Wellbeing Journal
WHAT ARE BIODYNAMIC PREPARATIONS
At Jurlique we grow most of the botanical ingredients that we use in our skin care products on our biodynamic* farm in South Australia’s Adelaide Hills. We use healthy, powerful plants that are carefully chosen for their skin-benefitting properties, using biodynamic* practices which we believe enable us to grow the purest, best quality botanicals possible. We believe that by following biodynamic farming techniques, we’re harnessing all the positive, living energies from Nature, as well as farming in the most sustainable way possible. The plants and herbs we grow are nutritional for the skin, enriching for the soul and good for the planet. There’s a lot that goes into biodynamic* farming (read our guide to biodynamic farming here) and a lot of the work goes into biodynamic preparations. The preparations are placed in the farm environment to enrich the soil, encouraging the plants to be spiritually good for the body and have the highest vital life force energy when harvested. When Rudolph Steiner established biodynamic principles, he came up with nine ‘preparations’, which are made from herbs, mineral sources and animal manures. Turned into field sprays and compost, it is these preparations that aid fertilisation – rather than synthetic, chemical-driven fertilisers you’d typically find in conventional farming. These preparations are used on the farm to activate and enhance the energy of nature into the whole farming system. Earth, Atmosphere, Cosmos THE NINE BIODYNAMIC PREPARATIONSBiodynamic preparations are numbered 500-508 and are all used for different reasons. 500 and 501 are considered the most important for maintaining the health of the soil, whilst 502-506 are placed in the compost. When added to each compost row in a specific order, it encourages a balanced process and to addresses certain key elements for plant health. Prep 507 is sprinkled over the compost bringing warmth to the heap. 500 HORN MANUREHorn Manure 500 is the first to be used and usually applied twice a year. Fresh cow manure is buried in autumn and dug up in spring. It’s then mixed with water and sprayed to the base of the plants to feed the soil (think of it as a superfood). Use of this preparation encourages:• Healthy humus formation• Mineral retention and availability• Improved crumb structure• Beneficial soil microbes, including nitrogen fixers• Soil animal life, increase of earthworms• Improved absorption and retention of water• Fine, highly developed, robust root systems• Improved nutrient uptake 501 HORN SILICAHorn Silica 501 is the original biodynamic atmospheric spray and is made from ground up clear quartz crystal and buried in the ground over summer. Horn Silica aids photosynthesis and increases the quality of the final product, including its ripeness, sweetness, flavour, fragrance, shelf life and dry fibre content. Like 500, this prep is mixed with water to be sprayed over the crops and soil, using a stirring method that increases oxygenation and, we believe, draws cosmic influences into the water. Biodynamic farming 502 YARROWYarrow remedies weaknesses in flowering and fruiting and strengthens the plant against insect attack. The radiant energy of this preparation affects the whole of the compost, enabling it to enliven the soil. Yarrow also attracts a lot of good bug life to the farm, including ladybirds which eat the aphids off our Roses. 503 CHAMOMILEChamomile stimulates the calcium processes in relation to Sulphur. It also contains homeopathic Sulphur, which allows it to attract other substances. It keeps the plant healthy by warding off harmful effects of fruitification. When added to compost, a more stable nitrogen content develops, enlivening the soil and stimulating plant growth. 504 NETTLEThis preparation carries the influence of potassium, calcium, Sulphur and iron, in relation to activity in the soil, making the compost heap inwardly sensitive and receptive. It helps the soil develop an intelligence to accommodate the plants which are growing in it. 505 OAK BARKOak bark has a high calcium content. It acts as a mediator between the plant and the living Earth and stimulates calcium processes to prevent plant diseases. 506 DANDELIONDandelion contains silicic acid and draws in influences of the cosmos. The potassium – silica relationship in the dandelion is transferred to the compost. The dandelion prep gives the soil the ability to attract silica from the cosmos and sensitises the plant to its environment so that it can attract what it needs. 507 VALERIANValerian helps the compost to attract the force of phosphorous-activating bacteria within the soil. It is used for frost protection and to stimulate flowering. Like Yarrow, Valerian brings good bug life to our farm (it’s also great food for our bees). 508 HORSETAILHorsetail is a harmful weed in South Australia, so we used Casuarina as a replacement, which has been approved by Biodynamics Agriculture Australia. Mixed with water and turned into a spray, this helps strengthen the plants to fight fungal diseases and can clear mildew on fruit. To find out more about biodynamic* farming, read our guide here. And to see our farm and biodynamic preps in action, discover our farm tours in South Australia’s Adelaide Hills.*Certified biodynamic by the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia. Jurlique’s products and farm are not certified of affiliated with Demeter® USA or Demeter International.
