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CO2 Extraction (sometimes called Hypercritical or Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction) is a relatively new process used to extract the very purest essence of a plant. Whilst essential oils from plants are usually extracted using heat distillation which is, in itself, a destructive process, CO2 Extraction uses only low or high pressure which means the complexities of the oil's constituents are preserved. When high pressure is applied to CO2 (carbon dioxide) the gas acts like a liquid. This liquid CO2 can be used as a quite inert and very safe solvent which, when pumped into a chamber containing plant material will...

I have been in recent conversations with people concerning endangered plant species that are on the CITES register and am surprised at just how little knowledge and information people who express concern about such things have to hand yet are ready to express an opinion which is based on so little knowledge or expertise in the matter. For instance, in a recent conversation, a blogger took me to task over Rosewood or Bois de Rose essential oil saying that it shouldn't be used as it is endangered. That is quite true in that South American Wild Rain Forest Rosewood is...

This article in no way endorses the efficacy of the eventual recipe but is presented for educational and historical purposes only for those interested in what Essiac Tea is. Essiac Tea was discovered by the nurse Rene Caisse ( The name Essiac is simply her name spelt backwards). She had the recipe given to her by an English woman who told her that in a meeting with a First National (Amero Indian) Shaman several years before she had been given to believe that a recipe of common-ish herbs taken as a tea regularly would stop or alleviate cancer. Rene Caisse...

An emmenagogue is a herb or plant material which stimulates blood flow from the uterus. The strongest of them will help stimulate and regulate menstrual flow such as in hormonal disorders or those who suffer from irregular or light menses. The strongest can also be considered arbortificents which may well stimulate a miscarriage so they should be used with attention and care although you would have to ingest a very large quantity to induce a miscarriage.  Emmenagogues should never be used whilst pregnant for obvious reasons. Each of the herbs is generally made into a tea and drunk a couple...

How to Make a Rose Infused Oil Making a Rose Infused Oil is very easy but time consuming. The results can be well worth it though. Make small quantities at a time and do so every year and you will never run out. Rose absolute oils are expensive, Rosa otto being the most expensive and Rosa Damascena Maroc being one of the cheaper ones. They are all rich, deep and extremely concentrated; usually dark brown in colour and very viscous. They are quite divine but beyond the purse of most of us and usually sold in tiny retail quantites (...

Serene and Tranquil Herbal Infusion Blend is a recipe for a soothing infusion, especially formulated to take the edge off a challenging day. This combination of herbs is reputed to ease nervousness, and calm down jittery stomachs. Alternate with Liver Maintenance and Restore and Revitalize. Recommendation:- 3 to 5 cups daily. Ingredients for Serene and Tranquil Herbal Infusion Blend:- Lavender  25 grams Lime Flowers  100 grams Liquorice  -25 grams Chamomile - 150 grams St John's Wort  -100 grams Herbal teas are blends, inasmuch as they are produced using a variety of ingredients during the manufacturing process. For the most robust...