Ida's Soap Box

The labor intensive aspects of growing and harvesting vanilla beans, the effects of bad weather conditions and the consumer demand for natural vanilla bean products has been driving up the price of vanilla beans.

The synergistic composition of essential oils cannot be recreated in a laboratory. Essential oils are derived from real plant material. Fragrance oils are artificially created and, even those that are derived from natural components, do not offer the natural therapeutic advantages of true essential oils.

Have you ever enjoyed the scent of a fragrant flower or herb? The fragrance comes from potent, aromatic compounds called essential oils. Essential oils not only give plants their unique scents, but they also help lure plant pollinators and protect plants from insects and other predators. Only natural botanical essential oils can cause neurochemicals to be released in the brain which can affect the body, mind, and spirit.

The USDA has developed a three-tier system for labeling certified organic products. Although you may see many different "organic" logos, symbols, and badges on products, signs, and websites, there are only two that have any real meaning. They are the circular "USDA Organic" logo and the logo from a USDA accredited certifying agency.