Date: Sunday October 3rd
Time: 10:30am – 5:00pm
Fee: $160.00 Inclusive of all materials – Take home your creations)

Prepare to be inspired with stylish and innovative soap crafting the easy way, utilising Melt & Pour soap bases, natural colours, herbs, oils and fragrances. Ideal for gift giving or to dazzle your bathroom, and to know what is really in your bath soaps.

Click here to download an enrolment form or email Donna for further details

Course Notes:

• All workshop fees are inclusive of all materials. Take home your creations
• These workshops and classes will be held on the listed dates only and NOT repeated (in 2010)
• Class numbers are strictly limited to a maximum of 10 students.
• Please book early to ensure your place.
• Please bring notebook and pen to each class and your lunch where applicable.
• No enrolment accepted unless accompanied by completed enrolment form and deposit. (Visa and Mastercard accepted)
• Should a class not proceed – deposit paid will be fully refunded.
• Please arrive on time for selected workshop.

Venue: Cottage Hill Herb Farm2 Bridge Rd, Birchville, Upper Hutt Phone: (04) 526 4753 Fax: (04) 526 4751For driving directions to Cottage Hill Herbs please click here

Date: Sunday September 26th
Time: 10:30am – 5:00pm
Fee: $140.00 (Inclusive of all materials – Take home your creations)

Transform your bath time into a truly pampering and relaxing experience with your own gorgeous bath creations. Easy, inexpensive and uniquely fragrant treats for gift giving this Christmas, or your own bath care with a difference.

Click here to download an enrolment form or email Donna for further details

Course Notes:

• All workshop fees are inclusive of all materials. Take home your creations
• These workshops and classes will be held on the listed dates only and NOT repeated (in 2010)
• Class numbers are strictly limited to a maximum of 10 students.
• Please book early to ensure your place.
• Please bring notebook and pen to each class and your lunch where applicable.
• No enrolment accepted unless accompanied by completed enrolment form and deposit. (Visa and Mastercard accepted)
• Should a class not proceed – deposit paid will be fully refunded.
• Please arrive on time for selected workshop.

Venue: Cottage Hill Herb Farm2 Bridge Rd, Birchville, Upper Hutt Phone: (04) 526 4753 Fax: (04) 526 4751For driving directions to Cottage Hill Herbs please click here

A two day basic intensive workshop designed to show you how simple, easy and cost effective it is to create your own superior, chemical free beautiful skincare products.

Over the course of two days you will learn to make your own base creams, herbal infused oils etc. study which herbs and natural ingredients are the most effective in rejuvenating, healing and improving the look, texture and health of your skin.

You will learn how to make over fifteen unique, specialized natural skin and body care products worth hundreds of dollars and you will take these home with you at the end of each day. No experience is necessary – we set you on a new and exciting path to formulating all of your personal skincare products free of any chemical contamination, and customized to suit your skins unique needs.

Dates:
Saturday June 19th
Sunday June 20th
Time: 10.30am – 5.00pm
Fee: $340.00 Inclusive of all materials
Credits: 7

Click here to download an enrolment form or email Donna for further details
During the workshop you will make and take home:

Base creams – Two types
Herbally infused oil
Healing hand cream
Skin and body oil
Moisturiser
Cleanser
Body scrub
Facial masks
Exfoliater
Lip Balm
Body Butter
Nourishing face cream
Shampoo
Conditioner

Course Notes:

• All workshop fees are inclusive of all materials. Take home your creations
• These workshops and classes will be held on the listed dates only and NOT repeated (in 2010)
• Class numbers are strictly limited to a maximum of 10 students.
• Please book early to ensure your place.
• Please bring notebook and pen to each class and your lunch where applicable.
• No enrolment accepted unless accompanied by completed enrolment form and deposit. (Visa and Mastercard accepted)
• Should a class not proceed – deposit paid will be fully refunded.
• Please arrive on time for selected workshop.

