Notes and News

• The online Perfumer&Flavorist features a visit to Shady Lane Farms, a mint farm in Indiana, complete with a photo album that includes harvesting and distillation.
• HerbalGram #79 (August-October 2008) features Valerian as its Herbal Profile. It also includes a short article on the NPA Natural Seal program, a Research Review on the efficacy of South African Geranium (Pelargoinium sidoides) in the treatment of acute bronchitis, and a feature article on the African fixed oil Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) that may have some value for personal care products.
• According to Natural Products Insider, an Oregano Manufacturer has paid $2.5 million to settle an FTC case for claims that its oregano oil and capsules could kill germs.  Airborne settled a similar case that it did not have adequate evidence to support its advertising claims.
• Botany Photo of the Day featured Sitka Valerian on August 8, with links to pollinator information.
• 1000fragrances blogs about the invention of "a device for obtaining perfume from living plants"--160 years ago.