Out From The Crater Of A Thundering Volcano Comes A Gem

Nov. 18, 2008 - PRLog -- No, I’m not talking about a typical gemstone, but rather a skin care gem in the form of a Vanuatu manufacturer who is on the fast track to becoming a name brand worldwide in the area of natural skin care products. Volcanic Earth has managed to harness the normally destructive power of volcanic ash to produce an exotic range of natural skin care products, with over 54 % of its sales in 2008 coming through an ever-growing list of resellers around the world.

Vanuatu (formerly known as the “New Hebrides”) is a volcanic island chain in the south west Pacific Ocean, between Fiji and New Caledonia. There are 83 islands altogether and it is one of the few places on Earth where you can enter into a very ancient culture and connect with the scenic splendour of the natural world.  Of the 200,000 or so people in the Republic of Vanuatu, most are native Melanesians living, much as they have for centuries, in villages with their extended families. The expatriate community is only a few thousand individuals, many of whom have been living there for generations.

Volcanic Earth is headed up by two expatriate Australian women, Linda Trenkner and Pam Ryan. They are both strong advocates of all natural skin care products that actually work and share in the belief that we are all connected to the Earth’s energy and each other. The use of real volcanic ash and volcanic pumice has been incorporated into its flagship all natural "Elementals" skin care range.  The ash is used in their foot scrubs and body scrubs due to the cleaning, purification and exfoliating qualities of the ash, while volcanic pumice is used for its drawing power in the treatment of Acne.

“Apart from its anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-yeast and overall disinfectant qualities, volcanic ash is high in Sulphur, an active Mineral ingredient which not only helps the body to resist bacteria but actually destroy it. Sulphur is also known to slow down the aging process because of its ability to protect against the toxic effects of pollution and radiation. In our Facial Care line, our most popular product is our Honey & Pumice Exfoliant. The combination of micro-fine volcanic pumice powder and honey is extremely effective in the treatment of acne breakouts, skin blemishes and razor bumps” said Linda.

Volcanic Earth’s “Elementals” range is comprised of over 50 different body care products. The range is split up into the following sub-categories: Unpredictable (a Frangipani-based line of natural products for women);  Eruptable  (Sandalwood-based for men); CocoVan (Vanuatu virgin coconut oil, lime& vanilla and suitable for everyone) and their Tropical First Aid (incorporating Vanuatu’s famed Tamanu Oil). They also produce a Hair and Facial care range, as well as bath products and soaps.

The extraordinary healing properties of Tamanu Oil (it’s scientifc name is Calophyllum Inophyllum) have been long admired by the natives of Melanesian and Polynesian cultures. They regard this amazing oil as one of nature’s sacred gifts and sometimes refer to it as the Sacred Oil Of Tamanu or Green Gold. However, until recently, this amazing product has been largely an undiscovered solution for many skin care problems.

The real healing power of this traditional topical oil is its unique ability to promote the formation of new tissue, thereby accelerating wound healing and the growth of healthy skin (anti-aging) – process "cicatrization". This unique oil also possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-neuralgic, antibiotic and antioxidant properties.

Its uses range from the proven ability to improve the appearance of scars (Source: Dweck, A.C.: Calophyllum inophyllum – Tamanu oil the African, Asian, Polynesian and Pacific Panacea. International Journal of Cosmetic Science 24, 6, 1-8 (2002) such as Acne scars, stretch marks and general scarring to burns, Psoriasis, Diabetic sores, Eczema, Athletes Foot, ulcers, skin grafts, Herpes sores, Vaginitis and the removal of age spots – just to name a few.

Pure Tamanu Oil can be found within Volcanic Earth’s Tropical First Aid range in various sizes, along with their very popular Tamanu Butter and other Tamanu Oil-based products.

When the business first started out some years ago, it produced a range of “Ash Clothing” that incorporated the use of volcanic ash. Whilst their “Authentic Ash Shirt” and other clothing items are still produced to this day, the skin care side of the business has really taken off in a big way with over 250 resellers located in various parts of the United States (including Alaska) with some others in countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and even Ireland.

On top of all this, Volcanic Earth was invited to participate in the Gift Packs awarded to the losing nominees at this year’s Emmy Awards in LA. While they have deferred this until 2009 due to the current absence of a distributor in Los Angeles itself, it says a lot about the quality and uniqueness of the products themselves.

On a more personal note, the other thing I like about this company is its genuine desire to help improve the standard of living of the Ni Vanuatu people (many of whom are poor) so that they can at least afford life’s essentials such as proper housing, education and medicine. Through its creative use of volcanic ash, pumice and other raw ingredients, Volcanic Earth is opening up global markets for its unique products. In this way, the company seeks to be a significant employer for many disadvantaged Ni Vanuatu, so as to contribute to the reduction of widespread poverty.

Volcanic Earth products are devoid of any chemicals, artificial preservatives or colourings. These also extend to products such as their Headache Stopper, After Sun Spray and Insect Stopper. No products are tested on animals and most of their products can readily be purchased online through their website at www.volcanicearth.com.

This company also operates the Volcanic Earth Healing Centre located at the N. Michoutouchkine A. Pilioko Foundation in Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu. By all accounts, this is a world class spa and wellness centre. It uses its own naturally, organic products at the Healing Centre, which is set within the botanical gardens of an historic art gallery/museum by the South Pacific Ocean.

Volcanic Earth’s team of qualified therapists are skilled in the ancient art of relaxation, deep tissue massage, pampering and rejuvenation.  Using naturally organic skin care products manufactured in Vanuatu by Volcanic Earth itself, the Healing Centre offers a range of spa, beauty and anti-aging treatments, including relaxing open air massages, soothing lava stone therapies, luxurious mud wraps, natural facelifts, detoxifying body scrubs, pain-relieving reflexology, facials, waxing, manicures and pedicures.

Specialities include their signature Volcanic Ash body scrubs and wraps, Custom Healing Infertility Treatments, Traditional Bush Medicine and Rapid Detox Treatments.

Complimentary local teas and refreshments are served with all treatments in the Tea House By The Sea. As you sit in this beautifully, quaint tea house and pagola gazing out over the Pacific Ocean, you realise that you have just put yourself first for once in your life and can’t wait to do it all over again!

You can wander into the Garden Shop and pick up a range of local South Pacific products from all sorts of different art works and hand painted clothing to some of the fabulous skin care products only Volcanic Earth can produce.

If you would like to learn more about this extraordinary company, visit http://www.volcanicearth.com.

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Your source for the finest Organic Skin Care Based on the healing and restorative powers of Tamanu Oil, Virgin Coconut Oil and Volcanic Ash Products, from the South Pacific.

Worth glowing, healthy skin - worth Volcanic Earth!