Difference between revisions of "On the Trail of Essential Oils with Homeopharma"

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'''Come and discover with Homeopharma Madagascar's biodiversity, the country's wealth of endemic flora with its aromatic and medicinal plants of an estimated 12,000 species. This is surely one of the richest and most diverse flora in the world.'''
 
'''Come and discover with Homeopharma Madagascar's biodiversity, the country's wealth of endemic flora with its aromatic and medicinal plants of an estimated 12,000 species. This is surely one of the richest and most diverse flora in the world.'''
  
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<!--- plant photo, e.g. Ylang Ylang -->
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Indeed, Madagascar offers a wide diversity of all life forms: micro-organisms, plants and animals. 12,000 plant species, 3% of those on the entire planet, thrive on the island of Madagascar, also known as the Fifth Continent! Many are endemic. They exist only in Madagascar. Over centuries, Malagasy people having studied this plant richness and gained knowledge of the active agents of countless medicinal plants and how to extract their hidden wealth, sometimes with miraculous powers: the essential oils.
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Indeed, Madagascar offers a wide diversity of all life forms: micro-organisms, plants and animals. 12,000 plant species, 3% of those on the entire planet, thrive on the island of Madagascar, also known as the forgotten continent! Many are endemic. They exist only in Madagascar. Over centuries, Malagasy people have studied this plant richness and gained knowledge of the active agents of countless medicinal plants and how to extract their hidden wealth, sometimes with miraculous powers: the essential oils.
  
  
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== The concept of Homeopharma: ==
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== The concept of Homeopharma ==
  
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* Homeopharma, a pharmaceutical establishment approved by the Ministry of Health, is specialised in herbal medicine, aromatherapy, renewal of traditional medicine and homeopathy. Located in [[Antananarivo]], its CEO and founder [[Jean Claude Ratsimivony]] is a symbolic figure of the big island known for its long commitment to innovation in the field of wellness and health. Homeopharma employs 490 workers and uses over 1,500 plants in the production of its natural products.  
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[[Homeopharma]] is a pharmaceutical establishment approved by the [http://www.sante.gov.mg Ministry of Health] that is specialised in herbal medicine, aromatherapy, renewal of traditional medicine and homeopathy. Located in [[Antananarivo]], its founder [[Jean Claude Ratsimivony]] is a symbolic figure of the Big Island known for his long-standing commitment to innovation in the field of wellness and health. The new CEO since 2017, [[Feride Ismael]], manages the organisation according to its founding principles.
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Homeopharma employs 490 workers and uses over 1,500 plants in the production of its natural products.  
  
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* Homeopharma manages the complete production process from planting to finished products. Over many parts of the island, Homeopharma plants, picks and harvests in total 600 hectares of forest, supervises and motivates farmers in the protection and renewal of plant resources, thus helping to preserve the environment and biodiversity of Madagascar.
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[[File:Homeopharma logo.jpg|300px|thumb|left|Homeopharma logo]]
  
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* In Madagascar Homeopharma's presence include a total of 45 institutes where the final products are offered at modest prices, so as to allow all Malagasy people to benefit from the preventive and curative properties of their products.
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Homeopharma manages the complete production process from planting to finished products. Over many parts of the island, Homeopharma plants, picks and harvests in total 600 hectares of forest, supervises and motivates farmers in the protection and renewal of plant resources, thus helping preserve the environment and biodiversity of Madagascar.
  
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* These Homeopharma institutes also offer care and free advice. They practise relaxing or slimming massages with essential oils, amongst them the best in the world such as [[ravintsara]] or [[katrafay]], all resulting from aromatic plants.
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In Madagascar, Homeopharma's presence include a total of 40 institutes where the final products are offered at modest prices, so as to allow all Malagasy people to benefit from the preventive and curative properties of their products. These institutes also offer care and free advice. They practise relaxing or slimming massages with essential oils, amongst them the best in the world such as [[ravintsara]] or [[katrafay]], all resulting from aromatic plants.
  
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* A massage not longer than 20 minutes is the time needed for a quality essential oil to be traced back to the taste buds on the tongue when applied to the soles of the feet. Thanks to its extraordinary power of penetration, it quickly breaks through the skin to reach the bloodstream and with it back to the tongue, as it could reach any other organ that we would aim for, before being totally eliminated in the body. A true miracle!
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A massage of not longer than 20 minutes is the time needed for a quality essential oil to be traced back to the taste buds of the tongue when applied to the soles of the feet. Thanks to its extraordinary power of penetration, it quickly breaks through the skin to reach the bloodstream and with it back to the tongue, as it could reach any other organ that we would aim for, before being totally dissolved in the body. A true miracle!
  
