Newsletters

Paul Penders NewsLetters keep you informed each month with what's new in the world of organics, skincare and bodycare products, our own R&D lab, herbal discoveries and lots more. You can also catch up on the latest in our blog, which is updated daily! Please become part of our community and tell us what you think!

Newsletter July 2010

Journey to Vanamoolika

By Paul Penders

My journey to Vanamoolika is a heartwarming story about Ayurveda and one built on love, labor and determination.

Because I desperately want to know more about Ayurveda, I also stumbled on a great story about women. You see, Vanamoolika is an organization run entirely by women and all monies earned by Vanamoolika goes to the 375 women workers and their families.

Located in a rural area of India, Vanamoolika is a small dedicated Ayurvedic healing institute and government licensed processing plant of some 700 certified organic medical herbs and plants. I was offered to stay on the premises for 5 days to learn more about the cultivation of certified organic medical herbs and plants. In addition I received a 4-day Ayurvedic treatment.

From Langkawi Geopark rainforest island I arrived late evening in Kerala, India, after I took no less than 4 flights plus an additional 7-hour drive through winding roads, passing small communities and massive mountains until we reached an amazing, beautiful area at 5,000 feet high above sea level. This place is called Vanamoolika and it literally means “medicinal plants”.

I was totally amazed with this social entrepreneurial community of idealistic professionals and native people who live here with their families scattered over 15 acres of land. Everyone gives their lives for the growth of the best herbs and medicinal plants, processing them into authentic certified organic medicines according to the strictest Ayurvedic principles. The rural people here devote their entire life to doing the best they can, without luxury; they meditate, study and work hard to know more and more of themselves in order to help others with Ayurvedic wisdom.

I had the honor of meeting Joseph Chittoor (pictured at the left), a very wise man as well as a Catholic priest. He has a degree in Theology, has written several books about traditional medicines and set up Vanamoolika 20 years ago.

Father Chittoor, after traveling the world, had a vision of helping the poor who had no money to buy allopathic medicines. Living in the beautiful rural areas of India, he envisioned that he could also help those families get organized in making their own medications according to Ayurvedic principles.

I also met Mr. P.J. Chackosan, President of Vanamoolika. Mr. Chackosan told me he wants to rejuvenate the system of Ayurveda as much as possible in accordance with the Ayurvedia Pharmacopia written 5,000 years ago. This includes the original diagnosing techniques, healing methods and product formulations according to the ancient vision of the maharishis; the saints who were religious teachers.

I was especially impressed with Dr. Deepa Chirakkal (left), a beautiful ayurvedic physician who treats her patients mainly with yoga, acupressure, fasting, meditation techniques, healing of the mind and purification. The medicinal plants she uses come partly from her own certified organic farm, which are processed at the Vanamoolika plant.

At Vanamoolika, all plants and trees are collected from the farm around the area and the farmers are paid a fair price. The improved lives of these farmers have given the women of the organization a sense of security, self-esteem, and pride because it is their own female-run organization. Most of the women are from small farming families or tribal women, “The daughters of the woods” as they call themselves. They started with nothing and are now making a living that enables them to have their children educated in rural areas of the country where poverty is widespread.

Besides herbs and plants, Vanamoolika also produces local coffee, spices, coconut oil, ginger, and cocoa. Older plants are cultivated and not taken from nature. No wild harvesting will ever be involved and every plant removed is re-planted afterwards in order to sustain nature. All herbs and plants are cultivated without pesticides or chemical fertilizers.

How proud I will be to start using these wonderful natural organic ingredients in Paul Penders products! Ingredients made with such love and care.

One of the most interesting products I saw at their factory was chocolates made with medicines for different conditions. The chocolates can improve stomach ailments, headaches, and provide energy. They are especially well suited for children.

Each day during my five day visit, I was called at 7:00 am for a typical Ayurvedic massage to start my day with positive feelings and fresh energy. This massage is truly experience by itself and no comparison to other types of massage. What makes this so different from other massage techniques is that therapist uses long, rapid, sweeping movements from the top of the hands to the bottom of the feet. It is exhausting for the therapist, as he is almost out of breath. The same massage strokes are done on the front and back, so both sides of the body feel the energy. The last part of the massage, which takes up to one and a half hours, is the head and many movements are done from very barely-touching-gentle to much more firm techniques. After a shower, the entire body is wrapped in cotton, leaving only the upper forehead exposed. This protects the body from reacting to abrupt temperature changes because the medicinal plant oils applied to the head are warm. This last part of the massage, which lasts about 30 minutes, is called the wellness treatment and is designed to improve the blood circulation and blood cells in the brain.

