Blog

On the origin of the “60% of your skin care gets absorbed” myth: The case of the misinterpreted study

You might have come across the blanket statement that “60% of what you apply on your skin, gets absorbed into your bloodstream”. This statement has been perpetuated by the natural skin care industr...

Plantain and plantain extract in natural skin care

Plantain medicine in skin care Plantain (Plangato spp.) is a very versatile and what I would call a foundational medicinal plant. Plantain’s most pronounced herbal action is astringent followed by...

Plant-based, botanical and herbal skin care: what's the difference?

What do botanical skin care and plant-based skin care have in common with the Rolling Stones? Have you ever been a fan of a little-known alternative musical band that went viral after many years? L...

Skin care in naturopathic practice: how to select, make and dispense the best product.

For years I have been interested in the divide/overlap of what I consider three worlds of skin care: conventional, natural and herbal. The carrier of the therapeutic action in conventional skin car...

Australian Rosehip Seed Oil and Vitamin C Myths

The myth that rosehip seed oil is rich in vitamin C is ubiquitous and spreads from one blog post to another. It is one of the most common natural skin care myths. It is about time it is undone. Let...

Local ingredients from Australian farms: a long overdue trend in Australian natural skin care.

In contrast to the natural skin care sector, local ingredients have become a symbol of luxury and health within Australian hospitality. Restaurants, cafes, food vans and their customers all sing od...

Wattle Seeds Loaf with Mountain Pepper and Leatherwood Honey

Experience a multi-layered concerto of native flavors that gushes out of this soft, crumbly, rich wattle seeds loaf. It is only lightly sweet when served on its own. If you want to satisfy your swe...

Mountain rocket (Bellendena montana): The most Ancient Tasmanian

Bellendena montana (Mountain Rocket) is the only species of this ancient genus (over 85M years old!). It is considered a “paleoendemic” species. This means it was formerly widespread but grows now ...

Carpobrotus rossii (Native pigface): A versatile succulent

I have been meaning to write up a post about native pigface for a long time. Most Australians will be familiar with this plant because it is abundant all over the country (especially in the South)....

Exocarpos cupressiformis (Native cherry): Tasmanian bush nibble

Tasmanian Summer is in full swing and that means abundance of Summer berries. Who would not love to nibble on a little bush snack? There is a number of naturalized European “berry-plants” such as b...