Pretty in Pink

Pretty in Pink: Rose Harvest 2018 in the Rose Valley of Bulgaria

I recently attended a rose retreat in the Rose Valley of Bulgaria near the town of Kazanlak.  Silvia of Rose Overdose (https://www.roseoverdose.com) invited me and she was the most gracious host I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Her family has been harvesting roses and producing rose oil, and other rose infused products for generations. It was a rose jam packed week of rose picking, rose yoga, rose workshops, and rose dinners. I would like to give a shout out to my friend, Nicole Santos of Gallery Rosa in Todos Santos, Baja California Sur who trusted me and said "YES", to join as a travel buddy for the adventure.

We visited a rose distillery, a rose museum, and the tombs of great Thoracian kings. Bulgaria was a culturally infused place with influence from Slovic, Russian, Arabian, Turkish, and Grecian civilizations. Driving through the romantic rose valley there was nothing but rose gardens for miles. What I liked about these gardens is many were unattended, growing wild, free, engrossed in their natural state and the flowers covered the land what seemed to go on for an eternity.  The constant rose aroma opened my gypsy heart to a portal of another realm. Those that know the power of one sniff of rose can only image what it felt like to be amidst the aroma for week. it was constant. Rose notes even began to show up in my under arm odor. My essence infused with e rose essence. 

Botanical Name: Rosa damascena

Plant Part Used: Rose Petals

Method of Extraction: Steam Distillation

Note: Base and Middle

Aroma: Floral, Exotic, sometimes Citrusy or Smoky

Blends Well With: Bergamot, cardamom, geranium, ginger, jasmine, lemon, neroli, patchouli, sandalwood, vetiver, and frankincense

Rose Yoga

We kicked off our stay in the valley of roses with a once in a lifetime chance to practice in a studio that was filled with over 3000 roses. There was even an unexpected photographer there from national geographic to capture some images of our group doing "rose yoga". This was never really done before Silvia designed the concept and just so happened to take a day's harvest of here 40 acre farm to let us play in roses. My favorite was making "rose angels" (like when you lay back in the snow and make snow angels but with roses)

There is a reason why the rose has been used for centuries by lovers as a symbol of the heart. The oil is a gentle tonic for the heart w/ the highest measured frequency of all oils at 320 MHz. The rose garden itself is a living meditation w/ an endless sea of blossoms where the opening of petals never seemed to end.. Rose helps us to find the softness underneath it all, while helping to open our hearts a little more and experience a deep sense of peace, love, and joy. The many layers of this scent reminds of our “journey” not just the destination. This aroma is a gift of the earth bringing wisdom to those who have built walls around the heart. Breathe in this heavenly scent and get ready to receive.

Beauty Ritual, Goddesses, and Roses

 These three themes go hand in hand as rose elixir’s have been recorded in written history dating back 5000 years. Rose is also known as  “THE QUEEN of FLOWERS” Both in India, Egypt, Roman and Arabic writings deities, queens, and goddess are associated with the rose. The greek poet, Anacreon wrote that the white rose (Alba species) first sprang forth during the birth of  Aphrodite, the goddess of love.Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt was known for her beauty and one of her most famous recipes was her bath consisting of honey, milk, and roses. She even had her living quarters filled with petals so that when Marc Anthony met her he would long remember her every time he smelled a rose.

Whether dealing with libido, mood, or post natal issues working with rose oils can support healthy sexual and female challenges. Try taking Cleopatra’s lead and soak in a milk, honey and rose oil bath to support healthy hormonal function and uplift the mood.Rose has therapeutic compounds that are specifically regenerating to mature skin. The oil also benefits dry, hormonal, and problematic skin issues.

Recipes:

Night Serum - Take 1 drop rose oil to ¼ cup of Avocado oil. Apply a small amount to the face and neck each night before bed.

Moisturizer -Take 1 ounce coconut oil and mix 6 drops of rose oil and 6 drops of geranium. Massage into the skin, including legs, arms, elbows, hands and feet.

