Organic Ayurveda Soap

We were excited when we came back from India. Our visit to an ayurvastra production centre in Kerala opened our eyes to numerous types of natural herbs that can be used to dye yarns and fabrics and make soaps. The concoction in each dye is specific to certain ailments, in accordance to ancient Indian ayurveda treatment.

We brought back soaps that are made from the oils of natural indigenous Indian herbs, one that is made primarily from Neem, and the other made primarily from Ramacham (or vetivert).

About The Plants

Neem

Neem (the green leafy plant in the pictures) is a very useful plant that provide numerous uses from roots to leaves. It is such a wonderful healing tree that it is regarded as the Wonder Tree in India. Typically growing to 10-11 metres tall, the tree bears small white flowers with single-seeded green or yellow fruits. Neem trees grow easily even in drought conditions and provide much welcomed shade with their wide spread branches. They are not only air purifiers, but also a healing tree as all parts of the tree have healing properties.

Neem leaves help to reduce flatulence, phlegm and are also good insecticides. Fresh leaves can be concocted to fight against chronic malaria fever. The gum discharge form the stems has a soothing effect on the skin. Saps from Neem trees can be extracted to treat leprosy. Neem leaves can also be applied externally to treat skin diseases. The juice of Neem leaves can even be applied on the eyes to treat eye and ear ailments.

Ramacham

Ramacham or Vetivert (the greyish moss-like plant in the picture) comes from the perennial Gramineae family with tall scented grass. It is a known to calm the mind, soothe the nervous system and relief aches and pains.

A bath with the Vetivert soap is great for insomnia, rheumatism, arthritic pain and healing of the skin, relieving mental and physical exhaustion.

About Our Soaps

Neem Vedic Soap (Beige)
Made without the use of irritants, synthetic fragrances or colours and has a cooling effect after use. The anti-fungi property of Neem seed oil and the anti-oxidant Tulasi make this vedic soap great for antiseptic and healing of primary skin diseases such as eczema, inflamed skin, chicken pox and athlete's feet.

Other ingredients in this soap include cold pressed Coconut Oil, Lye, Palmarosa, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang, Geranium and other natural herbs. Suitable for vegans.

Vetivert/Ramacham Soap (Green)
Vetivert essential oil has an earth, musty smell and has wonderful effect on the mind and body. Revitalise your body with this organic soap made from Ramacham, Trinaraja, Curcuma, Coconut Oil and other natural oils. Free from animal fats, irritants and synthetic colours. Suitable for vegans.

The ingredients in the soap comes from naturally growing wild herbs in India that the production centre in Kerala either grows themselves or purchases from the local tribes. Each of our soap is wrapped in natural betel nut husks.

Terry Winchester Coming To Singapore - 21 June 2008

BGO is proud to be a supporting organisation for Terry Winchester's MindFrame Seminar in Singapore on 21 June 2008 (Saturday), at NTUC Centre (Training Room), One Marina Boulevard.

Terry Winchester is a renown hypotherapist and a holistic bee keeper in South Africa. He founded The Winchester Foundation more than 30 years ago conducting Alpha Mind Power Training and running a hypotherapy clinic.

Now Terry Winchester is coming to Singapore speaking on his MindFrame Technique which focuses on personal development and mind training.

All Big Grin Organics customers who register with full payment for the seminar enjoys a 20% discount off usual price of S$398.

Terry Winchester's MindFrame Seminar is run by AllAbtEvents (enquiry@allabtevents.com).

Recycled Wheelchairs - Wheels Of Hope Project by An Unsung Hero

We had a great learning experience at Kampong Senang Holistic Fair on Sunday (1 June).

I met and had a jovial talk with Mr. Eugene Tan, who heads Wheels Of Hope project, a subsidiary under Kampong Senang Mobility Aids Services & Training Centre. I later found out that the humble Mr. Eugene Tan is the recipient of Rotary Club's "Unsung Hero" award for their "Shine on Singapore for Unsung Heroes" event 2008.

Wheels Of Hope repairs and polishes used wheelchairs with the help of Mr. Eugene Tan's volunteer work force (of which 70% are women!). They repair used wheelchairs which would otherwise be thrown away, and hope to sell the recycled "good-as-new" wheelchair to those who need it. Presently, the wheelchairs are loaned out for free to needy people who are referred to Wheels Of Hope by hospitals.

A bubbly Mr. Eugene Tan appreciates the hard work of his volunteers and has been organising Volunteer Training & Nature Bonding Obstacle Course for them and their families at Bedok Reservoir (see picture).

For those who need and can afford to buy a wheelchair, the purchase of recycled wheelchairs from Wheels Of Hope not only help defray their overheads like rental of premise, utilities and other operating costs, it will also be a positive move towards earth conservation by not creating more waste, as many people get new wheelchairs and then throw them away or chuck them aside to rust when they no longer need it.

According to a handout by Kampong Senang Charity & Education Foundation, from 2006 to May 2008, Wheels Of Hope had benefited 909 people and an estimated expenses of S$72,000 per annum.

If you would like to know more about Wheels Of Hope project, you can visit their workshop at:

Blk 254 Tampines Street 21 #01-464 (10 min walk from Tampines MRT & Bus Interchange)

or contact Mr. Eugene Tan at 9692 1924 / 6783 9023

Email: wheelsofhope@kg-senang.org.sg