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Weleda the healer The name Weleda was originally given to the company by Rudolf Steiner. Weleda was a priestess of healing and a well known historical personality who lived at the beginning of the Christian era. Although she was renowned as a priestess of healing, she was also revered as a prophetess. The name Weleda also appeared in Celtic times. Ile de Sein, a small, storm swept island off the west coast of France, was a Celtic mystery centre. Druid stones are still there today. ceremonies were conducted there by nine priestesses. Their leader was Velleda, the French rendering of Weleda. These priestesses had a particular understanding of and an affinity for plants and the elements. The Weleda Symbol Designed by Rudolf Steiner in 1921, the symbol of Weleda has three parts: a central, upright staff; a weaving spiral form and two interacting outer segments. Mercury, messenger of the gods, inspired the design of the staff. It stands for truth and dependability. It symbolises the connection between Heaven and Earth, the realms covered by the trusted messenger. The weaving line represents the serpent, symbol of healing. In Greek mythology, the god of medicine, Aesculapius, is shown gripping a serpent-entwined staff (the Caduceus, symbol of physicians). In myths and legends, the raised serpent challenges the divine nature of mankind to overcome its lower nature. The outer parts of the Weleda symbol were conceived by Rudolf Steiner without any ancient or mythological references. They suggest an encompassing protection and social interaction. This associative principle conveys the ideas of giving and receiving, producing and consuming, physician and patient. In effect, the Weleda symbol communicates the upright quality and integrity in our products, quality that reflects the therapeutic impulse and the knowledge of Anthroposophy. The serpent symbol suggests the development of products that meet the challenges of modern life and the growing demand for product purity and quality. The encompassing double figure represents an innovative concept in business: social awareness and responsibility. Company values The values which Weleda apply to their production methods are extended throughout the structure and day-to-day running of the company. A conscious responsibility towards the environment underlies every detail of the operation from the organic raising of the plants to the packaging of the end product. Help to Wildlife The Weleda gardens are cultivated with advice from the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust about endangered species, plants preferred by animals and birds, and ways to provide a sheltered environment for Britain's native species. Their pond provides a home for frogs, newts and a host of water wildlife - as well as encouraging the moist sites needed for some medicinal plants. The company's policies win local authority environment awards. No Damage to the Environment Wherever possible, Weleda grow their own plants and herbs to ensure the very finest quality ingredients, free from contamination from artificial fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides. In fact, Weleda go one step further than organic, in the true spirit of Anthroposophic manufacturing, and grow over 300 species of plants at their Derbyshire herb gardens using a system of biodynamic agriculture. Here, when planting, cultivating or harvesting, Weleda work with the natural rhythm of the seasons and times of day, to retain the maximum therapeutic properties of the plants. No Artificial Additives Only the best raw materials are used by Weleda, and synthetic ingredients are avoided. Pure essential oils act not only as natural fragrances but also as natural preservatives. Colouring and indeed flavouring in Weleda's natural toothpastes, are provided purely by the plants or minerals in each product. Some products contain Beeswax or Lanolin, and external suppliers of these or indeed any other ingredient are required to provide written confirmation of purity and quality. Every single ingredient is listed on the label, so customers can make an informed choice. This is welcomed not only by those with allergies or sensitivities to artificial additives, who can see at a glance that they are safe with Weleda products, but also by vegetarians and vegans who can check whether the product is suitable. Protecting Natural Resources Weleda packaging is made from recycled materials or virgin board taken from managed forests. Recyclable glass bottles are used, and recyclable aluminium tubes, specially coated with a protective lacquer to avoid contact with the product. Only pump-action sprays are used for Weleda deodorants, free from CFCs or any other propellants.