Love Potion - 7 drops rose oil, 4 drops ylang ylang, 1 drop neroli. Add oils to a cup of witch hazel in a glass mister. Eo’s float on top so shake the bottle to activate the ingredients

Rose Maks - 1 ounce of bentonite clay powder, 3 tbs of rose water, 3 drops of Myrrh oil, 4 drops rose oil. Apply to a clean moist face. Let dry for 15 mins and rinse.

Here is our "Caravan Girl", botanical perfume inspired by our trip and infused with rose essence.

Rose Oil Production

About 60,000 roses are used to produce 1 ounce of Rose Oil. This is about 7000-9000 kilos of petals in 1 liter of rose oil, or 30 kilos in just 1 gram! I recently had the pleasure to visit a 10 acre rose garden in the Rose Valley of Bulgaria. My friend, Silvie who invited me is carrying on the art of rose growing as did her family for generations. The entire rose harvest lasts around 3 weeks and begins mid May. Each morning the rose pickers, which many whom are “gypsies” wake up before the Sun to start picks by 5 AM- 10AM. When it begins to warm up the roses with begin to ferment so the day’s harvest goes right to the distillery which is nearby to be steam distilled into oil. 10 pickers will pick around 300 kilos of blossoms in a morning. One picker is needed per acre.

After rose picking one morning our group visited the Rose distillery. The exotic aroma that filled the air was one like no other. My nose captured rich notes of sultry smoke, earthy tobacco, tart fruit, fresh green, hint of citrus, and heavy floral aromatics. Yes, it was intoxicating and I finally understood the meaning of Silvia’s brand, Rose Overdosed! It was almost like being drunk on roses but that was another night of the retreat!

Rose Museum & Dinner

So far I have shared Aromatic and Topical ways to use the essence of the rose  but there are also internal uses through culinary delights. My favorite evening in Bulgaria was a Rose dinner hosted in Silvia’s family home. Her family had been making Rose Champagne, Rose Wine, and Rose Liqueurs for generations. Each sip was savored like a drop of love straight to the soul. The dinner also included a salad with edible roses, Bulgarian Cheeses with Rose Jam, Rose Risotto, and Rose Sorbet. In between each coarse we sipped on the beverages and got to smell different rose oils produced by different seasons or growers which of coarse effect the notes. Rose water, rose petal infusions and rose oil were all bases to the culinary delights. Earlier in the day we also got a surprise treat of sipping rose champagne on pink carpet in the gardens of the rose museum of Kazanlak.

Recipe: Rose Petal Jam

3 1/2 cups of water

3 cups of rose petals

2 1/2 cups of sugar

½ cup of fresh lemon juice

1 cup rose water

Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan and stir in the rose water. Remove from heat.

Add petals, cover,  and steep for 30 mins. Strain liquid. Discard petals.  Add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil for 4 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer into a hot mason jar to seal the lid.  Let cool. And store in a cool, dry place. Refrigerate after opening.

Thracian Tombs

The Thracian people were from the Odrysian kingdom an ancient, mysterious tribe with elaborate burial rituals who drank wine from gold cups, built structures to withstand the test of time, treasured their horses, and didn't bother to write anything down living in the moment.  I chanted in the Golyama Kosmatka Tomb of King Seuth to checkout the acoustical value 9while making a prayer wish and sending it out there in the universe somewhere. and thought Droko of the  known Dothraki (nomadic horse-mounted warriors from Game of thrones) was going to rise from the grave in which we were sitting. I instantly felt a weird , creepy, but powerful vibe and fled out of there quickly.  I will tell you within a few weeks my wish that I had made in the tomb came true but maybe that also had to do with the power of the roses. 

