At Utama Spice, we strongly believe that when it comes to skincare and our health, we should only use products that won’t harm us. Our skin our biggest organ and what you put on your skin is readily absorbed which is why it is so important to be mindful of the products we are using.

We also care about the environment and acknowledge that Mother Earth is continually providing for us. Therefore, we utilize this gift of nature and implement only the best and most natural ingredients, so each one of you has only the best.

Harmful Chemicals

Most traditional skincare products contain harmful chemicals such as parabens. They are invisible pollutants that can harm the environment as well as our body. Parabens have been known to disrupt our hormones, and this effect has also been linked to breast cancer and reproductive toxicity.

The parabens in some traditional products can actually mimic estrogen and bind to the estrogen receptors on our cells. They are carcinogenic which means parabens can also transform healthy cells into cancer cells.

Phthalates are chemicals that are often found in these products as well and have been linked to birth defects. This chemical is also not listed on the ingredients and can only be detected through lab analysis.

How do these Toxins Affect the Environment?

In addition to the harmful effects parabens have on our body, we also need to look at the negative effects this harmful ingredient can have on our environment including our streams and water systems.

Antimicrobials are showing up in the tissues of marine animals. When people use products that contain parabens, they are washing them off, and they then enter the sewage system. Once they hit the sewage system, they are then released into the environment.

When people use products containing parabens and other toxic ingredients, every time they wash them off, they are allowing those chemicals and pollutants to make their way into the water system. When this happens, we experience global environmental pollution.

These synthetic and chemical pollutants have the ability to seriously affect marine and water life and can cause both species extinction and environmental destruction. These chemicals entering waterways can then be spread and transferred to other regions through rain and can enter other water sources as well as agricultural soil. The toxins will essentially deplete the plankton population, create genetic mutations in animals and plants. The carcinogens found in these products can also be linked to reproductive and behavioral changes in plants and animals.

Triclosan, another toxin, was one of the most commonly detected compounds in water and has cause wastewater contamination in streams. The triclosan can be converted into dioxan which is another highly toxic compound.

The triclosan can then combine with the chlorine that is found in tap water and when this happens, chloroform is produced. Chloroform is another probable human carcinogen and is also toxic to different types of algae and other aquatic ecosystems.

What Can You Do?

To play a small but significant role in keeping these pollutants out of our streams and waterways, you can choose to toss those old products containing these ingredients, and instead opt for natural skincare products that are made from only natural ingredients gifted to us by Mother Nature.

Not only will you help the environment, but you will also be helping your skin and health.

Meta: Choosing natural ingredients for skincare products means less pollution and damage to the environment.

Though malaria gets all the press for it’s deadly virus, dengue is no laughing matter either. The virus is a huge problem in Indonesia, with the tropics being an ideal breeding ground for the dengue carrying mosquitoes. In fact 1/3 of the worlds population lives in areas at risk for dengue, and 400 million people are infected yearly with 10,000 to 20,000 deaths. The problem is particularly stark because the virus is pandemic prone, easily spreading from mosquito to person.

Dengue has been a prevalent problem for centuries with the earliest recording of it found in Chinese textbooks before 400AD. The first properly reported epidemic happens around 1780 and spread through Asia, Africa, and North America. Increased globalization is thought to have been the primary cause for the rapid spread of the virus. In Swahili the word ka-dinga pepo which translates to seizures caused by an evil spirit is believed to be the origin for the word dengue. Entering the modern era of globalization, and  easy travel has allowed the virus to spread far and wide.

The virus comes in 4 different strains, with symptoms usually showing 3 to 4 days after initial contact. Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Muscle and joint pain
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Rashes
• Bleeding from the mouth and nose
• At it’s worst dengue can also result in death

Recover usually takes 4-7 days, though it can take up to 14 days. Once you’ve recovered from dengue you will gain an immunity from that type, and a short term immunity to the other strains. This isn’t all good news however as once you’ve had the virus once, the next infection of a different strain becomes from dangerous, and increases your risk of death.

80% of those that contract the virus will only have mild symptoms such as fever and aches with around 5% having severe symptoms such as blood plasma leakage or bleeding. Women and those with a higher body mass index are at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms. The similarity of mild symptoms to flu or other viral infections can make it hard to diagnose without a blood test.

