BOTANICAL PRODUCTS

 

Cosmetic Herbs, Vitamins, Bases, Minerals and Oils for Our Skin Care and Aromatherapy Products    

Almond Oil - Excellent emollient high in oleic linoleic and other fatty acids. Ideal in the treatment of very dry, chapped skin. Healing and moisturizing, with a sweet, pleasant fragrance.

Aloe - An extraordinary desert plant containing hundreds of enzymes, minerals and vitamins, soothing and cool on the skin.  Used to stabilize Living Nature flax extract. A rich emollient known to promote healing to damaged or dry hair and skin. A natural sunscreen, soothing and moisturizing. Use for cuts, scratches, bruises sore or irritated skin, for burns, sunburns, X-ray burns.

Annatto Extract - From a tropical tree; imparts a natural yellow-to-pink color.

Apricot Kernel Oil - The fine persic oil from the fruit is very rich in Vitamin A, and helps improve elasticity. Natural oil from apricot pits. An emollient similar in composition to almond oil, it has a softening effect on the skin. Helps to erase stretch marks and wrinkles. Used in some of the creams and lipsticks. 

Arnica - One of the most widely used plants for its effect on the skins surface capillaries for bruising. It contains the same constituents as the New Zealand plant KOPATA.

Avocado Oil - This oil is extracted directly from the dehydrated flesh of the avocado fruit, used for its lovely texture and softness on the skin.  Easily absorbed by the skin, it is a good source of vitamins A D & E, amino acids and sterols. Known to accelerate healing, recommended for chronic eczema and other skin disorders. Restorative.

Azulene Oil - It is a part of the chamomile essential oil which is specifically produced by distillation.  Azulene is particularly good for inflamed skin.

Benzoin Gum - From the plant Styrax Benzoin, the gum has been used for centuries as an antiseptic and bacteriacide. A natural antioxidant and it has preservative properties. Promotes healing.

Beeswax - Natural beeswax has been used for centuries in the formulation of creams; a natural emulsifier, used in our creams and for its softness in our lipsticks.

Borage Oil - An anti-inflammatory, soothing oil high in gamma-linolenic acid, highly beneficial to the skin. Increases the protecting function of skin cells and reinforces the skin as a protecting membrane. Recommended in face oils for its rejuvenate power. Keep refrigerated.

Black Willowbark Extract - The Black Willow (Salix nigra) tree, found in the eastern part of the North American continent, is famous for its dark brown, ridged bark. The fresh bark is rich in tannins and salicylic acid-like materials. The freshly prepared extract has been reported to have analgesic, antiseptic, astringent, anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Natural Black Willowbark Extract has been shown to possess potent antimicrobial properties. Efficacy testing has shown that the extract has activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes, two of the skin flora implicated in the formation of acne. When added to cosmetic formulations, the extract can also increase the cell renewal capabilities of cosmetic formulations. Natural Black Willowbark Extract is a safe way to get the benefits of a B-hydroxy acid without the risk of irritation. When compared to Salicylic Acid the extract is better able to increase turnover of the stratum corneum and also has more in vitro antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes. Coupled with this increased efficacy, it has less irritation potential than salicylic acid comparable to glycerin.

Cajeput - Reduces inflammations, good for sore muscles and rheumatic pains. Antispasmodic. Good for insect bites, oily skin and spots. Held in high regard in the East.

Calendula - Known for its healing and analgesic properties. Use for burns, cuts, eczema, greasy skin, inflammations, insect bites, rashes and wounds, varicose veins.

Calophyllum - An emollient derived from a tropical hardwood tree in New Zealand. This oil is known for its moisturizing, therapeutic and fragrant properties.

Camellia Oil - Camellia oil contains the vitamins, A, B, E. It also includes various minerals such as Phosphorus (P), Calcium (Ca), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), and Magnesium (Mg). a mix of nutritional vitamins and proteins to help maintain the nature of the skin, and to prevent formation of such skin disorders as wrinkles, spots, freckles, and acne.

Candelilla Wax -  An extract from the candelilla plant, used in our lipsticks to add body and for its low melting point.

Candida Bombicola Extract - Micro-plant that feeds and stimulates the skin's natural defense.