 
== Properties of essential oils ==
 
== Properties of essential oils ==
  
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In its distillery centres Homeopharma extracts the essential substance of many plants: their aromas. Once collected in flasks, the natural concentrate may heal those who suffer from ailments, such as stress, warts, insomnia, the affection of sinus, ears or larynx, rheumatism, flu symptoms, impotence, stomach pain.  
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In its distillery centres Homeopharma extracts the essential substances of many plants: their aromas. Once collected in flasks, the natural concentrate may heal those who suffer from ailments, such as stress, warts, insomnia, the affection of sinus, ears or larynx, rheumatism, flu symptoms, impotence, stomach pain.  
  
  
 
'''Definition of an essential oil'''
 
'''Definition of an essential oil'''
  
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But what exactly is an essential oil? It can be defined as a powerful aromatic substance of complex composition, which includes volatile and odorous elements, contained in plants. These are the elements that help to cure many diseases.
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But what exactly is an essential oil? It can be defined as a powerful aromatic substance of complex composition, which includes volatile and odorous elements contained in plants. These are the elements that can help cure many diseases.
  
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[[File:Homeopharma 0057.jpg|600px]]
  
 
'''How do you get this aromatic substance?'''
 
'''How do you get this aromatic substance?'''
  
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In most cases by water steam distillation at low temperature and low pressure. This technique allows to extract most of the active substances from the plant. Before distillation they are called essence. After it is called essential oil. Only 10% of plants produce an essence. And if the latter and although the essence can be found throughout the plant, it is mainly concentrated in ''a single organ, such as root, rhizome, wood, bark, leaf, stem, flower, seed or fruit. These are the organs from which essential oil is obtained.''.  
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In most cases by steam distillation at low temperature and low pressure. This technique allows to extract most of the active substances from the plant. Before distillation they are called essence. After it is called essential oil. Only 10% of plants produce an essence. And when this is the case, although the essence can be found throughout the plant, it is mainly concentrated in a single organ, such as root, rhizome, wood, bark, leaf, stem, flower, seed or fruit. These are the organs from which essential oil is obtained.  
  
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Distilled are ylang-ylang flowers, cinnamon bark, niaouli leaves or vetiver roots. Please note, the composition of the essence of a plant differs slightly from that of the essential oil of the same plant, because the distillation cannot entirely extract the properties within the plant.  
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{| class="imageTable"
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|colspan="3"|<div style="margin-bottom:-1.5ex;">[[File:Sambirano 007.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Ylang-ylang]]</div>
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|[[File:Lantana flower 001.jpg|thumb|none|189px|Lantana]]
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|align="center"|[[File:Tampolodge 344.jpg|thumb|none|189px|Ginger root]]
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|align="right"|[[File:20120506 142019 img 8265.jpg|189px|thumb|none|Orange tree]]
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The essential oil of mint is easier to obtain because of the leaves. A slightly irregular low heat is enough. But a bit of stronger heat is needed to break the structure of a bark and to release its larger aromatic molecules. <!-- Still, the plant will release only a part of its ... properties. -->
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Distilled are ylang-ylang flowers, cinnamon bark, niaouli leaves or vetiver roots. Please note, the composition of the essence of a plant differs slightly from that of the essential oil of the same plant, because the distillation process cannot entirely extract the properties within the plant.
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The essential oil of mint is easier to extract because of the leaves. A slightly irregular low heat is enough. But a bit stronger heat is needed to break down the structure of a bark and to release its larger aromatic molecules. <!-- Still, the plant will release only a part of its ... properties. -->
  
 
Citrus essential oil (orange, bergamot, lemon, mandarin) is obtained by squeezing the exocarp, the outer skin of the fruits, at room temperature.
 
Citrus essential oil (orange, bergamot, lemon, mandarin) is obtained by squeezing the exocarp, the outer skin of the fruits, at room temperature.
  
  
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'''Properties of essential oils of Madagascar'''
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'''Properties of Madagascar's essential oils'''
  
 
Throughout the entire production of essential oils, Madagascar ranks at the top. Firstly, due to the rarity of certain plants. Katrafay, extraordinary analgesic (pain-relieving), grows only on the Big Island.
 