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THE JURLIQUE GUIDE TO USING A FACE MIST
Our skin is how we connect to the world around us, and there is tranquillity to be found in the life force of nature. Where skin care is selfcare, a misting moment is the opportunity to rebalance, refresh and rehydrate. Take time throughout the day to mist the complexion and awaken the senses with lightweight drops of nature’s own botanicals as we share our favourite ways to use a face mist. GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE If skin is feeling dehydrated or in need of awakening after a night of slumber, a face mist is the perfect opportunity to refresh and hydrate skin for the day ahead. Containing skin-loving botanicals, a face mist is also the must-have component in your daily skin care ritual. Lightly mist onto face or mist into hands and gently press onto the skin. Treated as a toner, skin is softened with a dewy finish, or use after makeup to set your look. ALL DAY EVERYDAY Whether life has you on-the-go, skin feels dehydrated or you’re simply in need of a mood changer, a face mist is the ideal handbag or deskside companion. For all skin types, all day, any time, antioxidant rich botanical ingredients may help protect from daily environmental aggressors. And by cooling the skin on contact, face mists are ideal after a gym workout or as a cool down on warmers days. REST AND RELAX Awaken the senses with the power of natural botanical face mist fragrances. Take a moment of selfcare to uplift your morning, soothe the senses during a busy day, or calm the mind before a meditation ritual. Choose your scent and lightly spritz on face, decolletage and body to rebalance the skin, and your mood. From sunrise to sunset, harness skins natural radiance with the power of face mists.
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THE ROLE OF BEES ON OUR FARM, AND WHY THEY MATTER
At Jurlique, the power of Nature is at the heart of everything we do. The clean air and soil of the Adelaide Hills is what brought our co-founders, Jurgen and Ulrike Klein, to South Australia and why they chose it as the birthplace of Jurlique. We believe the rich biodynamic* soil on our biodynamic* farm enables our plants to be the most powerful and potent they can be, and that we can capture that life force in our exclusive Bio-Intrinsic method. We believe by following biodynamic* farming techniques, we’re harnessing all the positive, living energies from Nature, as well as farming in the most sustainable way possible. Biodynamics* is an all-encompassing approach to farming and uses the sun, moon, stars and planets of Earth to bring about balance and healing, treating the farm as a living organism – one that’s self-contained and self-sustainable. Organic farming is defined by its use of organic fertilisers. Biodynamic* also adheres to these principles but while organic permits imported fertilisers, biodynamic* requires that a farm produce its own fertility as much as possible through the rotation of crops, with no outside inputs. There’s a lot that goes on at our farm but one of the most important roles is that of the bees in our beehives. Bees are essential in pollinating and propagating the plants and flowers. It’s their round-the-clock toil that promotes floral growth and sustains the vast volumes of concentrated botanicals on our farm. Pam Cherry, our Herb Farm Coordinator who has worked at the Jurlique Farm since 2005, says: “The bees send out scouts every morning and find what’s flowering. And they do wiggly dances and they’ll wiggle in the direction that everyone’s got to fly to. All the workers will then know where to fly to and they’ll all forage around. Some things have a lot of nectar, some have pollen, some have both. They’re amazing, the amount of work that they do. “Being a no-waste and biodynamic* farm means we are responsible for caring for the whole farm as a unit. Each part we care for – be it the soil, water or bees – is creating a healthy vitality. The end result flows through to our products,” explains Pamela. According to a report compiled by Greenpeace, bees are paramount for ensuring sustainable crop production. Bees don’t just help us with our crops either – by following biodynamic* farming practices, we’re promoting biodiversity and safeguarding bees. The report cites scientific studies that have shown that chemical-intensive industrial agriculture is implicated in the decline of bees and pollination, with fertilisers, herbicides and insecticides having a negative impact on bee health. To find out more about the sustainable practices on our Jurlique Farm, read our Sustainability Report. *Certified biodynamic by the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia. Jurlique’s products and farm are not certified or affiliated with Demeter® USA or Demeter International.
