Regenerative care for the body and the soul
As legacy, the Mahoi tradition gave us a precious sacred oil: Monoi de Tahiti, the prodigious combination of fresh Tiare flowers and refined Coprah oil. Monoi de Tahiti is much more than a skin and hair preparation. It has also the power to stimulate the senses and feed the imagination. The product of a luxuriant nature, it is the inspiration for a new art of personal care.
Heavenly ingredients: Based on two unique ingredients, Monoi de Tahiti reveals the purifying and soothing virtues of Tiare Tahiti (Gardenia taitensis) in the silky caress of refined Polynesian Coconut oil (Cocos Nucifera).
The secret of Bloom Apothecary Monoi Tiare di Tahiti – Miracle Oil Remedy lies in the delicate 100% natural vegetal blend that is extracted from the rich Tahitian Tumu (Cocos Nucifera) palm tree and from the local "Tiari" (Gardenia Tahitensis) flowers in Tahiti. The scent is a lovely soft aroma that everyone loves. This oil is great for dry skin, dry, damaged hair and super for a mature face skin oil.Monoi de Tahiti originates from the beautiful coral atolls of the south Pacific ocean. It is made in the traditional way by soaking Gardenia Taitensis blossoms (Tiare flowers) in rich purified coconut oil.
A combination of the coconut oil's natural and anti fungal abilities and the natural antiseptic properties of the gardenia oil ( rich in methyl salicylate) ensures a significant protection of the epidermis against mycosis and dermatitis.
Monoi is an ancient Tahitian word meaning 'scented oil'. Many 'Vahines' the beautiful women of Tahiti, use Monoi de Tahiti daily to hydrate and protect their skin and to condition their hair.
Use after shower, bath or swim and as a pre shampoo. Add a few drops to hot bath for relaxation and to keep skin hydrated.
§ Monoi de Tahiti plays a central role in the Tahitian tradition is found in many beauty and well being rituals. Today it inspires active and sensorial formulas, products developing an original approach of holistic care.
Babassu - (Orbignya Oleifera - Brazil) The Babassu tree is a palm tree approximately 20 metres high, which is native to the southeastern region of the Amazon jungle in Brazil. Babassu is a light, yellow, non-drying oil obtained from the kernels of the babassu palm. It has a high content of lauric and myristic acids, which have melting points relatively close to body temperature. This means that, when applied, babassu melts into the skin. This transfer of heat produces a cooling effect on the skin. Babassu forms a protective, soothing coat when applied and a pleasant, velvety feel. Babassu is a superior emollient beneficial for both dry and oily complexions, gently moisturising the skin without contributing to an oily sheen. This oil has properties similar to coconut oil and is used in much the same way for both food and cosmetic purposes.
Sweet Almond - (Prunus Dulcis - Spain) The almond tree originates from Asia and, today, is widely found in California and countries around the Mediterranean, such as Spain. The oil is cold pressed from the kernels of sweet almond fruit and is one of the most popular base oils for use in cosmetics. The oil is rich in beta-sitosterols, alpha-tocopherols, oleic acid and linolenic acid (omega 6), as well as being rich in vitamins A, B1, B2 & B6 which combine to make a highly beneficial oil for use in skin care products. It is particularly beneficial as a moisturiser for dry skin conditions & useful for itchy skin, eczema and psoriasis due to its emollient properties, but is also suitable for sensitive skin and for helping to reduce inflammation. It is a light, softening oil that penetrates easily. It can be used neat as a skin moisturiser/conditioner or added to creams, lotions, massage bases & bars, ointments and it saponifies easily to produce a good lather.