Canola - Very light and odorless, and penetrates easily, a good massage oil base. Its high linoleic acid content prevents rancidity.

Carnauba Wax - Derived from the leaves of the Brazilian wax palm tree. Used as a texturizer. Used in our lipsticks to add body and for its low melting point. 

Carrageenan - Natural thickening agent.

Carrot - An oil derived from the seed head, it is very rich in Vitamin A, and has a wonderful warm orange color. One of the richest oils available. Rich in beta carotene and vitamins A & E, highly beneficial to hair and skin. Topical application of this oil promotes the formation of new cells and stimulates the production of sebum in dry, scaly scalps and skin.

Castor Oil - Derived from the seed of the castor oil plant. Soothing to the skin.

Cedarwood, Red - Mild, sweet and woody aroma. Antiseptic, eases respiratory ailments. Use for acne, dandruff, eczema, greasy hair, insect repellent, oily skin and psoriasis. Also good for arthritis, rheumatism. Harmonizing and calming. Avoid during pregnancy.

Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex - Derived from chlorophyll, this complex is a natural colorant with a deodorizing effect.

Chamomile - Used to treat problem skin since ancient times for its sedative and emollient properties. A softening agent for rough or irritated skin. Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic. Good for acne, allergies, boils, burns, cuts, dermatitis, earache, eczema, hair care, inflammations, insect bites, rashes, sensitive skin, wounds. Roman Chamomile is used therapeutically and is golden in color. German Chamomile has higher anti-inflammatory properties due to its higher percentage of Azulene, giving the oil an inky blue color. Pronounced calming effect on the mind and nervous system.

Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract - Extraordinary herb that reduces signs of inflammation and is powerful against free radicals.

Cinnamon Bark, Cassia - Strong, spicy-warm resinous aroma. Stimulant, antiseptic and an aphrodisiac. Best not used on skin, but as an aromatic.

Citronella - Fresh, powerful lemon odor. Antiseptic, deodorant, insect repellant.

Clary Sage - Sweet & musky, ideal for blending. Relieves and heals most skin irritations; eases respiratory ailments, relieves aches and pains. Euphoric; relaxing & regulating. A special emphasis on women's diseases.

Clove Oil - Analgesic, antiseptic and anti-irritant, this oil is known to reduce the pain of toothaches, arthritis and rheumatism. Good for acne, athlete's foot, bruises, burns and an insect repellent.

Cocoa Butter - A super emollient that softens and protects chapped, dry skin. It softens pregnant skin and helps to erase stretch marks, aids in the treatment of skin irritations, and is used to soften and erase wrinkles on neck, around eyes and at the corners of the mouth.  An acnegenic substance to some. 

Comfrey - An anti-inflammatory known for its healing and emollient properties. It is also a source of mucopolysaccharides and allantoin, used in skin treatments. A cell proliferant that regenerates aging tissues with continued use.

Cypress - Used for menopausal problems, excessive perspiration, circulatory conditions, rheumatism, nervous tension. Astringent. Good for hemorrhoids and varicose veins. An insect repellent.

Essence - An Essential Oil extract that has the fundamental properties of a substance in concentrated form; a perfume or scent.

Eucalyptus - Antiseptic and antibacterial, this fragrant oil is used in cleansers, massage formulations and bath oils for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and its cooling, soothing effect on the skin and scalp. Antispasmodic. Used for respiratory diseases.

Evening Primrose Oil - High in essential fatty acids, a source of gamma-linolenic acid . Astringent and sedative, it is an excellent treatment for dry, flaky skin and skin prone to eczema. Keep refrigerated.

Fennel - An antibacterial with a slight "tightening" action on the skin. Rich in oleic and linoleic acids, essential fatty acids highly beneficial to the skin. Good for bruises, dull, oily, mature complexions, cellulite and rheumatism.

Flax (Harakeke) - Use in several varieties of the native New Zealand flax. The gel, which exudes from the leaves, contains many of the same enzymes as Aloe Vera, and D-glucronic acid and D-xylose, both great for burns. The extract is also antiseptic. 

