiser while studying. Then put a few drops of the same blend on a tissue during exams.

Memory Black Pepper, Grapefruit, Lemon, Marjoram,

rosemary.

focus & Concentration Benzoin, eucalyptus, Ginger, Juniperberry,

Lemon, Marjoram, Niaouli, Peppermint,

rosemary, rosewood, thyme.

stress relief Bergamot, Cedarwood Atlas, Chamomile, Clary

sage, Lavender, Marjoram, Orange, Petitgrain,

rosemary, sandalwood, ylang ylang

Mind stimulation Juniperberry, Lemongrass, rosemary,

Peppermint, Lemon.

Grounding Bergamot, sandalwood, vetiver.

The study environment also contributes to the student’s concentration levels and memory capabilities. Here are some tips to provide your teenager an environment that promotes focus,• make sure the study space is clear and uncluttered, as a cluttered

room contributes to a cluttered mind• avoid studying or computers in the bedroom, as this can greatly

effect sleep quality• maintain a healthy diet with loads of vegetables and fruit, to

keep their nutritional status at optimum levels, and include fresh fish or fish oils (high in Omega 3’s) for proper brain functioning.

Dealing with HormonesAnother challenging part of adolescence is dealing with hormonal fluctuations. Growth spurts, major changes in skin quality, heightened emotions and getting used to monthly aches and pains can be difficult. Aromatherapy is commonly used for balancing hormones and can provide great results in supporting these changes.

try this balancing vaporiser blend “for Adolescent Girls”

3 drops Clary sage 3 drops Geranium

3 drops Lavender 1 drop rose

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LifestyLe

try this balancing vaporiser blend “for Adolescent Boys”

3 drops rosemary 2 drops frankincense

2 drops Geranium 2 drops Lavender

One hormonal side-effect that is paramount during adolescence is the disruptive influence it has on the skin. Despite it being ‘normal’ for teens to experience oily skin, acne and blackheads during this time, most will find it crippling for their self esteem and this can impact on the way in which they socialise. Even though some of their friends may be experiencing the same issues, feelings of isolation, insecurity and being judged by others are common. Some simple yet effective steps can be taken to improve their situation and to set up beneficial, healthy routines they can keep for life.

Suggestions for fresh-faced teens: skin Care recommend a gentle, natural skincare routine

to keep their skin clean and fresh. Avoid drying

soaps or harsh cleansers and get them in the

habit of cleansing and moisturising every day.

Discourage heavy makeup usage, as it clogs the

pores, but if this is a losing battle, ensure the skin

is removed of all residues at night before bed.

fresh air Maintain exposure to fresh air and sunlight but

ensure sun protection is used at all times.

Diet encourage a diet of fresh fruit and vegetables,

avoiding foods high in sugar and fat. Decrease

the amount of dairy in the diet, as this often

aggravates spotty skin.

try this pure and natural moisturiser for acne prone skin:

start with a light lotion base; add jojoba oil, flaxseed oil, vitamin e, a few

drops of tea tree and lavender oil, echinacea extract and calendula extract.

to achieve the best results use at least once a day after cleansing.

Aromatherapy is an excellent tool to use in the home. Essential Oils not only smell fantastic, but also have wonderful benefits for the whole family. Try our tips for your teen today and really see the difference. 1

By Polly Molesworth BHSc (Nat), Adv ND, Adv Dip HM, Adv Dip Hom, Dip Nut

uP CLOse

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Organic farming has recently been

recognised as one of the fastest growing

industries within Australia. As more and

more consumers insist on products that are

pesticide, herbicide and GMO free, the

farming community has turned to an

agricultural style that is actually centuries

old. Farmers are broadening their portfolio

and converting to organic practices to

meet the demand within the market.

Organic farmers utilise methods that are

friendly to the environment rather than

detrimental and look to incorporate both

traditional and modern techniques to

produce food and fibres. Combining

natural processes with nature itself,

farmers are finding they no longer need to

use artificial or synthetic additives to

protect their crops from pests.