The word ‘paradise’ means different things to different people. To me, it means a place where people live beautifully and in peace. Where they can feel positive about themselves and the environment. A place where they have the ability to do what is best for mankind; without worries about religions, money, time tables, ego and selfishness. A natural environment for all that is good. In Vanamoolika, I have experienced paradise, as it should be.

We at Paul Penders are very proud to announce that we will be buying the same herbs now from the Vanamoolika organization which protects and conserves medicinal plants in “God’s Own Country” (which is the State of Kerela in India) .The same herbs cultivated by these small certified organic farmers where chemical fertilizers and pesticides are strictly not allowed to be used. Paul Penders feels proud to buy these herbs from an organization conducted by women. Women who are paid fair prices, as well as share in the proceeds of sales and profits of the organization.

Above and beyond that, though, Paul Penders Company has made a long term commitment to help build this extraordinary community. Together with our Indian distributor, Joji, we have formed a Paul Penders India company that will guide, assist and train the daughters of the woods in being more effective in their work. We will send over our own R&D people and we will assist in exporting their beautiful organic Ayurvedic products to many countries, including China, Europe, USA, Saudi Arabia, Australia and more.

Joji, as part of Paul Penders India, will help to further develop the training programs for the daughters of the woods, strengthening their work with certified organic cultivation of herbs, plants, fruits and trees producing them into Ayurvedic medicines.

We will also set up a travel agency EcoBio Wellness Tourism Club where people from all over the world will be able to go to Vanamoolika – stay there for a week, get medical Ayurvedic consultations and ancient treatments such as yoga, meditations, and Ayurvedic massage.

To read more about Paul Penders’ journey to this amazing place, please click here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Malaysia Minister: God Made Animals for Testing
A Malaysian minister recently defended an Indian company’s plans to build an animal testing medicine lab in his state, saying Monday that God created monkeys and rats for experiments to benefit humans.

The plans by India's Vivo BioTech Ltd. to set up a biotechnology center in southern Malacca state has come under fire by activists because it will conduct tests on dogs and primates to make medicines. The activists say Malaysia has no regulations on animal research, which could lead to test subjects being abused.

But Malacca Chief Minister Mohamad Ali Rustam said the lab had received state approval, and animal testing was necessary to make drugs. "God created animals for the benefits of human beings. That's why he created rats and monkeys ... We cannot test on human beings," he told The Associated Press. "This is the way it has to be. God created monkeys, and some have to be tested."

“When I first read this article I couldn’t believe my eyes!,” said Paul Penders. “It made me feel so ashamed and angry especially as my company’s headquarters are in Malaysia. What message is this minister trying to send to the world? His statement is morally and ethically wrong!”

Paul Penders has vowed to never test products on animals.

“Let me reiterate that our company will NEVER, NEVER agree or play a part in this cruel activity,” said Paul. “I’ve spent over thirty years fighting against animal testing and you can be sure that no Paul Penders products have ever been tested on animals.

When I first started my company in the Netherlands I had the opportunity to visit an animal testing laboratory, what I saw that day changed my life forever. There were about 50 rabbits, all in cages waiting to be tested with shampoos. The lab personnel put a funnel down the rabbits’ mouths and forced shampoo into them. It was disgusting to see! Some of the animals were stuffed so much they literally exploded and died on the spot. I’ve always loved animals and l became so emotional watching this horror that I wanted to throw up.”

Paul’s philosophy has always been to respect and protect animal rights and the natural environment.

To learn more about Paul’s struggle with the Dutch government over animal testing and his steadfast refusal to test products on animals, click here.

Hello Philippines!
By Paul Penders

I feel thrilled about the recent formation of “Paul Penders Philippines, Inc.” for the marketing and distribution of Paul Penders natural cosmetics in The Philippines.

The new company is managed by Michael Lee, who also owns advertising companies in The Philippines and Myanmar. Mike is a real example of an entrepreneur, a “self-made” businessman who pursues his dreams with heart and passion. Before my trip, he had already arranged for his “angels” to distribute Paul Penders products nationwide. Mike’s angels are the best people from his advertising company who were trained to take charge of Paul Penders products in different parts of the country. Mike’s new mantra is, “Paul Penders will become a well-known and respected brand in the Philippines as Filipinos love natural products!”

