Demeter Biodynamic® Farm and Processing Standards

The first Farm Standard was written in Germany in 1928 following Rudolf Steiner’s Agriculture Course.  Its purpose was to codify what Steiner had presented in his lectures and ensure its adherence through a strict certification program.   The Farm Standard is historically significant because it dates back to the beginning of the modern sustainable farming movement, and captures key agronomic principles not comprehensively addressed within any other agriculture certification system. Here in the United States, it provides the legal definition of “Biodynamic” through the certification mark.  Sections of the Farm Standard include necessary elements of the farm organism, soil fertility management, crop protection, greenhouse management, animal welfare, and the use of the preparations.  Biological diversity within the farm landscape is emphasized, and requires that a minimum of ten percent of the total farm acreage be set-aside as a biodiversity preserve.  That may include but is not limited to forests, wetlands, riparian corridors, and intentionally planted insectaries.  Diversity in crop rotation and perennial planting is required: no annual crop can be planted in the same field for more than two years in succession.  Bare tillage year round is prohibited so land needs to maintain adequate green cover.  The Farm Standard instructs that the foundation of the fertility system, and strategies for disease, insect, and weed control, must originate from the farm itself.  Fertility is generated via the integration of livestock, compost and green manure, nutrient catch crops, and careful crop rotation.  Disease and insect control are addressed through botanical species diversity, predator habitat, balanced crop nutrition, and attention to light penetration and airflow.   Weed control emphasizes prevention, including timing of planting, mulching, and identifying and avoiding the spread of invasive weed species.  The use of the preparations is a requirement of the Farm Standard.  There are nine in all, made from herbs, mineral substances and animal manures, that are utilized in field sprays and compost inoculants applied in minute doses, much like homeopathic remedies are for humans.  Timely applications revitalize the soil and stimulate root growth, enhance the development of microorganisms and humus formation, and aid in photosynthetic activity. The crops resulting from a certified Biodynamic farm are themselves certified (for example Biodynamic tomatoes), but in order to produce a certified processed product  (for example pasta sauce) the product must be produced in accordance with the Demeter Biodynamic® Processing Standard.  There are sixteen different processing standard categories (compared to one for the entire National Organic Program), including wine, cheese, olive oil, dairy and body care.  The Processing Standard is very important because it guarantees an unbroken chain of accountability from the farm to the finished product, and delivers a product that allows for the integrity and purity of the agricultural ingredients to define it.

Recognized as a holistic, ecological, and ethical farming system, biodynamic agriculture includes gardening, food and nutrition, as well.

What does an 80-year old, German farm have to do with Weleda? Everything. Literally and figuratively, the roots of Weleda’s NATRUE certified skin care grow in that very special soil. The teachings of biodynamic agriculture, a form of alternative agriculture similar to organic farming, is based on the ideas of Weleda’s founder, Dr. Rudolf Steiner. Developed in the 1920s, it was one of the first agriculture movements. Recognized as a holistic, ecological, and ethical farming system, biodynamic agriculture includes gardening, food and nutrition, as well. The teachings of biodynamically-centered agriculture have been practiced worldwide for nearly a century.The basic idea is that the farm itself is a living organism—a self-sustaining system that creates and sustains life, and supports and heals itself.   If it sounds like the principles Steiner applied to how the skin functions, it is because it is the same concept of self-healing and growth. At a glance, it is easy to see why biodynamic practices support NATRUE certified personal care. Why Biodynamic Practices are Better: Helps support body’s balance and vitality Yields plants full of essential vitamins, minerals Helps support the body’s own balancing system to deal with food/environmental allergies and chemical sensitivities Farming based on biodynamic practices do no harm to the planet Little has changed in Weleda’s gardens, because of our commitment to our founding principles. Our 50 acres of Biodynamic® gardens in Germany— The Weleda Biodynamic Gardens in Schwabisch Gmund, Germany – are one of the largest in Europe.   These kind of pure farming practices make for high-quality Weleda products. These principles are in Weleda’s roots and continue to motivate us today. As always, thanks for reading my Blog. If you like it, comment on it or share it. I love to hear from you and what you would like to read about. Until next time. Mark

What is the difference between organic and biodynamic?