Diverse crop plantation, seasonal rotation

of crops and the use of natural biological

inputs enables the farmer to conserve the

natural ecosystem and in turn promote a

healthy organic farming environment.

Rather than looking to control disease or

pests, the farmer’s focus has become

proactive health management which

creates positive health benefits through

the entire supply chain to the consumer.

The process that a farmer goes through

in order to become Certified Organic is

certainly not simple; however, the eventual

rewards are worth the efforts. Australian

Certified Organic (ACO) advise the

standard conversion timeframe for a farm

to become certified is approximately three

years. There are three stages to

certification and the process is dependent

on the development and maintenance of a

whole-system approach.

Stage One is Precertification; during this

time the land and land management

undergoes an entire transition to organic

production. A minimum of twelve months

must be spent in this stage and growers

are subject to a full audit during the

second year. Once passed through the

audit, the process moves on to the next

step of certification.

Stage Two is In Conversion; during this

stage a minimum twelve month period of

verified conformance with organic

Standards must be achieved. Products may

be labeled with an organic logo and

certification number that states the ‘in

conversion’ status and growers are able to

trade within the organic market.

Stage Three is Certified Organic; this

phase can only be completed after a

period of three years verified conformance

with the organic Standards. This is the final

stage of the process however annual

audits continue throughout the life of the

certification and farmers must ensure they

are consistent with their farming practices

to maintain organic status.

The foreseeable future for Australian

farmers is that they will continue to

experience an increased demand for

organic produce which can only benefit

farming communities, end-consumers and

the total environment. 1For more information about Australian Certified Organic

please visit www.australianorganic.com.au

the Biological farmers of Australia reports that organic domestic retail sales have grown over 50% in 2 years with 2010

expected to pass $1billion. Essential oil production was the noticeable standout increasing 155%. While food continues to

be the primary industry for the organic market, beautiful organic skincare also offers wonderful food for the skin.

The rise of the organic farmer

in AustraliaNo synthetics, nothing artificial,

no hormones or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), just

traditional farming methods.

2020

NeWs

Youth In Crisis, Birth Outreach working with

Doula Heart, Asylum Seekers, Indigenous

Women’s Maternal Health working with

Gunawira and Acupuncture for Torture and

Trauma Survivors are examples of the projects

that have begun utilising the essential oil kits.

In upcoming issues of Oily we will provide

case studies and updates on the progress

the OHO teams are making in these areas.

As an extension of our partnership,

towards the end of last year we were also

involved in spreading some festive cheer

through a hard-working youth centre.

Every night the Oasis Centre in inner-city

Sydney accommodates disadvantaged,

homeless young people. Most of them

experience a range of different symptoms

from considerable dietary problems, to drug

and alcohol use or addiction, along with

auto-immune deficiencies and mental

health issues. One Health Organisation

works closely with Oasis to provide

complimentary medicine to many of these

youths alongside their conventional medical

care and counselling services. Naturopathic

consultations are offered on a weekly basis

and a fresh juice and multi-vitamin service is

also provided.

The promotion of healthier lifestyles,

including nutritional and dietary advice

along with dispensing herbal medicines and

counselling, empowers these young people

to develop key life-skills and helps move

them towards a brighter future.

For Christmas 2010, staff at Sydney

Essential Oil Co. hand-made a range of

natural skin care products as gifts that were

distributed amongst the Oasis residents. Our

involvement with this unique organisation

ensured that many young people who would

normally have been forgotten at Christmas

were able to feel the joy of the season and

receive a gift made especially for them.

The year ahead will continue to bring many

positive experiences as we continue our

partnership with One Health Organisation. 1

If you are interested in learning more, making a donation,

or volunteering for a forthcoming project, please begin by

contacting our marketing department at marketing@seoc.

com.au or visit www.onehealthorganisation.org

The sponsorship collaboration of Sydney Essential Oil Co. with One Health Organisation was formalised in 2010 and already we have received encouraging feedback on the tailor-made essential oil kits that have been distributed to a number of their projects.