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BOOST COLLAGEN WITH PLANT EXTRACTS
The bountiful protein of our youth, collagen is the key to a plump, glowing complexion. As we age, so too does collagen production1, but nature has a way of giving back, from seed to skin. With biodynamic* farm grown ingredients the natural alternatives to help promote collagen production. FARM GROWN BENEFITS Since 1985, we have been growing, cultivating and harvesting ingredients on our biodynamic* farm in the unspoiled Adelaide Hills, in South Australia. Biodynamic* farming is an organic farming method with a focus on enriching the biology of the soil and vitality of our plants. Free from harmful synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers, our biodynamic* farm grown botanicals are transformed into our signature skincare. CLEAN SKIN CARE HEROES Clean air, clear water, rich soil. Active farm grown plant extracts may help to improve skin elasticity and hydration, and help prevent the advanced signs of skin ageing. Spilanthes A herb that grows in tropical and subtropical regions, Spilanthes extract is obtained from the seeds of plants grown on our farm. Traditionally, it has been prized for its healing properties2. Studies suggest that Spilanthes may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties2, both important in wound healing. Horseradish Horseradish is a perennial plant species also grown on our farm, its roots commonly used in traditional medicine by Ancient Greeks, Romans and physicians of the Middle Ages3. Horseradish root is also a source of antioxidants such as vitamin C3, an essential co-factor in collagen production4. Both Spilanthes and Horseradish extracts can be found in our Nutri-Define range. Explore our range of skin care now, or visit our blog for more skin care and body care tips DISCLAIMERS * Certified biodynamic by the National Association For Sustainable Agriculture, Australia. Jurlique’s products and farm are not certified or affiliated with Demeter® USA or Demeter International. REFERENCES 1 Varani J, Dame MK, Rittie L et al. 2006, ‘Decreased Collagen Production in Chronologically Aged Skin: Roles of Age-Dependent Alteration in Fibroblast Function and Defective Mechanical Stimulation’, American Journal of Pathology, vol. 168, no. 6, pp. 1861-1868. DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2006.051302 Abdul Rahim R, Jayusman PA, Muhammad N et al. 2021, ‘Potential Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Spilanthes acmella and Its Health Beneficial Effects: A Review’, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 18, no. 3532. DOI: 10.3390/ ijerph18073532 Walters SA 2021, ‘Horseradish: A Neglected and Underutilized Plant Species for Improving Human Health’, Horticulturae, vol.7 no. 167. DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae7070167 Pullar, JM, Carr, AC, Vissers, MCM 2017, ‘The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health’, Nutrients, vol. 9, no. 866, DOI:10.3390/nu9080866.