Throughout the entire production of essential oils, Madagascar ranks at the top. Firstly, due to the rarity of certain plants. Katrafay, extraordinary analgesic (pain-relieving), grows only on the Big Island.
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The quality of plants is important too. A ravintsara from India holds less active ingredients than a ravintsara from Madagascar.
 
The quality of plants is important too. A ravintsara from India holds less active ingredients than a ravintsara from Madagascar.
  
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Another advantage is the environment. "The exceptionally rich and diverse terroirs of this island do not face pollution as in industrialised countries", remarked cardiologist [[Lionel Michat]], whose Malagasy essential oils are sold in Europe under the '''''Les Aromagies''''' brand. And producers do not use chemical fertilisers either. These factors ensure the properties of plants to be 100% natural.
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Another advantage is the environment. "The exceptionally rich and diverse terroirs of this island do not face pollution as in industrialised countries", remarked a french manufacturer, who use Malagasy essential oils in his products in Europe. And producers do not use chemical fertilisers either. These factors ensure the properties of plants to be 100% natural.
  
 
The cultivation of plants in Madagascar cannot be compared with many other countries. Whilst elsewhere trees of a single species are aligned in a field, in Madagascar a wild environment is kept where ravintsara grows next to ''[[Eucalyptus globulus]]'' but also next to plants and non-aromatic trees.  
 
The cultivation of plants in Madagascar cannot be compared with many other countries. Whilst elsewhere trees of a single species are aligned in a field, in Madagascar a wild environment is kept where ravintsara grows next to ''[[Eucalyptus globulus]]'' but also next to plants and non-aromatic trees.  
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'''The essential oils of Homeopharma'''
 
'''The essential oils of Homeopharma'''
  
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This wild environment ensures the quality of the soil and under the management of Jean Claude Ratsimivony, CEO of Homeopharma, our essential oils are tested and guaranteed in our laboratory to be of high quality.
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This wild environment ensures the quality of the soil.
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The essential oils of Homeopharma are tested and guaranteed in their laboratory to be of the highest quality.
  
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Without the wild environment, the synergy between species would be lost. Plants need to breathe and sense. We must listen to Jean Claude, the modest grandson of a medical doctor, depositary of remedies collected by his grandfather from healers, who will tell you about the plants, their sensitivity, their stress before a hurricane. Resting time, which allows the plants to regenerate between pickings, is also respected and can reach up to four years depending on the species! Harvesting of plant organs is done in jute or cotton bags to prevent maceration. Partial drying is necessary in case of rain in order to reduce the amount of water contained in the plant. And if so, we will only dry one type of plant at the time to avoid contamination and to ensure the right balance of chemical properties.
 
  
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In short, the plants are treated for the treasure they are. And it doesn't stop there! Distillation over a wood fire, most of the time, is another added value to the Malagasy essential oils. In other countries it is done with regular gas heat.
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Without the wild environment, the synergy between species would be lost. Plants need to breathe and sense. We must listen to Jean Claude, depository of remedies collected by his grandfather from traditional healers, who will tell you about the plants, their sensitivity, their stress before a cyclone. Resting time, which allows the plants to regenerate between pickings, is also respected and can reach up to four years depending on the species! Harvesting of plant organs is done in jute or cotton bags to prevent maceration. Partial drying is necessary in case of rain in order to reduce the amount of water contained in the plant. And if so, only one type of plant will be dried at the time to avoid contamination and ensure the right balance of chemical properties.
  
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But firewood allows a variation of temperature which leads to a more complete extraction. The large molecules of the plants do not extract at a constant temperature if using gas. To be convinced of the importance of this, one needs only to observe the technicians at the Homeopharma distillery in [[Ambila]] on the [[Canal des Pangalanes]] on the east coast of Madagascar. Their work procedure involves adding a piece of wood to light the fire and thereafter removing it to reach the desired temperature, causing a gradual temperature change.
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In short, the plants are treated for the treasures they are. And it doesn't stop there! Distillation over a wood fire, most of the time, is another added value to the Malagasy essential oils. In other countries it is done with regular gas heat. But firewood allows a variation of temperature which leads to a more complete extraction. The large molecules of the plants do not extract at a constant temperature if using gas. To be convinced of the importance of this, one needs only to observe the technicians at the Homeopharma distillery in [[Amparihy, Vontovorona]]. Their work procedure involves adding a piece of wood to light the fire and thereafter removing it to reach the desired temperature, causing a gradual temperature change.
  
