emotional wellbeingsupported with scent

exhilarate your senses with Australian peppermint oil

how to use absolutes, oleoresins and resinoids

SUMMER EDITION 2015

summerSUMMER EDITION 2015

THIS ISSUE

Summer cover:Fennel SweetFoeniculum vulgare dulceThe bright aniseed aroma and clean herbaceous tones of Fennel Sweet oil make it a lively scented ingredient. Steam distilled from the seed, it is a popular addition to detoxifying massage products. It offers cleansing and toning properties when utilised in skincare formulations and can help enliven a dull complexion. In a vaporiser blend it will boost confidence and promote inner strength. Available in Certified Organic and Conventional grades. Visit www.seoc.com.au for more information.

04 Harvest: Peppermint oil (Australia) Feel the tingle from top to toe

12 Essential Oils: The Art of Vaporising

Create a unique space with an aromatic experience.

14 Lifestyle: Support Your Emotions Essential oils to nourish your soul.

18 Up Close: Perfect Perfumery Ingredients

How to use absolutes, oleoresins and resinoids

22 Product Specification:

Peppermint oil (Australia) Specification for manufacturers

23 Formulation: Cooling Foot Lotion

Featuring Peppermint oil (Australia)

This season’s oily is filled with all things aromatic, with a focus on the wonderful scents and unique benefits essential oils can bring to your life.Harvest features the sensational Peppermint oil grown in the Tasmanian midlands, where the clean fresh environment manifests itself in the crisp minty oil. In Up Close, we share more about our range of distinctive perfumery ingredients – Absolutes, Oleoresins and Resinoids. They offer impressive results and will add something extra special to a blend. Plus, in Lifestyle we’ll help you find your emotional balance by utilising essential oils. Vaporise them every day to find your favourite mood.There are so many diverse ways to celebrate scent. Enjoy the read and be inspired to pick up your oil bottles and inhale deeply. Lucille Wilson, Editor

HARVEST

Minty Peppermint oil from TasmaniaIts unmistakable scent is powerful and vibrant, and Australian grown peppermint will leave your senses tingling and exhilarated.

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In the rich agricultural region of Tasmania’s Northern Midlands, near the Great Western Tiers mountain range, farmers have been producing world class peppermint for over 30 years. Essential oil production has established a strong industry presence that brings important commercial opportunities to the region.

Sydney Essential Oil Co.’s supply source is one of the primary producers from this area and their peppermint oil is an exceptional aromatic ingredient.

Peppermint through the AgesThe vibrant, fresh aroma of Mentha piperita is synonymous with crisp, cool cleanliness. The menthol scented plant has been used in many different industries over the centuries and is typically identifiable in modern flavours, pharmaceuticals and cosmetic applications.

The plant is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean, but has been used around the globe by numerous civilisations. The earliest recorded use of peppermint dates back to the 1st century AD, where Romans utilised the herb as a flavour for sauces and wine. The Ancient Greek physicians employed a specific variety of peppermint in the treatment of mild ailments. And the Egyptians cultivated the plant for use as a soothing digestive remedy.

Peppermint had become an accepted medicinal plant species in England by the mid 1700’s and was commercially cultivated in Mitcham, Surrey. It was specifically utilised for its ability to alleviate indigestion and flatulence. Tea was brewed from the leaves to offer relief from cold and flu symptoms, and it was also said to relieve toothache. Subsequent introduction to North America in the 1800’s, lead to a significant increase in global production. And within 40 years, America was one of the largest producers of oil in the world. In Australia, the Black Mitcham Mentha piperita species was introduced in the mid-1980’s from the United States and found a perfect home in the mild climate of the Apple Isle.

Tasmanian Growing ConditionsThe lower lying farming areas of Northern Tasmania enjoy a relatively stable, mild climate. Summer temperatures average from >

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HARVEST

Previous page: Overhead irrigation is an efficient method of water delivery. It maintains healthy crops with very little impact to the environment. This page clockwise from top: The mechanical forage harvester enables farmers to collect the plant material and deposit it directly into containers for transportation. Mentha piperita plants grow to approximately 60-80 centimetres in height in preparation for windrowing and harvesting. Steam distillation boiler units are fuelled with waste wood from local pine plantations.

In Australia, Mentha piperita found a perfect home in the mild climate of the Apple Isle.

10°C overnight through to around 25°C during the day and winter sees the gauge fall to a night time average of 2°C and days of 12°C. Heavy frosts are also quite common during winter.

The growing region does occasionally suffer from dry weather conditions. However, this is mitigated by the fact that there are quality water resources close to most farms which allow for supplementary irrigation when required.