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USING OUR EXCLUSIVE BIO-INTRINSIC™ METHOD TO CRAFT UNIQUE SKIN CARE
At Jurlique, we take a slightly spiritual and holistic approach to creating our skin care products. It all starts on our biodynamic* farm in South Australia’s Adelaide Hills – a place chosen as the purest place on Earth thanks to its unpolluted air and optimum climate. It’s an approach to farming that uses the sun, moon, stars and planets to bring about balance and healing, treating the farm as a living organism – one that’s self-contained and self-sustainable. Through biodynamic farming, we can sustainably produce healthy, powerful plants that harness, activate and enhance the energy of Nature; we then extract this using our exclusive Bio-Intrinsic™ method. These extracts allow us to utilise the power of these plant in our products and, we believe, create the best possible formulations for your skin. WHAT IS OUR BIO-INTRINSIC™ METHOD? Our exclusive Bio-Intrinsic™ method is an alchemistic process that involves three stages, where all the powerful ingredients from plants and herbs are extracted and the essence and life force of the plant is captured. This method is a modern interpretation of the ancient ‘Spagyric’ process thought to have been originally invented by the Renaissance Physician and Alchemist Paracelsus in the 15th century. ‘Spagyric’ derives from the Greek words 'spao' and 'ageiro', roughly translating to ‘separate’ and ‘combine’. Sometimes called plant alchemy, this process involves separating the three basic principles of a plant (essential oils, organic liquid extract and mineral salts), then reuniting them to create a form more potent than the original plant. Within alchemy this was considered a more spiritual and holistic way of creating plant-based medicines, with the belief that the plant’s essential oils are the plant’s soul, the percolated liquid is the plant’s mind and the mineral salts are the plant’s body. Jurlique co-founder Jurgen Klein took these principles and through taking advantage of modern science and equipment, modified it to create a method unique to Jurlique. It’s a process that’s been a part of Jurlique since we began in 1985 and we continue to use it today. THE THREE-STEP BIO-INTRINSIC™ PROCESS This isn’t a quick fix, done in a large laboratory. It can take up to a week for a plant to go through the three steps of Bio-Intrinsic™ extraction and the whole process is all done by hand by just two people at our Farm. Step 1: Purification The first stage of the process is Purification, which involves steam distillation - steaming our dried herbs to gently lift and release their delicate essential oils, nutrients and liquids. Step 2: Intensification This stage involves percolation (the process of a liquid slowly passing through a filter). The wet herb and condensate from the distillation are combined with a liquid solvent mixture, which is then circulated through the herb bed for a period of one to two days. Out comes a percolated liquid made up of the plants’ compounds. Step 3: Ashing The final stage of the extraction involves drying the plant material used in step two and burning it to an ash to capture their bare trace minerals and salts that are so important in our products. We then mix the raw ash with water and natural citric acid heated to 80°C and stir it for an hour to allow the water to absorb the minerals and salts. We pass it through a very fine filter and out comes a clear liquid we call ash extract. The extracts from all three steps are then combined. THE BENEFITS OF THE BIO-INTRINSIC™ METHOD At Jurlique, we believe that the whole plant is always greater than the sum of its parts. Through the Bio-Intrinsic™ method, all parts of the plant (mind, body and soul) are reunited, and the active ingredients and antioxidants are delivered to the skin. These extracts create a final product of magnified intensity, powerful enough to enhance the beauty and healthy look of the skin. *Certified biodynamic by the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia. Jurlique’s products and farm are not certified of affiliated with Demeter® USA or Demeter International.