Venue: Cottage Hill Herb Farm2 Bridge Rd, Birchville, Upper Hutt Phone: (04) 526 4753 Fax: (04) 526 4751For driving directions to Cottage Hill Herbs please click here

2. Tone skin with hydrosol:
a. German Chamomile–Anti inflammatory, gentle and calming.
b. Lavender–All skins, including mildly blemished skin.
c. Orange Flower-Helps to balance oily skin.
d. Rose–All skins, particularly sensitive or mature.
e. Rosemary–Refreshing and stimulating for normal to oily skin.
f. Watermelon–Cooling, toning and soothing.
g. Witch Hazel–Slightly more astringent and stimulating, suitable for sallow or tired skin.
h. Manuka-Excellent for troubled skin.
i. Eucalyptus-Helpful for troubled skin.
j. Neroli-Lovely in cleansing products.

3. Mix 1 level tablespoon clay to a thick paste with hydrosol. Use as an exfoliant. Massage into the skin, wetting fingers to aid manipulation. The fine grains in the clay will gently exfoliate the dead skin cells. Allow to dry. The drying action of the clay (green being the most absorbent) will absorb toxins and draw impurities to the surface of the skin (this will help extraction).

4. Wash mask away with water.

5. Apply cool compress with one drop Lavender oil or spray face with hydrosol of choice.

OR

6. You can apply different clays to different parts of your face for example red clay around the eye area, pink on the cheeks and green on the oily “T”.

7. Remove clay with hot towels or water and finish with a hot aromatic compress.

8. Massage the skin using Jojoba oil (known for its soothing nature and compatibility to the skin) and a selection of essential oils at 1% dilution levels.

Click here to view more information about clays.

Click here to view more information about our clay products for sale.

As a hair mask, it soaks up dirt, cleans hair and scalp. Its antiseptic capabilities stimulate blood microcirculation and gives volume to hair. Wash the clay out thoroughly. For best results use twice a week.

General directions for use

In a glass/porcelain bowl mix 2-4 teaspoons with a hydrosol or water (do not use metal in contact with clay as this detracts from the benefits of the clay). Make a paste to suit your preferred consistency, the thicker the paste the better the action.

If any clay is left over after use, it will stay fresh in a screw top glass jar for up to two weeks. Cover with 2cm of distilled water to keep moist and pour off water before using with your next application. Do not re-use used clay.

As a face pack leave in place for up to thirty minutes or until pack starts to firm and dry, then wash off thoroughly.

For body care mix clay and apply all over the body. Allow to dry, then shower off, following with your favourite body care oil.

Click here to view more information about clays.

Click here to view more information about our clay products for sale.

Active french clays,Bentonite, Kaolin, Black & Moroccan red clay

These pure chemical free clays consist of curative volcanic ash or feldspar minerals. Dug from the earth and carefully sun dried – each of these beautiful clays has similar abilities, but they differ in their level of absorption and mineral properties. Cosmetic clays regularly used, rejuvenate skin, exfoliate and stimulate blood circulation to the skin, removes dead skin cells and debris from the pores and refine pores to create a smooth, healthy glow.

French clay properties and use: -

Green Clay:
Very rich in magnesium, iron, potassium, copper, selenium, zinc, manganese, calcium, silica and other macro and micro nutrients. Helps reminerilisation, regeneration of cells and tissues, draws and binds toxins and calms inflammation. Green clay is very effective for acne, helping to halt the growth of bacteria, and prevent the formation of scar tissue. It can be used in tooth powder to remove plaque and whiten teeth. It may act as an analgesic and healer for pain, infected wounds, rashes, spots, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, cold sores, haemorrhoids, and acne. It restores the natural PH, deodorizes and heals. Never mix green clay with a metal spoon or store in a metal container, as it loses its beneficial electromagnetic quality.

Red Clay:
Is high in iron oxide – is suitable for post – acne, mature, dehydrated, tired, sensitive and stressed skin. Red calms inflammation, refines texture and is oilier than other colours. Good for bags under eyes and broken capillaries.

