Alembic Still

Central Coast Lavender derived it’s method of Distillation from techniques used for centuries by those who have Mastered the craft. Striving to maintain a tried and true delivery of 100% pure essential oil, we have learned and followed some of the masters of our modern age.  Central Coast Lavender shares in this universally unique method of distillation.   We would like to share with you the simplicity and beauty of this fascinating process.

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100% Pure English Lavender Essential Oil. English Lavender L Angustifolia Certified Organic by CCOF One of the most fundamental and

versatile essential oils used in aromatherapy lavender calms, refreshes and invigorates. It eases tiredness, stress, insomnia and depression.

Here are a few of Lila’s favorite Lavender recipes:

Lavender Lemonada, Central Coast Lavender

Lavender Lemonade
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon dried lavender blooms stripped from stems
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, strained
Ice cubes
Lavender sprigs for garnish

Combine sugar with 2 1/2 cups water in a medium pan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
Add the lavender blooms to the sugar water, cover, and remove from heat. Let stand at least 20 minutes (and up to several hours).
Strain mixture and discard lavender. Pour infusion into a glass pitcher. Add lemon juice and another 2 1/2 cups water. Stir well and watch lemonade change color.
Pour into tall glasses half-filled with ice or refrigerate until ready to use.

Making Healing Balms

There is actually a very sweet story behind this product.  Several years ago my husband who works hard with his hands, asked me for a remedy to help with his beat-up and damaged hands.  Of course I knew just what to blend, lavender as an antiseptic combined with tea tree as an anti-fungal and of course some local extra virgin olive oil to aid in absorption help moisturize and aid in the lipid transport of the essential oils, the apothecary was taking shape.  Crafting my botanicals with other proprietary essentials, I found  it was the bee’s wax from our annual hives that carried it to the ‘Balm’ stage.

My husband just loves the smell and of course it really works great on any scrape, cut, abrasion, sliver, blister and even bug bites.  The only thing left to  do was think of something to package it in.  Something that would enable  him to use it quickly and keep it clean on the job.

Having just given up ‘chewing tabacco’ I thought, ‘That’s  it!’ I’ll package it in a round tin similar to his tabacco tin that no longer fills up his back pocket, and he’ll reach for it every time!’  Well, I did just that, I packaged it in a round 2 oz round tin and it was an instant success with him and his crew.

And so was the creation of our Healing Balm.  Love this stuff.  It’s excellent for the whole family.  Even works  wonders on eczema and psoriasis! Easy to carry, easy to use and the uses are endless.  You really have to try this one.

When you think of lavender, do you immediately begin to relax? The aromatherapy and healing benefits of lavender are a favorite around the world—but particularly important to Lila Avery-Fuson. In 2005, Lila found herself coping with a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. Headaches, sleeplessness and the side effect of medications were robbing her energy. Lila reached for essential oils to help her relax, lift her spirits and boost her immune system.

With a three year-old daughter, Lila needed every ounce of energy she could get. She studied and learned about lavender. As a science major, Lila reached out to the leaders of the essential oils industry to learn more about essential oils. With the help of her husband and father, Lila started Central Coast Lavender Farm and distillery in 2006, planting over 4 acres of lavender.

Central Coast Lavender is now the largest lavender producer on the Central Coast. “Lavender took me from being a victim of the MS diagnosis,” says Lila, “to a champion and ambassador for essential oils.”

here’s more:

Lavender is among the earliest known apothecary essences. Splash it on after a bath or shower or mist on this light refreshing essential oil mist anytime to help restore the body and spirit. New larger size. Now in an environmentally friendly 4.5 oz size with European mister.

* Apothecary essence
* Refreshes the body and spirit
* Pure lavender oil
* Certified Organic
* Skin safe, linen safe and pet safe too

Working from the land, giving back to the land.
Central Coast Lavender Farm is founded on a love for nature and a passion for the beauty and healing benefits of Lavender. Lila explains: “From our Certified Organic Green growing methods through our manufacture right here on the farm, we create the purest, most natural paraben and sulfate-free products. And we take delight in sharing the beauty of nature’s finest and most versatile herb in our estate-grown & distilled lavender.”