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10 SUPERFOODS FOR YOUR HAIR, SKIN AND NAILS
Superfoods: not just a buzzword conjuring up images of Gwyneth Paltrow. They have a high nutritional density, which means they provide more nutrients per gram than conventional foods, and they typically contain high amounts of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. We know we should be eating them for various health benefits, but did you know that incorporating these nutrient-dense foods into your diet can give you visible results? Yup, superfoods can contain omega-3 fatty acids, omega-9 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, E, B and D, as well as zinc and glutamine, which all help to look after your hair, skin and nails. We asked the team at healthy, plant-based meal delivery service Soulara for a bit of expertise, and they gave us their top 10 superfoods to start incorporating into your diet. What Is the Best Diet for Skin and Hair? We asked the team at healthy, plant-based meal delivery service Soulara for a bit of expertise, and they gave us their top 10 superfoods to start incorporating into your diet. What Foods Are Good For Hair, Skin, and Nails? If you're curious about what helps hair, skin and nails grow, below are tasty foods that can give you that healthy boost you're looking for: CHIA SEEDS Chia seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and protect the heart and brain from chronic disease. Sprinkle seeds onto soup or add to smoothies for an easy, every day way to incorporate them into your daily diet. KALE Vitamin A is good for hair growth – it helps the glands to produce sebum, which moisturises the scalp and keeps your hair looking healthy. Kale is our go-to superfood for vitamin A – add a handful to salads, lentil dal or risotto. ALMONDS Almonds are rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports collagen production and provides anti-inflammatory benefits for the body. Keep a bag on your desk at work to snack on throughout the day (a healthy alternative to the chocolate drawer). CARROTS Packed with vitamin A and vitamin C, carrots support your hair, skin and nails. Try roasting them and topping with chia and pumpkin seeds to use as a side dish. SWEET POTATOES Like carrots, sweet potatoes are great sources of vitamins A and C. They’re delicious baked and loaded with roasted veg or cut into wedges and oven-baked. PUMPKIN SEEDS Rich in iron, magnesium, potassium, biotin and omega-3 fatty acids…pumpkin seeds certainly pack a punch for such a small food, plus biotin is great for improving hair and nail growth. Use them to sprinkle on salads, soups, or in oats. For more superfood recipe ideas, head to Soulara’s website. What fruits are good for skin and hair? Fruits good for hair and skin include: AVOCADOS Not just a millennial favourite, avocados are rich in omega-9 fatty acids for keeping the top layer of your skin hydrated. They’re also a good source of vitamin E, making it a great food for healthy hair. Aside from the usual avo on toast, add slices to salad or use to create fresh guacamole. BLUEBERRIES Blueberries are high in vitamin A which helps to clear up acne as well as moderate oil levels in skin. Mix a handful into oats and a plant-based milk and leave overnight for a delicious way to perk up your morning oats. GOJI BERRIES An all-rounder, goji berries contain iron, zinc and copper which are all great for radiant skin, hair and nails. Try sprinkling onto your morning oats. LEMONS High levels of vitamin C in lemons work to neutralise free radicals and help the body in producing collagen for firmer-looking skin. Start your day with a slice of lemon in hot water, or squeeze lemon juice onto your avocado. What are the best vitamins for hair and nail growth? We all know vitamin C is the MVP for skincare, but have you ever wondered what vitamins are best for hair and nails? Biotin, aka vitamin B7, is touted as a superfood for hair and nails. It's responsible for keratin production, the building block of your hair and nails. You can find biotin in foods like organ meats, eggs, nuts, seeds, fish and sweet potatoes. If you're dealing with brittle nails or split ends, selenium (a mineral, not a vitamin) is also a key player in keratin production. Selenium is present in Brazil nuts, seafood, meat, poultry and organ meats. Best products for glowing skin and hair Once you've established the best diet for skin and hair, trust our nature-infused products to bring out your inner glow. Our hardworking formulations harness the power of natural botanicals to nourish your face, hands, body, hair, lips and eye area. Start your beauty routine with a mild cleanser, hydrating moisturiser and sunscreen. If you want that next-level glow, consider incorporating our potent serums, mists, exfoliators and face oils into your regimen. Remember, what's good for the skin will often be good for strong nails and hair too! FAQs What foods are best for skin, nails and hair? Fatty fish, like salmon, can give your skin a healthy glow due to its high omega-3 fatty acids content and anti-inflammatory benefits. Avocado is another great option, as it is rich in vitamins A, C and E, all of which support collagen formation and overall skin health. If you prefer plant-based alternatives, chia seeds are a fantastic source of omega-3s, and blueberries, which are high in vitamin A and antioxidants, are good for hair and nails. What is a superfood for skin and hair? Super foods for glowing skin and hair include avocados, chia seeds, berries, lemons, kale, almonds, carrots, sweet potatoes and pumpkin seeds. What is good for nails and hair? If you want stronger hair and nails, you need a power combo of nutrients, good habits and the right products. Hydration is key to the vitality of your hair, nails and skin — so drink those 6-9 glasses religiously. Complement your water intake with a balanced diet rich in vitamins, proteins and minerals. Think leafy greens, fruits, nuts, seeds and fatty fish.