Pink Clay:
A skin softening and refining clay. It tones the epidermis (outer layer) of skin. Mainly used for dehydrated and sensitive skin. Ideal as a body wrap, helps to firm the bust, thighs, stomach and upper arms. Excellent in a skin maintenance programme.

Yellow Clay:
A mild clay, suitable for most skin types, it stimulates circulation, revitalizes, and restores tired, neglected, sun damaged skin. Yellow clay does not draw oils from the skin excessively. Good for dry, sensitive and normal skin types.

White Clay:
The mildest of all the clays. It stimulates circulation to the skin, whist gently cleansing and exfoliating. It does not draw oils and can be used on dry, delicate, young, sensitive or mature skins. White french clay is an excellent body deodorant and natural alternative to talcum powder.

Bentonite Clay:
Sometimes known as Montmorillonite clay. This clay swells up and stretches like a highly porous sponge, drawing toxins into its spaces. Good as an anti-irritant in lotions and creams for eczema. May be used in baby powders, sunscreens, face creams, mud packs and detox baths. High in silica, iron, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. A good clay for acne and infected skin.

Kaolin Clay:
Increases local circulation, helps inflammation and is mildly drying and very skin tightening. High in silica, iron, zinc, calcium and magnesium, kaolin is naturally adsorbent, making it effective in products like scrubs, deodorants, face powders, masks, toothpowder, and soaps. A very very mild clay, suitable for sensitive skins and is less expensive than other clays. May also be used to fix scent.

Moroccan red clay:
Also known as rhassoul clay, this is a super fine, silky powder very rich in silica, magnesium, and calcium, and dense in many more nutrients. Moroccan clay feels silky smooth on the skin, it exfoliates, draws and is very lubricating. This clay is used in many, many commercial cosmetic products and haircare products.

Black Clay:
This clay is very high in iron, is very nourishing, cleansing and conditioning to the skin. It has wonderful oxygen producing properties, making it useful in a wide range of skincare products. May be mixed with other clays. Great for creating a black lip balm or talc.

Poultices:

Are made by applying a thick layer of clay paste, either directly or onto gauze for easy removal. Poultices must never be re-used as toxins are drawn into the clay. Clays can be mixed with cold pressed oils (Jojoba, Almond or other choice) Honey, natural yoghurt, egg yolk, powdered herbs, Aloe Vera or gels. E.g. clay mixed with many of these ingredients will give a softer texture for more sensitive skins etc. this also prevents clay from drying too quickly – thereby keeping the clay more active for longer.

Clays – especially the french or black clays may also be used to add colour, minerals and softness to soaps, creams and lotions, gels, hair products, lipsticks and balms, mascaras, aftershave talcs, eyeliners, blushers and make-up bases, and deodorants.

For problem, spotty and acne skins – use at least twice weekly. For other skin types a once weekly treatment will enhance and improve skin tone, colour, texture, lines and wrinkles and general skin health.

Click here to view more information about our clay products for sale.

Stop That Scratching!
Flea treatment for cats and dogs is most effective using essential oil of Ti – Tree. For cats, dilute Ti – Tree into a carrier oil (Calendula is great) and rub into area at the back of the neck and base of tail twice weekly. Dilution rate is 34 – 40 drops to 50ml carrier oil. (20 drops = 1ml approx.) For dogs, Ti – Tree may be used diluted, or used in the final rinse water after shampooing. 5 – 6 drops Ti – Tree in tub of clean water, Ti – Tree may also be added to your pets shampoo for effective flea control. 34 – 40 drops to 250ml shampoo. Shake bottle well before use.

Ti – Tree is anti – fungal and a great dissolver of pus, so is the number one choice for animal to animal bites and for wounds that become infected. Abscesses may be avoided completely or cleaned up by using Ti – Tree. May be used neat to wound or diluted in water (warm) to bathe wounds. Also great for ringworm and sores – for mudrash in horses and for lice in horses and goats etc. Use in strong solutions in a shampoo for lice treatment, for mudrash, combine with cider vinegar and dab onto affected areas. Ti – Tree diluted in warm water in an atomizer bottle may be used to disinfect kennels, cages and bedding areas. Ti – Tree is now the choice of the Australian debt of Agriculture for the washes required for all animals entering Australia.