Lila practices sustainable Organic agriculture with Green farming methods to benefit the environment. After extracting the essential oils, she uses the remaining lavender plant matter to fertilize her fields with a nutrient high in nitrogen. Irrigation is off-grid; the fields are watered using gravity-fed lines. “At our farm, we take an unwavering stance toward the protection and sustainability of our natural planet and the delicate rhythms which harmonize the ebb and flow from day to day. This follows the simple, yet powerful Native American dictum: ‘The frog does not drink up the pond in which it lives.’”

Lila’s Lavender Shortbread Cookies

3 cups unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
6 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 T. vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon extract
1 T. dried lavender buds

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Sift flour and salt.  Add to butter mixture and stir until well incorporated.  Add vanilla extract, lemon extract, and lavender buds.  Form dough into logs roll in lavender colored sugar and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm. Slice dough into 1/2 thick slices.  Lay cookie slices on parchment lined baking sheet.  Bake for 10-15 minutes or until edges are slightly golden.Sprinkle with lavender powdered sugar!

So many times each, year as we greet our annual visitors,  we are asked this very question.  With lavender and its large array of uses its best put into a natural list.

*  Aromatic pleasure while walking among the rows (this is truly an amazing experience)

* Photos of course!  There is nothing like the backdrop of acres of purple bliss to capture the moment. We encourage folks to bring the family and your camera for a unique photo.

* Fresh cut bouquets, perfect for home decor and or drying for later use in a beautiful dish or pillow.

*  Dried lavender bouquets are a wonderful thing. We harvest and hang lavender for use all year as lavender bouquets as well as providing one of our favorite places ‘Creekside Farms’ with the lavender used in the manufacture of their amazing wreaths.

* In to the still to process lavender essential oil.   A very large portion of our fields are dedicated to the essential oil.  Read more here:

* Yummy culinary of course.  We use our prized Provence varietal for our culinary lavender whole and our blends as well as the sweet Angustifolia.

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Here you can see some of our drying racks as we dry our hand harvested lavender bouqets.  Each bouqet hangs out untile it is dry and then it gets placed in a clear sleeve togther with 18 other bunches that are cased and stored for the coming year.

This is how we make our dried lavender bouquets last all year.  Hung fresh in a dark well ventilated barn then neatly packed and stored keeping it all aromatic for your home use.

We will be heading back to the farm shortly and I plan on bringing home some inspiration and maybe a few new surprises, so stay tuned!

USDA Certified Organic Lavender Essential Oil

Central Coast Lavender would like to share with you a few simple ways to use our Lavender Essential Oil

In Bath:

Excellent for aching muscles, relaxation, and stress relief. Add 6-8 drops after running the water and vigorously agitate water. Adding the drops to a cupful of milk or Epsom salts and then putting in the bath helps to disperse the oils through out the water. This is a great way to receive the benefits of Lavender Oil. Lie back, relax, and enjoy!

In Shower:

After washing your hair, add a few drops to a cupful of water and gently pour onto your head. Stand there for a few seconds then dip your head under running water and allow oils to rinse off. Cup your hands over your face and breathe in the relaxing aroma. Lavender oil can also be added (a few drops) to your shampoo and cleanse your hair as normal.

Room Diffuser:

Fill the top dish of an ‘essential oil diffuser’ or a ‘vaporizer’ with water and add 6-8 drops of Lavender Oil. Place a lit tea light candle in the space provided underneath the dish. This is a very good way to receive the benefits of the oil. Use in your favorite room. Vaporization is especially good to use when you have a cold or are feeling under the weather. Keep burner away from droughts and open windows. Hint: use warm water in the dish for quicker results.

Massage:

This is a particularly effective way to apply the oils when you have tight and sore muscles, under stress, or have sustained an injury. The oils will be absorbed quickly into the blood stream, thus assisting the body and mind.

Tissue or Handkerchief:

Great for an immediate relief from the flu, sinusitis, or those moments of sudden anxiety. Add a few drops and breathe deeply immediately.

As a Compress:

In a bowl of warm water add 6-10 drops and swirl around. Soak a cloth in the water, then gently squeeze out enough water so that it will not drip and apply to the area you wish to treat. Use cold water for treating new muscular injuries or sprains so not to induce swelling.

Tired Hands/Feet:

Add 6-10 drops to warm water and soak your fatigued hands or feet for 10 minuet’s

What aromatic blend are you?