You know I’ve known WELEDA since my childhood. WELEDA products are grown bio dynamically and are certified by DEMETER. Both Demeter and Weleda had been founded by Rudolf Steiner the founder of Anthroposophy. He had several impulses that he has shared with other people who then further his research. In my family the arnica range had it’s place for smaller bruises and cuts so did the WELEDA homeopathic remedies for blood pressure and the cough syrup. All this together, made me join WELEDA as a consultant. Today, I will start a series about Biodynamic Gardening and Demeter over this week. What is the difference between organic and biodynamic? There are lots of similarities between organics and biodynamics such as growing healthy nutritious vegetables and herbs, not using synthetic fertilizers and sprays, encouraging beneficial wildlife into the garden, supporting biodiversity and taking good care of the soil. However, biodynamics also offers a more holistic approach and takes account of the wider context of the plant, garden or farm. Biodynamic growers tune into nature’s rhythms and natural systems, which in turn cultivates a deeper personal connection with nature. The Weleda gardens have been certified to Demeter standards for over 35 years, which means that we comply with the most rigorous standards on the worldwide organic crop-growing scene. Fundamental to biodynamics are the ‘BD’ preparations which act as catalysts for the co-creation of healthy living soil, compost and plants. We also aim to create a self-sufficient garden by making our own plant-based compost, saving our own seeds and ensuring we encourage as many different habitats as possible (ie ponds, meadows, woodland edges) to create a truly biodiverse environment. What makes biodynamics so special? Biodynamic gardening comes out of the ideas of the philosopher Rudolf Steiner and has ecological, ethical, social and spiritual roots. Steiner’s philosophy (called Anthroposophy) suggests that the human being is fundamentally a spiritual being, intimately connected to the earth and cosmos. So biodynamic gardening rather uniquely offers a practical but also spiritual approach to growing. As Rudolf Steiner said: “There’s no matter without spirit and no spirit without matter.”

Arnica in Homeopathy

I’ve been growing up on Arnica at home. We always had all sorts of arnica remedies at home, most of them came from WELEDA. In Austria you can only get it at the pharmacy and for many arnica remedies you need a doctors prescription o it’s not something you can buy over the counter like here. We realise that the NHS is kind of behind in everything, there is lots of scientific evidence that Arnica has healing remedies. Arnica is used topically for a wide range of conditions, including bruises, sprains, muscle aches, wound healing, superficial phlebitis, joint pain, inflammation from insect bites, and swelling from broken bones. More recent studies suggest it may also be helpful in the treatment of burns. Is arnica as strong as ibuprofen? Arnica gel appeared to work nearly as well as Advil (ibuprofen). Benefits included reduced and improved joint function in people with hand osteoarthritis. More research is needed. How does arnica work so fast? The reason arnica works is because, like many plants, it has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, says Anderson. When arnica cream or arnica gel is applied, it stimulates circulation, helping the body’s own healing system react—which encourages some speedy relief. Medicinal Uses and Indications Available Forms Arnica is available in topical creams and ointments. It is most commonly found as a tincture, which can also be used as the base for compresses and poultices. Arnica oil may also be used in topical preparations. A number of homeopathic remedies are available in pill, topical, or injectable forms. How to Take It You should not take arnica by mouth without direct medical supervision, except in an extremely diluted form as a homeopathic remedy, because side effects may be severe (see “Precautions”). Use homeopathic products according to directions on the label or the advice of your homeopathic practitioner. Health care providers may give homeopathic preparations by injection. When using arnica topically, never apply it to an open wound without a doctor’s supervision. Pediatric You may also use homeopathic preparations to treat bruising, swelling, and trauma to soft tissues. Follow the dosage instructions on the product label or consult a licensed homeopath. Use only in homeopathic formulations. DO NOT use the herb itself. Adult Commercial preparations of creams, ointments, and lotions are available through some specialty stores and natural health providers. Homeopathic preparations are widely available at health food stores and many pharmacies. Precautions Arnica is generally safe when used on the skin. However, using it for a long time may irritate the skin, causing eczema, peeling, blisters, or other skin conditions. Arnica should not be used on broken skin, such as leg ulcers. In one study, researchers found that arnica used topically increased leg pain 24 hours after participants performed calf exercises. Also, people who are hypersensitive or allergic to the herb should avoid it. Arnica is rarely used as an internal herbal remedy because it can cause dizziness, tremors, and heart irregularities. It may also irritate mucous membranes and cause vomiting. Large doses can even be fatal. DO NOT take arnica by mouth except under close supervision of your doctor. You can generally take homeopathic remedies, which use extremely small amounts of arnica, safely. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid taking arnica, and ask your doctor before using it on your skin. Talk to your doctor before taking any medication, including herbs. Possible Interactions When used topically or in a homeopathic remedy, there are no known interactions with arnica and conventional medications. Supporting Research The world renowned Mount Sinai Hospital in New York is conducting clinically research in Arnica for over a decade and below is some of their supporting documents. Adkison JD. The effect of topical arnica on muscle pain. Ann Pharmacother. 2010;44(10):1579-84. Auerbach. Wilderness Medicine. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2011. Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000. Bolognia. Dermatology. 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2012. Brinkhaus B, Wilkens JM, Ludtke R, Hunger J, Witt CM, Willich SN. Homeopathic arnica therapy in patients receiving knee surgery: Results of three randomised double-blind trials. Complement Ther Med. 2006 Dec;14(4):237-46. Huber R. Bross F, Schempp C, Grundermann C. Arnica and stinging nettle for treating burns – a self-experiment. Complement Ther Med. 2011;19(5):276-80. Kotlus BS, Heringer DM, Dryden RM. Evaluation of Homeopathic Arnica montana for Ecchymosis After Upper Blepharoplasty: A Placebo-Controlled, Randomized, Double-Blind Study. Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010 Jul 29. [Epub ahead of print] Seeley BM, Denton AB, Ahn MS, Maas CS. Effect of homeopathic Arnica montana on bruising in face-lifts: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2006 Jan-Feb;8(1):54-9. Sutovska M, Capek P, Kocmalova M, et al. Characterization and pharmacodynamic properties of Arnica montana complex. Int J Biol Macromol. 2014;69:214-21.