Calendula is another most valuable herb for use in animal treatments. It is available as a tincture, an oil, an ointment, and pure essential oil. The tincture is effective for the bathing of wounds that are dirty. The oil is amazing for regenerating new cell growth in open wounds. Do not use on infected wound sites or abscesses, (clean up with Ti – Tree first) and then use calendula to close and heal the wound. It heals quickly and is extremely safe in any area. Great for skin problems, eczema’s, hot spots, rashes, cut pads etc. for major rips and tears, soak wound with calendula oil and cover with gauze or muslin and bandage to hold fleshy parts together. Healing is rapid and calendula eases the pain. May also be used to heal stitch lines, to minimize scar tissue and to promote rapid granulation in any wound site.

Dog shampoo
• 150ml Shampoo Base (additive free)
• 3ml Aloe Vera liquid
• 15gm Wormwood dried
• 10 drops Horsetail tincture
• 150mls of water
• 15 drops pure essential oil of Ti-Tree

Cook the Wormwood in the 150mls of water by placing in saucepan and simmering gently (lid on the pot) for approx 15 – 20 mins. Strain the liquid through a sieve and allow to cool. Add Aloe Vera, Horsetail tincture to the shampoo base, then the cooled Wormwood liquid and lastly the Ti-Tree essential oil. Shake and cap. This is a gentle but effective shampoo for some skin conditions and flea control.

Dog conditioner
• 150ml Conditioner base (additive free)
• 3ml Aloe Vera liquid
• 15gm Wormwood dried
• 10 drps Horsetail tincture
• 150mls of water
• 3mls Neem oil
• 15 drops pure essential oil of Ti-Tree

Cook dried Wormwood,strain and cool as for the shampoo. Add Aloe Vera, Horsetail and neem oil to the conditioner base, then the cooled Wormwood liquid and lastly the Ti-Tree essential oil. Shake and cap. Helps with skin problems, flea control and makes the coat soft, silky and with a beautiful shine.

Abused Animals
Animals that have been abused may tear up the house, or urinate on furniture – or they may fear resentment because of lack of attention or a new addition to the house. The remedy here is Willow. Others who suffer stress in the home situation or who are prone to stress, from a past situation respond well to the flower essence of spinach. Spinach will help your pet to relax in a stressful home because animals tend to mirror and also absorb the emotional climate of their household.

For younger animals who act listless and disinterested in their surroundings, or who are sluggish in their digestive system, (without medical problems) are well suited to spinach as a flower remedy. Spinach is also excellent for older animals past their prime (including horses); it helps to restore their sense of play and interest in life and their surroundings. This also applies to animals who have recovered from serious illness or surgery, but show a lack of interest in life. Spinach helps to create more fun – loving animals. Of course it will also do the same for people, especially those who somehow lost the gift of childhood.

Skin Problems
Dogs and cats often suffer from hot spots, weals, blisters or ulcers that may cover large areas of the body. Fleabites may be one cause, or contact with certain plants (such as wandering jew) may be another cause.

Some animals are hypersensitive to these things. Giving a safe, alterative herb, such as burdock root in food often helps the body eliminate antigenic compounds that may be contributing to the itch and inflammation. Obviously if fleas are a problem, these need to be eliminated by using Neem Oil, or Neem with the pure essential oils of Ti-Tree, Cedarwood, Eucalyptus and Rosemary combined with the Neem Oil. Neem Oil is gentle, but effective and prevents any eggs from further hatching. A clay poultice may also be applied to any inflamed area and left to dry. It will eventually crack and dry and be rubbed off and will not harm if your pet wants to lick it. The clay poultice eases away redness, itch and inflammation and is made by:

• 1 Tablespoon of Green French Clay
• 20 Drops of Echinacea Tincture
• With enough distilled water to make a thick paste.

Apply thickly to affected areas. Any leftover mixture may be refrigerated in a covered jar indefinitely and used again by adding more water.