When I created our line of Spa goodies I really wanted to lend my knowledge of aromatherapy into each product using time-honored remedies based on the finest natural ingredients.I use delicate herbs and botanicals that whisper the secrets to longevity and harmonious health. Fragrant flowers, by way of oils, bestow beauty and healing on their users. It is through these marvels of aromatherapy, that I am able to offer an experience of serenity to the mind.

Each aromatic blend has a dual purpose. What is pleasing to your olfactory may also be what is needed by your entire body system.  Guided by ancient time honored recipes I have created the aromatic blends used for thousands of years into everyday luxuries.

Lavender de Provence – ‘Balance’ – Lavender traditionally restores homeostasis and balance to all body systems. lavender is most commonly used for anxiety, depression, mental exhaustion, insomnia, scrapes and wounds, digestive problems, headaches, skin problems and women’s health problems. In addition to this, lavender can be used to treat exhaustion, heat exposure, fevers, aches and pains, over-exertion, jet lag, rashes, sprains, sunburn, sunstroke, bruises and burns. It can also be used as a disinfectant and insect repellent.  Lavender is an antiseptic, natural antibiotic, sedative, detoxifier.

Lavender & Amber – ‘Harmony’ - Amber has been credited with numerous beneficial properties both physical and spiritual. The Ancient Romans and Greeks used Amber essential oil to cure ailments such as asthma, rheumatism and internal problems. It’s purported healing powers have extended to epilepsy, jaundice, kidney and bladder complaints and even the plague. It has also been used as an aphrodisiac and to guard against chaotic elements. It is now believed to be a good source of beneficial negative ions when worn close to or on the skin.

Lavender & Sandalwood – ‘Calm’ - Sandalwood  has a soft, warm, woody, earthy, balsamic scent that many feel contain aphrodisiac qualities. Many individuals find that sandalwood has calming and soothing effects that help reduce stress and alleviate anxiety. Often used to enhance meditation. Sandalwood is renowned best for its balancing effect on the nervous system, gently soothing away anxiety and tension. Brings peace and tranquility to the troubled soul. Commonly used in perfumes. Exotic and seductive, Sandalwood is known for its ability to relax and soothe the mind is an aphrodisiac and is helpful for problems of frigidity and impotence.

Lavender, Coconut, Lime & Verbena – ‘Energy’ -  Our most Unisex blend. Traditionally used as a mood elevator…  An uplifting aromatic blend that will excite and encourage spontaneity and creativity.  Excellent during the colder months as they are energizing and help to uplift the spirits. They are the perfect complement to blends that fight off the winter blues, “cabin fever” and depression.  Other benefits, anemic, antimicrobal, antirheumatic, antisclerotic, antiscorbutic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, cicatrizant, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, hemostatic, hypotensive, insecticide, rubefacient, stimulates white corpuscles, tonic, vermifuge.

Lavender & Patchouli – ‘Zen’ - Another fabulous blend that is warm and exotic.Patchouli essential oil is used as a topical remedy for skin problems such as acne, eczema, inflamed, cracked, chapped and irritated skin. It is known as a cell rejuvenator and helpful in healing wounds and scars. As an antifungal, patchouli oil has been used to treat athlete’s foot. For the hair, patchouli oil has been used for dandruff and to aid oily hair.

Patchouli is used in temples as an incense. It is said to assist in grounding and centering the mind prior to meditation. It is also produces a strong connection to the earth as such is an aid to connecting with the natural beauty of the our planet.

• • As a busy working mom staying healthy is essential.  A few years ago I developed my own personal ‘go to’ aromatherapy mist to help support my immune system.  It is an amazing natural way to stay healthy and strong.
  • LAVENDER TO THE RESCUE

Our Paso Robles organic family farm began as a local business with a purpose.  I found lavender as a key element in my personal fight against Multiple Sclerosis and with it a passion for the healing art of essential                                                                                    lavender oil and aromatherapy.

I’m sharing my best secrets and blends with the use of lavender as our primary essential oil.  It’s an amazing process from the fields to the still as we bring this healing oil to you.  It is a true joy being able to  personally formulates and blends these natural remedies and then feel confident in sharing them with you.

ABOUT  CC LAVENDER’S ESSENTIALS:

Central Coast Lavender’s Essentials is an exclusive line of therapeutic essential lavender remedies and blends designed to bring nature to the rescue. A proactive approach to health and balance is yours using these all natural and organic aids. As Lila explains, “These formulations have been invaluable in my personal proactive approach to staying healthy and balanced.”

