The Weblog
The local foods movement is alive and well in Champaign County! Here are some updates on other projects while we finalize our virtual market:
Local Producers Map:
Our local producers map is ready for publication and you will soon be able to find it on gochampaign.com. Copies will be distributed around the community, in the local telephone book, and other “hangouts”. The guide lists the location and contact information for nearly 50 local producers within our county. The map was a project of the Local Food Council and printed with the help of some local sponsors including the Monument Square District, Champaign Bank, the Community Improvement Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce, the Farm Bureau and others. It is a great start to finding a local source for Champaign County’s finest!
Scents and Sensibility:)
Just a little play on words as I share a write up from ELM Tree Essentials!
Hello Market Shoppers!
We’re pretty excited to launch and offer you Essential Oils…the same oils we use in our soaps that you have grown to love! And for now, we’re exclusively offering them on this market. You’re just that special! J
Here’s what we currently have available {pssst, there might be some special blends coming in the near future! J}:
5 ml bottles of oil in Lavender, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Frankincense, Lemongrass, Patchouli, and our Thieves Blend.
AND
10 ml roller ball bottles of the same oils, which come pre-diluted to 5% in Jojoba or Fractionated Coconut Oil! These are super handy because they are ready for use, no dilution required!
A little about each oil and its commonly known attributes/properties (source: Essential Oils for Beginners, Althea Press):
Lavender:
· Properties—Analgesic, antibacterial, anticonvulsant, antifungal, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitumoral, vasodilator, vermifuge.
· Primary Uses—Soothes insomnia, nervous tension, and premenstrual symptoms; treats skin conditions, including acne and excessive oil on the skin; reduces blood pressure and cholesterol; treats allergies and asthma; soothes bruises and burns; eases headaches; combats mild bacterial and fungal infections, including swimmer’s ear and athlete’s foot; repels insects. It can be used to promote a sense of calm and balance, as well as to relax the mind and ease feelings of anger and frustration.
Peppermint:
· Properties—Analgesic, antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antispasmodic, antitumoral, antiviral, digestive
· Primary Uses—Soothes aches, pains, and itchy skin, including psoriasis and eczema; eases tension and headaches; soothes respiratory infections and asthma; relieves nausea and other digestive problems; combats viral and fungal infections, including cold sores.
Tea Tree:
· Properties—Antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, balsamic, expectorant, insecticide, stimulant, sudorific
· Primary Uses—Relieves colds, sinusitis, and bronchitis; stimulates the immune system; clears acne; alleviates skin irritation.
Frankincense:
· Properties—Analgesic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, sedative, tonic, vulnerary.
· Primary Uses—Boosts immune system and combats infections; alleviates coughs, sore throat, strep, pneumonia, and staph infections; reduces stress and nervous tension; boosts mood.
Lemongrass:
· Properties—Analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiparasitic, antiseptic, antiviral, astringent, deodorant, digestive, febrifuge, insecticide, sedative, tonic.
· Primary Uses—Speeds healing of ligament and tendon injuries; repels insects; aids sedation; dilates blood vessels to promote healing and improve circulation; promotes lymphatic flow.
Patchouli:
· Properties—Antibacterial, antiemetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, carminative, decongestant, deodorant, febrifuge, laxative, stimulant, stomachic, tonic
· Primary Uses—Eases indigestion; alleviates constipation; soothes insect bites and stings, burns, and minor wounds; alleviates dandruff; moisturizes dry skin; reduces appearance of wrinkles; opens pores for cleansing; relieves oily skin and hair; repels insects. When used in aromatherapy it alleviates nervous exhaustion and relieves stress. It promotes physical and mental relaxation, increases focus, and helps eliminate feelings of insecurity.
Thieves Blend:
· Our special blend of Lavender, Rosemary, Peppermint, Lemon Eucalyptus, Clove Bud and Orange Essential Oils. Not intended for use on children!
The oils we source are therapeutic grade and intended for external use only. We do not recommend ingesting essential oils due to the research we’ve done! Essential oils have many benefits when safely used topically or for aromatherapy. We make no claim that this info or the oils will diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness or disease. Special care should always be used—dilute, never use the straight oil because it’s so concentrated! Stop use immediately if skin irritation occurs. There are very few safe oils for babies, young children, or expectant/nursing mothers so be sure to check the safety before use! Here are a few links to websites that could be used as a resource on that topic:
http://www.thehippyhomemaker.com/using-essential-oils-safely-for-pregnant-nursing-mamas/
http://www.thehippyhomemaker.com/essential-oil-safety-babies-children/
We’re excited about selling these oils on the market! Have a great week!
FYI, right now all the pictures show a Lavender label, so don’t be alarmed….you’ll get what you order!
Laura Miller
ELM Tree Essentials
937.524.5411
www.elmtreeessentials.com