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ore muscles? Itchy bug bites? Flaky scalp? Slap on some sap. |
“Tree essences” are the special ingredient in new line of organic skin and hair products by Helmut and Anthony Gollner of Vancouver. Designed to treat dandruff, eczema, acne, and a rash of other afflictions, Gollners’ Botanical Therapeutic Products contain sap harvested from indigenous B.C. Douglas fir, western red cedar, paper birch, and Sitka spruce trees.
“West Coast Indian tribes have used tree essences for centuries in salves and poultices to heal many different ailments, even arthritis,” says Anthony Gollner.
He and his father began collecting tree sap in 1990. After four years of lab testing, |
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they launched their therapeutic products for easing muscle pain, healing minor wounds and insect bites, moisturizing skin, and eradicating itching.
During the year’s hottest months, trees “weep” excess sap, which the Gollners carefully collect. They then combine the saps with chamomile, nettle, vitamins, avocado, soya, pumpkin, and coconut oils to produce a variety of creams and cleansers. “People really want a more natural and organic alternative that doesn’t harm the environment,” says Gollner.
About 2,800 health food stores across Canada stock the products, which are made in North Vancouver.
—Joel Schaefer |