 
And there is minimum waste, although essential oils are a luxury item which normally require a lot of raw material. For example, 390 kilos of niaouli flowers give only 2.2 liters of oil!
 
And there is minimum waste, although essential oils are a luxury item which normally require a lot of raw material. For example, 390 kilos of niaouli flowers give only 2.2 liters of oil!
  
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''The regions of the big island and their essential oils are:''
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''The regions of the Big Island and their essential oils are:''
  
 
* ''The central highlands'' - a mosaic of mountains, basins, plains and hills, provide thyme, eucalyptus, cypress, helichrysum, geranium, lemongrass, basil, citriodora and ravintsara.
 
* ''The central highlands'' - a mosaic of mountains, basins, plains and hills, provide thyme, eucalyptus, cypress, helichrysum, geranium, lemongrass, basil, citriodora and ravintsara.
  
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* ''The east of the country'' - an area regularly flooded due to trade winds bringing rainfall, provides cloves, pepper, cinnamon, lantana, niaouli, vetiver, ginger, lemongrass and pink pepper.
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* ''The east of the country'' - an area regularly flooded due to trade winds bringing rainfall, provides [[Madagascar Cloves|cloves]], [[Madagascar Pepper|pepper]], [[Madagascar Cinnamon|cinnamon]], lantana, niaouli, vetiver, ginger, lemongrass and pink pepper.
  
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* ''The drier west to the south'' - provides combavas, lemon, cinnamon, mandravasarotra and sandalwood.
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* ''The drier west to the south'' - provides combava, lemon, cinnamon, mandravasarotra and sandalwood.
  
 
* ''The north, on the side of Antsiranana and the Amber Mountain'' - an area full of fragrant plants such as ylang-ylang, patchouli, geranium, basil and green pepper.
 
* ''The north, on the side of Antsiranana and the Amber Mountain'' - an area full of fragrant plants such as ylang-ylang, patchouli, geranium, basil and green pepper.
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''Warning: never mix more than four oils because beyond that they neutralise each other. ''
 
''Warning: never mix more than four oils because beyond that they neutralise each other. ''
  
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== 3. Improved traditional remedies (Remèdes traditionnelles améliorées - RTA) and massages ==
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== Improved traditional remedies (Remèdes traditionnelles améliorées - RTA) and massages ==
  
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* Madagascar is a treasure trove for essential oils and this is also true outside the actual production.  
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Madagascar is a treasure trove for essential oils and this is also true outside of the actual production. Everything done here contributes towards the development of improved traditional remedies, also referred to as "RTA".
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Everything done here contributes towards the development of improved traditional remedies, also referred to as "RTA".
 
  
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* Firstly, because the cultivation of plants needed for essential oils is part of the reforestation of the Malagasy forest.
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Firstly, because the cultivation of plants needed for essential oils is part of the reforestation of the Malagasy forest. Apart from the reforestation, have a look at the fragrant plants. The Malagasy reservoir of fragrant plants is so vast that we do not yet know all the species, nor therefore all the benefits we can derive from them. This is an area open for research, national and international, to further explore and protect.
  
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* Beside the reforestation, choose the fragrant plants. The Malagasy reservoir of fragrant plants is so vast that we do not yet know all the species, nor therefore all the benefits we can derive from them. This is an area open for research, national and international.
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Furthermore, these oils support another part of the Malagasy culture: massages. At a time when it has become fashionable to have all kinds of exotic body therapies, the Malagasy offer the classic massage, a palpating and rolling massage, energetic and gentle, whose effects are increased by massage oils consisting of up to 10% essential oils.
  
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* Finally, these oils support another part of the Malagasy culture: massages. At a time when it has become fashionable to have all kinds of exotic body therapies, the Malagasy offer the ''classic massage, a palpating and rolling massage, energetic and gentle, whose effects are increased by massage oils consisting of up to 10% essential oils''.
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[[File:Homeopharma 0067.jpg|600px]]
  
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* It goes without saying that this palpate and roll massage will be more beneficial than the exchange between the person being massaged and the masseur who will be rich.
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It goes without saying that this palpate and roll massage will be more beneficial than simply an exchange between the person being massaged and the masseur who will be rich. Giving a massage is art. Also receiving. This is often forgotten. What do the hands which treat you with essential oils have to give? The art of Malagasy living! This way of life with calm and serenity is called [[mora mora]]. And without forgetting the smile of the people here, this is a primary source of wellness in Madagascar.
  
