Living Nature in Kerikeri, New Zealand was created by Suzanne Hall, a mother of three who happens to be an analytical chemist and beauty therapist. Suzanne's goal was to create wholistic skin and body care products that were chemical free, healthy, and based on plants native to New Zealand. Other than beeswax and honey, none of Living Nature's products use ingredients derived from animals. No synthetic chemicals or preservatives, mineral oils, parabens, radiated ingredients, genetically modified ingredients, or herbicide or pesticide residues are contained in Living Nature products. Even the inks and paper used in labeling and packaging (recycled material) have been carefully chosen for being free of dioxin and chlorine. All of Living Nature bottles are refundable in New Zealand and a customer can return an empty bottle and lid/pump and get a refund. Some of these components are re-used and some are recycled.

What is most remarkable, though, is that Suzanne has created a chemical-free preservative system. Most skin care and cosmetics preparations contain chemicals such as methyl parben, ethyl paraben or propyl paraben to preserve them and prevent mold. These chemicals are enzyme inhibitors that are derived from petroleum. Living Nature's natural preservative system uses manuka oil as a key ingredient. It has caught the attention of big companies such as Estee Lauder and Body Shop although no deals have been made and it doesn't seem likely they will.

Living Nature's line of 100+ products includes acne treatments, eczema treatments, skincare for women (cleansers, peels, masks, creams, gels, deodorant), skincare for men (shaving cleanser, shaving cream, after shave gel, moisturizer, anti-wrinkle eye gel), healing balms and gels (antiseptics, lip balm, insect repellent, varicose vein, thrush), lipsticks, hair care (shampoos, conditioner, intensive oil treatment, lice treatment), soaps, massage oils, bath oils, oil blends, base oils, essential oils, flower enfleurage oils, travels packs and gift packs.

In the future, Living Nature has plans to offer facials at its location using its products. 

Below is a little information on two of the native New Zealand plants that are used by Living Nature:

Manuka
Leptospermum scoparium (Tea tree, red manuka, Manuka, kahikatoa)
Kunzea erocoides (Tree manuka, white manuka, Kanuka)

Manuka and Kanuka's are related to the tea tree and can be found as shrubs and trees. Both types are often called Manuka. Kahikatoa is the Maori name for the red manuka. Manuka has been used by the Maori for centuries. The first written record of its medicinal use was by Captain Cook who had a tea infused from Manuka leaves and totara leaves to treat his crew for scurvy. In some form or other, Manuka has historically been used to treat kidney and bladder complaints, fever, diarrhea, dysentery, stomach complaints, open wounds, and pain.

Extracts made from Manuka's  and Kanuka's leaves, bark, and flowers contain a variety of bacteriacides, antifungacide and antibiotic qualities.

Manuka honey contains natural antibiotics, minerals, enzymes and vitamins. It healing properties are phenomenal, especially with eczema. It can be used to treat skin rashes, insect bites, skin irritations, wounds, cuts, burns, abscesses, skin ulcers, bed sores, eye infections. It is said to promote tissue regrowth and reduce scarring. It is also being used to provide relief from stomach ulcers. 

 
Flax
Phormium tenaz (New Zealand flax, New Zealand hemp, Harakeke, korari (the scape))

The fiber of the Flax leaves was used by the Maori for clothing, matting, baskets, and sandals but this plant also has medicinal properties. Historically, in one form or other, Flax has been used for treating abscesses, swollen joints, burns, wounds, sores, diarrhea, sunburn, ringworm, chafing, flatulence, constipations, rheumatism, sciatica, gonorrhea, bleeding, bruises, amputations, chilblains, and the stoppage of menses. It was used as a mouthwash and substitute for Epsom salts.

Souces: 

• New Zealand Medicinal Plants by S.G. Brooker, R.C. Cambie, R.C. Cooper, Reed Books, Auckland, 1998.
  

• te Rongoa Maori (Maori Medicine) by P.M.E. Williams, Reed Books, Auckland, 1998.

KIA ORA!
(Maori greeting meaning Be Well, Be Healthy)

Photos copyright 2001, Julie Register
Licensed to About.com  
Flag and Map courtesy of CIA World FactBook

Living Nature, Kerikeri, New Zealand

Living Nature, Kerikeri, New Zealand
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Black stick behind aqua chair by window is a Flax stalk

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