The Black Mitcham variety of peppermint is notoriously difficult to grow as it is highly sensitive to soil nuances, climatic changes and temperature variances. Thankfully, the Tasmanian farmlands have proven to be the optimal location for this species to thrive. The conditions allow for the aromatic chemicals in the plant to develop a deep complexity and the pure, naturally clean environment supports the health of the plant and keeps it free from disease.

Peppermint Farming and HarvestingMany farmers utilise overhead irrigation systems that pivot above the crop allowing for highly efficient water use. This type of system is ideal for maximising output whilst using very low emission technologies. As the species is a perennial crop, the plants can remain in the ground for many years. There is regular refurbishment and some natural attrition but it is not uncommon for plantations to last beyond 10 years and still be highly productive.

New cultivation of peppermint plants is a cyclical process whereby the stolons, or roots, of established plantations are dug up in early winter. The stolons are cut and immediately replanted into freshly prepared paddocks in order to develop the new farm plot.

The new crops take up to 8 months to mature, but they do not become entirely established or produce a full yield until the second annual harvest cycle. Prior to any harvest, the components of the plant are evaluated to ensure key constituents are at their optimal levels for essential oil extraction. Then harvesting may occur at two different stages subject to the weather conditions during spring and summer. Typically, the annual harvest occurs during late January or February, once the plants have grown to their ideal size >

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Anti-clockwise from top: Stainless steel units are employed for steam distillation, ensuring the resulting oil is of optimal

quality and vibrancy. Once cut, the plant material

is left to dry in the field for 2 to 3 days before

collection. The final stage of extraction sees the

Peppermint essential oil separated from any residual

water. The purity of the product is guaranteed.

Components of the plant are evaluated to ensure key constituents

are at optimal levels for essential oil extraction.

HARVEST

Delight your senses with Australian Peppermint oil today. For a bulk quote or more information

contact our sales team on 02 9565 2828 or sales@seoc.com.au.

of 60-80 centimetres in height. However, in a particularly warm season there can be an initial harvest in December followed by a second cut in April. A mechanical forage harvester is used to cut the aerial portion of the plant close to ground level. This plant material is left to dry in the field for a number of days before being collected. Once loaded into large containers, the cuttings are sent for steam distillation processing. The resulting distillate is condensed and water separated by standard extraction processes and can be further refined based on industry requirements.

Farmers utilise the steamed stems and leaves to enrich their paddocks and improve the soil quality ensuring minimal waste remains after oil extraction. On average this Mentha piperita species produces a 0.3% yield so approximately 333 kilograms of plant material is required to produce 1 kilogram of the vividly scented essential oil.

Peppermint Essential OilThe sweet, bright scent of Peppermint oil is used to flavour food, beverages or confectionary and the international culinary trade embrace it. It is also highly popular in oral care products such as toothpaste, mouth wash and chewing gum as the flavour provides a fresh, lively sensation.

Aromatherapeutically, the oil is recognised for its ability to cool the body. It can help alleviate anger and is known to support mental clarity especially when blended with Lemon or Rosemary. In massage it can help ease aching legs or feet and is a common ingredient in foot care products.

When incorporated in natural cosmetic formulations it can keep the skin soft whilst minimising blackheads and breakouts. It is ideal for use in haircare products as it reduces greasiness and it is also a perfect ingredient for after-sun and aloe vera based products. Its soothing, cooling effects are highly beneficial and help to relieve itchiness caused by dry skin. 1

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Peppermint essential oil is an excellent addition to creams and lotions for foot care. The cooling

and softening action is ideal for maintaining smooth skin and the fresh aroma helps to minimise odour.

ESSENTIAL OILS

Embracing the art of vaporising is a

wonderful way to surround yourself with

essential oil aromas to boost your mood,

cultivate serenity or help you achieve

crystal clear focus for work.

WHAT IS VAPORISING?

Vaporising is one of the simplest ways to

enjoy aromatherapy and to promote good

health and a sense of well being. All that is

required is a device, such as an electric oil

vaporiser and a selection of essential oils.

Gently warming the oils releases the

aromatic plant molecules into the air, which

are subsequently inhaled as you breathe.

These molecules are absorbed through the

olfactory system and travel to the limbic

system in the brain which controls our basic

emotions and instincts. The overall effects

are subtle, yet extremely beneficial.

WHICH OILS SHOULD I VAPORISE?

We recommend only choosing quality

pure or organic essential oils (not synthetic

or fragrance oils) for achieving true

aroma-therapeutic benefits.