Rose Picking

Last but not least, my favorite activity was being out in the gardens picking the roses. A divine process it was! The scent though! Nirvana accessed right from the nose.  Silvia likes to call it "A living meditation".  The roses had the company of many bees, and wild flowers growing under the rose bushes including flowers springing up from two very precious essential oils Helichrysum and Tansy.  We also learned how to make mega flower crowns. Here is a magical moment in the garden while I was picking a local girl sang a beautiful song. I could not hold back the tears and forever more I will be looking at the world with as pair of rose colored lenses. 

Please contact me if you may be interested in attending one of Silvia's retreat or would like to inquire about purchasing some of her wonderful rose oil or rose water. 

INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT: AVOCADO OIL

While in Mexico we have been exploring indigenous ingredients of the region and have a new love for Avocado Oil both for external and internal use. Avocado oil is derived from the flesh of the fruit that grows in tropical and subtropical zones of Central America and California. In skin care it is commonly used as a base or carrier. (A CARRIER OIL IS A BASE OIL OR VEGETABLE OIL USED TO DILUTE ESSENTIAL OILS BEFORE THEY ARE APPLIED TO THE SKIN FOR SAFETY AND EFFICACY SINCE THE CARRIER OIL CAN ASSIST TO DRIVE THE ESSENTIAL OILS DEEPER INTO THE SKIN.)

Now that I hit forty years of age I like using a dynamic duo of both essential oils w/ a carrier for multiple benefits. Dry, aging skin for one is always thirsty for moisture and I spend a lot of time in the Sun currently residing in Mexico. I like to SLATHER carrier oils on. Plus this helps me extend the quantity of my precious and more expensive essential oils. fruit that grows in tropical and subtropical zones of Central America and California. We have used Avocado oil as a base in a few of our products from the "DESERT QUEEN" collection. Here are some of the unique properties of avocado oil:

OLEIC ACID 

Avocado Oil is a great carrier oil because it is highly moisturizing due to the omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and has a longer shelf life than most carriers so it doest go rancid as quickly. The fatty acids found in avocado oil are monounsaturated oleic acid. Oleic acid is known to  lower risk of some cancers, prevent flare-ups of certain auto-immune diseases, speed cell regeneration,  aiding the body in repelling microbial infections, and reducing inflammation inside and out.

DIGESTIVE HEALTH

The high concentration of oleic acid in avocado oil can help you lose weight – especially when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Avocado oil is thick and full of powerful nutrients, meaning that it will make you feel fuller faster and keep your appetite satisfied longer. Also, because the vitamins and EFAs in avocado oil improve digestion. Avocado oil has an unusually high concentration of beta-sitosterol, a type of cholesterol which our bodies can use to convert less healthy fats into forms which are more usable and less damaging to cells.

VITAMIN E

Avocado oil is among the top five foods highest in vitamin E. This fat-soluble vitamin is known for improving skin and eye health, bolstering the immune system, providing defense against oxidative damage to cells caused by free-radicals, improving memory and mental acuity, as well as increasing the overall efficiency of the digestive tract.

DETOX

Avocado oil is loaded with chlorophyll – a natural source of super-healthy magnesium and one of the best-known natural substances for removing heavy metals like mercury and lead from the liver, kidneys, brain, and other organs.

CELL REGENERATION

The vitamin E, potassium, and lecithin which are the primary skin-feeding nutrients in the oil are all easily absorbed through the epidermis – the outermost layer of the skin – and into the dermis. Due to its high concentration of anti-inflammatory oleic acid, avocado oil can be applied topically to ease discomfort caused by all manner of skin conditions and help w/ wound healing. In fact, this oil increases cell proliferation and during would healing this leads to an increase of the numbers of fibroblasts which lead to smooth, unwrinkled skin. It may reduce scars, soothe eczema and is even a light UV filer for Sun protection. Avocado oil is also nourishing for your hair and can help w/ a dry, itchy scalp.

I remember running into one of the most beautiful women at a grocery store when I was younger. I was so in awe of her beauty in fact that I complimented her. She was at that moment unloading a basket full of avocados. She responded, "Thank you but it's all due to these avocados".

