Desert Essence

Every oil has a story and a journey, and our tea tree oil is no different. Its story goes back hundreds of years and to the southern depths of the earth, where tea tree oil was first discovered and where ours originates from to this day.

A Natural Discovery
Distilled from the leaves of the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia shrub, tea tree oil has long been used by Aborigines and natives to help treat cuts and wounds. It was so effective and its healing properties so powerful, that it was believed to be magical. Locals had also long bathed in waters where tea tree oil leaves had fallen and noticed its powerful properties. When Captain James Cook, the first European explorer to chart Australian’s eastern coast, landed down under in 1770, locals showed him and his crew the uses and benefits of tea tree oil.

But its natural cleansing properties wouldn’t be known to the world until the 1920s, when the Australian chemist Arthur Penfold tested and published his findings on the oil. His discovery that tea tree oil’s antiseptic properties were about 12 times stronger than carbolic acid put it in the spotlight of medicinal research for years to come. Scientific journals reported on its effectiveness, so much so that by the 1940s, Australian soldiers were given tea tree oils in their first aid kits during WWII.

From Australia to the US
Soon after Desert Essence was founded in 1978, we introduced Tea Tree Oil to the US market. We not only strived to provide consumers with a natural, equally effective antiseptic, we also set out to provide the highest quality oil possible. Our oil comes exclusively from plantations in Australia with whom we have long-standing relationships. Known for their environmentally-friendly practices, these growers and suppliers of our oils are pioneers in the development of sustainable practices and leaders in their field of research. Desert Essence receives first pick of the crop, ensuring that the highest quality leaves are used and that each bottle measures up to our strict standards of quality and sustainability.

For example, the most important chemical compounds found in tea tree oil are Terpinen-4, which is responsible for antiseptic action, and Cineole, which can cause skin irritation. Our tea tree oils have Terpinen-4 levels of 38% or more, well above industry average, and cineole levels of less than 3%, which is well below industry average. Low cineole levels mean there is a lower chance of skin irritation.

The result is clear to the eye: the purity and quality of a batch of tea tree oil can be measured by its clarity, and ours is water-white and bottled in clear glass bottles so you can see the difference.

Our standards go beyond the bottle. No chemicals are used in the processing of our oils. Our growers operate environmentally sustainable, ecologically responsible plantations. Our 100% Organic Tea Tree Oils are grown in USDA certified facilities, where all harvesting is done by hand and wood fired burners using waste wood distill the oil. Solar energy and a state-of-the-art irrigation system are used to harvest the 100% Australian Oil, and the lands where our Eco-Harvest® oils stem from are protected by two alpacas and a sheep dog, who control weeds and grass.

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You probably know what your favorite scent is, but do you know why? It may have more to do with emotions and memories than simple preference. Because our olfactory bulb—the part of the brain that processes scents—is so closely linked to where memories and emotions are stored, it’s not uncommon for a whiff of something to come loaded with vivid feelings. And naturally, we end up favoring scents that bring back the best memories, whether we do it consciously or not.

Take your favorite shampoo, for example. Do you love the Coconut because it reminds you of childhood summers on the beach? Or the Green Apple & Ginger because grandma made a delicious pie?

Even if the origins of your favorite scents are cloaked in mystery, one thing’s for sure—we all perceive fragrance differently. We’ve had fans swoon over the smell of Tea Tree Oil while others say its many benefits make up for its scent, and our Fragrance-Free Hair Care is a big hit with those who’d rather smell nothing at all!

Take a Deep Breath
Personal feelings aside, scents take on a whole new meaning when used in aromatherapy. The use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes is an ancient practice adopted by the Chinese, Indians, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans thousands of years ago. Some oils, like tea tree and jojoba, are known for their physical benefits of helping deal with problem skin and soothe dry skin, while others, like lavender oil, are popular for their calming, anti-stress effects.