Fractionated Coconut Oil - A very light, clear, non-greasy oil that is readily absorbed by skin. Often used as a substitute for more fragile vegetable oils. It is useful as massage oil or carrier oil for essential oils, as well as, an excellent emollient for lotions, creams, and scrubs.

Frankincense - An oil derived from the frankincense tree; used for its fragrance as well as its clarifying properties

Geranium Oil - An antifungal and antibacterial, sometimes also used as a fragrance. Used for acne, bruises, broken capillaries, burns, congested skin, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, oily and mature skin, mosquito repellent. An immunostimulant. Good for depression, nervous tension.

Ginger - A stimulant and anti-irritant, its warming, soothing properties are very beneficial to the skin. Sometimes used as a fragrance. An excellent ingredient for bath oils and other cosmetics. Analgesic.

Golden Seal - Recommended for eczema. It is astringent and a tonic, reduces toxins. Do not use internally if you are pregnant.

Grapefruit - A tonic for depression and an aid in drug withdrawal. Good for acne, congested and oily skin, tones the skin and tissues. Good for cellulite.

Grapeseed Oil - Very light and odorless, it absorbs easily through the skin.

Halloysite Clay - A beautiful fine white clay from Matauri Bay in New Zealand. A fine cell structure, which acts as a molecular sieve.

Hazelnut Oil - Has astringent qualities. Wonderful for oily skin.

Hectorite - A clay consisting of silicate of magnesium and lithium. Used as an emulsifier.

Honey Manuka - This honey is gaining international recognition for its natural antibiotics, minerals, enzymes and vitamins. Its healing properties are phenomenal, especially with eczema.

Hops - Antimicrobial and sedative, it calms, tones and softens the skin.

Hydrogenated Palm Glyceride - Obtained from the fruit or seed of the palm tree.

Hydrolyzed Sweet Almond Protein - From whole almonds; sugars, proteins, lipids, for a synergistic effect.

Irish Moss (chondrus crispus) - Irish Moss is a reddish-brown perennial thallophyte or seaweed (a source of Carragheen or Carrageen) common at low tide on all the shores of the North Atlantic, especially Ireland, all year round. It is remarkable for its extreme variability, the difference being mainly due to the great diversity in the width of the segments.  The mucilage present in this plant is used in large quantities by the food industry to make jellies, or aspic and to be used as a smooth binder. This very property is the basis of its use in digestive conditions where a Demulcent is called for, such as gastritis and ulcers, including kidney and bladder affections. However, its main use is in respiratory problems such as coughs or bronchitis.  For cosmetics it is used as an emulsifier and /or thickening additive and a skin softener.

Japanese Honeysuckle - Lonicera Japonica; natural preservative, from Malaysia and the Far East. Has been part of the Chinese pharmacopoeia and has been used for asthma and candida infections among other things.

Japan Wax  - A fat squeezed from the fruit of a tree grown in Japan and China. Used as a substitute for beeswax.

Jojoba Ester - Oil-free, non-comedogenic, non-toxic, non-irritating; improves skin texture and creates a barrier to reduce moisture loss.

Jojoba Oil - This rich extract helps the jojoba desert plant retain water during the long summer drought. It acts as a humectant and creates a protective film over the skin and hair shaft that helps keep moisture in. Does not go rancid, so it is a good base oil for aromatherapy blends.

Juniper - Good for acne, oily complexions, hair loss, dermatitis, eczema, general weariness and nervous fatigue. Antispasmodic. Fortifies the memory, calming.

Kaolin - China Clay. A hydrated aluminum silicate used for its covering ability. Generally, these clays are used in facial masks to absorb excess facial oil.

Kelp - A seaweed high in iodine and vitamins A B-complex, C and E. A skin nutrient, soothing and toning.

Kukui Nut Oil (Kukui Oil) - Kukui Oil comes from the nuts of the Kukui Tree in Hawaii. People are just recently discovering the amazing dermal healing properties of the Kukui Nut Oil, known by the native Hawaiians for generations. Kukui Nut Oil contains vitamins A, E, F. These nutrients help to revitalize and restore the skin's normal activity. Because of the high content of linoleic and linolenic acids, it is rapidly absorbed into the skin and leaves no grease-like feel. Regular use helps to rejuvenate and soften deteriorated, dry, lifeless skin. It can also be used topically for hemorrhoids and many skin disorders such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. For people with active life styles with regular exposure to the sun, Kukui Nut Oil can help to counteract the sun's harmful effects. Kukui Oil is found to have remarkably low toxicity as indicated from acute studies performed according to FDA and EPA protocols. Like the Hawaiians, the rest of the world may soon experience the natural skin nourishing benefits of Kukui Nut Oil.