Essential oils can be vaporised anywhere

you wish to enhance or influence the

environment, such as at home or in the

workplace. Every essential oil offers

varying and distinctive benefits. So when

making your selection, start by considering

the overall effect you wish to achieve and

then creatively pair the oils according to

their properties and to the space. Some

scents will kick start your morning or settle

your mind before bedtime; others help in

promoting open communication, diffusing

stress, or improving concentration and

focus. Vaporising a single oil is certainly a

great place to start and the effects are

excellent when used alone.

Here are few suggestions to try;

• sweet orange or grapefruit oil in the

kitchen to brighten your mornings

• lavender or marjoram in the bedroom for

a restful night sleep

• jasmine or ylang ylang over a candle lit

dinner to encourage romance

• rosemary or peppermint in your office for

clarity of thinking

As you build your oil collection, try

experimenting with the composition to

achieve more synergistic effects. Consider

the balance of top (citrus), middle (floral)

and base (wood) notes and mix and match

to create your own truly impressive

aromatic experiences.

A quick and easy way to decide whether

the combination will be appealing is to

select the oils you wish to blend, and

lightly waft the opened bottles under your

nose as you inhale. If the blend is pleasing,

go ahead and add drops to the vaporiser.

We encourage you to enrich your life

by embracing the art of vaporising

and using your essential oils every day. 1

Imagine if you could enhance the way you experience life through your sense of smell? Well you can!

the art of vaporising

Take control of the aromatic

environment that surrounds you. Breathe deeply and enjoy the

energy of pure essential oils.

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UP CLOSE

How to use absolutes, oleoresins

and resinoidsNatural perfumers love

deep, opulent aromatic notes that impart impressive characteristics

to a blend. Absolutes, oleoresins and resinoids are often utilised to create

a distinctive unique feature that enriches the scent and

creates an extraordinary effect.

Selecting one or two truly unique aromatics in your

perfume or blend can lift your scent to amazing new heights.

ABSOLUTES

An absolute is a highly concentrated

viscous, solid or semi-solid aromatic liquid

that is obtained through solvent

extraction processes. This method is often

used when the plant material, such as

delicate flowers, herbs, leaves or roots, can

be damaged by the high temperatures of

steam distillation.

The first stage of extraction produces a

waxy, solid Concrete. This Concrete is

processed through a second solvent

extraction stage to obtain the Absolute.

Absolutes have an intense odorous quality

and are extremely useful in essential oil

blends and perfumery as they add an

exciting element to the scent profile.

OLEORESINS & RESINOIDS

These two product types are also obtained

through solvent extraction processes. The

source of these aromatic ingredients is dry,

natural resinous plant material such as

gum or powder. The resulting product can

be solid, semi-solid or viscous liquids.

Oleoresins consist of a mixture of

essential oils and resins. They are

commonly used in the food industry but

are also highly popular in cosmetics and

perfumery as they act as a fixative for

prolonging the effects of the overall

fragrance. The Vanilla Oleoresins in SEOC’s

product range offer luscious vanilla tones

and complements many different blending

notes from citruses such as orange or

mandarin to florals including rose,

geranium and exotic ylang ylang. It is

also important to note that the oleoresin

is not soluble in oil, it is only soluble in

water or alcohol.

Resinoids tend to be solid in form

and contain non volatile, resinous

compounds. They have strong resonating

aromatic qualities that ground a blend

with earthy tones. SEOC’s range

includes Labdanum, Olibanum and

Orris resinoids and each of these has a

distinct aroma that brings depth

and warmth to an essential oil blend,

perfume or men’s cologne.

PREPARING THE AROMATICS

As the viscosity of these aromatics can

range from semi-solid to solid, to

successfully blend with them, it is

important to gently heat the product

before adding it to your liquid ingredients.

This will ensure it disperses evenly.

For viscous, thick liquids and semi-solids,

a water bath will often be enough to

completely liquefy the material. Add warm

water to a small glass or dish and immerse

the sealed bottle to about mid height. The

water will gently heat the bottle and in

turn the absolute, oleoresin or resinoid

inside. Once it has melted, you will be able

to incorporate it with the other essential

oils in your blend.

Solids can be a little more difficult to

work with as they need a higher

temperature to liquefy. Hot tap water

might not be sufficient in this case and

you will possibly need to create a water

bath in a bains marie or saucepan to reach

the product’s melting point. Handle the

bottle with care, as it will become hot

during this technique.

Applying this level of heat to these

aromatics will not impact the efficacy or

the intensity of the scent. They are very

robust ingredients and can easily

withstand multiple changes in structure.