Coconut - (Cocos nucifera - Phillipines) It is a highly nutritious food source being rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals but recently, coconut oil has been of particular interest and much research has been conducted on its health benefits, both when consumed and when applied topically. It has a long tradition amongst Asian & Pacific populations of being a 'cure for all illnesses' and the coconut palm, termed 'The Tree Of Life' is a highly valued source of nutrition & medicine. Modern scientific research is becoming increasingly more aware of this wonder oil's healing potential. Coconut oil is very different to most other fats and is now known to contain about 50% lauric acid (found abundantly in human breast milk), a unique form of essential fatty acid (medium chain fatty acid or MCFA), which has a positive effect on health & the prevention of disease. It has been described as 'the healthiest oil on earth'. Also, the oil has reportedly been said to assist greatly in weight loss and 'The Coconut Diet' has many faithful followers. The oil can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions, from eczema to acne, nappy rash to wrinkles. The oil is known to have great antioxidant properties as well as being known to kill bacteria, fungi and viruses to name a few. Between the skin care benefits of this oil, we can immediately remember: Highly moisturising & excellent for very dry, flaky skin conditions; Soothes nappy rash & cradle cap; Good for wrinkled, sagging & ageing skin due to its emollient and powerful antioxidant properties; Works with the sebum, sweat & good bacteria present on the skin to destroy bad bacteria, maintain the acid mantle and control acne conditions; Has the ability to kill bacteria, fungi and viruses; Protection from the damaging effects of the sun due to its antioxidant properties (although coconut oil should not be treated as a sunscreen alone); Has a long tradition as a substance that improves the health of the hair giving it shine a lustre; Can be used as a natural deodorant for the underarm area; Produces a rich lather and is a very popular choice for soapmakers; Can be used alone, infused with essential oils for massage or in creams, lotions (particularly aftersun lotions) body butters, lip balms, soaps & bath melts etc...
Ylang Ylang genuina (Cananga odorata - Madagascar) Distilled from the freshly picked flowers, this intensely fragrant oil is renowned in Indonesia for its aphrodisiac properties and it has long been used in skin and hair products – a concept adopted by the Victorians. Its aroma is intensely rich, sweet, heady and floral. It has a sweet-balsamic, slightly spicy base and creamy top note. It blends well with the rich, sweet-woody notes of rosewood and floral notes of jasmine, rose and tuberose. Vetivert adds an interesting, smokey element to this rich, exotic aroma. Widely used as a perfume component and fixative in perfumes and cosmetics, in particular Oriental types blends. Ylang ylang III is the prefered choice for use in soaps, body detergents and bath & massage oils.
Black Pepper - (Piper nigrum - Madagascar) The woody perennial that can grow to a height of 5 metres and is native to West India, but is widely cultivated in tropical climates. Major producers include India, Madagascar, Malaysia, china and Indonesia. Used widely as a culinary & medicinal product for some 4000 years. This warm, woody, spicy yet fresh aroma with hints of cloves is steamdistilled from the peppercorns and is thought to be particularly useful for fever and digestive problems. It is a very warming oil and very good for muscular aches & pains.
Geranium - (Pelargonium graveolens - Egypt) Geraniums are native to South Africa but extensively cultivated throughout the world. Although there are around 700 varieties of geranium, only a few actually produce essential oil (Pelargonium roseum, Pelargonium graveolens, Pelargonium odorantissimum and Pelargonium radula). The entire plant is aromatic. Geranium is a powerful ingredient in fragrant blends. Green, sweet that can be sometimes rosy, sometimes minty and often has a fruity note. The aroma is fairly strong. Geranium is thought to have a rather pronounced effect on the nervous system and is one of the best all round tonics. It can gently stimulate the circulatory system and help to balance the hormones. In skin care it is excellent in helping to brighten and dull complextion. A good choice for feminine blends/products and is particularly useful in skin care. This oil can help improve circulation / useful for cellulites, oedema, poor circulation; Sore throats; Problems associated with the menopause; PMT; Neuralgia; Helpful in detox formulas. And emotionally may aid in Lack of balance (life generally); Low tolerance; Excessive talking; Mood swings; Anxiety; Nervous tension; Negative thoughts; Aggression; Some view it as sedative, some as a stimulant In skin care treatments is specially recommended in cases of Problem skins such as acne, congestion & oiliness; Good choice for mature skin; Skin conditions such as dermatitis & eczema; Insect repellent (especially mosquitoes); Fungal infections such as ringworm; Broken capillaries (spider veins). Also, gives the skin radiance & glow, revives a dull complexion (as a result of toxins), soothing to dry, sensitive skin and stimulates regeneration of skin cells. It is thought that geranium can stimulate sensuality!