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JURLIQUE BUSH REGENERATION
At Jurlique, caring for our Earth and giving back to our land more than we take from it is at the heart of what we do. For us, this is working to the cycles of nature at our biodynamic* farm and ongoing efforts like our tree-planting initiatives. Right now, we are preparing to grow 2,000 seedlings that we will help rejuvenate the Cudlee Creek area after the devastating bushfires of 2019/2020 burnt through 23,000 hectares. "We cannot turn back time, but we can grow trees, rewild our gardens, and help restore our ecosystems." BIODIVERSITY AND NATURAL WATERWAYS Understanding how ecosystems provide crucial services such as pollination, seed dispersal, climate regulation, and water purification is all the more reason to ensure we protect our land and natural waterways. Biodiversity importantly boosts ecosystems where a healthy ecosystem may better withstand and recover from a variety of disasters. And in the case of bushfires, biodiversity is not only under threat but a critical part of response, recovery and regeneration. Bushland regeneration is key. In particular, watercourses in the fire scar are vital in protecting native fish that take refuge in permanent water pools over summer. Aside from water, one of the most important things native fish require is layers of vegetation growing alongside and in watercourses and permanent water pools – home to their food source, insects. Consequently, biodiversity efforts focus on providing a range of sedge and rush species for regeneration with shade from trees also important to keep water cool in summer and minimise evaporation. BUSHFIRES AND COMMUNITY From September 2019 to March 2020, devastating bushfires swept through Australia. Land, wildlife, homes and livelihoods were destroyed with communities left heartbroken. Only 38km from our Jurlique Farm, Cudlee Creek, in the Adelaide Hills, was declared an emergency disaster area with fires burning through 23,000 hectares and destroying hundreds of homes and buildings. Ever since, we vowed to nurture tree seedlings on our Jurlique Farm for planting at Cudlee Creek – helping to rejuvenate the affected area. SEEDINGS IN THE SPOTLIGHT This year, we’re growing seedlings for Trees for Life and Landscape SA’s winter 2022 plant giveaway for properties affected by the Cudlee Creek fire. Trees for Life, a South Australia-based not for profit organisation work to restore and protect South Australian landscapes. They have researched and collected seeds from the most badly affected plants, enabling us to nurture seedlings from the tree species that have been most impacted by the fires. Our Jurlique farm is currently preparing to grow 2,000 seedlings of River Red Gum, Tassel Sedge and Common Rush species as part of a special planting day. In February 2022, our dedicated Jurlique farm staff will take to planting the various seed species firmly into their recycled pots. And while in previous years we’ve been able to share the day with the surrounding community, we’re determined to continue our bush regeneration efforts even during a pandemic. Our Jurlique farm will be taking precious care of our seedlings over the coming months when they’ll finally be returned back to nature, to the community and ecosystems that once lost so much. But we’re not alone in restoring ecosystems. Join with friends, family, and community in planting trees, hosting local clean-ups, starting composting and making conscious choices that support the environment and honour our ecosystems. *Certified biodynamic by the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia. Jurlique’s products and farm are not certified by or affiliated with Demeter® USA or Demeter International.