I was really impressed with Mike’s level of professionalism and his contacts; we had one of our meetings in the office of a congressman and his staff was very enthusiastic about our line of natural cosmetics made from organic ingredients. I noticed that people in The Philippines have a very close bond with nature. During my short stay, I heard plenty of interesting stories about local village treatments, including “Goo Goo” which is a traditional shampoo made from a part of rice paddy which is cooked.

Mike’s office is located in the countryside in a serene spot with clear lakes and volcanoes. It was so picturesque I could imagine living there happily! Although The Philippines has a hot, tropical climate, the high altitude of Mike’s estate was a welcome relief from the humidity. One of Mike’s life’s philosophies is hard work, but he balances this with a desire to share and experience true friendship. His 2-story office is on an estate that also includes 22 fully furnished apartments (each complete with bedroom, living room, dining room, kitchen and shower) for his team of angels.

Mike really believes in looking after his people and has a huge green area on the estate, where vegetables are grown and staff can jog or walk around. Every morning I saw people exercising and meditating, all motivated by Mike’s belief in being healthy in mind and body. I should mention that in his younger days Mike trained as a Buddhist monk, and is well versed in meditation. He was even taught by a senior monk how to read palms.

After leaving the monastery for the ‘real’ world, Mike entered the shipping business and owned a fleet of coastal freighters. He also became a developer, specializing in low-cost houses. Today, in his latest reincarnation as an ad man, his billboards can be seen throughout The Philippines – in cities and along highways. His focus on work and the business is amazing and I noticed him constantly snapping pictures of billboards when driving in his car! His newest passion is to bring natural cosmetics to the people of The Philippines – a brand new opportunity for him and for his angels.

Even though my trip was short, I was truly touched by the hospitality and friendliness shown to me in The Philippines. My memories of the trip are of the astonishing natural beauty of the country as well as the simple, genuine kindness of its people.

Mike, I wish you and your angels every success in establishing the Paul Penders brand in The Philippines!

So Many Uses for Paul Penders’ Natural Lemon Conditioner!
A few weeks ago, we received a comment from Teja Novšak, our distributor from Slovenia. Here is what she wrote:

“Two days ago, when I was taking a shower, I got the idea that Paul Penders Herbal Lemon Conditioner can be used in many different ways…I couldn’t believe my eyes! One can use a hair conditioner as a great moisturizer for the body as well!”

This all-natural conditioner untangles the hair leaving it shiny, silky and never weighed down. Lemon essential oil imparts an exquisite fragrance while added organic apple cider leaves hair and scalp feeling fresh and clean by eliminating buildup and restoring proper pH levels.

Other great uses for Paul Penders Herbal Lemon Conditioner include:

Hair mask – Great for dry, frizzy or chemically treated hair! Put the conditioner on dry hair before washing it. Massage it well into hair and scalp and leave it on for 15 – 29 minutes. Rinse and follow with Paul Penders Jasmine Shampoo and complete with the Lemon Conditioner again (this time leave it on just for a few minutes).

Hand & nail care – Put a small amount of Paul Penders Herbal Lemon Conditioner into a cup and add some warm water. Soak your fingers in the solution for 10 minutes. Rinse and follow with your manicure. Your hands will feel silky soft.

Foot care – Put 10 – 15 ml of Paul Penders Herbal Lemon Conditioner into a bowl of warm water. Make sure it dissolves completely. I recommend using a foot bath that also has a massaging function. Soak your feet for 20 minutes. You can then proceed with your pedicure to remove the dead skin cells. Your skin will be so soft and moisturized.

Shave cream – Can’t believe it? Try it! Wet your legs or other body parts you want to shave and put some Paul Penders Herbal Lemon Conditioner on the skin. Leave for one minute; shave with a razor and rinse. Your skin will be so soft – you probably won’t have to use a lotion afterwards.

To learn more about Paul Pender’s Herbal Lemon Conditioner, Click here.

Year 2010

  • July 2010
    Journey to Vanamoolika, Malaysia Minister: God Made Animals for Testing, Hello Philippines!, So Many Uses for Paul Penders’ Natural Lemon Conditioner!
  • June 2010
    Growth in India, LevensESSENTIEGold™ Ingredients, Animal Testing and Outsourcing, Five Harmful Ingredients
  • May 2010
    New Paul Penders Websites, Parsley and Pegaga, Organic Cheaters, Chemicals in New Clothes
  • April 2010
    Paul Penders Makeup, Magazine Coverage, ICT is Improved, Malaysia's Herbal Traditions
  • March 2010
    Ironman Competition, Patent for LevensESSENTIEGold™, Malaysia Goes Green, Natural Lipstick
  • February 2010
    New Czech Distributors, Penang Photo Shoot, Overcoming Anxiety - Naturally
  • January 2010
    New Baltic Distributor, Malaysian Medicinals, Mood Meeting

