Products in Cosmetic Ingredients: Soothing

Hops may be best known for its use in the production of beer, but Hops Oil is a beautiful essential oil with multiple benefits and is a valued ingredient in the cosmetic industry. The Hops plant is a climbing perennial, most commonly grown in Europe. It was used extensively in traditional healing practices such as Chinese herbal medicine and Ayurveda. The oil is steam distilled from the flowers and cones. With a golden yellow to greenish color, and a rich, slightly spicy aroma, this oil is a valued addition to a myriad of products for its soothing, sedative, ant-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Conventional or organic available Varieties Available: Cinnamon Bark Oil and Cinnamon Leaf Oil Cinnamon is thought to be one of the world’s oldest and most valuable spices. It has been used for thousands of years, and features prominently in Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Cinnamon is derived from a tropical, evergreen tree that can grow over 12 meters tall. Cinnamon oil has a very distinct, fresh aroma and contains primarily cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, which give both varieties their distinct aroma and their antifungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. The leaf oil is easier to produce, as the leaves are easier to distill and extract the oil from and have a higher yield than the bark. Avoid use on sensitive skins. Pregnant women should avoid the use of this oil.

A warming, stimulating oil, Pink Peppercorn is steam distilled from the fruit of the Schinus mole. This popular spice was considered sacred to the ancient Incas and has been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years. Pink Peppercorn (Schinus molle), also known as the Peruvian peppertree, peppercorn tree and Californian pepper tree is a member of the Anacardiaceae family. It’s an evergreen tree that grows up to 9 meters in height by 7 meters in width. It is native to the Peruvian Andes. Chains of cream flowers appear at the end of the branches in summer followed by peppercorns, which turn pink in autumn and are referred to as ‘pink peppercorns’ although they are not true peppercorns. Pink peppercorns have a citrus flavor and are much more fragrant. Shinus molle grows wild throughout most of Australia in a range of habitats from grasslands to dry open forest and coastal areas. The branches tend to droop which gives the tree a weeping effect. It is found as a bush in dry lands but reaches tree size in dry river beds with accessible underground water. It is an evergreen that has a graceful fern like foliage. This tree grows well in the sun and is drought tolerant so can still flourish with only occasional watering. All parts of the tree have high oil and essential oil contents that produce a spicy, aromatic scent.

Chia Seed Oil is cold pressed from the seeds and has undergone extensive testing to ensure its high quality. Chia Seed Oil has a light consistency and a subtle nutty aroma. These tiny black seeds are one of the healthiest foods on the planet. They are loaded with antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids that fight aging, soothe inflammation, reduce acne scars and keep skin radiant and healthy. Omega-3 is a natural part of our skin barrier and helps to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. Our bodies don't produce Omega-3, so topical treatments such as Chia Seed Oil can assist in keeping the skin barrier healthy. Chia Seed Oil is also high in Omega-6 (linoleic acid) which can have anti-inflammatory effects. It also contains antioxidants that can keep skin looking healthy. Fatty acid profile It is characterized by high contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids, Chia Seeds are the richest source of plant-derived mainly α-linolenic acid (ALA), which accounts for approximately 60% all fatty acids. Linoleic, oleic and palmitic acids are found in lower amounts (Table 2). Chia seeds have greater contents of omega-3 acids than flaxseed.

Conventional or organic available Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) , also known as goat nut, deer nut, pignut, wild hazel, quinine nut, coffeeberry, and gray box bush, is native to South-western North America. The plant came to prominence in the late 1970s when scientists found that the liquid wax from the jojoba bean has a strikingly similar structure to the natural wax esters in human skin. The CSIRO introduced the plant to Australia in 1978 and selectively bred certain varieties especially suited to Australian conditions. Commercial plantations are now established across the country, including at Kalannie, Wagin, Geraldton and York in Western Australia. A shrubby bush which usually grows between 3-6 feet, though occasionally taller, the leaves are up to 1 ½” long, thick with a waxy gray-green coloration. The flowers are small with a green-yellow color and contain no petals. The plant is usually dioecious, either male or female, with both sexes needed to produce the fruit. Occasionally there are hermaphrodite plants but this is rare. The plants can live between 100-200 years. While often solitary in growth, jojoba’s can produce ground based shoots and form into thickets.