H2O the Giver of Life and EO's to the Rescue

We all know drinking an adequate amount of water is crucial to good health. Besides aiding in digestion, circulation, and excretion, H2O  is also the key to healthy, glowing radiant skin. 

Dr Imre Nagy was one of the pioneer scientists out there to go deeper in to the study of aging diving into Dr. Harman's Free Radical Theory of Aging (FRTA) (which came out prior) stating that organisms age because cells accumulate free radical damage over time. A free radical is any atom or molecule that has a single unpaired electron in an outer shell. Nagy presented his “Membrane Hypothesis of Aging” in 1978. Simply he found that when a cell's water supply is pushed out the cell becomes dehydrated. Cell dehydration = cell oxidation which speeds the aging process causing wrinkles, inflammation, and disease. 

The good new was Nagy found that the cells could be repaired if there was a substance that could penetrate the hardened, cell membrane wall which was designed to not let just anything pass. The cell membrane has a job is to protect the crucial nucleus and our sensitive DNA make up at it's center. Dr. Nagy found that Antioxidants were the key the key to this repair but not just any antioxidants. They had to be a lipid soluble substance to pass through the cell wall. The more free radicals present, the harder the cell wall. 

Vitamin C for example is like a jump starter to our immune system but it is not lipid soluble. Only water soluble. Essential oils, on the the other hand are like magic to our cell because they are both lipid soluble and some of the most powerful antioxidants out there. 

Just to put into perspective how strong the essential oils are as antioxidants check this out. Blueberries and pomegranates are both wonderful fruits known to be highly antioxidant "superfoods" rating around a 5000 score on the ORAC scale which is a measure of radical absorption capacity or antioxidant power. Many of the essential oils rate in the in the one hundred thousands with clove oil being the heaviest hitter rating in at over a million!

Since EO's are so supportive to our cellular health this is my favorite reason I love to use them.  I incorporate essential oils into both my daily skin care routine while using them topically and using carrier oils such as coconut oil to carry them even deeper into my my body since fatty oils are also lipid soluble. Besides drinking lots of water I had a couple of drops of therapeutic grade lemon, lime or wild orange essential oil for extra flushing and detox. I would NEVER take an essential oil internally if sold off the shelf in a store. These smell great and may even say "therapeutic" but they are not for internal use.I would also NEVER buy off of Amazon (since you don't know the true source and people tamper there to extend the quantity. It's not rocket science to reseal at lid.). Not all EO brands are created equal. Many are cut w/ synthetic and toxic compounds or have little to no therapeutic properties due to improper growing, sourcing, and distilling practices. I trust one valid source for internal use (though there may be more out there) because of there strict protocol for ethical sourcing, growing, harvesting, distilling, rigid testing, and supporting of indigenous agriculture communities . Do your own research here at https://sourcetoyou.com

If you would like to also learn more I offer a free 30 min. consultation with samples to introduce you to the many ways essential oils can support your health. Please contact me at kristen@elegantsavage.com

EO Spotlight: PETITGRAIN

The botanical name for the orange plant is Citrus Aurantium. The French name Petitgrain means ‘little grains’ or ‘little seeds’. It acquired this name because Petitgrain essential oil was initially extracted from unripe oranges that were just in the size of cherries. No part of the citrus plant goes to waste.

Typically essential oil of orange is cold pressed from the peels and if you have ever smelled the divine floral scent of neroli it is the flowers which are distilled from this same plant for a completely different aroma. Petitgrain is also from this same orange plant but it’s the leaves and twigs that are now distilled for yet another lovely aroma that can be described as fresh, floral, and slightly herbaceous.

“Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises.”