Why Celebrities LOVE Weleda’s Skin Food Moisturiser

Celebrities can’t get enough of THIS £12.50 moisturiser. But what makes Weleda’s Skin Food so special? Weleda first introduced their totally natural, replenishing Skin Food cream in 1926. And it’s still going strong today!  An enriching balm to soothe and comfort skin that’s battered by daily stresses – from poor diet to pollution – Skin Food is your best defence against windier, colder weather, and is great for dry or rough skin that needs a treat. Elbows, we’re looking at you… Weleda Skin Food has become a travel essential for many jet setters. Ideal to protect and replenish skin that’s been blasted by air conditioning or on the ski slope in biting winds, it also helps restore radiance to lacklustre skin. A firm celebrity favourite For years Skin Food was somewhat of an industry beauty secret, but in the past decade has become a firm favourite with many high-profile celebrities. Skin Food’s enthusiastic fan club includes singers Anne-Marie, Adele, Birdy, Joss Stone and Rihanna; television presenters Laura Whitmore, Fearne Cotton, Amanda Holden, Claudia Winkleman and Anthea Turner; plus actresses Julia Roberts, Brooke Shields, Kerry Washington, Winona Ryder, Priyanka Chopra and Lili Taylor. For Anne-Marie’s make-up artist Emma Osborne it’s a staple in her kit: Weleda Skin Food is my go-to product for a fresh glow. I love to add a touch to the high points of the face i.e. cheekbones/brow bones for that dewy glossy finish. For my clients it’s a must-have beauty essential”. Top models and fashionistas Alexa Chung, Suki Waterhouse, Victoria Beckham, Helena Christensen, Carolyn Murphy, Chandra North, Doutzen Kroes, Jacquelyn Jablonski, Angela Lindvall, Jessica Stam, Claudia Barila, Behati Prinsloo, Lyndsey Wixson, Dree Hemingway, Karen Ferrari, David Gandy and Andrew Cooper are all fans too. My absolute MUST is Weleda Skin Food which I apply all over my body! It smells so fresh and uplifting too and I never leave the house without it” – Model Erin O’Connor All of skin Food’s ingredients are NATRUE certified: all natural and include extracts of organic chamomile, calendula and wild pansy to soothe rough skin, plus rosemary to revitalise dull complexions. This deep-penetrating cream also contains natural plant oils and waxes known for their richness and gentleness. The refreshing fragrance is from pure essential oils including sweet orange and lavandulae, so artificial preservatives or parabens are not needed. It’s just what your skin has been waiting for. Shop WELEDA products here