Lanolin - The oils obtained from the wool of sheep, used as an absorption base in moisturizers and hair products. See Wool Wax.

Lauryl Glucoside - Environmentally friendly, cleansing agent made from natural coconut oil and corn.

Lavender Oil - Has sedative and antiseptic properties. Penetrating, herbaceous, clean fragrance that blends well. Relieves and heals skin irritations (abscess, acne, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis). Good for burns, sunburns, wounds and insect bites. Reduces inflammation in arthritis and rheumatism. Calming; antidepressant, promotes clarity, enhances intuition, soothing, balancing. Helps normalize all skin conditions. Good for headaches and sinuses. An insect repellent.

Lecithin - A vegetable extract high in natural fatty acids.

Lemon Oil - Has antioxidant and antibacterial, antiseptic properties. Used in cosmetics for its clean, pleasant fragrance. Stimulating tonic, alleviates oily skin. Astringent, checks excessive perspiration. A tissue toner, good for cellulite. Energizing; clears mind; depression reliever, refreshing, strengthening. Possible dermal irritation in some individuals - use with care.

Lemon Grass - An antimicrobial and analgesic with antioxidant properties. Improves circulation and digestion. Uplifting. An insect repellent. Good for cellulite.

Lime - Used as an astringent, tonic and for anxiety and depression. Pronounced fragrance. Expressed peel oil is phototoxic, but whole fruit oil is not. See lemon oil.

Macadamia Nut Oil (Macadamia ternifolia) - There was a great deal of excitement in the cosmetic industry at the end of the 1980s with the discovery of the unique compatibility of Macadamia Nut Oil with the human skin. The oil, obtained from the nuts of the Macadamia Tree, contains a high concentration of Palmitoleic acid, and is very similar to mink oil and to the sebum of human skin. No other known plant oil has a similar composition.  Macadamia Trees were originally native to Madagascar and Australia. Called "kindal-kindal" by the aborigines who ate the nuts for hundreds of years before outsiders settled the continent, they are named for a scientist from Scotland, Dr. John Macadam, who enthusiastically wrote about the fine flavor of the nut while living in Australia during the first half of the 19th century.  Macadamia Trees grow from 50 to 60 feet high and have long, narrow leaves and long clusters of pink or white flowers. The round, hard-shelled nuts grow in clusters and are covered with husks that split when they are ripe. The Macadamia has the hardest shell of any nut. Macadamia Trees are free from diseases, from damage by insects and /or animals. Outside of Australia, no part of the tree, not even the nut, is eaten by wildlife.  The Macadamia Tree grows best in volcanic soil. Hawaii was the ideal location for Macadamias, where the evergreen was introduced in 1878. Today, Macadamias are the third largest crop in Hawaii. The island of Hawaii, known as the Big Island, provides 99% of the Hawaiian Macadamias and 95% of the world supply.  Macadamias are extremely costly to harvest because there is no real season when all the nuts are ripe - they ripen anywhere from late spring to November. In addition, the only way to tell if nuts are truly ripe is that they drop from the trees. This creates problems. Mechanical harvesters can scoop up the nuts from the ground where it's level. However, where the ground is uneven harvest must be done by hand - a slow and costly method. In some areas, the growers attach heavy netting under the tree branches. Ripe nuts, like children on a playground slide, roll down the net and drop into collection bins.  Today, Macadamias are known worldwide for their exquisite and delicate flavor. While most are eaten whole, others are used in candy, ice cream or baked goods. and , increasingly throughout the 1990s, in high quality beauty care items and hair care products.

Manuka and Kanuka -  Extracts from the leaves, bark and flowers contain a variety of bacteriacides, antifungacides and antibiotics.

Magnesium Aluminum Silicate - Absorbent, Anti-caking agent. 