Conventional or organic available A sweet, refreshing, uplifting oil, Spearmint Oil is a milder alternative to the other mint oils. A colorless to pale yellow oil, Spearmint oil is obtained by the steam distillation of the leaves and flowering tops of the Mentha spicata plant. This perennial plant grows up to 1 meter tall and has highly fragrant leaves. It is full of natural antioxidants, and is an expectorant with anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antioxidant properties.

Most people will know Manuka for its honey, but the plant also produces a beautiful essential oil. With a fresh, herbaceous, crisp aroma, Manuka oil has been used for centuries to ease muscular aches and pains, to soothe and moisturize skin, and promote healing. Leptospermum scoparium is a fast growing, small tree is native to New Zealand and parts of Australia. The oil is produced by steam distillation of the leaves and small branches. This versatile oil is a powerhouse, with antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties among others, with a subtle, calming scent. Manuka oil is a valued ingredient in a wide variety of products including skincare, wound care, hair care and body care, plus products targeting skin irritations and fungal issues. Our Manuka oil has a triketone level of 5+.

Conventional or organic available The Almond tree (Prunus dulcis) is a member of the Rosaceae (rose) family, along with many other tree fruits such as peaches, apples, pears, plums, cherries, and apricots. The almond is a small bushy deciduous tree with beautiful pink blossoms and highly prized edible nuts enclosed in a hard green hull. It’s a small to medium sized tree with a spreading, open canopy, usually 10-15 feet in commercial orchards. It is an excellent, self-pollinating almond that bears heavy crops of soft-shelled almonds with a good, sweet flavor. The kernels are broad, full and oval in shape. The tree has an upright form that is a self-pollinating papershell. Almonds require a climate with dry summer/autumns and cool winters. Almond and related species are native to the Mediterranean climate region of the Middle East. The original plantings and beginning of the almond industry in Australia occurred in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia. The industry expanded into the South Australian Riverland in the 1960s and then along the Murray River in the 1970s. The Australian almond industry is concentrated in NSW, SA and Victoria with almost 29,000 ha of cultivated almond trees.

Conventional or organic available A very popular and enriching, deeply moisturizing, versatile carrier oil – Evening Primrose oil is cold pressed from the seeds of the Oenothera biennis plant. This plant is native to North and South America and has beautiful yellow flowers. Evening Primrose is also known as the Night Willow Herb, as its flowers open in the early evening. For centuries, this oil has been used by the Chinese and Native American cultures and in Ayurvedic medicine. Evening Primrose contains beneficial ingredients such as, Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), Linoleic Acid (LA), both part of the Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids that are very moisturizing and extremely beneficial for the skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is soothing for problem and inflamed skin. Evening Primrose is a favorite in skin care products.

Conventional or organic available Neroli oil is an essential oil produced from the blossom of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium subsp. amara or Bigaradia). Most of the parts of the bitter orange are valued for their strong but alluring fragrance, and are vital in the fragrance industry. Orange oil comes from the orange peel the leaves are used to make petitgrain oil and the flowers are steam distilled to make neroli (or orange blossom) oil. Neroli oil is widely used in the perfume and fragrance industry. Eau -de -Cologne, the famous perfume from Cologne, Germany, used this oil as its main ingredient. It was named after the 16th century Princess Marie-Anne de La Treemoille of Nerola, Italy, who loved the fragrant orange blossom scent and introduced it to Italy. Neroli oil has a deep, intoxicating mix of citrus and floral aromas and can be pale yellow or coffee-brown in color. Neroli oil is costly to produce. It takes one ton of bitter orange blossoms to make one quart of oil.

This delightful, uplifting, fragrant oil is steam distilled from the gum resin of the Elemi tree, native to the Philippines. It is a large evergreen tree that can grow up to a height of 30 meters. Elemi oil is a valued ingredient in the cosmetic industry, with the oil being popular in skin care for its regenerative properties.