HOW TO BLEND

When developing your blend

formulation it is recommended to use

absolutes, oleoresins and resinoids

in low percentages. They are highly

concentrated and aromatically very

potent. So, you will find they produce

outstanding results in very small

quantities. When added at higher dosages

they may overpower the balance of the

blend. We suggest starting with less than

one percent, and then assess the result

periodically as the notes gradually find

their balance.

Developing your aroma is an intricate

process as the scent profile will change

until the oils synergise with the absolutes,

oleoresins or resinoids. As a rule of thumb,

the lower base tones will take time to

become more pronounced and often your

blend or perfume won’t reach full

maturity for a number of weeks.

Also, many of these ingredients are

recognised as precious materials and come

at a premium cost. In order to minimise

the impact on your overall budget, it is

advisable to start with a small percentage

and review the total formulation cost as

you tweak and modify the blend.

OTHER PERFUMERY INGREDIENTS

To add the final touch to your blend

SEOC also offers a selection of highly

aromatic CO2 extracts, perfect for use in

perfumery. Gently extracted from plant

material by supercritical carbon dioxide,

the range of oil soluble liquids include

Australian Buddhawood, Chamomile,

Ginger, Siberian Fir, Vanilla and White

(Emerald) Cypress. All of which perform

brilliantly with essential oils and other

aroma based elements.

As your nose becomes tuned to

the complexities of blending you will

find that you become more confident in

your formulating. Experimenting with

unusual scent combinations and

matching multiple perfumery ingredients

with each other will lead to wonderful

sweet-smelling discoveries. 1If you have any questions regarding perfumery

blending or to request a quote please contact our sales

team at sales@seoc.com.au or call 02 9565 2828.

UP CLOSE

The perfect perfumery ingredients, absolutes, oleoresins and resinoids are highly concentrated and aromatically very potent.

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Promote Positivity Laughter, smiling and feeling joy in your heart makes everything more pleasant. Happiness is one of the most enjoyable emotions we can experience. Learning to look for the good things in life and in the people around you is one of the best ways to tap into happy thoughts and enables you to view the world with a positive attitude.

To help maintain your sunny mood you can choose oils that offer a bright aromatic experience. Citrus oils certainly encourage a friendly, cheerful environment. Sweet Orange, Grapefruit, Mandarin, Tangerine and Bergamot oils are all good choices to help keep the smile on your face and the happy glow around you.

Vaporising the oils in your home or workplace will create an optimistic energy that everyone will benefit from.

Editor’s tip: Vaporise 10-12 drops of your favourite citrus oil in your home to bring light and laughter.

Lift the GloominessWhen the clouds are hanging low overhead and your world feels grey and gloomy it is important to try to recognise what is causing your sadness. Acknowledging the source of your emotions can be a great first step in making it easier to move on from the melancholy.

Sometimes some extra help might be needed, and essential oils such as Clary Sage, Roman Chamomile and Lavender are excellent choices to help raise your spirits and lift you out of a slump. They create calm and provide a nurturing atmosphere that will allow you to let go of your sorrow.

A few drops of essential oil in a bath will relax your body and set your mind free to the promise of a new day.

Editor’s tip: Add up to 3% essential oil into epsom salts or a water dispersible oil base for a kind, comforting bath soak. >

LIFESTYLE

emotional wellbeing...Life’s ups and downs can certainly have us experiencing a full range of emotions and moods on a daily basis and impact the way we interact with one another. Wonderfully merry moments, or slightly prickly exchanges can happen without us even realising, and it’s not always easy to maintain full self-awareness. But here are some tips that can help support your emotions with aromatherapy and essential oils.

How to support your soul with essential oils.

Sweet Orange oil is friendly and welcoming. It creates a sunny vibe that encourages happiness.

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Feel the LoveThere is nothing better than embracing love with its all encompassing sensations. In the height of this emotion you feel warm, safe and truly connected to your partner and yourself. It is wonderful to celebrate this connection and it should be nurtured every day.

To support your love you can choose essential oils that have a romantic aura. Jasmine, Rose, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang are all ideal to create a sensual aromatic experience.

Editor’s tip: Add 2% to an unscented massage oil base for a luxurious and tender body massage.

Encourage CreativityFinding inspiration can be challenging when the stresses of your modern day lifestyle overpower your senses. It is in the quiet moments when you can emotionally re-energise that you often find your creativity is unlocked and flows from every pore.