Manganese Violet - A hard and brittle metallic element of a moderate purple.

Marjoram - Good for muscular problems, sprains, headache, insomnia, nervous tension and migraine. Antispasmodic. A sedative.

Meadowfoam Seed Oil - Re-moisturizes the skin in ways no oil can. In shampoos and soaps it helps add shine moisture to hair and scalp made dry and brittle by the harsh process of daily washing. In lipsticks and balms, it helps revitalize dry, cracked lips and they stay moist longer.

Mica - Any group of minerals that are found in crystallized, thin elastic sheets that can be separated easily. They vary in color from pale green, brown, black to colorless. Known for the shine it imparts, it can also be milled matte. It is used for the glide that it gives our powders.

Mimosa - A yellow flowering tree that blooms in February and March, common to California.  It is also called Acacia.  The flowers contain an ingredient that is very good for hypersensitive skin that helps against allergies, irritations, itchy skin and very dry skin.

Myrtle - Widely spread in California and Florida.  It is a bush, without blossoms and an evergreen.  It has a very refreshing action, cleans the lymph system by using it on the skin, and supports the skin to detoxify and breathe.

Neroli -Soothing; excellent for dry and aging skin.

Oatmeal - A natural cleanser and toner, its mild exfoliating action makes it an excellent addition to facial masks. It has a slight bleaching effect and is said to help fade or remove age spots and other skin discolorations.

Olive Oil - A natural sun screen, very emollient and good for sensitive skin and babies.

Olive Oil Castile - Saponified with salt, it becomes an excellent soap, mild and soothing to the skin. A natural emollient.

Olive Squalane - Boosts the skin's ability to naturally regenerate, nourish, hydrate, oxygenate and protect itself.

Palma Rosa - Good for skin infections, scars, sores, wrinkles and acne. An antiseptic cellular stimulant, moisturizes the skin, regulates sebum production, hydrating.

Panthenol - A vitamin B Complex Factor. It is excellent for skin and scalp. It strengthens hair follicles, makes hair look thicker and fuller, gives it body and improves the shine. It also decreases damage from chemical treatments such as perms, dyes and relaxers.

Patchouli - Penetrating, long lasting, musty, woody fragrance. Anti-inflammatory, cell regenerator, rejuvenating. Good for skin inflammations, fungal infections, acne, wrinkles and eczema. Alleviates depression and anxiety, uplifting, confidence builder. Stimulant at low doses, sedative at high doses. Insect repellent.

Pennyroyal - A member of the mint family, pennyroyal is a strong purifier, antiseptic and freshener. A good insect repellent. Stimulating. Do not use if pregnant, can be abortive in high doses. High doses can also cause death to user.

Peppermint Oil - An excellent antiseptic and astringent. An anti-inflammatory, it soothes and tones blemished, irritated skin. Relieves nausea, muscle & joint pains, cold symptoms. Vitalizing; uplifting.

Peru Balsam - A soothing, vanilla like oil that is good for cleansing, moisturizing and softening.

Pine Needle Oil - Antimicrobial and antibacterial, sometimes used as a fragrance. Reviving, balancing, regulating, purifying.

Potassium Sorbate -  A Potassium salt version of Sorbic Acid, a polyunsaturated fat used to inhibit mold growth. It was first discovered by the French in the 1850's, having been derived from the Mountain Ash Tree. It is widely used in the food industry and few substances have had the kind of extensive, rigorous, long-term testing that Sorbic Acid and its salts have had. It has been found to be non-toxic even when taken in large quantities, and breaks down in the body into water and Carbon Dioxide in the Krebs Cycle. Many food producers use Potassium Sorbate as a natural preservative to provide freshest, taste, and safety to their products; naturally inhibit microbes, particularly mold. It is used in natural sunscreens for similar reasons.

Proline - An amino acid that helps water to penetrate the skin.

Purified Water - Self-explanatory.

Raw Honey - Used in Earth's Beauty Cosmetics: the honey is grown by Amish people who are impeccable. They do not use pesticides and leave the propylis in the honey which is a natural antibacterial. Bacteria does not grow in honey because of its natural antibacterial properties. The reason it is stated as raw, is that it is not heated up over 70 degrees because honey loses all of its natural antibacterial properties when heated up (which is an Ayurvedic belief).  There are also no antibiotics used on the bees as well.