Humans aren’t the only ones that can carry the virus, other primates are also prone to infection, though humans still make up the bulk of cases. The Aedes mosquito which carries the virus is particularly food on human blood, in lieu of options however your household pets may get bitten. Animals such as cats and dogs can also carry the virus if bitten, even though they do not contract symptoms or suffer any adverse effects. The fever is only possible in humans, and primates. Mosquitoes aren’t the only method of infections, infected blood products, and organ transplants can also result in the virus. Transmission from pregnancy is also possible.

The 15^th of June marks dengue awareness day, with the first held in Jakarta as the problem is extremely prevalent in Indonesia, and South East Asia. This has been especially important of late as the frequency of the virus has gotten worse recently. Research so far has only yielded partially successful vaccines, but none the less it’s a good sign and progress is steadily being made.

Mint has long become synonymous with freshness, and cleanliness. From its cool tingle running down your throat as you inhale its deep essence, to its fresh blast as you exhale it into the world, leaving the air around you seeming oddly cleaner. But where did this all start? How did man come to utilize this icy fresh gift from earth?

Mint has long become synonymous with freshness, and cleanliness. From its cool tingle running down your throat as you inhale its deep essence, to its fresh blast as you exhale it into the world, leaving the air around you seeming oddly cleaner. But where did this all start? How did man come to utilize this icy fresh gift from earth?

Mint originated in the Asian, and Mediterranean region. One of the first and most prominent bastion of civilization the ancient Greeks have been evident to using this herb. And in fact the name mint comes from ancient Greek, and is derived from the Greek Naiad(A type of female spirit that resides over bodies of fresh water) Minthe. The Greeks aptly named the plant, as it is grown near pools of water, hungrily turning life’s liquid into fragrant green leaves.

Not content with just Greek mythology, there are also references to the herb in the bible (Matthew 23). The plant was so valued that they used it to pay taxes. You can of course, still use it to pay it to pay taxes… Except now you have to sell the mint first.

In modern times mint has managed to be able to be grown far from its origins, and is grown on almost all continents, the exception being the freezing tundra of the Antarctic. There are varieties of the plant that now grow in The Americas, as well as Africa.

There estimated to be between 13 – 18 varieties of the species. The most common variety of mints used is spearmint, and peppermint. The spearmint is native to most of Europe, and Asia, and is actually the most commonly used of all the mints. Peppermint is actually a hybrid, and crosses the watermint, with the spearmint; the plant is indigenous to Europe, and the Middle East. The Peppermint has a strong menthol content, which gives it that strong toothpaste/chewing gum flavour, and is ideal for creating mint tea.

From mans first discovery of mint, it was already used as aromatherapy. From usage as a room deodorizer, to using it in baths, and funeral rites, mints signature sent quickly became a favourite.

Not content with just its smell mint was also used in cooking to enhance, and improved drinks, and food. As the sands of time flew by, and mint was studied further, it was found that it had many more uses. Consumption was used in traditional medicine to help digestion, and is now being studied for its ability to treat irritable bowel syndrome.

The journey of this plant is far from over with new studies being done on its various uses. Its ubiquity in everything from soaps, to sauces show make it one of the most useful and well loved herbs around.

Patchouli is a herb native to the Asian tropics, it is part of the mint family. The name Patchouli comes from the Tamil(in the Indian sub continent) word patchai, meaning green, and ellai meaning leaf. Not content with just being a green leaf, this plant produces a little cocooning pyramid of pink and white flowers.

Patchouli is a herb native to the Asian tropics, it is part of the mint family. The name Patchouli comes from the Tamil(in the Indian sub continent) word patchai, meaning green, and ellai meaning leaf. Not content with just being a green leaf, this plant produces a little cocooning pyramid of pink and white flowers.

The discovery of patchouli in Europe was brought about by one of the most well known historical figures in Napoleon Bonaparte. The story goes that he bought a couple of shawls that were doused in the oil in order to protect them from insects, and moths. The smell however became a kept secret for a while, and help people recognize genuine material from India, and China, as patterns in their materials became easily be replicated. However once the scent was figured out, Europeans began to douse their clothing with the scent as it became associated with luxury.

Modern science has in fact shown the oil effective as an insect repellent, the oil proved effective in repelling termites, causing damage the tissue inside their exoskeleton. Those pesky bugs digging away at your beautiful furniture can be kept away with this simple natural solution. To create this eccentric essential oil, the leaves of the herbs must first be dried. The sun’s rays allow the cell walls of the leaf to rupture, preparing for it to unleash its inner essence. It then undergoes steam distillation, scalding the liquid out, and providing us with the golden brown liquid, with a slight red tinge. The oil has a smooth, creamy, and rich texture to it. You can really feel the weight and density of the extract, as you smoothly glide it across your skin. Applying the oil to your skin transforms it into a gleaming golden yellow, moisturising you, and imbuing you with its fragrance.

