Koru Wellbeing

18/08/2025

Dear clients, friends and Natural Skincare enthusiasts, we're taking a short time-out from 21.8. -2.9. and won't be able to process orders during this time. We will be back with some exciting news 😀. Stay tuned, stay healthy and stay happy, Sandy 🌺

18/08/2025

We're taking a break and won't do orders from 21.8. - 2.9.25 🌺

26/06/2025

This is my final Herbal Nomad post from Greece, and I would like to dedicate it to the world of healing herbs. Thyme, rosemary, oregano, sage and chamomile, to name just a few, cover the Greek landscape. Greece has a long tradition of using medicinal herbs, and many of these plants are significant in both traditional practices and modern herbalism.

The fresh, herbal scent is omnipresent. They attract butterflies and a wide variety of insects. These herbs are highly valued in Greece for their diverse healing properties, and they continue to be used in Greek cuisine and wellness practices.

In aromatherapy, herbal essential oils are of great importance. They offer a variety of benefits, such as relieving stress, enhancing mood, and supporting skin and respiratory health.

I also use them in various skincare products. My favourite is my Wild Flower Beauty Balm. It's a real all-rounder for all skin types and can be used as a moisturiser, cleanser and lip balm. It also has the most beautiful, fragrant aroma of wild flowers and herbs.

Thank you, nature, for all the beauty and benefits you provide us with. And thank you, Greece, for giving me a brief insight into your unique world of healing plants. ❤️🇬🇷🌱

10/06/2025

You can't be on a botanical journey through Greece without honoring the Olive tree, the source of liquid gold. The landscape we're sailing through is covered with Olive groves. Some of them are giants, several hundred years old.
It provides shade, fans the wind through the broad branches, and holds the soil together with its strong roots. It is undemanding and gives without taking. It provides a habitat for birds, spiders, and crickets. Its gnarled trunk tells stories, and the silver light reflected through the leaves triggers a feeling of peace, respect, and esteem.

And its Olive Oil is not only a culinary essential in Greek cuisine but also a wonderful remedy for skincare. Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and has been linked to improved skin moisturization and anti-aging effects. Olive oil can be used on the skin or as part of skincare products such as facial cleansers or lotions. It contains the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. People have used vitamin E oil topically throughout history to treat a variety of skin conditions, including psoriasis and eczema. However, using high-quality olive oil is important. Low-quality oils may contain additives or chemicals that could irritate or damage the skin.

Personally, I don't use Olive Oil in my skincare products. Olive oil is a heavy oil that may clog pores and trap bacteria if used in excess. But if used sparingly and wiped off any extra oil, it can be a perfect carrier oil for any DIY skincare products.

In Greece, the Olive tree is a symbol of peace and prosperity. For me, it stands for strength and generosity. In any case, a toast to the Olive tree 🫒🌳💚 #

08/06/2025

The Flowering Bay 🌺: We are at the entrance to the Ionion Sea in Greece, anchering in a lovely Bay called „Ormos Oxias“. This small natural reserve is incredibly serene, and the bay and hillsides are surrounded by wild, vivid pink oleander. It’s magical. This got me thinking: what impact did this native shrub have on ancient Greek life?

In ancient Greek mythology, the oleander was associated with romance, beauty, and the god of the sea, Nereus.

While its toxicity is well-known, some traditional practices, now largely abandoned, involved using extracts for medicinal purposes.

Oleander has traditionally been used in the treatment of cardiac illness, asthma, diabetes mellitus, corns, scabies, cancer, and epilepsy, and in wound healing as an antibacterial/antimicrobial.

Some skincare brands still today claim Oleander oil may soothe irritated skin, releave itching & dryness and hydrates and nourishes the skin barrier.

However, I have not found any convincing scientific evidence for that. And considering the toxidity and possible serious side effects, this gorgeous flowering shrub will not find a place in my Natural Skincare range. But its beauty will always fill my heart with happyness and awe for the wonder of nature 🌺

02/06/2025

Let’s talk pine today 🌲 Anyone who has spent time in the Mediterranean during the holidays remembers the refreshing, earthy, and slightly sweet scent of pine forests. It evokes memories of joyful and carefree summer vacations. ☀️ This is the fragrance of Pine Essential Oils. Did you know that less than 1% of all plants produce aromatic compounds called essential oils? The reason some plants do and others do not remains a mystery. However, we do know that for those that do produce them, essential oils serve not only as a source of energy but also as effective protection against insects, animals, and bacterial and fungal infections. They can also help plants defend against excessive sunlight, drought, and other environmental stressors. Additionally, plants utilize essential oils to communicate with one another, sometimes warning nearby plants of potential threats or coordinating defense strategies. Conifers store essential oils in their needles, which may contribute to their resilience. There are various types of Pine Essential Oils used in aromatherapy, all generally valued for their expectorant, antiseptic, and rejuvenating properties. Whether inhaled through a diffuser or mixed into a body oil, Pine Essential Oils offer benefits in aromatherapy, including relief from respiratory issues like colds and congestion, as well as soothing muscle aches and promoting overall well-being. I experienced this during my walk through the Pine Forest in Galaxidi today 🌲😇. Would you like to experience the healing properties of pine as well? Try my NZ Autumn Essential Oil blend, which acts as a natural defense against infections and illnesses. It provides grounding, balancing, and refreshing effects while stimulating muscles and joints. This oil supports the immune and circulatory systems, making it helpful for colds that cause weakness, congestion, or lung infections. It also alleviates coughs, colds, flu, catarrh, sore throats, and angina, promoting easier breathing. Sending you happy and healthy pine greetings from Greece, 😎 Sandy. , , , , 💚