Meditation is an excellent activity to free yourself from distractions and when partnered with essential oils you can achieve amazing results. Try selecting essential oils that will refresh your mind and reduce mental fatigue. Frankincense, Lime and Rosemary are all recognised for their ability to reset your thoughts and open you up to new possibilities.

Editor’s tip: 10-12 drops in a vaporiser when you are experiencing a creative block will help to release the mind and find your new idea.

Essential oils offer a wonderful natural alternative for supporting your emotional wellbeing. However, they may not be the most effective solution for your situation. If you feel you are unable to manage difficult emotions on your own, we always recommend seeking professional assistance. 1

MindfulnessBeing present in the moment is beneficial for both your work and your home life. If you are feeling scattered, confused or unable to maintain focus, it can lead to overwhelming situations that exacerbate your emotional state.

Take some time out to simplify your thoughts. Try writing a list or drawing a mind map to help clarify the muddle and enable you to focus mindfully on the present situation.

There are also many creative activities you can engage in to help centre yourself. Hobbies such as colouring in, gardening, sewing, singing and the like, are all great ways to disconnect from life’s pressures and increase mindfulness.

Including essential oils in your daily routine can also help bring mental clarity. Some of the most effective for connecting with your consciousness are Lemon, Melissa, Petitgrain and Rosemary.

Editor’s tip: Add 5 drops to 10mL of jojoba oil in a rollette bottle for an easy to use pulse point aroma blend.

Allay Anger & FrustrationAnger is an emotion that can be quite debilitating and can have a significantly negative impact on your relationships with others. If you find yourself with a short fuse, or if you suffer through annoyance and frustration, it could be worthwhile looking at the root cause of your feelings.

Professionals are able to assist in managing your awareness in challenging situations but there are some essential oils that are also helpful in maintaining a cool and calm nature. Patchouli, Peppermint and Vetiver are all beneficial options when you are feeling hot under the collar.

Editor’s tip: Diffuse tension in a room by adding a few drops in the vaporiser. Or keep a few drops of oil on a cotton ball or tissue and have it within arm’s reach for when you start to feel your mind tense; some deep breaths can help release the inner conflict.

LIFESTYLE

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PRODUCT SPECIFICATION FORMULATION

Cooling Foot LotionPerformance: light-weight emulsion, easily absorbed. Appearance: cream coloured emulsion with light viscosity.Aroma: clean, vibrant aroma with menthol, herbaceous tones.Stability: expected shelf life 12 months subject to manufacturing practice Recommended use: apply to feet daily to improve skin condition and odour.

Method of Manufacture1. Heat Phase A to a maximum of 70°C.2. Combine ingredients in Phase B and heat to 70°C.3. Add Phase B to Phase A and mix. Continue mixing until cooled to 45°C.4. Add Phase C and mix well.5. Add Phase D and mix well.6. Continue to gently mix until cooled to room temperature.7 Package in appropriate bottles.

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 Tea Tree Infused water 73.9

B Emulsifying wax 3.4

Apricot Kernel oil 7

Macadamia Virgin oil 7

Neem Seed oil 1

C Natural Tocopherol 50 (Vitamin E 50) 1

Peppermint oil (Australia) 0.6

Eucalyptus Blue Mallee oil (Australia) – certified organic 0.5

Cypress oil (Spain) 0.4

Cedarwood oil (Himalayan) 0.2

D Echinacea extract – Certified Organic 2

Leucidal 2

Phytocide Elderberry 1

100% w/w

Product Peppermint oil (Australia)

Botanical Name: Mentha piperita

Origin: Australia

Appearance: Clear, mobile liquid

Colour: Colourless to pale yellow

Odour: Characteristic

Plant part used: Leaves and lateral branches

Extraction method: Steam distillation

Physio-chemical properties

Specific Gravity @ 20°C: 0.8850 – 0.9150

Refractive Index @ 20°C: 1.4550 – 1.4850

Optical rotation: - 5.00° to - 35.00°

Flash Point: ≥65°C in closed cup

Oil components

Menthol 35% to 60%

Menthone 10% to 30%

1.8 Cineole 1% to 15%

Menthofuran 1% to 15%

Menthyl acetate Trace to 10%

Pulegone Trace to 5%

Other InformationPackaging: As required.Storage: 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.Shelf Life: Three (3) years from date of manufacture (when stored in appropriate conditions).

For more information contact Sydney Essential Oil Co. +61 2 9565 2828.

Typical Analysis

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Sydney Essential Oil Co. Pty Ltd. ABN 16 600 890 248

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 online www.seoc.com.au

Office hours: 9am-5pm Monday to Friday

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