What are Essential Oils?
If you've peeled an orange you probably got the orange's essential oil on your fingers and hands. Essential oils come from the rind, as they do in citrus plants, and other plant parts as well - the flower, leaf, stem, berry, resin and root. Extraction of these oils from plant parts can require a great deal of plant matter and be quite costly. For example one ton of rose petals produces about 10 oz rose oil and has a retail cost of around $2,500. On the other hand, the oil from an orange is plentiful and easily accessible; 10 oz of orange essential oil costs less than $30. Essential oils are highly concentrated and with few exceptions should never be used directly on the skin or ingested.
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the ancient art of healing through the use of essential oils, providing both physiological and psychological benefits. The four essential oils we feature in our blends provide the following aromatherapeutic benefits:
Lavender - Relaxes and rejuvenates, gives relief from insomnia, headache, nervous tension. Provides excellent skin care for all skin types and myriad conditions: acne, athlete's foot, boils, burns, dandruff, eczema, insect bites and stings, insect repellent, lice, psoriasis, sunburn. Relieves muscular aches and pains. Safe for babies 3 months and older.
Lime Grapefruit - As members of the citrus family, lime and grapefruit are uplifting and euphoric. These essential oils aid in restoring emotional balance. Good for relieving jet lag. They help remove toxins from the body and aid in reducing cellulite. Good for oily skin.
Rose - The exquisite rose lifts the heart and eases nervous tension and stress. Particularly good for dry sensitive skin. An excellent tonic for the womb. A wonderful aphrodisiac.
Sandalwood - Woody, sweet, and exotic, sandalwood is purifying and grounding and has traditionally been used as incense and for meditation. Soothes nervous tension and anxiety. Softens skin. Aphrodisiac. Especially suitable for men.
What are carrier oils?
Essential oils are highly concentrated and with few exceptions should never be used directly on the skin or ingested. They can be diluted in carrier oils such as jojoba, safflower, almond, kukui nut, sunflower, corn oil, etc. We feature jojoba oil and oleic safflower oil in our blends. Jojoba oil, actually a wax ester, resembles human sebum which protects the skin and keeps it supple. Jojoba restores the skin to a natural pH balance. It does not go rancid. The superbly moisturizing oleic safflower oil is subject to little oxidation and very stable.
What is Shea Butter?
Shea butter is a non-toxic, non-irritating butter extracted from the kernels of the shea nut tree found in Western Africa. Traditionally, it is used as a balm for muscle aches, burns, rheumatism and minor wounds. Its unique composition makes it a great emollient for many skin conditions. Very soothing. It provides some sun protection.
Are Vienna's herbs really locally harvested?
Some are, in suitably clean areas in and around the NYC metro area. The rest are purchased from small eco-conscious growers and distributors.
Are Vienna's products really all natural?
There is less than 1% natural source preservative in our crèmes. All our other products are 100% natural.
How long will Vienna's products last?
We use pure unadulterated essential oils which reliably retain their smell and potency. We use oleic safflower and jojoba oil as the carrier base in our blends because of their naturally long shelf life. We add vitamin E as a natural preservative to our blends to further extend their life. We don't have large inventories on hand, preferring to make your order after we receive it to ensure you have the longest possible enjoyment. Use product within one year to ensure freshness. If it gets really hot, refrigerate oils and crèmes.