Support • Defend • Protect

GIVE YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM A BOOST:

Support, defend and protect with Immune Lift.  This is an amazing addition to any personal health routine.  A must have for offices and classrooms! Support the immune system.  Defend against germs circulating in the air.  Provides protection form airborne bacteria, viruses and mold.  Mist around body where airborne bacteria, mold, fungus and viruses may be present. Clean your personal space naturally.

• • NO WORRIES WITH INSTANT RELIEF:
  • Repair, relax and recover with Herbal Instant Relief.  A must have for athletes.

Herbal Instant Relief provides immediate temporary symptom relief from sore joints and muscles as it promotes healing.  Instant pain relief is a natural spray-on botanical mist that goes on with instant cool and rapid relief.

Lavender Linen Starch

Dissolve 1 tablespoon cornstarch in 1 pint cold water. Add 6 drops of lavender essential oil. Place in a spray bottle. Shake before using.
Fresh pressed linens, nicely starched, and lavender fragrance wafting in the air.

USDA Certified Organic Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender Spa Set

Special! 20% student discount for Cal Poly students on all our lavender & spa treats Coupon Code <CalPoly>

It’s getting chilly (okay, snowy, for you folks in the NorthEast!) You might enjoy curling up with a cup of our Lavender Mint Tea! It’s a cozy, organic way to unwind and warm up.

Lavender Spa products made with organic fairly traded ingredients for health and home. An apothecar

www.centralcoastlavender.com

“Anytime Tea” Lavender Mint Tea Central Coast Lavenders unique blend of certified organic lavender and the finest organic Mint Tea bring comfort anytime of the day. Brought to you in a cozy tea canister with 20 tea bags. Relax, unwind and enjoy with family and friends. Free of caffeine. No …

Central Coast Lavender would like to share with you a few simple ways to use our Lavender Essential Oil

In Bath:

Excellent for aching muscles, relaxation, and stress relief. Add 6-8 drops after running the water and vigorously agitate water. Adding the drops to a cupful of milk or Epsom salts and then putting in the bath helps to disperse the oils through out the water. This is a great way to receive the benefits of Lavender Oil. Lie back, relax, and enjoy!

In Shower:

After washing your hair, add a few drops to a cupful of water and gently pour onto your head. Stand there for a few seconds then dip your head under running water and allow oils to rinse off. Cup your hands over your face and breathe in the relaxing aroma. Lavender oil can also be added (a few drops) to your shampoo and cleanse your hair as normal.

One of the most fundamental and versatile essential oils used in aromatherapy lavender calms, refreshes and invigorates. It eases tiredness, stress, insomnia and depression. When used as a massage oil, it helps treat high blood pressure and relieves muscular and joint pains.
This aromatic plant also has natural antiseptic and astringent properties that can smooth sunburns, bites, infections and other minor skin problems when applied. Lavender benefits all skin types.

For more ways to use Lavender Essential oil come take a peek!

As an herb, lavender has been in documented use for over 2,500 years. In ancient times lavender was used for mummification and perfume by the Egyptians, Phoenicians, and peoples of Arabia.

Romans used lavender oils for bathing, cooking, and scenting the air, and they most likely gave it the Latin root from which we derive the modern name (either lavare--to wash, or livendula–livid or bluish). The flower’s soothing “tonic” qualities, the insect-repellent effects of the strong scent, and the use of the dried plant in smoking mixtures also added to the value of the herb in ancient times..

Lavender is mentioned often in the Bible, not by the name lavender but rather by the name used at that time–spikenard (from the Greek name for lavender, naardus, after the Syrian city Naarda). In the gospel of Luke the writer reports: “Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.”

Another ancient Christian reference to lavender involves how it got its scent. The plant is believed to have been taken from the Garden of Eden by Adam and Eve. However, the powerful perfume came later. According to legend, the clothing of baby Jesus bestowed the scent when Mother Mary laid them upon a bush to dry. This may explain why the plant is also regarded as a holy safeguard against evil. In many Christian houses, a cross of lavender was hung over the door for protection.  More fascinating information can be found here.