— Pedro Calderon de la Barca

Since the primordial times, this oil has been considered an aphrodisiac and important ingredient of the classic ‘Eau-de-Cologne’. It is still extensively used in the perfume and cosmetics industries due to its remarkable aroma. Numerous Complementary and Alternative Medical systems have recorded the traditional use of this oil for supporting digestion, nervous exhaustion and skin disorders. English herbalist Gerard suggests bitter juices of Citrus fruits for treating venomous bites, stings and worms. Theophrastus, the antique book talks about the use of oranges for scenting fabrics and warding off moths.

The chief constituents of this oil are gamma terpineol, geraniol, geranyl acetate, linalool, linalyl acetate, myrcene, neryl acetate and trans ocimene. Because of these therapeutic compounds Petitgrain has been used throughout time to promote health.

• May help support healthy cardiovascular function*

• May provide antioxidant support*

• May support healthy immune function*

• May help promote a restful sleep*

Three ways to use this oil include:

1. Health benefits as a massage oil or bath oil: Abhyanga or Ayurvedic massage is the ultimate therapy for relaxing the mind and comforting the body with the use of Ayurvedic essential oils. Skin is the best channel that aids the blood passage to absorb the therapeutic properties present in such essential oils and pass it on to the entire body and the psyche. A classic Ayurvedic massage is known to augment blood circulation, calm the mind, promote mental energy and enlighten the soul.

2. Benefits to the system when added to vaporizers or diffusers: Fragrance, scent, aroma, smell or odor, whatever form it may be has a strong impact on your sensory receptors  followed by the entire behavioral and emotional set-up. Adding 2 drops of Petitgrain essential oil to your air freshener, diffuser, vaporizer or burner will help you in attaining greater heights as it boosts the intellectual power, helps restore emotions, instills self- acceptance and self-love.

3. Nourishes your skin as a trusted topical application: Petitgrain essential oil is lighter and refreshing than Neroli or Bitter Orange oil, making it more suitable for skin problems when 3 to 4 drops of this oil are added to skin care creams and lotions. Petitgrain oil plays a vital role in skin care as it helps clear skin blemishes, acne and oily skin. When used after a bath it keeps your skin moisturized all through the day.

By sourcing this oil through my doTERRA store you are helping small farmers while protecting the environment. This is because doTERRA is sourcing their Petitgrain from Paraguay through their Co-Impact Sourcing® initiative. doTERRA is able to support needed rural community development projects and provide diversified income for small-scale farmers. This approach provides an economically viable alternative to clear-cutting land, dramatically helping to protect the remaining patches of the Atlantic Rainforest in eastern Paraguay.

To purchase this oil visit my oil store at my.doterra.com/elegantsavage

(*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.)

"Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me" aka the Matcha Coconut Milky Mud Mask

Eisai, the monk, who brought Matcha green tea to Japan (circa 1200a.d.), said that it was:

                       "The Elixir Of The Immortals"

What is Matcha Green Tea?

In it’s simplest form, Matcha green tea is pure stone ground green tea leaves. A practice that has been perfected for over 1000 years by Japanese Monks.

Matcha tea is approximately 10X stronger than regular brewed green tea, and so it has extremely powerful therapeutic effects on the body. Matcha also contains high amounts of L-Theanines—a unique set of natural amino acids found almost exclusively in Matcha, known to reduce stress and anxiety, heightens the concentration to help provide increased mental clarity and focus.

Matcha contains over 70 times the anti-oxidants of fresh orange juice, and over 9 times the beta carotene of spinach. According to the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity), which is the method of measuring antioxidants in food developed by the National Institute of Health.

Matcha has a ORAC rating of roughly 1300 units per gram. This makes it one of the highest among the super foods and looking at the table below, you can see that Matcha Green Tea contains more antioxidants than all of the other antioxidant-rich foods combined!

According to the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity), which is the method of measuring antioxidants in food developed by the National Institute of Health.

Skin Benefits?