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WHAT IS BIODYNAMIC FARMING…AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
At Jurlique, the ingredients that go into our skin care products aren’t your average ingredients. We use healthy, powerful plants that are carefully chosen for their skin-benefitting properties – and they’re all grown on our biodynamic* farm in South Australia’s Adelaide Hills. We believe biodynamic* practices enable us to grow the purest, best quality herbs which are hand harvested at a time when they’re full of life and vitality. These herbs are then utilised to make extracts that form the basis of Jurlique products, meaning you get the best from each ingredient we use. And it’s not just your skin. We believe by following biodynamic farming techniques, we’re harnessing all the positive, living energies from Nature, as well as farming in the most sustainable way possible. The plants and herbs we grow are nutritional for the skin, enriching for the soul and good for the planet. WHAT IS BIODYNAMIC FARMING? Biodynamics is an all-encompassing approach to farming and uses the sun, moon, stars and planets of Earth to bring about balance and healing, treating the farm as a living organism – one that’s self-contained and self-sustainable. Biodynamic principles were first introduced by Austrian philosopher Rudolph Steiner in 1924. Interested in spirituality as well as social and education reform, Steiner founded anthroposophy – an educational, therapeutic, and creative system which seeks to use mainly natural means to optimise physical and mental health and wellbeing. In the early 1920s he was invited to host a week-long lecture series for European farmers who had witnessed a drop in their soil fertility and, concerned about the future of agriculture, sought help to improve their land. Steiner argued that this decrease in soil health was the result of synthetic pesticides, which were first introduced during the industrialisation period. Although these synthetic pesticides treated the plant and at first yielded impressive results, they caused the health of the soil (and later, crops) to plummet. Steiner told these farmers that the soil must be looked after through using herbal remedies and encouraged them to look to the cosmos before planting and harvesting crops. THE BIODYNAMIC CALENDAR Unlike conventional farming, biodynamic farming is guided by a specially-created biodynamic (or astro) calendar. This calendar is based on the moon/planet positioning and – a bit like your horoscope – indicates what work should be undertaken when. The calendar shows when to plant, cultivate or harvest various crops based on both the phase of the moon and the zodiacal constellation the moon is passing through, and depending on whether the crop is the root, leaf, flower, or fruit (or seed) of the plant. All these constellations have different energies: air, water, fire and earth. When the moon passes over Aries, Leo and Sagittarius (the fire signs) the days are warm, influencing fruit and seed formation. Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn (the earth signs) promote root growth, as the root is drawn into the soil. Gemini, Libra and Aquarius (the air signs) favour development of flowers, substance and colour through the moon’s influence over the air, and when the moon passes through Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces (the water signs), it promotes vegetative growth because of its influence over water. It’s an age-old, yet pioneering, principle that goes back much further than Steiner’s time. It’s a hark back to centuries gone by, when synthetic pesticides didn’t exist, and the only reliable calendar was the moon and stars. HOW DOES BIODYNAMIC DIFFER FROM ORGANIC? An organic system grows plants that are nutritionally good for your body, but a biodynamic system takes it one step further. Biodynamics treats the land holistically and follows the belief that astrological influences affect phases of planting and harvest, which is where the biodynamic calendar comes in. Organic farming is defined by its use of organic fertilisers. Biodynamic also adheres to these principles but while organic permits imported fertilisers, biodynamic requires that a farm produce its own fertility as much as possible through the rotation of crops, with no outside inputs. It also enriches the soil through using ‘biodynamic preparations’, which are placed in the farm environment to encourage the plants to be spiritually good for the body and have the highest vital life force energy when harvested. WHAT ARE BIODYNAMIC PREPARATIONS? When Steiner established his biodynamic principles, he came up with nine ‘preparations’, which are made from herbs, mineral sources and animal manures, with each preparation designed to address certain plant health concerns. Turned into field sprays and compost, it is these preparations that aid fertilisation – rather than synthetic, chemical-driven fertilisers you’d typically find in conventional farming. These preparations are used on the farm to harness, activate and enhance the energy of nature into the whole farming system. THE BENEFITS OF BIODYNAMIC FARMING The benefits of biodynamic* farming are endless. Firstly, it’s ecologically and environmentally sustainable as essentially, the farm looks after itself in one full circle – and nothing harmful goes into the Earth. By ensuring the soil is healthy, we protect the local environment and produce high-quality crops. By being guided by the moon, biodynamic* farming allows the crops grown to be the best that they can be. Just like the moon has an influence on tides, it also influences moisture in soil. As the moon approaches our farm, it pulls moisture up to the surface of the soil where it can be best utilised by crops and helps with planting seedlings. As the moon moves away from the Earth’s surface, root crops can benefit from the lower water level into the soil. This, in turn, helps seeds germinate, speeds plant growth rates, and produces more abundant harvests. You may see our products all over the world, but our biodynamic* farm is our heartland and we’ve stayed true to our artisanal roots. We will always put more back into the earth than we take out of it. *Certified biodynamic by the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia. Jurlique’s products and farm are not certified of affiliated with Demeter® USA or Demeter International.