Year 2009

  • December 2009
    Trade Show News, Weekly Beauty Tips, Skin Lightening Lotions, Skin Care Tips for Fall
  • November 2009
    New Website is Coming, Whalesharks in Langkawi, Latest Technologies, Coconut Power
  • October 2009
    Mariek Wilms Joins Paul Penders, Company Recognition, World Peace March Begins, Benefits of Basil
  • September 2009
    Nanobio Prez Visits Langkawi, New Paul Penders Magazine Coverage, New Environmental Law, Product Award
  • August 2009
    Back by popular demand, PaulPenders is growing, Rainforest book contest, Study finds organic food no healthier.
  • May 2009
    Goodbye newsletter, hello blog!
  • March 2009
    A new shampoo made of wood?, Paul Penders products now in New Zealand, Baby bath products being tested for safety, EU cosmetics testing ban may not be enforceable
  • February 2009
    "Certified Organic" vs. Natural, Paul Penders Goes to Sundanc Film Festival, Paul Penders Products in Slovenia, Carbon Footprint.
  • January 2009
    R.A.W. Magazine Advertorial, Korean Products: New and Improved, Chinese Products Pass Inspection, Animal Rights Update.

Year 2008

  • December 2008
    Paul Penders in Korea, Awards, Price Reduction, Nanoparticles
  • November 2008
    New Chinese OEM Brand, Green Meadow Visit, Malaysian Newspaper Feature, Kojic Acid Safety.
  • October 2008
    Paul Penders Launches in China, Profile: PP China, Paul Penders Redesigns Packages for China.
  • August 2008
    Paul Penders is Growing!, Coconut Water, Green Meadow Corp, Paul Penders eStore.
  • July 2008
    Operations for Blind Children, eStore Keeps Growing, Harmful Ingredients, Paul Penders Extra Testing.
  • June 2008
    California Lawsuit, Blind Sailors, Misleading Skin Cream Advertising, Natural Health Farm.
  • May 2008
    Lipstick Colors, 1,4-Dioxane, Botox Effects on the Brain, Animal Welfare.
  • April 2008
    Dr. Herma Eeftink Ruiter, Japanese Magazines, Natural Products Contain 1,4-Dioxane.
  • March 2008
    Paul Penders Hires New CEO, Paul Penders Gentle Shampoos, Growing Magazine Coverage, Book Exposes Cosmetics Dangers.
  • January 2008
    160 Medical Plants Rescued, Yoga Exercises Tone the Face, Paul Penders Expands R&D, Nanoparticles Banned.

Year 2007

  • December 2007
    The LifeCo Features Paul Penders as Guest Editor, Paul Penders Joins American Botanical Council, Paul Penders Chinese Factory Passes Inspection.
  • November 2007
    New Product Development Blossoms Under Guidance of Cosmetics Expert, Paul Penders Products Included in Green Guide, Lots of Lipsticks Loaded With Lead, Paul Penders Products Coming to Indonesia.
  • October 2007
    Expert Herbalist Takes PP Visitors on Jungle Tour, Paul Penders Launches Clothing Line, Naturally Firming the Bust, Beauty Editors Praise Paul Penders.
  • September 2007
    Japanese QVC Crew Films in Langkawi, International Delegates Learn About Natural Skin Care, LADA Chief Describes Vision for Langkawi Geopark, Meet the New Faces at Paul Penders!
  • July 2007
    Expert Herbalist Joins Paul Penders, 25,000 Products Unmasked, American Botanical Council Publishes New Book, How Stress Affects the Skin.
  • June 2007
    Detox Chain Adds Paul Penders Products, Trips Show Little Known Side of Rainforest, Triathlete Represents Paul Penders Line, Triathlete Magazine Recognizes PP Cold Processing.
  • May 2007
    New Combination Packages Are Here!, Product Spotlight: Paul Penders Mascara, Langkawi Becomes World's 8th Geopark, Paul Penders Expands in Japan.
  • April 2007
    Paul Penders Wins New Product Award, Reports Highlight Need for Safer Cosmetics, New Product: Paul Penders 100% Natural Soap, Opening of Hangzhou Factory.
  • February 2007
    Study Confirms Superiority of Ceramide-Based Products, Paul Penders Launches Natural Organic Product Formulas, Paul Penders Sponsors Ironman, Special Offer: LevensESSENTIEGold™.

Older ones