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* Giving a massage is art. Also receiving. This is often forgotten. What do the hands which treat you with essential oils have to give? The art of Malagasy living.
 
  
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* This way of life with calm and serenity is called [[mora mora]].
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== Homeopharma Institutes throughout Madagascar ==
  
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This is, without forgetting the smile of the people here, the primary source of wellness in Madagascar.
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There are about 40 Homeopharma institutes located throughout Madagascar. For those travelling around the country, ask for a Homeopharma institute near your hotel. There is even a Homeopharma shop at [[Ivato International Airport]] giving travellers a first and last opportunity to stock up Homeopharma's products. Most of the institutes around the country offer massages with essential oils and at reasonable prices, allowing you to relax while enjoying nature's benefits.
  
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== Homeopharma & its Green Clubs ==
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[[File:Homeopharma 0064.jpg|600px]]
  
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Homeopharma offers fitness stays combined with the opportunity to experience the Malagasy countryside - the source of essential oils. Three high-standard eco-lodges named "Green Club" are located in [[Mahajanga]] on the west coast, in [[Ambila]] near the east coast and in [[Vontovorona]] about 20 kilometres from the capital [[Antananarivo]] in the central highlands.
 
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* Besides its production of herbal teas, homeopathic medicines, salves and beauty products, Homeopharma is also known for its 100% pure and natural essential oils, which are organically certified by the demanding [[Ecocert]] organisation.
 
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* Homeopharma recommends to discover the essential oils in the natural surroundings of one of the three Green Clubs.
 
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* The concept? On-site discovery of medicinal and aromatic plants and testing their benefits on oneself.
 
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* Hiking in the surrounding countryside accompanied by botanists will help you better understand the variety of plants.
 
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* In the Green Clubs you will be massaged with essential oils and also enjoy the benefits of plants as herbal teas, as well as poultice and balneotherapy. Add to this a simple but refined cuisine, such as the magnificent lobster sold by fishermen directly on the beach, and you should get back in great shape throughout your stay.
 
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<!-- Un dernier atout de ces vacances de bien-être : le cadre.
 
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A final advantage of this wellness vacation: the frame (context, system???).-->
 
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- In Mahajanga, the bungalows are either two hundred meters from the shore, on a headland with stunning views of the surroundings, or on the beach.
 
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- In Ambila-Lemaitso, the former seaside resort, you can choose to swim either in the freshwater of Canal des Pangalanes or in the Indian Ocean, whose waves will massage you in their own way.
 
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For further information, please contact Mr. [[Richard Jacques Aime Ralambotsirofo]] - General Director of the Green Clubs of the Homeopharma Group as well as General Director Assistant of the Homeopharma Company
 
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Tel: +261 (0)33 11 195 77<br>
 
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Mail: [mailto:dg_grenclub@yahoo.fr dg_grenclub@yahoo.fr], [mailto:dgahomeo@homeopharma.mg dgahomeo@homeopharma.mg], [mailto:r.ralambotsirofo@yahoo.de r.ralambotsirofo@yahoo.de]<br>
 
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Web: [http://www.madagascar-homeopharma.com madagascar-homeopharma.com]
 
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== Homeopharma Institutes throughout Madagascar ==
 
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In addition to the three Green Clubs there are about forty Homeopharma institutes located throughout Madagascar. For those travelling the around the country, ask for a Homeopharma institute near your hotel. There is even a Homeopharma shop at [[Ivato International Airport]] (second floor) giving travellers a first and last opportunity to stock up Homeopharma's products. Most of the institutes around the country offer massages with essential oils and at reasonable prices, allowing you to relax while enjoying nature's benefits.
 
  
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'''Les Huiles essentielles de HOMEOPHARMA'''
 
'''Les Huiles essentielles de HOMEOPHARMA'''
  
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Cet environnement sauvage est garant de la qualité du terroir, d'après Jean Claude RATSIMIVONY, le PDG d'HOMEOPHARMA, laboratoire connu pour ses huiles essentielles de grande qualité.
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Cet environnement sauvage est garant de la qualité du terroir, d'après Jean Claude RATSIMIVONY, le fondateur d'HOMEOPHARMA, laboratoire connu pour ses huiles essentielles de grande qualité.
  