Lavender has always been used in aromatherapy to relax, restore balance and harmonize the mind and the soul. From a walk in the fields or the use of the precious lavender essential oil to  the luxurious products made from this extraordinary herb, we invite  you to enjoy the annual harvest at our 3rd annual Central Coast Lavender Festival tomorrow, July 9th from 10 am – 3 pm at the Paso Robles City Park.  Again this year we have invited many lavender farms from around the state to share in the celebration of all things lavender.

As our apothecary of fine spa and culinary items reflect, lavender offers us balance, harmony, calm, energy and zen.  Visit our  booth tomorrow, Central Coast Lavender (next to the Gazebo)  at the Lavender Festival and try dozens of hand made certified organic items that I have formulated, developed and made from lotions to pillows and culinary blends.

From my background in cosmetology, nursing and now farming,  I found it crucial to further my studies. I  became an aromatherapist/master blender in order to better understand and provide the necessary systems needed for a therapeutic yet luxurious product line.    As an aromatherapist I take a personal approach in creating an apothecary of herbal remedies that not only aid in the treatment of our bodies,  but that nurture the mind and feed the soul.

I am inspired by our customers who share their needs and again provide me with feedback in which to grow from and create new formulations.  Thank you all who have been so giving and encouraging. Your stories of how Lavender has touched your life is what reminds me of how and why I began this incredible journey.

I hope to see you all at our Lavender Festival tomorrow, to once again speak, share and enjoy our Lavender passion.

Lila Avery-Fuson

Mother and Daughter enjoying the lavender.

Visitors to the farm this weekend.  What a beautiful backdrop and a wonderful visit we had.  Thank you for sharing.   We welcome folks to join us during the special bloom time each year.  Bring the family, stroll the fields, take photo’s, and make memories.

Mustang Sally in the lavender pile

Mustang Sally in the Lavender pile!

An amazing example of lavender’s calming properties is seen here being enjoyed by one of our favorite friends,  Mustang Sally.   Horse trainer, Tina Malloy, has been using our ‘spent’ lavender buds in her stalls to help with the flies and to aid in calming her horses for some time now.

The ‘spent’ lavender bud comes form the post distillation process here at the farm.  After we extract the essential oils from the lavender we dry the plant matter and use it as compost, mulch and you got it, ‘Organic Equine Aromatherapy’.  Mother nature at it’s best.

Hi Lavender Fans.  The lab is busy this morning with the aroma of pure lavender and soothing goats milk soap as I pour hundreds of luxurious bath bars.  Each bar is hand poured. Once cooled, the soap bars are meticulously removed from the molds and  left to rest until cured.  From here we hand wrap and label each bar in our signature boxes.  It’s a wonderful process that I truly enjoy. We will finish off the Lavender Goats Milk Soaps this morning and move on to making our Shea Butter soaps with Lavender and Amber this afternoon.  It is heavenly in here today!

Lavender de Provence Goats Milk Bath Bar

Lavender Amber Shea Butter Bath Bars

]]> http://www.centralcoastlavender.com/2011/05/making-soap-today/feed/ 0 http://www.centralcoastlavender.com/2011/04/a-new-addition-to-our-line-of-products-lavender-dryer-bags/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-new-addition-to-our-line-of-products-lavender-dryer-bags http://www.centralcoastlavender.com/2011/04/a-new-addition-to-our-line-of-products-lavender-dryer-bags/#comments Thu, 28 Apr 2011 22:20:23 +0000 lilafuson https://www.centralcoastlavender.com/?p=939

Each bag last 5 cycles in the dryer, then re-use contents as a carpet freshener. Organic and Green. $6.00

Hi Lavender Fans.  A few months ago we asked our fans to share some ideas about what Lavender product they would  like to see in 2011.  Well, we had so many wonderful ideas and have chosen to work on a few for you.  The first of those is complete. We are so excited about bringing this very simple yet widely used amenity.  Organic Lavender Dryer Bags!  They are here and work fabulous.  Bring home the scent of lavender with an organic Lavender Dryer Bag.

The set comes with 3  (3×7) bags filled with organic lavender prepared for dryer use.  Each dryer bag can be used multiple times in the dryer.  Up to 5 cycles, and then the lavender will make a great carpet air freshener – just open the bag and sprinkle on your carpet before vacuuming.  Just love this multi-use, organic newbie!  We will be featuring them at your local farmers markets for the month of May.  Available to order online soon.

FARMERS MARKETS