The beauty of aromatherapy is its diversity, not just in the oils but in how you can enjoy their benefits. Breathe in the soothing effects of eucalyptus oil mixed with jojoba as you get it massaged into your skin for an ultra-relaxing experience, or try peppermint or tea tree for an energy boost on a long day.

Whatever you choose, remember it’s never a bad idea to slow things down and stop to smell the roses!

Your turn: What’s your favorite DE scent? Why do you think that is?

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Getting into the spirit of things this season? The holidays are a wonderful time to indulge in seasonal favorites like eggnog and comfort foods, but just like with twinkling lights and garland, moderation is a must. But don’t worry—there’s still plenty of holiday cheer to go around! Rather than stress about calories, shopping lists, or how quickly the year’s flown by, take a moment to simplify and enjoy harmony from within.

This year, we propose a toast celebrating health, happiness and wellness. With these simple tips and adjustments
to holiday traditions, you can indulge in your favorite foods and savor time with loved ones for a truly feel-good
holiday season.

Find Comfort in the Right Foods
Holiday favorites at the dinner table—like dark turkey meat, green beans with fried onions, mashed potatoes or Mom’s classic pecan pie—are extremely high in trans fats, carbs and sugar.

For a healthier holiday meal, focus on getting lots of proteins, vegetables, and whole grains. Whenever possible, choose a more wholesome alternative to traditional foods, like whole-wheat rolls instead of white bread rolls, light meat instead of dark meat, sweet potatoes instead of mashed potatoes, and apple pie instead of pecan. Seek out nutritious versions of traditional recipes online, like these Green Beans with Shallots and Almonds, which are low-fat, gluten-free, and vegan, from the Whole Foods recipe collection.

Sip and Savor
Raise a glass of red wine and sip in its rich antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory benefits and protect skin from free radicals and signs of aging. If you simply can’t resist a little eggnog to ring in the holidays, opt for making it with low-fat or skim milk to reduce the calories. Regardless of what’s in your glass, make sure you’re drinking enough water.

Warming up by the fire with a hot cup of cocoa or apple cider is a delicious treat. For a real feel-good beverage, choose a hot cocoa that uses dark chocolate, or make your own with a bar that contains at least 70% cocoa and low-fat milk. For a healthier hot apple cider, forgo the rum and make your own at home to avoid the excess sugar in many store-bought ciders. Bonus points if you add cinnamon; studies have shown it can help reduce cholesterol and lower blood sugar levels.

Feeling Warm on the Inside
Simplifying not only your menu but also your schedule is a great way to find balance and cherish peaceful moments during an otherwise busy time of year. During the holidays, let time slow down and spend it enjoying family and friends. Curl up on a sofa with a cup of tea or coffee and catch up, or take a brisk walk with your sister, your mom, or a favorite aunt. In this way, you get some exercise and also some one-on-one with a cherished loved one.

Make sure to take some for yourself, too. Even if your home is bursting with joy from out-of-town guests, spend a few minutes alone with your thoughts in the morning. A peaceful start to your day can set the tone for a truly enjoyable holiday season that nurtures your health and spirit.

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Whether you’re looking to buy the latest in natural beauty and personal care products, or simply seeking to
maintain a healthy diet, it’s likely you’ve come across the mention of antioxidants. For the green consumer,
antioxidants are everywhere. But what exactly are antioxidants? And in what sources do you find them most?

To understand the benefits of antioxidants, it’s best to start first with understanding the nature of free radicals in
your body. Free radicals are the molecular byproducts of normal bodily processes like respiration and metabolism,
or from environmental exposures to pollution, sunlight, cigarette smoke, etc. Within each of your cells, free
radicals are molecules that become unstable with the loss of an even pairing of electrons. These free radicals
then try to bond with other molecules, which in turn also become destabilized, and the chain reaction may continue.

At their simplest level, antioxidants are nutrients that may help our body neutralize free radicals. By providing free
radicals with a stabilizing electron, antioxidants neutralize them from going after other molecules. The chain
reaction is stopped and cell damage resulting from free radicals is minimized.

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