 
Sinon, on perd la synergie entre les espèces. Or les plantes ont besoin de s'exhaler et de se ressentir. » Il faut écouter « Jean Claude » cet humble petit-fils de docteur en médecine, dépositaire des remèdes recueillis par son aïeul chez les guérisseurs, vous parler des plantes, de leur sensibilité, de leur stress avant un ouragan. Le temps de repos, qui permet à la plante de se régénérer entre les cueillettes, est aussi respecté. Il peut atteindre quatre ans suivant les
 
Sinon, on perd la synergie entre les espèces. Or les plantes ont besoin de s'exhaler et de se ressentir. » Il faut écouter « Jean Claude » cet humble petit-fils de docteur en médecine, dépositaire des remèdes recueillis par son aïeul chez les guérisseurs, vous parler des plantes, de leur sensibilité, de leur stress avant un ouragan. Le temps de repos, qui permet à la plante de se régénérer entre les cueillettes, est aussi respecté. Il peut atteindre quatre ans suivant les
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== HOMEOPHARMA & ses Green Clubs: ==
 
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Dans ses trois écolodges de haut standing, dénommés «Green-Clubs» situés à Majunga, à Ambila et à Vontovorona à 20 KM environ d' Antananarivo, HOMEOPHARMA offre des séjours de remise en forme associés avec la possibilité de découvrir des terroirs malgaches fournisseurs d'huiles essentielles.
 
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* Outre sa production de tisanes, de médicaments homéopathiques, de baumes et de produits de beauté, HOMEOPHARMA est aussi connu pour ses huiles essentielles d'excellente qualité, 100% pures et naturelles, certifiées biologiques par le très exigent organisme ECOCERT.
 
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* Il se propose donc de les faire découvrir dans des cadres naturels somptueux de ces trois Greenclubs cités dessus
 
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* Le principe ? Une découverte in situ des plantes médicinales et aromatiques, et l'expérimentation, sur soi-même, de leurs bienfaits.
 
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* Des randonnées pédestres dans les campagnes environnantes, encadrées par des botanistes, vous aideront à mieux connaître la richesse des végétaux.
 
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* Dans ces Green Clubs, vous serez ensuite massé aux huiles essentielles, vous profiterez aussi des bienfaits des plantes en infusion, en cataplasme et en balnéothérapie. Ajoutez-y une cuisine simple mais raffinée - les somptueuses langoustes sont achetées aux pêcheurs directement sur la plage ­ et vous devriez revenir en grande forme de ce séjour. Un dernier atout de ces vacances de bien-être : le cadre.
 
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-A Mahajunga, le bungalow est soit à deux cents mètres du rivage, sur un promontoire avec une vue superbe sur la campagne environnante, soit sur la plage même.
 
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- A Ambila-Le Mainsto, l'ancienne station balnéaire, vous aurez le choix pour vous baigner entre l'eau douce du canal des Pangalanes et l'Océan Indien, dont les vagues vous masseront à leur façon.
 
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Pour tout renseignement veuillez vous adresser à Monsieur Richard Aimé Jacques RALAMBOTSIROFO - Directeur Général des Greenclubs du Groupe HOMEOPHARMA et
 
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Directeur Général Adjoint de la Société HOMEOPHARMA
 
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Tél. : +261(0) 33 11 195 77<br>
 
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Mail : dg_grenclub@yahoo.fr, dgahomeo@homeopharma.mg, r.ralambotsirofo@yahoo.de<br>
 
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Web : www.madagascar-homeopharma.com
 
  
 
Guide pratique des massages effectués dans les quarante (40) Instituts HOMEOPHARMA répartis dans tout Madagascar
 
Guide pratique des massages effectués dans les quarante (40) Instituts HOMEOPHARMA répartis dans tout Madagascar
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Une quarantaine d'Instituts sont répartis dans tout Madagascar et dans les trois Green Clubs de HOMEOPHARMA.
 
Une quarantaine d'Instituts sont répartis dans tout Madagascar et dans les trois Green Clubs de HOMEOPHARMA.
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Latest revision as of 05:58, 20 August 2018

Come and discover with Homeopharma Madagascar's biodiversity, the country's wealth of endemic flora with its aromatic and medicinal plants of an estimated 12,000 species. This is surely one of the richest and most diverse flora in the world.