Arthritis in your pet
Arthritis is a general term, referring to the inflammation of a joint. Polyarthritis is the inflammation of several joints. Degenerative arthritis is a term that refers to the wearing of joints as animal’s age.
Osteoarthritis is usually the result of some type of secondary damage to the joint structures, which could result from rupture of ligaments, poor anatomical alignment, or joint dislocation. Inflammatory arthritis may be caused by an infection or an immune – mediated disease that leads to destructive arthritic lesions. It may also take the form of hip dysphasia, which is the abnormal development of the ball and socket joint of the hips, in dogs.

According to W. Belfield, D.V.M., he believes that hip dysphasia may be an easily controlled biochemical condition in most breeds of dogs, caused by insufficient collagen synthesis. He says that if insufficient amounts of Vitamin C exist in affected dogs, they may have difficulty synthesizing enough collagen to assist in maintaining joint stability. Studies conducted by him on German shepherds with hereditary hip dysphasia, showed excellent results with Vitamin C supplementation. Other supplements and herbs for arthritis:

• Glucosamine and M.S.M – are excellent for wear and tear joint deterioration and help protect and regenerate connective tissue and cartilage in affected joints. They show great promise in the treatment of inflammation and pain.

• Shark Cartilage, Vitamin C and E.F.A supplements – help repair joint tissue damage. Horsetail herb is most helpful as it is the richest source of bioavailable form of silica, an element that serves as the active matrix in connective tissue development. Comfrey is also considered a classic bone and joint repair herb and I usually recommended comfrey as a homeopathic remedy here.

Devils claw – soothes inflammation and pain as does Yucca, White Willow Bark, Alfalfa, Ginger, and Celery Seed. As there are many ways to use these herbs in treating your animal for pain and inflammation and dosage is often dictated by the weight, age and health condition of your pet, I would recommend popping into our dispensary for further advice and help related to your individual pet care requirements.

This class will look at many of the common health problems encountered by our pets today. We look at dietary changes, herbs, supplements and natural products to enhance and improve the health and wellbeing of our pets. You will learn to create many products suitable in aiding this process. We create skin washes, ointments, capsules and other herbal products to deal with various ailments common in our animals. The class will deal with the specific needs of each student, with products created around those needs.

Date: Sunday May 16th
Time: 10:30am – 4:30pm
Fee: $160.00 Inclusive of all materials

Click here to download an enrolment form or email Donna for further details

Aromatherapy bath and body care

During this very fragrant two day comphensive workshop, you will learn how to make aromatherapy sprays, lotions, bath salts and scrubs, bath bombs, bath milks and oils. You will learn the properties of herbs and essential oils, how to blend and use them effectively. Create your own gorgeous gifts and personalized products. During this workshop you will make and take home:

• 1 Luxury bath oil
• 1 Moisturising body lotion
• 2 Types of bath salts
• 1 Gorgeous bath milk
• 2 Bath bombs
• 1 Bath and shower gel
• 1 Aromatherapy spray
• 1 Sensual massage oil

(A value of more than $200)

Dates: Saturday May 8th
Sunday May 9th
Time: 10:30am – 4:30pm
Fee: $330.00 Inclusive of all materials

Click here to download an enrolment form or email Donna for further details

Course Notes:

• All workshop fees are inclusive of all materials. Take home your creations
• These workshops and classes will be held on the listed dates only and NOT repeated (in 2010)
• Class numbers are strictly limited to a maximum of 10 students.
• Please book early to ensure your place.
• Please bring notebook and pen to each class and your lunch where applicable.
• No enrolment accepted unless accompanied by completed enrolment form and deposit. (Visa and Mastercard accepted)
• Should a class not proceed – deposit paid will be fully refunded.
• Please arrive on time for selected workshop.

Venue: Cottage Hill Herb Farm2 Bridge Rd, Birchville, Upper Hutt Phone: (04) 526 4753 Fax: (04) 526 4751For driving directions to Cottage Hill Herbs please click here