The antioxidant content of matcha like polyphenols and catechins battle and control the harmful effects of UV radiation and free radicals, helping greatly in protecting the skin from sun, wind and all extremes in weather conditions. Also protecting against inflammation in the body, these antioxidants also help eliminate acne and other types of skin eruptions and roughness. The strong presence of the EGCG antioxidant in matcha slows cell degeneration to impede the aging process, promoting smooth, tight skin that retains moisture and natural, smooth color tones.

Throughout the last three to four weeks of their growing time, right before harvest, matcha (camellia sinensis) leaves are keep covered for protection from the sun. This results in greater chlorophyll production which is responsible for the vivid green color of high caliber matcha. It also makes matcha a strong detoxifying agent for the bodies of users, cleansing the body’s entire system of toxins and hazardous chemicals or other impurities, leaving the skin glowing and radiantly clean.

Various natural or organic substances found in matcha have powerful antibiotic action for the body’s great benefit. These ingredients include catechins, Vitamins A and C, calcium, protein, iron and potassium. As these cleansing agents clean the internal system, they purify and smooth the skin, too, eliminating any blemishes or rashes. A healthy immune system also promotes clear, well-hydrated and youthful skin with good elasticity and resilience.

MATCHA MAKES A COLORFUL AND EFFECTIVE SKIN MASK

MATCHA GREEN TEA POWDER + COCONUT MILK + PETITGRAIN / PINK PEPPER ESSENTIAL OILS

This facial mask is very soothing and uplifting while it’s detox and purification properties will do wonders to rejuvenate your skin and complexion. If I was to name it I would have to call it "Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me" because it is the total CURE. While a heaping tablespoon of spring green matcha green tea powder supplies the antioxidants, cleansers and detox agents, a few drops of petitegrain and pink pepper essential oil will heal and revitalize multiple layers of the skin. The coconut milk hydrates and softens delicate tissue. The many healing properties of this mix will help reduce any scarring or imperfections in skin surface, and your entire face will feel renewed and fresh.

It also alleviates wrinkles and may even prolong or eliminate their formation when used regularly over an extensive time period. While this facial treatment is not intended to result in an overnight makeover, you will see gradual, but steady skin improvements with continuous use.

Exfoliate and Glow!

This is my free webinar on how to formulate a customized, highly therapeutic body scrub while exploring ancient beauty, and the benefits of sourcing pure, botanical skin care ritual ingredients. Self-care is key to fill our cups, while expanding our capacity to give! Love yourself today by indulging in this tribal beauty ritual to make your body and soul glow. This presentation is brought to life through my live, hands on formulation workshops to invoke the senses and your exotic warrior spirit! Please inquire for more details if you would like me to host a workshop in your area. I also offer private, aromatic sourcing consultations. 
kristen@elegantsavage.com
 

Tribal Beauty Benefit Gala for the Healing Hands Foundation

Tropical to fresh we will be celebrating exotic culture, indigenous lands, and the native farmers who bring us the finest CPTG essential oils on the planet.

Lives and entire communities are being empowered thanks to doTERRA. doTERRA's co-impact sourcing practices captures hearts and makes a sustainable impact w/ love.   Besides educating our own oil community to raise awareness on "Co-Impact Sourcing"  we are also raising funds for doTERRA's Healing Hands Foundation this night.

The dōTERRA Healing Hands Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to improving lives through partnering with organizations that bring healing and hope to the world as well as lives free of disease and poverty, and to ultimately teach impoverished cultures how to be self-reliant. dōTERRA International, LLC, ensures that 100 percent of all donations go directly to those receiving aid.  The cost of a ticket is $25 and includes:

• One drink ticket to try one of our many doTERRA mocktails at the elixir bar.

• One entry into the doTERRA essential oil product raffle
• Live music from artists including global DJ Gobi
• Essential oil and co-impact sourcing education w/ various regions to "tour"
• Sampling at our Tribal Beauty Bar
• Trunk show w/ exotic, handmade, local goods from Pacific NW artists
• Silent Auction representing items donated by gracious patrons representing the arts including: healing, garden, music, art,  dance, and culture.