Body care products come in different packaging and formulas. Each manufacturer
brags about their own specific formula and more specifically one unique ingredient
that surpasses their competitors' products. Recently I spoke with an esthetician
regarding this competitive edge that seems to be a commonality among most of these
beauty manufacturers. Robina is from Norway and has trained extensively in her
country on facial care. She owns a successful skincare clinic in Durango, Colorado.
Her observations have led to one repetitive thread that weaves among body care
companies; the decision which one unique ingredient would give them their edge
and provide an exclusive beneficial formula which would place their products above
and beyond their competitors.
Some of the "stars" of beauty include glycolic acid, vitamin C, seaweed,
vitamins, retinol A, antioxidants and marine algae. These and other ingredients
promise smoother, silkier almost wrinkle free skin. Confusing to the general
consumer? You bet!
The skin is the largest organ and reflects how much or how little sleep we
get, stress, accumulative sun damage, hormones, lack of exercise, pollutants
while living in big cities, alcohol, acne, diet, pigmentation and many other
21st century challenges.
A few months ago, I was introduced to a brand new essential oil from the Northern
Territory of Australia, which presents an exciting potential among beneficial
skin benefits. Australian Blue Cypress Oil Callitris intratropicai
takes on the appearance of a vivid aquamarine color when steam distilled. The
color is dazzling which makes this oil unique within its self. The aroma is
close to sandalwood and yet when a few drops are placed on the skin the scent
takes on its own soft, woody scent.
The oil contains cuainene, selinenes, eudesmols and other compounds with important
fragrance properties. The magnificent blue color comes from guaiazulene, identical
in nature to the constituent of European Chamomile Oil chamazulene. This compound
is known for its anti-inflammatory substance. Blue Cypress has a similar aroma
to Oil of Guaiac Wood Bulnesia sarmienti, Vetiver Oil Vetiveria
zizaniodes, and the Cedarwood Oil Juniperus virginiana.
Blue Cypress has some interesting anecdotal stories to add to its down under
mystique. An application of the oil on warts, sunburns, stomach aches, insect
bites and various other first aid uses reminds us of its native sister herb,
tea tree oil. I find that Blue Cypress is more “scent friendly”
among most people compared to the rather pungent aroma of tea tree. I placed
a few drops on a persistent wart for 2 weeks. Not only has the wart disappeared,
it hasn’t grown back after 5 months. I was impressed!
How can Blue Cypress be integrated into beauty care? I believe that the oil
has wonderfully effective skin softening and moisturizing effects for all skin
types. A middle-aged man, who had been exposed to the elements from his surfing
days, used a few drops on one side of his sun-damaged skin. Within 2 weeks,
the skin appeared to be much smoother compared to the other side.
He continues using the oil and is fairly convinced his skin is in better condition
and appears much less rough, scaly and sun damaged. My niece who is in her twenties
is prone to skin eruptions. She applied the oil on her skin and saw remarkable
results within 2 days!
A little of the oil goes a long way. It can be mixed with your own face and
body moisturizers, bath and shampoo products. There is an emergence of new blue
cypress products available, which also include baby products and Aromatherapy
products including candles. Blue Cypress has been selected as the “Essence
of Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and the entire line of Aromatherapy products is
being presented by Jurlique International of Australia.
To put it in the words of Jurlique's founder, Dr Jurgen Klein, "Jurlique
is pleased to present the Blue Cypress Oil as an official fragrance for the
Sydney 2000 Olympics. Every athlete will have the chance to enjoy its fresh
and unusual odor that will remind them of Australia many years later. Lots of
healing properties with Blue Cypress Oil will be tested and Jurlique will either
in its own health healing facilities or in hospitals test the Blue Cypress Oil
as a topical substance and will supply scientific proof. During the Sydney 2000
Olympics there were hundreds and hundreds of athletes, trainers and press journalists
who enjoyed a massage with Jurlique carrier oils and Blue Cypress Oils as well
as other facial and body treatments". The man behind the discovery and
development of this aqua colored essential oil is William McGilvray, Chairman
of Australian Cypress Oil Pty, Ltd. His firm environmental stands and discerning
eye led him to the discovery of the existence of Callitris intratropica located
at the "top end" of the Northern Territory. The first plantings were
conducted in the early 1960's on Melville Island. Presently, there are large-scale
plantations, which provide employment and revenue for the Tiwi people on their
native islands.
Matthew Wonaeamirri is Chairman of the Tiwi Land Council. He shared with me
the following in a letter. "This is a good wood for making spears, and
burning it helps to keep mosquitoes away. It smells good too and sometimes we
take the bark off it and rub into a soap. It is good for skin sores and even
for tummy problems if you rub it on your tummy…This beautiful tree has
such valuable and lovely blue oil that we now know can be taken from the wood.
For some years now we have been working with the Australian Cypress Company
to develop markets to sell this beautiful oil. Sales are helping us build roads
that we need and also housing and other needs for our communities."
One could ask as we baptize the new century what is ahead for the re-emergence
of consumer interest and use in herbal medicines and essential oils? Professional
organizations such as the American Medical Association have published over 80
articles about complementary medicine. The National Center for Complementary
and Alternative Medicine increased their budget to $50 million providing more
funds toward scientific testing and hopefully establishing pathways toward integrated
health. In my estimation, Blue Cypress Oil Callitris intratropica has
the potential to take its place as a leader in the essential oil field. As with
any birth, I feel an expectancy of a wondrous new arrival with the Birth of
the Blue.
References
- The Aboriginal Communities of Northern Territory of Australia. Traditional
Bush Medicines, Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory.1993.
- Cooksley,Valerie Gennari. Aromatherapy: A Lifetime Guide to Healing With
Essential Oils.Prentice Hall,Paramus,NJ.1996.
- McGilvray,William.(1998) ,Australian Blue Cypress Oil. From Proceedings
of the Second Australiasian Aromatherapy Conference,Landmark Hotel,Sydney,March
20-22,Section 14,pp.1-5.
- Olsen,C.Birth of the Blue: Australian Blue Cypress Oil.Kali Press,Pagosa
Springs,CO.2000.