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THE BENEFITS OF AVOCADO OIL IN SKIN CARE
Avocado has long been the darling of superfoods, thanks to it being high in healthy fats, potassium, fibre, vitamins and other nutrients. It’s part of the reason avocado toast has become the millennial breakfast of choice and why the ingredient has been popping up in new incarnations in cafes and restaurants the world over. But did you know Avocado Oil has lots of benefits for your skin too? Yep, applying Avocado Oil onto your skin is just as beneficial as eating the fruit – here’s why.What is Avocado Oil?Avocado Oil is exactly what it says on the tin: oil derived from an avocado. It’s a natural by-product that comes from the pressed pulp of the avocado and is often used in cooking, like olive oil, as well as skin care products.What are the benefits of Avocado Oil for skin?This nourishing plant oil is rich in essential fatty acids that hydrate and soften the skin and protect it from moisture loss and dehydration. It also helps rebalance and comfort delicate skin. The oil is high in vitamins A, B, C, D and E, as well minerals such as iron, magnesium, copper and potassium. Together, these properties help to regenerate the skin, keep it hydrated, work to fight free radicals and promote collagen production. Avocado Oil also minimises inflammation and can calm dry, itchy skin, making it a great ingredient for dry, sensitive or problematic skin.Bottle of Jurlique Skin Balancing Face Oil next to Amethyst stone and two green leaves How to use Avocado Oil for your skinAvocado Oil can be used on your skin in its purest form (look for an oil that is organic, unrefined and cold pressed to reap the most benefits) but it’s also used as a key ingredient in some skin care products – including some at Jurlique:Skin Balancing Face Oil: Our bestselling Skin Balancing Face Oil deeply nourishes and balances the skin, protecting it from moisture loss. Avocado Oil is combined with Rose Hip, Safflower and Macadamia Oils to provide intense nourishment to the skin. Use it on its own after your serum or mix a couple of drops into your moisturiser for extra hydration.Herbal Recovery Antioxidant Face Oil: This blend of antioxidant-rich botanical oils revitalises the complexion, minimises the first signs of ageing and protects against environmental aggressors. Grapeseed Oil reduces fine lines, Avocado Oil nurtures the skin, while Rosehip Oil is rich in essential fatty acids and is known for its restorative properties.Moisture Replenishing Day Cream: This rich and luxurious moisturising cream has been a cult favourite among Jurlique customers for decades – and with good reason. It delivers lasting hydration to leave dry skin feeling soft and comfortable and helps protect skin from environmental aggressors.Balancing Day Care Cream: Light in texture but rich in hydrating benefits, this cream is designed to smooth skin and improve elasticity. It's enriched with plant-based oils including Rose Hip, Avocado and Jojoba Seed Oils, as well as nourishing Shea Butter, to provide intense and long-lasting moisture that keeps skin soft and supple. This cream also helps with sensitivity.Avocado Oil is also found in our body lotions, such as Softening Body Lotion Rose and Calming Body Lotion Lavender. Together with botanicals grown on our biodynamic* Jurlique Farm, Avocado Oil in the lotions leaves skin feeling soft and looking radiant.Intrigued about our other oils? Read our guide to everything you need to know about face oils.
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