OLIVE OIL - The olive tree, imported from Greece over 2500 years ago, has held the esteemed position through the ages as a symbol of peace, goodness and purity. The ancient Greeks stockpiled olive oil for economic security because of its long shelf life. Superstitious folk in medieval times used it to drive out evil spirits. Thick, luxurious and delicious, olive oil is not only good nutritionally, it is also a wonderful beauty secret for dry skin. A few drops massaged onto the face at night is great for deep moisturizing, as it absorbs into the skin beautifully.

COCONUT OIL comes from the meat of the coconut and is rich with lauric acid, which has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Older generations used to grate fresh coconut,extract the coconut milk, and let the milk stand in a covered bucket until, about 24-36 hours later, the water separated from the oil. High-grade virgin coconut oil has a very long shelf life because of its natural anti-oxidant properties. It's wonderful as a digestive aid, has been known to be a powerful agent in destroying intestinal parasites. Recently, studies have shown this oil to be one of the healthiest substances to use on the skin - that it actually increases the metabolism, which helps to lose weight.

BEES WAX is the simple and pure bi-product of a honeybee and one of the key ingredients in the most highly regarded natural skin products. It makes a wonderful skin softening balm with a lovely texture and feel. Most people think the most important substance created from the honeybee is honey, but actually honeybees primary job is pollination and without these vital workers, our crops would not flourish. Bees are considered to be highly intelligent insects, as exemplified by the little dance they perform to communicate to each other where to find the best flowers! In Medieval times, beeswax was quite valuable not only as a quality candle wax, but as a bartering commodity.

Written by Cody Minnick