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Welcome to Banalasta!
Rolf Blickling, founding owner and Managing Director of Banalasta, has worked with cosmetic manufacturers since 1996 (the plantation's inception) in wanting to encourage people to become aware of organic farming and the wonderful uses of their end commodities.
Thus, the Banalasta property expanded in a myriad of rural pursuits, one of which was the planting of the world's largest certified organic eucalyptus radiata plantation and a lavender farm.
The eucalyptus oil returns commercially viable medicinal properties and brings the production of eucalyptus oil back into the Australian oil market (a lull since the 1950s). While the lavender (intermedia grosso) shrubs have also been included as another diversified oil yield for the health and skin products Banalasta produces.
'Banalasta' ("land of the healthy waterholes"), located on the outskirts of the historic township of Bendemeer, between Tamworth and Armidale is on the New England Tablelands of NSW.
We welcome you to call on us at our Banalasta Visitor Centre where you can buy our skin care products, taste our wine and enjoy a coffee and light lunch whilst taking in the stunning scenery. Oil distillery tours can help the enquiring mind to piece together how essential oils are extracted from the plants. Alternatively, our products can also be purchased via our interactive website.
The Oils We Grow
....Eucalyptus Radiata (Australiana) Leaf Oil
Eucalyptus Radiata, or the narrow peppermint leaf species, is one of 623 species of eucalyptus that are found on the Australian continent and is classified as a medicinal oil. Only a few of these species are worth distilling commercially.
Of those worth distilling, Eucalyptus Radiata is considered to possess a sweeter, less camphorous aroma than that of other common varieties. Only one other species, besides eucalyptus radiata, does not have to be rectified (re-distilled to remove mucous irritating components). This allows up to twenty times Terpin-4ol (the accepted germ killing compound) and a higher percentage of cineole than the common eucalyptus species such as polybractea (blue mallee). Both are active antimicrobial compounds. It is cineole that is found in large amounts of tea trees, providing its famous natural antiseptic qualities.
Banalasta is the world's largest eucalyptus radiata oil plantation with organic certification. The plantation covers 150 hectares (600,000 trees) of the 3000 hectare property. The tree itself is grown in the colder and wetter conditions. The more common eucalyptus species (blue gum) prefer the hotter, drier conditions.
Banalasta eucalyptus harvesting starts in spring and spans over the summer months when the leaves are fresh and higher in oil content. Trees are approximately 3 metres in height when mechanically harvested and will take 12 months to grow to this height for re-harvesting.
Gentle and effective, eucalyptus radiata oil contains formidable antiseptic and deep transdermal (penetration) properties to assist in the treatment of skin irritations, cuts and abrasions as well as provide relief from insect bites and stings. Antiviral properties help to relieve common ailments of cough and cold symptoms and nasal congestion and even cold scores. Soothing active properties to relieve muscular aches and pains by stimulating circulation to increase the flow of blood to affected areas. The oil from this leaf is mixed with other ingredients and made into skin creams, pure oils, soaps, balms, shampoo, conditioner and bath milks.
Eucalyptus Radiata oil not only assists in the repair of skin cells but to sooth and heal the skin, while our lavender oil (intermedia grosso) complements by calming and balancing the skin.
....Intermedia Lavendula Grosso
Banalasta's lavender oil is a French hybrid variety, Intermedia Lavendula Grosso. Grosso is the leading producing plant for lavender oil worldwide, primarily because it possesses a warming fragrance and differs from other lavender plants mainly in its comparatively larger bush, thus producing a higher oil yield.
Mechanical harvesting of the 2 hectare fields takes place in December-January just before full bloom.
The botanical name, Lavendula, comes from the Latin word 'lavare', meaning "to wash" and can be used to cleanse and heal in a variety of ways. Lavender's healing powers are extremely diverse, partly due to its complex combination of chemical substances.
Like our eucalyptus oil, Banalasta's lavender oil is suitable for use in the bath, as a base to a carrier oil or in an oil burner. Lavender is renowned to calm the emotional state, helps relieve muscle tension and it possesses powerful antiseptic and analgesic properties. This multipurpose oil can also be used in the treatment of burns, hair complaints (loss and dandruff), colds, bee stings, headaches and wounds, to name but a few ailments.
Try our eucalyptus and lavender Banalasta skin care range to see and feel the healing benefits first hand!
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