Rose - Used for anxiety, depression, menopausal problems and an antiseptic and tonic. Reputed to give youth. Good for broken capillaries, dry skin, eczema, herpes, mature and sensitive complexions, wrinkles.

Rose Hip Seed Oil - High in linoleic and linolenic acids as well as Vitamin C, essential for the health of the hair and skin. A tissue regenerator.

Rosemary - Toner and purifier, with antimicrobial properties, beneficial to both hair and skin. Skin rejuvenator, general stimulant, invigorating, reduces mental strain and fatigue, promotes confidence by minimizing anxiety.

Rosewater - A water-based dilution of the essence of roses used in cosmetics since the 10th century. Used for conjunctivitis.

Rosewood - A cellular stimulant, tissue regenerator. Uplifting, antidepressant, tonic. Calming.

Dalmation Sage - A purifier and tonic. Its mild antibacterial action makes it nonirritating and ideal for sensitive skin or scalp. Strengthens overall; cellular stimulant. Astringent. May be toxic if used over long periods of time.

Sandalwood - Aids many skin ailments; may relieve cough/cold symptoms. Astringent, antispasmodic. Euphoric, meditating qualities; antidepressant, stress reducer, uplifting. Aphrodisiac.

Sea Buckthornberry Extract - Bio-active substances in the oil from the seed and pulp are used in a variety of dermatological applications, among them anti-aging face creams and lotions and (since the extract seems to absorb UV rays) in sun care products. Products containing Sea Buckthorn Berry appear to promote cell tissue regeneration, thus aiding in the healing of wounds, and restoring skin tissue. Sea Buckthorn oil is said to have proven effective in the treatment of skin conditions including burns, skin ulcers, cancer, acne and dermatitis of various forms.

Shea Butter - A butter obtained from the nut of the Mangifolia tree (the karite tree) in Central Africa. An excellent emollient for skin moisturizers, a natural sunscreen, good for wrinkles and capillary circulation.

Silk Sericin - A natural protein derived from the "glue" that holds the silk fibers together; bonds to hair fibers and strengthens them.

Spearmint - Similar beneficial properties of Peppermint. Better suited for children because it is milder.

Spirulina Maxima -  Blue green algae. An excellent source of protein and other vitamins and minerals to help the appearance and the feeling of elasticity in the skin.

Squalane - Squalane is a saturated hydrocarbon, also known as perhydrosqualene. It is obtained through hydrogenation of Squalene, an alphatic trierpene. Marcelet, Tsujimoto and Chapman obtained Squalane in the beginning of the 20th century by isolating shark liver oil.  Squalene has been known to exist in substances such as Wheat Germ Oil, Rice Bran and Olive Oil since ancient times. However, it was obtained primarily from Shark Liver Oil up until recently, since it was not commercially feasible to obtain Squalene from substances such as Olive Oil.  When Squalene was found in human sebum, it acquired great importance because of its possible applications in cosmetics and other pharmaceutical applications. However, its high unsaturation gave it instability against oxidation. The success of total hydrogenation to obtain Squalane provided a highly stable compound, which contributed to its wide success in the cosmetics sector by the 1950's.  Squalane is free from toxicity and irritation, providing very suitable use in a variety of cosmetic applications. It is highly pure, stable against oxidation, free from heavy metals and is totally innocuous to the skin. It adheres to the skin and its natural lipids better than other oils and lanolines. Squalane from vegetable extraction is a low viscosity neutral oil, imperceptible odor, agreeable to the touch, gives it better compatibility in cosmetic formulations.  Squalane has a fixed and constant composition in contrast with mineral oils. Its emollient and moisturizing properties; its affinity with the skin; its emulsion ability with human sebum and other compounds and its penetration power, makes it irreplaceable in a variety of cosmetic formulations such as cleansing milks and creams; makeup bases and lipsticks, moisturizing and anti-wrinkle creams, hair cosmetics and preparations; and lotions and massage and bath oils.