The scent is unmistakable and distinct. It’s a blend of a dark and earthy base. Followed by sweet and woody top notes cutting right through the base in sudden burst. This essential oil is like fine wine, and is one of the very few essential oils that improves with aging. Properly aged Patchouli develops into a smoother and richer scent, adding sweetness, and losing some of its harsher top notes. Most essential oils oxidize, which causes them to lose their aroma, and therapeutic effects. However patchouli ignores this, and decides that it rather likes oxygen.

If you want to get the most out of the aroma, how about a few drops of the liquid into a bath or diffuser to create a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for calming those nerves down. Slowly burning it in a seductive orange glow is another great way to release the intoxicating aroma into the world, making it a crucial ingredient in East Asian(could put Utama here) incense.

Not content with moisturising, relaxing, and keeping bugs away, this herb takes it one step further, with medicinal properties. The extract from oil known as patchouli alcohol works as an anti- inflammatory agent, and it also has anti-tumour and anti-virus replication properties. Ideal for scrapes, cuts, and bruises. Keep a bottle on you just in case. Worst case scenario, you’ll get to instantly smell like forest angels sprouting from the ground and up into the canopy… or maybe they’re just after your bottle of patchouli.

Nutmeg known as Pala in Indonesian, exemplifies warmth, and spice. It conjures a duality of images of warm carefree tropical nights, and cool winters sat by a fire. It is the scent of Christmas, heating you up in an inner hug of warmth, with aromas floating around you in a dance.

Nutmeg known as Pala in Indonesian, exemplifies warmth, and spice. It conjures a duality of images of warm carefree tropical nights, and cool winters sat by a fire. It is the scent of Christmas, heating you up in an inner hug of warmth, with aromas floating around you in a dance. It’s also the spice of the tropics, a taste of the Island it came from, and laid back nights under the stars with a warm tropical breeze gently caressing your skin.

The tree that this intoxicating spice grows from is a sight in itself. They grow up 60 feet tall, with green fingers shooting out its trunk, forming a cone shape and producing green bulbs of life, hiding the aromatic seed inside. This plant was so valued that the Dutch would literally kill in order to gain  a monopoly on it. Please note, that although we find nutmeg to be pretty great, we don’t advocate killing over it.

Nutmeg oil is made by grinding the nut into a fine powder, which then goes under steam distillation. You can then extract the essential oil. Its distinct smell has made Nutmeg popular in perfumery, it’s languid, woody relaxation, contrast itself with a sharp tinge of spice that ensures it as a popular fragrance to unwind to.

It’s the spice of fire, a little dab of the oil creates a sensual scent trail, following your every footsteps. It’s a smell that entices people in, attracting everyone and bringing them in closer. Scents are

powerful memory tools, its attracting properties may have something to do with creating images of Christmas as child, and times of festive joy.

A couple of drops of this essential oil in your bath will send you into a hypnotic dream state. This dreamlike state in creates means it’s use in massages are very popular, making sure you loosen up, and ready for stress to be taken out of your muscles. Imagine slow circular motions running, up, and down your back, while sweet warmth fills the air, sending your mind into cosy nights. Heighten your relaxation. While its anti inflammatory properties provide your muscles with much needed relief.

The spice was popular among folk medicine from around the 7th century. The plant is still being used in medical research today, with some degree in success. Methanol from nutmeg has been shown to have anti-cancer, antibacterial, and antiviral activities. It’s also effective as a natural insecticide, protecting your crops from pesky…well, pests.

More than just a fragrance, its use in cooking has helped it create some of the world’s favourite dishes. From cakes, biscuits, curries, breads, to that spiced up cup of hot chocolate. From soaps, to dental products, and candles. From savoury to sweet, medicinal uses to fragrances, this seed has incredible properties to spice up life, and create comfort.

The Soya Bean has quickly become a multifaceted, multifunctional crop, from famous high protein vegetarian meals like tofu, and tempeh, to oils and milks. The plant is widely used in vegetarian food, due to its complete amino acid profile, which is rare among plant based protein produce. The bean is also rich in micronutrients such as iron, omega-3, potassium, b-2, and magnesium.