01/06/2025

Greek Healing Herbs/1
St. John‘s Wort (Johanniskraut)

One of the first wild plants I encountered during a pleasant walk on the beautiful island of Trizonia in Greece is St. John’s Wort. In Europe, this charming plant with bright yellow flowers has a rich history of use in traditional herbal medicine.

In Greece, St. John’s Wort was once thought to offer protection against curses and demons. Renowned figures like Hippocrates, Theophrastus, and Dioscorides documented its numerous therapeutic uses. This herb was primarily utilized for alleviating depression and anxiety. When you crush its vibrant yellow flowers, you may be surprised to see a red dye emerge, which, when mixed with olive oil, can be applied externally to treat inflammation, neuralgic pain, bruises, and swelling. The red hue was compared to blood, symbolizing its healing properties for wounds.

In Orthodox Christian tradition, the plant is harvested and hung above icons on St. John’s Day, which occurs right after the summer solstice.

When applied as an oil or balm, it may assist with:
• Minor burns
• Wounds
• Bruises
• Inflammation

St. John’s Wort also possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, and there is evidence suggesting it may alleviate certain symptoms related to arthritis, especially pain and inflammation. Topical applications (such as St. John’s Wort oil) have been traditionally used for nerve pain, muscle soreness, and joint discomfort. Some research indicates it might be beneficial for neuropathic pain, which can accompany chronic arthritis.

This plant can also be found in New Zealand; I noticed a lot of it around the Glenorchy delta. However, ensure that the flowers you find are bright yellow with five petals, as there are several similar-looking flowers in the area.

At Koru Wellbeing, I incorporate St. Johns Wort into our Muscle and Joint Balm, along with our native NZ Kawakawa, as well as Arnica, Chamomile, Marjoram, and Black Pepper. This balm provides natural relief for ailments such as rheumatism and arthritis, while also soothing muscle and joint discomfort, bruises, and sprains. It may reduce joint swelling and alleviates muscle cramps. Furthermore, it can help with nerve inflammation issues, including sciatica and neuralgia, and supports recovery from wounds or injuries that involve nerve tissue damage. I take great pride in receiving repeat orders from customers suffering from Rheumatism and Arthritis pain. If you’re interested, please follow the link below.

https://www.koruwellbeing.nz/product-page/kawakawa-pain-reliever-balm-50-g

What are you using St. Johns Worth for? Share your stories with us 🌼🌼🌼

** for those on certain pharmaceutical drugs, including anticoagulants, Digoxin, oral contraceptives, antiviral medication, Cyclosporin, Methadone, SSRIs, MAOIs, Lithium, amphetamines, general anesthetics, and chemotherapy, St. Johns Worth should not be considered for any application.

31/05/2025

While traveling, I love to explore the local plants that have been traditionally used for their health benefits. What better evidence for the medicinal properties of plants can be found than the century-old wisdom from a time when natural remedies were the only treatment against any kind of illnesses?

Walking through a Greek island is like strolling through a botanical pharmacy. The scents of pine, herbs, and wildflowers, the sounds of cicadas, birds, and the splashing of the waves are healing for the body and soul already. It's not difficult to believe that these plants, in order to survive the ocean storms, the heat, and the droughts, evolutionarily had to develop very strong defense properties. That's why I love to use the medicinal compounds of plants from their original habitat.

Join me the next weeks in exploring some of the local medicinal plants on my travels through Greece and later on in Thailand. Let me bring you healing tips and shared love for our beautiful botanicals from all over the world.

Warm greetings from the land of a thousand islands, Sandy.

01/05/2025

Get your favourite products online on Koru Wellbeing.

Thank you, lovely customers, for your loyalty and trust. It's been a great pleasure to meet all of you amazing natural beauty and health lovers, and your encouragement means the world to me 🥰.

With the last markets behind us and the end of our pop-up store at Country Lane for now, you don't have to miss out on our beautiful natural skincare products 🌹🌿🌼.

Visit our online shop at www.koruwellbeing.nz and get inspired.

I look forward to seeing you again next season. Lots of love and scented wellbeing, Sandy 🌺

Discover the power of natural skincare and aroma therapy at Koru Wellbeing. Certified skincare formulator and aroma therapist for your holistic wellbeing in Queenstown, NZ.

25/04/2025

What a perfect last market day of the season. Come and enjoy with us the beautiful autumn vibes autumn festival 🍂🍁 ; ; 🌺