WELEDA natural Beauty and Health

Weleda is the world’s largest certified natural skincare and medicines company, founded in 1921 by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner. Its anthroposophical values cause it to operate in harmony with nature and the human being making products organic, biodynamic, fair trade, cruelty free, responsibly packaged, without micro-plastics and priced at the smallest amount possible so all can access them. Since all ingredients are natural, there are none of the skin-irritating, hormone disrupting, carcinogenic chemicals so often found in our body care products. You will find an excellent, award winning  and comprehensive range of baby and child products together with first aid remedies, hair care, sunscreen, dental care, skincare, homeopathic remedies and food supplements.  ​Loving the products and want to save some money? Here is… ​ Weleda Subscribe and Save:  By popular demand from my regular customers, I have designed this scheme to save you money while you have all the fun of a monthly wellbeing box – tailored to your individual needs and preferences – delivered to your door!  • Save a minimum of 20% on all your Weleda shopping • Set your own budget (free p&p over £30)  • Choose from facial skincare, body care & toiletries or some of each • You can specify preferences for certain products or ranges you like or want to avoid (e.g. in case of allergy) • Totally flexible – you pay by standing order on a date you choose and can cancel any time. ​ To join in, simply set up a standing order to SMS Brooled Ltd, 04-29-57 a/c 10561220. Then drop me a line to using the contact form to let me know your postal address, whether you would like facial skin care, body care products or some of each and any preferences or allergies you may have.  Or feel free to give me a call on 07935 145 849 to discuss your requirements.  Your first monthly delivery will be posted as soon as the first standing order payment is received.

Biodynamic Principlesand Practices

Biodynamic Principles A foundation of the Biodynamic method of farming is a Goethean observation of nature and its application to a farming system. This encourages a view of nature as an interconnected whole, a totality, an organism endowed with archetypal rhythm. Biodynamic farming involves managing a farm utilizing the principles of a living organism. A concise model of a living organism ideal would be a wilderness forest. In such a system there is a high degree of self-sufficiency in all realms of biological survival.  Fertility and feed arise out of the recycling of the organic material the system generates.  Avoidance of pest species is based on biological vigor and its intrinsic biological and genetic diversity. Water is efficiently cycled through the system.  While agriculture takes nature to a state that is one step removed from wilderness, the wisdom of the farmer that guides its course can reflect these ancient principles of sustainability.  The view of the farm organism extends beyond the fence line and includes the tangible and intangible forces that work through it.  Examples include the climate, inherent wildlife of the earth (above and below the ground), the light and warmth from the sun and the more distant astronomical influences.  Biodynamic agriculture attempts to harmonize all of these factors within a holistic, living farm system.  The food that results is very pure and true to its essence and provides deeply penetrating nutrition that is essential to an increasingly unhealthy human population.  Biodynamic Practices In day-to-day practice the goal is to create a farm system that is minimally dependant on imported materials, and instead meets its needs from the living dynamics of the farm itself.  It is the biodiversity of the farm, organized so that the waste of one part of the farm becomes the energy for another, that results in an increase in the farm’s capacity for self-renewal and ultimately makes the farm sustainable. This requires that, as much as possible, a farm be regenerative rather than degenerative.  Consider carefully materials that are imported onto the modern day organic farm.  Where do they come from?  Often they can be tracked back to a natural resource provided by the earth. Examples include petroleum to move materials around, ancient mineral deposits, by-products of unsustainable agriculture-related industry, and the life of the seas and waterways.  An important social value of Biodynamic farming is that it does not depend on the mining of the earth’s natural resource base but instead emphasizes contributing to it.