The Soya Bean has quickly become a multifaceted, multifunctional crop, from famous high protein vegetarian meals like tofu, and tempeh, to oils and milks. The plant is widely used in vegetarian food, due to its complete amino acid profile, which is rare among plant based protein produce. The bean is also rich in micronutrients such as iron, omega-3, potassium, b-2, and magnesium.
The crop was first cultivated in North China, with domestic usage traced to around 11BC. There are few crops out there as versatile as the Soya Bean.
Soya’s oil is a clear golden/green liquid that sparkles upon contact with light; it is one of the most commonly used oils, extending beyond the standard cooking into printing, and paintings. That
beautiful piece of art that caught your eye, could very well exist in part due the soya bean. In printing the ink is a useful substitute to petroleum based ink, due to it being more environmentally,
and providing more accurate colours.
The oils quality as a fixative, which functions to extend the duration of essential oils by slowing evaporations, means it is often used in insect repellents, soaps and perfumery. The oil is also proven to help prevent mosquito bites, with high a vitamin E content that helps with skincare. It is used in products such a cocoa butter, or soaps to prevent it from separating, allowing you to more easily transport the lush butter into your skin.
Sun damage, air pollution, and various other harmful elements are exposed to you on a daily basis. Protecting yourself from damage is essential, since repairing damage is always more troublesome.
Thankfully soya allows you to deliver nourishing skin care when combined with other natural products, giving you an extra edge when going about your day to day activities. Not content with just nourishing your skin, soya oil is even used as in biodiesel, creating a cleaner burning oil than petroleum. The oil is also an environmentally friendly solvent that helps remove oil from streams and shorelines.
The soya bean further cements(pun intended) its status as the eco warrior plant of choice with its ability to create biocomposite material, which is used to replace traditional wood products. Is there anything this plant can’t do? Plant sterols derived from the oil is used to lower total cholesterol, and lipoprotein cholesterol, which was considered bad cholesterol. Newer research is now contradicting the idea of bad cholesterol, but as of now there is not clear cut consensus on the issue.
Another part of the oil is used to treat osteoarthritis, which has shown some success in combination with avocado oil. When using the all for cooking be careful as a lot of the soya oil sold is hydrogenated, and thus contains transfats. Here at Utama we use only the best quality ingredients, striving for the highest quality ensures we stay true to our vision. Shortcuts are easy, but in the long run quality always tells, your health and body deserve only the best of the best.

Chances are you’ve seen, smelled, and/or tasted Lavandula (Lavender) at some point in your life. It is widely used in soaps, lotions, perfumes, teas and potpourri. It’s incredible antiseptic, antifungal, healing properties make the essential oil a staple oil to have in your home.

Lavender is most commonly distilled into its purest Essential Oil form using a process called steam distillation. This process is what leaves us with an oil that has a light, fresh and mildly sweet floral scent that, depending on the region the lavender plant has come from, can have a slight camphor infused aroma with balsamic and herb undertones.

Easy ways you can start using Lavender:

Lavender’s most common medicinal uses include relief of stress, anxiety, insomnia, agitation, and moderate postoperative pain. It is also often used to relieve muscle spasms and stimulate circulation.

When used topically, lavender is a wonderful wound and burn healer because of its natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It can be used safely on open cuts, burns, and sunburns.

A few ideas on how you can start using lavender today:

14 Reasons to Use Lavender:

Do note: If you have particularly sensitive skin, lavender can be irritating and the opposite of soothing. Pease use with caution. Also take not that pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid its use.

If you’re looking to blend this staple oil with others, it’s aromatic profile blends well with:
Bergamot, black pepper, cedarwood, chamomile, clary sage, clove, cypress, eucalyptus, rose, geranium, grapefruit, juniper, lemon, lemongrass, mandarin, marjoram, oakmoss, palarosa, patchouli, peppermint, pine, ravensara, rose, rosemary, tea tree, thyme, vetiver

Our favorite Lavender blends are bottled up in our Bliss (https://utamaspicebali.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=195&search=lavender) and Deep Calm (https://utamaspicebali.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=197&search=lavender) essential oil blends.
Incorporating Lavender’s versatile healing properties into your regular aromatherapy routine is a powerful way to purify your body and your home daily and create a relaxed and balanced internal and external environment.

Links to some of our favorite lavender infused products:

• Rub a drop on your dry lips every day to keep them moisturized, plump, and happy. (insert link for lavender chapstick)

• Pull a warm bath and add a few drops of lavender oil to melt away stress and anxiety.

