Edward Viljoen: All About Lavender

All About Lavender

By: Edward Viljoen on Saturday, April 21, 2012

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In aroma: The International Magazine for Essential Oils, an article about the perpetual popularity of Lavender oil reveals that "Domestic consumption and export of Lavender oil far exceed the amount produced by agricultural methods. It has become profitable to mix less expensive essential oils like Lavandin or Bulgarian Lavender (from clones) with synthetic linalool and linalyl acetate and to offer the resulting "bouquet" as True Lavender."

Apparently the president of the confrerie de la lavande said that although Provence produces about 50 tons of true lavender annually, brokers export 250 tons, and he humorously called this a greater miracle than the ones of Lourdes and Fatima.

I can understand why there are strong warnings about using essential oils, and strong recommendations that they be applied topically only: we don't have a clue what is in some of them. That is, unless you have a reputable vendor of genuine and authentic oils.

Over time I have learned about some possible signs of fakery: if the price is too good, it's probably too good to be true. :) Sometimes the aroma itself is too good to be true, or has a solid perfumy smell. But these days, adulterers (ain't that a great word) are smarter and smarter, smarter than my nose and ability to do math.

So I continue to read up about suppliers, try to educate myself about the oils I'm purchasing, so that I can use Lavender with confidence and safety.

From Monica Haas:

How to spot fine lavender made by Nature!

Linalool and Linaly Acetate never more than 80%

Lavandulyl acetate at least 4.5%

Cis beta ocimene and Trans beta ocimene > 0.5%

Camphor below 0.5%

Good luck!

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Reviews

“If kindness were a country, Ordinary Goodness would be its travel guide. In this book, Edward Viljoen delves into a perfectly ordinary yet arguably neglected virtue—kindness—and reveals its source, its rewards, and a well-defined approach for integrating kindness into your very bones. Combining his personal history with his decades of experience as a minister, Viljoen is eminently qualified to teach us that the ordinariness of kindness may actually be the most dazzling quality we might possess.”
—Randall Friesen, publisher of Newt List Books

“While goodness, kindness, compassion, and faith might seem like ordinary concepts, when it comes to actually living them in the face of life’s daily challenges, it’s easy to get stuck. Edward Viljoen has given us a gentle, illuminating, compassionate guidebook to living from the goodness that lies at the heart of who we really are.”
—Alan Seale, founder of the Center for Transformational Presence, and author of Create A World That Works and Intuitive Living

“Ordinary Goodness reminds me I can see goodness and kindness every day. Edward reminds all of us, that despite our failings, we really can be both good and kind. Brew a cup of tea and curl up with this insightful and achingly beautiful account of the mystery, paradox, and wonder of your life. You’ll be glad you did!”
—Petra Weldes, author of Joyous Living Journal

Edward Viljoen was a recent guest to my radio show, "In The Spirit." I had read his book, "Ordinary Goodness" and was happy to talk with him about it. I like the way he inserts stories from his own life to illustrate various points. In this cynical age, this book is a tonic a guide to live a good life by being good to others. We cannot be truly happy until we do. Thank you, Edward for bringing a much needed topic to our attention.

—Gary Goldberg, host of In The Spirit

The Power of Meditation

“Edward Viljoen’s new book, The Power of Meditation, is a gift. It serves as a practical guidebook for those who are new at spiritual practice, as well as a beautiful reminder of simplicity and essence for those who have been engaged in spiritual practice for a lifetime. Edward helps us find the strength we need to be present with whatever life brings. He takes the reader by the hand, dispels the mysteries, and makes this elusive thing called meditation very real and doable.” —Alan Seal, author of Create a World That Works

Bhagavad-Gita For Beginners

Edward, I bought your new book yesterday and read it last night! I have to tell you....I finally "Get it"!! I cannot tell you how many times I've tried to read the Bhagavad Gita, but never got very far before I realized I had no idea what was going on. But after reading your primer, I now get it and feel quite confident that when I pull the full Monty version down from the shelf I won't feel nearly as lost!! Really was such a great read! I'm glad it can live on my Kindle. I anticipate reading it often! Thank you so much!!! Loved it! LouAnn Thomas