Conventional or organic available A rainforest tree growing to 40 meters, Aniseed (also known as Anise) Myrtle is very rare in the wild, limited to Bellinger and Nambucca Valleys of New South Wales. Anise Myrtle is grown in plantations around northern New South Wales. These plantations were actually planted for the herb or bush tucker markets until the ‘rediscovery’ of its unique essential oil. The trees are harvested and are then steam distilled for around 1 hour. The harvesting is done by unique farm machinery designed by the farmers themselves. Leaves are cut, a vacuum sucks the leaves into a bin and the leaves are placed into a stainless steel boiler. Anise Myrtle is a new oil to the aromatherapy industry and has the potential to supersede traditional Aniseed essential oils on the basis of a superior Anethole content and a superior, fresher Anise aroma. Anise Myrtle essential oil is extracted via steam distillation of the stems and branches.

Conventional or organic available The coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) is a member of the palm family .It is often referred to as 'The tree of lifeas it can be used in so many wonderful and versatile ways. Coconut oil used in cosmetics or natural products is often referred to as Fractionated or MCT Coconut Oil. The word Fractionated stands for the process that separates the different types of fat in virgin coconut oil and MCT stands for “Medium Chain Triglycerides”. With MCT/Fractioned Coconut Oil, the Lauric Acid is removed using Hydrolysis and Steam Distillation, leaving only the medium-chain fatty acids, specifically capric and caprylic fatty acids. These 2 medium-chain fatty acids (capric and caprylic fatty acids) are what make up the MCT/Fractionated Coconut Oil in its final state. Virgin Oils always have a strong and distinct smell, richer color and may have a slightly thicker viscosity, whereas MCT oil has no odor and is a very light oil. When making cosmetics or natural products, sometimes virgin coconut oil creates some limitations regarding the formulation of certain products, like lotions, creams, lip balm and soap. This is due to the long-chain fatty acids going solid at a certain temperature. Fractionated Coconut oil also has great stability and longer shelf life than its counterpart Virgin coconut oil. Fractionated Coconut oil is a light, absorbent and colorless oil with a variety of uses. High in Vitamin E and antioxidants, it blends easily with other oils and ingredients. In skin care it is valued as it is soothing for the skin and an emollient which helps provide a soothing barrier. It is great in body care products, hair care and massage blends.

Conventional or organic available Clove Bud Oil comes from the aromatic dried flower bud of the Clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum), which originated in the Maluku Islands of Indonesia. Clove as a spice is well known and has been used for centuries in trade between nations as a valuable commodity along with other spices and herbs. Clove Bud Oil has a very unique aroma of rich, warm, sweet, spicy and woody notes and really is a stand-alone scent aromatically.

Cananga (Cananga odorata var macrophylla)is closely related to Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata var genuine). The oils are quite similar, as the plants are from the same genus and species. Cananga has a beautiful but more subtle floral aroma than Ylang Ylang and has a more woody note. They have slightly different chemical compositions. Cananga has higher amounts of beta-caryophyllene. It is a soothing and calming oil. It has a middle/base note. Canaga oil is highly prized in the perfume industry and is a favorite in cosmetic products. The Cananga tree is native to Indonesia, Malaysia and The Philippines. The oil is produced from the steam distillation its yellow flowers. The flowers are picked early in the morning to ensure maximum oil yield.

Conventional or organic available The Avocado Tree is an evergreen native to Mexico and Central America but now grown worldwide. The fruit is a berry, consisting of a single large seed, surrounded by a buttery pulp. Avocado oil is obtained from the cold press of the fruit pulp, which is rich in vitamins, minerals, nutrients and fatty acids. The oil is usually a dark green color with a thick feeling texture. It has quite a strong fresh, sweet and nutty aroma. A highly moisturizing oil, Avocado oil has been embraced by the cosmetic industry and is a very popular product with a variety of uses.

Conventional or organic available A balancing and grounding oil, this oil is produced by the steam distillation of the dried seeds of the common carrot. The oil is a yellow or amber color to pale orange/brown and has a woodsy, earthy fragrance. A nourishing oil, it is rich in beta carotene, Vitamins A and E and pro-vitamin A - it is a popular oil, particularly in the realm of skincare.