In the spirit of community: five projects up & running.

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In the spirit of community: five projects up & running.

“OHO works with a wide array of traumatised individuals; with Sydney Essential Oil Co.’s generous support and the use of these wonderful community aromatherapy kits, we are able to assist a great deal of people physically, mentally and emotionally.” Jimi Wollumbin CeO, One health Organisation

One health Organisation provides holistic health care services to disadvantaged community groups across Australia and overseas, utilising such therapies as Nutrition, Acupuncture, Physiotherapy, Aromatherapy and more.

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PrODuCt sPeCifiCAtiON

Product rose Otto Bulgarian oil

Botanical Name: Rosa damascena P. Miller

Origin: Bulgaria, (Enio Bonchev Ltd)

Appearance: Yellow fluid, transparent liquid above the freezing point

Odour : Characteristic rose, floral, typical of Bulgarian Rose oil

Plant part used: Flower

Extraction method: Steam distilled

Physio-chemical properties

Refractive Index at 20ºC: 1.452 to 1.470

Optical Rotation at 20ºC: -5º to -1.8º

Specific Gravity at 20ºC: 0.848 – 0.880

Freezing Point: +160ºC to +23.50ºC

Oil Components typical Analysis

Citronellol: 20-38%

Geraniol: 15-22%

Nerol: trace 5%

Phenylethyl alcohol: trace 4%

Other informationPackaging: as requiredStorage: Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry place without direct sunlight or heat.Handling: Well ventilated area and avoid open flame or other sources of ignition

for more information, contact sydney essential Oil Co. +61 2 9565 2828.

fOrMuLAtiON

Bed of Roses Body ButterPerformance: rich moisturising properties, protects and soothes the skinAppearance: pale natural coloured thick cream, smooth consistencyAroma: sweet, deep floral scent with warm undertonesstability: expected shelf life 18 months subject to manufacturing practicerecommended use: daily to maintain nourished skin texture

Method of Manufacture1. Heat Phase A to 70°C maximum.2. Combine ingredients in Phase B and heat to 70°C maximum.3. Add Phase B to Phase A and emulsify for 5 minutes.4. When emulsion has cooled to 35°C, add Phase C and emulsify for 1-3 minutes.5. Add all ingredients from Phase D while stirring constantly. Emulsify for 1-3 minutes.6. When cool, pour off.

for ingredients, contact sydney essential Oil Co. +61 2 9565 2828.

Disclaimer Product formulations are included as illustrative examples only. Whilst all care has been taken

in presenting example formulations, Sydney Essential Oil Co. accepts no responsibility concerning any

product manufactured using such formulations. The responsibility for the performance for marketing claim

and adequate testing for stability of any product prior to sale lies with the manufacturer thereof.

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Phase raw Material % w/w

A Rose Otto Hydrosol Super – certified organic 76.8

B Emulsifying Wax 5

Avocado Refined oil 4

Apricot Kernel oil 3

Beeswax Natural 2

Cocoa Butter – certified organic 2

Shea Nut Butter – certified organic 2

C Vitamin E natural 1

Bergamot Bergaptene Free essential oil 0.4

Patchouli essential oil 0.2

Rose Otto Bulgarian essential oil 0.1

D Passionflower extract – certified organic 1.5

White Tea extract – certified organic 1.5

Propylene glycol and diazolidinyl urea 0.5 and iodopropynyl butylcarbamate

100% w/w

Sydney Essential Oil Co Pty Ltd ABN 95 096 439 299

11 Burrows Road South, St Peters NSW 2044 Australia

PO Box 226 St Peters NSW 2044

T: + 61 2 9565 2828 F: + 61 2 9519 8009 E: sales@seoc.com.au

Order on-line www.seoc.com.au

Office hours: 9am-5pm Monday to Friday

© Copyright 2011 Sydney Essential Oil Co. Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or

transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy,

recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of the publisher.

Contact marketing@seoc.com.au with any requests.

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