Ivato Farm 002.jpg
Paradise found 017.jpg La Residence du Cap 025.jpg Isalo National Park 003.jpg

Indeed, Madagascar offers a wide diversity of all life forms: micro-organisms, plants and animals. 12,000 plant species, 3% of those on the entire planet, thrive on the island of Madagascar, also known as the forgotten continent! Many are endemic. They exist only in Madagascar. Over centuries, Malagasy people have studied this plant richness and gained knowledge of the active agents of countless medicinal plants and how to extract their hidden wealth, sometimes with miraculous powers: the essential oils.


The concept of Homeopharma

Homeopharma is a pharmaceutical establishment approved by the Ministry of Health that is specialised in herbal medicine, aromatherapy, renewal of traditional medicine and homeopathy. Located in Antananarivo, its founder Jean Claude Ratsimivony is a symbolic figure of the Big Island known for his long-standing commitment to innovation in the field of wellness and health. The new CEO since 2017, Feride Ismael, manages the organisation according to its founding principles. Homeopharma employs 490 workers and uses over 1,500 plants in the production of its natural products.

Homeopharma logo

Homeopharma manages the complete production process from planting to finished products. Over many parts of the island, Homeopharma plants, picks and harvests in total 600 hectares of forest, supervises and motivates farmers in the protection and renewal of plant resources, thus helping preserve the environment and biodiversity of Madagascar.

In Madagascar, Homeopharma's presence include a total of 40 institutes where the final products are offered at modest prices, so as to allow all Malagasy people to benefit from the preventive and curative properties of their products. These institutes also offer care and free advice. They practise relaxing or slimming massages with essential oils, amongst them the best in the world such as ravintsara or katrafay, all resulting from aromatic plants.

A massage of not longer than 20 minutes is the time needed for a quality essential oil to be traced back to the taste buds of the tongue when applied to the soles of the feet. Thanks to its extraordinary power of penetration, it quickly breaks through the skin to reach the bloodstream and with it back to the tongue, as it could reach any other organ that we would aim for, before being totally dissolved in the body. A true miracle!

Properties of essential oils

In its distillery centres Homeopharma extracts the essential substances of many plants: their aromas. Once collected in flasks, the natural concentrate may heal those who suffer from ailments, such as stress, warts, insomnia, the affection of sinus, ears or larynx, rheumatism, flu symptoms, impotence, stomach pain.


Definition of an essential oil

But what exactly is an essential oil? It can be defined as a powerful aromatic substance of complex composition, which includes volatile and odorous elements contained in plants. These are the elements that can help cure many diseases.

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How do you get this aromatic substance?

In most cases by steam distillation at low temperature and low pressure. This technique allows to extract most of the active substances from the plant. Before distillation they are called essence. After it is called essential oil. Only 10% of plants produce an essence. And when this is the case, although the essence can be found throughout the plant, it is mainly concentrated in a single organ, such as root, rhizome, wood, bark, leaf, stem, flower, seed or fruit. These are the organs from which essential oil is obtained.

Ylang-ylang
Lantana
Ginger root
Orange tree

Distilled are ylang-ylang flowers, cinnamon bark, niaouli leaves or vetiver roots. Please note, the composition of the essence of a plant differs slightly from that of the essential oil of the same plant, because the distillation process cannot entirely extract the properties within the plant.

The essential oil of mint is easier to extract because of the leaves. A slightly irregular low heat is enough. But a bit stronger heat is needed to break down the structure of a bark and to release its larger aromatic molecules.

Citrus essential oil (orange, bergamot, lemon, mandarin) is obtained by squeezing the exocarp, the outer skin of the fruits, at room temperature.


Properties of Madagascar's essential oils

Throughout the entire production of essential oils, Madagascar ranks at the top. Firstly, due to the rarity of certain plants. Katrafay, extraordinary analgesic (pain-relieving), grows only on the Big Island.

The quality of plants is important too. A ravintsara from India holds less active ingredients than a ravintsara from Madagascar.

Another advantage is the environment. "The exceptionally rich and diverse terroirs of this island do not face pollution as in industrialised countries", remarked a french manufacturer, who use Malagasy essential oils in his products in Europe. And producers do not use chemical fertilisers either. These factors ensure the properties of plants to be 100% natural.