Dr Ita Wegmann

Dr Ita Wegmann Today I want to share about Mrs Ita Wegman. When I was in school she was one of my heroes when we learned about her and Weleda. She was the founding member of Weleda company in Switzerland and together with her mentor Rudolf Steiner developed homeopathic medicines, a way of massage called Rhythmic massage and she set in stone what today is known as the Ita Wegman Hospital in Bern Switzerland and what today is the modern Weleda company. Ita Wegmamn was born in February 1876, and in 1921 she co-founded anthroprosophic medicine together with Rudolf Steiner the founder of Anthroposophy. Alongside Rhythmic Massage Mrs Wegman also founded other anthroprosophic treatments. Ita Wegman, as she was known throughout her life, was born as Maria Ita Wegman in 1876 in Karawang, West Java, the first child of a Dutch colonial family. Around the turn of the century, she returned to Europe (she had visited before) and studied therapeutic gymnastics and massage. In 1902, when she was 26, she met Rudolf Steiner for the first time. Five years later, she began medical school at the University of Zurich, where women were not discriminated to study medicine. She was granted a diploma as a medical doctor in 1911 with a specialization in women’s medicine and joined an existing medical practice. In 1917, having opened an independent practice, she developed a cancer treatment using an extract of mistletoe following indications from Steiner. This first remedy, which she called Iscar, was later developed into Iscador and has become an complementary cancer treatment in Germany and a number of other countries, and is undergoing clinical trials in the U.S.A. There is no evidence that Iscador heals cancer or improves the quality of life of cancer patients. By 1919 she had a joint practice together with two other doctors, also women. In 1920 she purchased land in Arlesheim, where she opened her own clinic, the Klinisch-Therapeutisches Institut, or Clinical-Therapeutic Institute, the next year. A number of other doctors joined the institute, which grew steadily over the next years as a first center for anthroposophical medicine. In 1922 she founded a therapeutic home for mentally disabled children, Haus Sonnenhof, also in Arlesheim, and co-founded a pharmaceutical laboratory, Weleda, that has since grown into a significant producer of medicines and health-care products. In the following year, Rudolf Steiner asked Wegman to join the Executive Council of the newly reformed Anthroposophical Society at the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland. She also directed the Medical Section of the research center at the Goetheanum. Together, Wegman and Steiner wrote what was to be Steiner’s last book, Extending Practical Medicine (earlier editions were published as Fundamentals of Therapy), which gave a theoretical basis to the new medicine they were developing. The book was partly written while Wegman cared for Steiner, who was already terminally ill. Wegman founded a new medical journal, Natura, the following year. By 1919 she had a joint practice together with two other doctors, also women. In 1920 she purchased land in Arlesheim, where she opened her own clinic, the Klinisch-Therapeutisches Institut, or Clinical-Therapeutic Institute, the next year. A number of other doctors joined the institute, which grew steadily over the next years as a first center for anthroposophical medicine. In 1922 she founded a therapeutic home for mentally disabled children, Haus Sonnenhof, also in Arlesheim, and co-founded a pharmaceutical laboratory, Weleda, that has since grown into a significant producer of medicines and health-care products. In the following year, Rudolf Steiner asked Wegman to join the Executive Council of the newly reformed Anthroposophical Society at the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland. She also directed the Medical Section of the research center at the Goetheanum. Together, Wegman and Steiner wrote what was to be Steiner’s last book, Extending Practical Medicine (earlier editions were published as Fundamentals of Therapy), which gave a theoretical basis to the new medicine they were developing. The book was partly written while Wegman cared for Steiner, who was already terminally ill. Wegman founded a new medical journal, Natura, the following year. In 1936, the clinic opened a second home in Ascona, Switzerland. Shortly thereafter, difficulties between Wegman and the rest of the Executive Council flared up, and Wegman was asked to leave the council; in addition, she and a number of supporters had their membership in the Anthroposophical Society itself withdrawn. The medical work flourished, however, and Wegman travelled extensively in support of the rapidly growing movement to extend medicine’s limits; she was especially active in the Netherlands and England during this time. Wegman died in Arlesheim in 1943, at the age of 67.

WELEDA Wellbeing Advisor

Recently I have made the decision to join the Weleda Wellbeing Advisor group. So what does a Weleda Wellbeing Advisor do? It is a holistic position advising customers on Weleda skin care products and homeopathic medicines. Those products are all produced and marketed by Weleda that has been founded in Switzerland by Dr. Ita Wegman and Rudolf Steiner in 1921. Rudolf Steiner is the founder of Anthroprosophy and Bio Dynamic Gardening. Weleda uses 98.9% organically grown products to produce their products, it is cruelty free and based on latest research. The UK office of Weleda was founded in 1925. Today Weleda has a Garden you can visit and creates new products based on scientific research and development. Weleda products are sold world wide. I will in due course write more about Weleda and my experience with the company. My training has just started and the main induction is going to be on Monday. My new business cards have arrived too. So yes I have created those nice looking cards myself and I am really happy with the outcome. I have printed them myself at my office and used my card cutter to cut them. So everything is home made. I have also ordered the Weleda Starter Pack and topped it up with the missing items from the starter pack to complete the product lines that there were.