• Add a couple of drops to the base of the neck, temples, wrists, and/or feet to immediately calm the body and the mind. Especially helpful in large crowds and traffic, or high stress situations.

• Combine a few drops of lavender in a spray bottle with water and spray on your bedding, on your linens, and on your clothes for a fresh and relaxed atmosphere

• Dab a few drops on your skin around sunset to keep bugs at bay.

1. Helps treat hair loss & scalp insects.
   
   When rubbed directly onto the scalp of the head, lavender stimulates the follicles and promotes hair growth in those that have become docile.Lavender is also great for treating lice, eggs, and nits. Apply a potent mix of pure lavender & tea tree oil mixed into a base of coconut oil directly to your hair. Cover with a shower cap and leave for several hours and then rinse clean.You can also try out our Lavender Hair Oil to bring your brittle, damaged hair back to a silken state.
2. Aids in digestion.
   Lavender stimulates the production of the gastric acids needed for easy digestion making it an ideal tea to drink prior to eating.Please note: we do not advise ingesting lavender oil in its pure oil form as it may cause severe side effects.
3. Helps treat insomnia.
   One of the most common uses of lavender is to relax the mind and induce sleep.If you are struggling with insomnia, try putting a few drops of lavender on your pillow at night before you go to sleep, or using an eye pillow infused with lavender as you wind down for bed.
4. Treats acne.
   Lavender’s antifungal, antibacterial and antioxidant properties make it a great alternative to chemical creams for treating and healing acne. It inhibits the growth of the bacterias that cause the acne, so while healing it is also preventing future symptoms.Simply apply a drop or two of lavender oil to a cotton swab and apply directly to any facial or body acne after the area has been cleansed.
5. Relieves muscle and joint pain.
   Regular massage with a lavender infused oil can provide relief from chronic pain, tense muscles, sprains, muscle pains, and joint pains.Our favorite product to massage with is our Lavender Body Oil just after a hot shower.
6. Helps boost immune system
   The versatility of lavender’s ability to relax, disinfect, and prevent overgrowth of bacteria make its regular use in your routine not only a stress reliever, but a powerful immunity booster. When your body is in a state of relaxation, it is able to fight off viruses quicker and more efficiently. Incorporate regular steam diffusion of lavender into your home and office, especially during season changes, as preventative care and healing from sickness.
7. Improves blood circulation.
   Lavender promotes increased blood circulation. The faster flow of blood to the organs naturally increases the levels of oxygen they receive which allows them to function in a heightened state of health. The increased oxygen being moved through the body allows muscles to strengthen, and also brings more blood flow to the surface of the skin, causing it to look healtheir and more supple.
8. Helps reduce stress and anxiety.
   Lavender’s properties are calming to the nervous system, making it the perfect oil for you if you struggle with constant physical stress, emotional stress, anxiety, depression, headaches, migraines, and/or nervous tension.As mentioned above, carry around a bottle of the essential oil to dab on the base of the neck for relief from all of the aforementioned symptoms. (https://utamaspicebali.com/lavender-essential-oil?search=lavender)You can also burn a lavender candle for a long lasting atmosphereic calm. This one is our favorite (https://utamaspicebali.com/lavender-candle-50gr?search=lavender)
9. Helps battle respiratory infections.
   Because of it’s incredible antibacterial and antifungal properties, as well as its ability to increase blood circulation to the organs, steam distilling lavender oil in a humidifier is a powerful way to break up congestion and bacteria in your lungs and nurse your sinuses back to health quickly.
10. Helps heal wounds and burns.
    Known for it’s abilities to heal and brighten the skin, using the powerful antibacterial, antifungal properties of lavender can aid greatly in the recovery of cuts and burns.Simply mix a drop or two of lavender oil with aloe vera and apply directly to any burns (sunburns included) or open wounds to disinfect, soothe, and heal the wound.
11. Slows down aging.
    Incorporating lavender into your regular skin care routine reduces the signs of aging because of the powerful antioxidants it contains. It’s regular use will leave you with an all natural and lasting glow.We love our Lavendar body lotion to moisturize, calm, and nourish the skin. (https://utamaspicebali.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=116&search=lavender)
12. Helps heal eczema and psoriasis.
    The hydrating, antioxidants in lavender make it a soothing alternative for itchy, dry skin. However, be careful when using on highly sensitive skin. Be sure and test on a small portion of your unaffected skin before applying directly to broken out areas.
13. Helps balance sugar levels
14. Alleviates headaches