Jasmin - (Jasmine Grandiflorum - Egypt & North India) Pure Jasmine oil is very rare and expensive, as many petals are needed to obtain even a small quantity of the essential oil. The best Jasmine oil is collected at night when the scent is strongest.. This high quality oil comes from the jasmine that blooms during the day and is considered to be exceedingly effective as an aphrodisiac. The traditional empirical and anecdotal narrative for Jasmine, often known as the "king of flower oils" is its ability to warm the emotions by calming the nerves and encouraging feelings of confidence. Native to Persia and Kashmir, yasmin meaning "Gift from God". Arab poets sung its praises and used it as symbol of love and spiritual longing. Also associated throughout history with the goddess of the moon, Isis, the Egyptian mother goddess who held the secrets of fertility, magic and healing. She is thought to have founded the custom of marriage. Jasmine's nature is to assist each individual's awareness of their unique passions and desires. Jasmine Grandiflorum is a beautiful plant; its flowers bloom in the early dawn as opposed to Jasmine Sambac that blooms in the evening. Jasmine Grandiflorum is well respected for its aphrodisiac properties. It is a sensual, soothing, calming oil that promotes love and peace. Jasmine Grandiflorum has a smooth, extremely intense floral smell that is both sweet and lingering. Note: Since ancient times, Jasmine has been referred to as the King of oils (Rose is the Queen). Apparently this is because Jasmine is the most masculine of all the floral oils. It is also intersting to note that It takes 8,000 carefully hand-picked blossoms to produce 1 gram (about 1 ml.) of Jasmine Absolute.
Tiare - (Gardenia tahitensis - French Polynesia) The Gardenia flower is a fragrant oil is a majestic aroma with the scent of tropical flowers. This fragrance will evoke your feminine grace and beauty. The strong, sweet floral scent will make you heady with the delights of Spring! Add to your soap or burn in your room to give yourself this sweet, feminine scent enjoyed by all! The Tiare Tahiti bush is in flower all year round. Its even, snow-white flowers contrast with the dark green of glossy smooth-edged leaves. Their unique strong and sweet perfume is reminiscent of gardenia and tuberose flowers, with some aspects of apple-tree flowers. The Tiare flower is the emblem of Tahiti. It is also one of the main ingredients in French Polynesia’s traditional pharmacopoeia. It is believed to effectively relieve migraine and earache, heal wounds, and even cure certain types of eczema.
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Learn More:
Bloom Apothecary Monoi Tiare di Tahiti – Miracle Oil Remedy is a traditional old recipe, French-Tahitian cosmetic oil consisting of pure coconut oil and the fragrance of tiare, the Tahitian Gardenia. The product is a refinement of an ancient Polynesian beauty secret and has been manufactured commercially since 1942. Centuries ago the people of Polynesia discovered that pure coconut oil is an essential secret for beautiful skin and hair. Coconut oil is a natural replacement for your body's skin and hair oils. The coconut oil used in Monoi Tiare Tahiti is so highly refined that it is quickly absorbed by your skin. This Tahitian beauty secret is now available to you.
Please note that because of its tropically grown ingredients, Monoi oil solidifies at temperatures below 68 F (20 C). This is a natural process that occurs because genuine Monoi contains no emulsifiers to keep it in a liquid state. Simply place the container in warm water to return it to a golden liquid form. Solidifying and warming will not affect the original properties of Monoi.
Warning: Do NOT use a microwave oven to warm Monoi!
Tips & Tricks
Skin Moisturizer
For soft supple skin, use Bloom Apothecary Monoi Tiare di Tahiti – Miracle Oil Remedy as a moisturizer and bath oil. It massages quickly into the skin, smoothing away dryness and leaving behind only a delightful fragrance of island flowers.
Hair Conditioner
Bloom Apothecary Monoi Tiare di Tahiti – Miracle Oil Remedy may be used as a conditioner for dry hair. Pour a small amount into the palm of your hand and massage into the hair. Shampoo out after 10 or 15 minutes. The oil will enter the hair and replace the natural oils, giving your hair natural body and sheen.
Dark Tanning Oil
Pure coconut oil is the best product available for use as a dark tanning oil. Coconut oil actually increases the strength of the sun to speed the tanning process and enrich a dark body. Monoi has no sunscreen or other chemical additives, so apply frequently and avoid excessive exposure during peak sun hours. Once a basic tan is developed, Monoi oil will produce incredible results with the sun. Monoi is absorbed quickly by your skin so it does not feel oily or greasy. As an after sun moisturizer, Monoi protects against dryness and peeling. Bloom Apothecary Monoi Tiare di Tahiti – Miracle Oil Remedy is the original dark tanning blend.
ptherapy
By Paula Tooths Humphries
Kent, July/ 2008
