I’m always looking for natural products that don’t contain harmful ingredients, are sustainable in what they are made of, are kind to the planet, support small businesses and actually work! I have tried and tested a few products lately that I’m happy to recommend to others.

Shampoo With A Purpose

Something I’ve been wanting to try for a while is a solid shampoo. I’ve wanted to for a number of reasons including less to carry when caravanning, to reduce my use of plastic and to support Aussie businesses.  I’ve found a beauty too! ‘Shampoo With a Purpose’ is an Australian owned business which designs and makes these shampoo bars which really work and smell terrific.  One of these solid bars, which are a combined shampoo and conditioner, equals six bottles of products and they can last for over 6 months. The range includes bars suitable for all hair types and are full of only natural ingredients, there are no sulphates, harsh chemicals, artificial colours or palm oils and the packaging is very minimal and made of cardboard.

What I love about the one I’ve tried is that it really surprised me how well it lathers and it smells divine. The bars are only slightly scented with essential oils. All the information is on their website and you can order the products from them if you can’t find a stockist nearby. I purchased mine from The Organic Store McLaren Vale, and you can probably find the range in other organic or health food shops.

Good Riddance Insect Repellent

This product has been a favourite of mine for years, since I first tried it and had success with it.  I seem to be a magnet for bitey critters like mosquitos, midges and sand flies so to find a product that works and feels good on the skin, isn’t overpowering in scent and doesn’t contain DEET or other nasty chemicals was fantastic.

Good Riddance is a natural product that has been clinically proven, it was developed in Darwin so they should know! It is a blend of essential oils that repel insects and comes in a cream base with shea butter and beeswax which provides a barrier and lasts a long time on the skin.  The scent is strong but not offensive and a little bit of the cream goes a long way. Another terrific Australian made and developed product, using Australian supplied ingredients which has been through clinical trials and accredited as an insect repellent. I buy the Tropical Insect Repellent and love it. The products can be purchased from their website or look for organic shops which may also stock it.

Bush Medijina

I’m trying a mini balm pack from this business which includes a skin soothe balm, breathe easy balm, calm balm, sleep balm and miracle balm and just receiving the package was a delight with the Aussie bush scent that was released on opening it.

Bush Medijina is a small business which supports Warningakalina women of Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory. This indigenous run business, operates from a few shipping containers in Angurugu which is on a remote island. The women hand harvest ingredients from country, then hand make and package the products themselves. The aim of the business is to share their culture with others, while preserving traditions and knowledge for future generations. The recipes used in the products have been passed down from generations by mothers, aunties and grandmothers. The local bush products are harvested and combined with natural and sustainable ingredients.

The reason I have bought products from Bush Medijina is to again, try some new products that use completely natural and Australian ingredients and because I believe in the therapeutic uses for native plants. Also because of the ethics of the group which from their website reads:

Our Strong Women’s Team runs Eningaba Arndirnda (Good Heart), a healthy lifestyle program for our staff and women in our community.  We learn through educational programs such as healthy cooking, physiotherapy and exercises, and literacy and language. 

We share our bush medicine knowledge and run workshops for our young girls from the schools so they can come and learn about bush medicine and running a Corporation and business.  

We are learning, mentoring, and leading the way, showing our young girls who are the future employees and leaders of our communities how to Rise Up. 

Why wouldn’t we want to be behind supporting those ideas and supporting indigenous businesses that are run in, and give back to their own communities.

To find out more about the Australian Native Botanicals, Bush Medicine and to buy the products visit the website here.

cheers

Glenys