Sunflower Seed Extract -  Contains enriched phyto-nutrients, including a specialized antioxidant that counteracts damage done by peroxide (a free radical). Hair can lose color when exposed to peroxide, whether from sun, bleach, or body conditions. Test prove that SSE decreases the level of peroxides by 69%, so it very effectively maintains rich natural hair color and keeps chemical color from fading.

Sweet Orange Oil - Contains flavonoids and vitamins A B C and E. Mild sedative; aids dermatitis, oily skin; relieves cold-like symptoms. Relaxing; reduces nervous tension; uplifting, soothing. Good for cellulite.

Tamanu - The oil is renowned for its healing qualities, particularly useful for treating scarified areas or keloids (scar tissue/skin that forms over the site of a wound).

Tangerine - Effective on oily skin and acne as it contains a fair quantity of vitamin A.

Tea Tree Oil - Distilled from the leaves of the Australian tree Melaleuca alternifolia. An antiseptic and germicide. Antiviral, alleviates cough/cold symptoms; relieves muscle aches and pains, minimizes most skin irritations, such as acne, cold sores, genital herpes. Antifungal. An insect repellent. Uplifting, purifying, regulating.

Titanium Dioxide - Derived from Titanium, which is extracted from the minerals rutile and ilmenite. It gives the greatest covering and tinting power of any white pigment and it is listed in the FDA monograph as one of the purest and most effective active ingredients for sun protection.

Tocopheryl Acetate - Natural vitamin E, an anti-oxidant; processed so that deterioration is minimized (pure, unprocessed vitamin E degrades quickly in products)

Thyme - A general stimulant, antiseptic, anesthetic. A good deodorant.

Turkey Red -

Vanilla -  A natural extract derived from the vanilla bean; provides soothing, fragrant effects.

Vegetable Guar Gum - Natural thickener from ground-up nutritive seeds of an Asian tree.

Vegetable Glycerin - A rich humectant, emollient and lubricant naturally extracted from vegetable oils, glycerin has been used in cosmetic formulations for thousands of years. The synthetic version is highly irritating.

Vegetable Xanthan Gum - Liquid blend of Vitamin A and D3. A natural thickener derived from pasteurized ferment that grows on cabbage.

Purified Water - Pure, distilled water for a natural spring.

Willow Herb -  Epilobium Angustifolium. Botanical extract that provides exceptionally fast and effective anti-irritant action and purifies the skin. Contains the active compound salicin and frequently appears in herbal analgesic formulas.

Wintergreen Oil - A tonic stimulant and astringent, this aromatic oil has a heating or warming action on the muscles and skin. Excellent in body rubs and bath oils. Intensely strong, sweet and woody. Should not be used for aromatherapy.

Witch Hazel - A natural astringent. Often used to treat skin irritations, inflammation, insect bites and burns.

Wheatgerm - A rich soft golden oil, full of Vitamins E, A and B. Also adds to sun screening properties.

Wool Wax (Lanolin) - Used as an emulsifier in Martina Gebhardt's skincare treatments.  The wax is an active skin care substance which is particularly useful in the treatment of dry and allergy-prone skin. Wool Wax has no paraffin added unlike traditional lanolins. No classification to label on lanolin as organic exists, but wool wax would be that if it did.

Ylang-Ylang, III - Narcotically sweet, soft, floral, exotic scent. Euphoric, sensual, stabilizes strong emotions; relaxing, soothing, uplifting, stress reducing. Antidepressant, aphrodisiac.

Xanthan Gum - A plant derived gum, used in food, health products and creams. It gives a lovely skin feel. Complements the flax gels and other plant gels.

 

Bibliography

The Herbal Body Book by Jeanne Rose, Grosset & Dunlap, NY 1976

The Complete Medicinal Herbal by Penelope Ody, Dorling Kindersley Ltd, London 1993

Natural Organic Hair and Skin Care by Audrey Hampton, Organica Press, Tampa, FL 1987

The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood, New World Library, San Rafael, CA 1991

The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils by Julia Lawless, Element Books Ltd. Rockport, MA 1992

Aromatherapy Workbook by Marcel Lavabre, Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT 1990

The Complete Woman's Herbal by Anne McIntyre, Henry Holt & Co., NY 1995