Benefits of Organic Laurel Oil in Natural Skin Care

The Laurel plant (Laurus Nobilis) has a wonderful and colorful history, dating back to the ancient world. The classic Greeks believed the Laurel plant to have powers of prophecy and divination. They revered the plant, believing it could protect men against evil, thunder and lightning, and even contagious diseases.  Many images of the Greek god of medicine, AEsclepius, show his head adorned with Laurel leaves.

In Greek mythology, the Greek name for the Laurel tree, "Daphne," was given to the maiden who was, against her wishes, being pursued by the god, Apollo.  She implored the other Olympians to help, and they magically turned her into a Laurel tree.  Since then, all of the Gods continue to protect the divine Laurel plant. It became the Greek symbol of military glory, as their generals wore the crown of Laurel leaves and often were depicted with a Laurel branch in one hand.  The French word, "baccalaureat," was coined during the Renaissance, when honored scholars were also crowned with Laurel leaves.


Organic Laurel oil, derived from the leaves of the Laurus Nobilis plant, is well-known as an invigorating, more stimulating of the essential oils, that has the ability to clear the mind & relieve headaches. It can also relax & help calm stressful emotions to help us cope in stressful situations.  Laurel essential oil has also been known to improve memory function.  

In natural skin care, the healing botanical oil is highly regarded for having strong antiseptic, anti-viral, germicidal and even skin regenerating properties! 

(Incidentally, our Grandmama Jeanne Laudun knew about these healing properties of Laurel oil. That's why she always used it in her organic skin care recipe for the Shaving Soap she made for my Grandfather, Felix. He would use it every morning!) 

These qualities make organic Laurel oil an invaluable resource for healing wounds and for skin protection from potentially harmful microorganisms.  In recent research on skin-healing natural botanical oils, it is noted as, "highly recommended" for "the treatment of acne and other skin disorders."

Anti-aging Beauty Secrets of Resveratrol in Organic Skin Care- Part I

 Many people are getting really excited about recent scientific studies pointing to the possibility that the phyto- (plant)chemical compound Resveratrol may indeed be the long-sought-after Fountain of Youth!  When considering these new findings, it is helpful to understand where Resveratrol comes from to understand how it works. Resveratrol is a polyphenols antioxidant, one among 600 different antimicrobial compounds known as  phytoalexin, manufactured by plants as protection against adverse conditions- such as excessive ultraviolet light, infections and various climactic changes.

This natural antioxidant is commonly found in grapes, grapeseed oil, red wine and cocoa, and has been recently lauded for its anti-aging benefits. Various cosmetic companies have begun capitalizing on Resveratrol's purported health benefits in light of its anti-aging properties. Claims such as they carry products containing an Ester form of Resveratrol, Resveratryl Acetate, that can smooth lines and wrinkles, are filling the market. Some spas in Martillac, France and even ancient baths in New York offer baths that are filled with red wine, and state these resveratrol treatments actually work by being absorbed deeply into the various layers of the skin.

Recent research is is growing on Resveratrol's anti-aging benefits when topically applied to human skin, and some studies suggest the bio-compound could very well be helpful to skin. One study published by the National Institutes of Health in 2005 showed promising results. When Resveratrol was topically applied to the skin of laboratory animals, then later subjected to high ultraviolet radiation, researchers learned the plant compound actually protected the animals! One researcher also stated, "It might be the ultimate sunblock for both plants and animals. In animals, it was shown to help prevent the development of skin cancer." 

Stay tuned for more exciting news on Resveratrol - Coming Soon in Part II of our Blog! 

Laudun Organic Elegance Recipes- Mussels & Linguine with a "Little Carribean Twist"

We've all heard the saying, "True beauty comes from within."  We want to help everyone give their natural, organic beauty, and inner organic skin healer a Big Boost! -and to help improve your overall health.  Please Share with Family, Friends & Those  you love!

 

Mussels & Linguine with a "Little Carribean Twist!"

Use All Organic Ingredients:

2 cloves of Garlic

2 Tbs of Olive oil

1 Cup of fresh Italian Parsley

 & Thyme, mixed

4 Tbs of Butter

1 Package of Frozen Mussels or 2 Dozen Fresh

1 Green onion, chopped

1/2 Habanero pepper, chopped

1/2 Bottle of White wine (preferably Semillon) or Sauvignon Blanc

1 Package Whole Wheat linguini
1/4 Cup Grated "Tete de maure" (This is a Dutch/ Hollandaise cheese that is only sold in Holland and Haiti,  since the 1900's. It is a little salty- great to eat by itself or to accompany this dish) or Grated Parmesan / Romano Cheese.
Salt & Pepper to Taste (No salt is needed if using frozen mussels.)

Prepare:
Warm up the Olive oil and 2 Tbs of the Butter in a large saute' pan; add the chopped garlic, stir & saute' for a minute; add the Green Onion, Habanero Pepper, half of the Italian Parsley, Thyme and then the mussels. Mix the mussels in the pan with the vegetables & spices. Add the wine and cook on Medium for 10 to 12 minutes.

Add Remaining 2 Tbs of butter to peak the sauce.

While the mussels and sauce are cooking, boil water in a separate pot; once boiling, add linguine; reduce to medium & cook for about 7 minutes; drain. Add the Linguine to the Mussels & Sauce and reduce to Low-simmer for a couple more minutes.

 
Set the linguini & sauce on a plate & the mussels last.  Garnish with the remaining Italian Parsley. Then grate the"Tete de maure"or  Parmesan or Romano Cheese over the Linguine.

Now EAT...ENJOY! 

Bon Appetit!