The cultivation of plants in Madagascar cannot be compared with many other countries. Whilst elsewhere trees of a single species are aligned in a field, in Madagascar a wild environment is kept where ravintsara grows next to Eucalyptus globulus but also next to plants and non-aromatic trees.


The essential oils of Homeopharma

This wild environment ensures the quality of the soil. The essential oils of Homeopharma are tested and guaranteed in their laboratory to be of the highest quality.


Without the wild environment, the synergy between species would be lost. Plants need to breathe and sense. We must listen to Jean Claude, depository of remedies collected by his grandfather from traditional healers, who will tell you about the plants, their sensitivity, their stress before a cyclone. Resting time, which allows the plants to regenerate between pickings, is also respected and can reach up to four years depending on the species! Harvesting of plant organs is done in jute or cotton bags to prevent maceration. Partial drying is necessary in case of rain in order to reduce the amount of water contained in the plant. And if so, only one type of plant will be dried at the time to avoid contamination and ensure the right balance of chemical properties.

In short, the plants are treated for the treasures they are. And it doesn't stop there! Distillation over a wood fire, most of the time, is another added value to the Malagasy essential oils. In other countries it is done with regular gas heat. But firewood allows a variation of temperature which leads to a more complete extraction. The large molecules of the plants do not extract at a constant temperature if using gas. To be convinced of the importance of this, one needs only to observe the technicians at the Homeopharma distillery in Amparihy, Vontovorona. Their work procedure involves adding a piece of wood to light the fire and thereafter removing it to reach the desired temperature, causing a gradual temperature change.

And there is minimum waste, although essential oils are a luxury item which normally require a lot of raw material. For example, 390 kilos of niaouli flowers give only 2.2 liters of oil!

The regions of the Big Island and their essential oils are:

  • The central highlands - a mosaic of mountains, basins, plains and hills, provide thyme, eucalyptus, cypress, helichrysum, geranium, lemongrass, basil, citriodora and ravintsara.
  • The east of the country - an area regularly flooded due to trade winds bringing rainfall, provides cloves, pepper, cinnamon, lantana, niaouli, vetiver, ginger, lemongrass and pink pepper.
  • The drier west to the south - provides combava, lemon, cinnamon, mandravasarotra and sandalwood.
  • The north, on the side of Antsiranana and the Amber Mountain - an area full of fragrant plants such as ylang-ylang, patchouli, geranium, basil and green pepper.

This abundance becomes even more valuable given the choice between unitary oils and complex oils, or mixtures of unitary oils. These mixtures of unitary oils further strengthens the properties of each of them.

Warning: never mix more than four oils because beyond that they neutralise each other.

Improved traditional remedies (Remèdes traditionnelles améliorées - RTA) and massages

Madagascar is a treasure trove for essential oils and this is also true outside of the actual production. Everything done here contributes towards the development of improved traditional remedies, also referred to as "RTA".

Firstly, because the cultivation of plants needed for essential oils is part of the reforestation of the Malagasy forest. Apart from the reforestation, have a look at the fragrant plants. The Malagasy reservoir of fragrant plants is so vast that we do not yet know all the species, nor therefore all the benefits we can derive from them. This is an area open for research, national and international, to further explore and protect.

Furthermore, these oils support another part of the Malagasy culture: massages. At a time when it has become fashionable to have all kinds of exotic body therapies, the Malagasy offer the classic massage, a palpating and rolling massage, energetic and gentle, whose effects are increased by massage oils consisting of up to 10% essential oils.

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It goes without saying that this palpate and roll massage will be more beneficial than simply an exchange between the person being massaged and the masseur who will be rich. Giving a massage is art. Also receiving. This is often forgotten. What do the hands which treat you with essential oils have to give? The art of Malagasy living! This way of life with calm and serenity is called mora mora. And without forgetting the smile of the people here, this is a primary source of wellness in Madagascar.


Homeopharma Institutes throughout Madagascar

There are about 40 Homeopharma institutes located throughout Madagascar. For those travelling around the country, ask for a Homeopharma institute near your hotel. There is even a Homeopharma shop at Ivato International Airport giving travellers a first and last opportunity to stock up Homeopharma's products. Most of the institutes around the country offer massages with essential oils and at reasonable prices, allowing you to relax while enjoying nature's benefits.

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