Conventional or organic available Argan oil is quickly becoming one of the world's most celebrated carrier oils. A very beloved and popular oil in the cosmetic industry, this beautiful oil is cold pressed from the kernels found inside the fruit of argan trees. Argan oil has been used for over 3500 years for its moisturizing properties for skin and hair and for skin blemishes and to help heal scars in its native Morocco. It is believed to have its origins is a small rural village known as Argana. The Argan tree grows wild in this region of Morocco and thrive in this vast and rugged environment where many other species of plants and animals struggle. With a light, nutty aroma, this oil is very rich in vitamin A and E and monosaturated fatty acids giving it incredible conditioning, moisturizing and anti-aging properties, and helping to make it a valuable ingredient in skin care and hair care.

Conventional or organic available A versatile, lightweight carrier oil, Grapeseed Oil is produced from cold-pressing the seeds of the grape – a byproduct of the production of wine. It is jam packed with antioxidants, high amounts of Omega fatty acids and vitamins. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Grapeseed Oil is high in Vitamin E and C, this combined with is high levels of Omega fatty acids, mainly Omega 6, it is highly moisturizing and great for skin hydration. It is highly valued as an ingredient in skin care and body care products and is also great in hair care products. Due to having very little odor, it is often a preferred carrier oil for use in the formulation of massage oil and essential oil blends.

Conventional or organic available Orange Oil or Orange Sweet Oil is a versatile oil with a refreshing, sweet citrus aroma. This popular oil is uplifting and energizing. Oranges are believed native to the tropical regions of Asia, especially the Malay Archipelago. Orange probably spread from its native habitat to India and the east coast of Africa and from there to the eastern Mediterranean region by the Roman conquests, who developed the Arab trade routes. By the time Christopher Columbus sailed, orange trees were common in the Canary Islands. Today oranges are cultivated in subtropical and tropical America, northern and eastern Mediterranean countries, Australia, and South Africa. Orange plants arrived in Australia along with the early convicts and still thrive in all States and the Northern Territory. Orange Sweet oil is extracted from the fresh fruit peel by cold expression. Orange blends well with Bergamot, Clary Sage, Cypress, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Geranium, Jasmine, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Myrrh, Neroli, Pettigrain, Rose, Rosewood, Rose Geranium, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, Lemon, Clove, Cinnamon and Nutmeg.

Conventional or organic available Rosemary is an aromatic, evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves and white, pink, purple, or blue flowers that belongs to the mint family. The plant flowers in spring and summer in temperate climates, but the plants can be in constant bloom in warm climates. The leaves are frequently used to flavor foods and the oil is of great use and highly beneficial as well. A sharp and herbaceous smelling essential oil Rosemary essential oil is extracted from the flowering tips of the plant through steam distillation.

Conventional or organic available Patchouli Oil (Pogostemon cablin), sometimes called the scent of the sixties, has a musky, earthy, exotic aroma. Native to Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, Patchouli is now cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world. The oil is widely used as a fragrance in India and as an insect repellent. Patchouli is used in herbal medicine in Asia as an aphrodisiac, antidepressant and antiseptic. It is also used for headaches and fever. Its aphrodisiac effects come from it having a very similar molecular structure to human pheromones. Patchouli essential oil is often used in aromatherapy to treat skin complaints. It is thought to have a regenerative effect on skin tone and to help clear conditions such as eczema and acne. The oil may also be used for varicose veins, acne, cold sores, skin irritations, prophylactic, fungicidal and hemorrhoids. It is interesting to note that Patchouli improves with age and that the aged product is what is often preferred over the freshly harvested

Conventional or certified organic available Native to the Amazon Rainforest, Acai Oil is enormously rich in anti-oxidants and provides countless benefits for maintaining skin balance. It is mainly composed of Anthocyanins, Phytosterols and Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), and contains Linoleic acid (Omega 6) and Oleic acid (Omega 9). Rich in Vitamins B, C and E, it also contains a high percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The Acai Palm, also known as the Assai Palm, is a species of palm trees native to Brazil and other regions of South and Central America. The Acai Palm bears small, dark purple berries that each contain one large seed. The small berries have been prized for generations by the regions tribes for the healing and energizing sustenance that they provide both as an edible fruit and nutritive oil.

Ginger essential oil is extracted from the plant Zingiberaceae officinale of the Zingiberaceae family and is also known as Common or Jamaica Ginger. The plant is said to originate from India, China and Java, yet is also native to Africa and the West Indies. It was most likely brought to Europe between the 10th and 15th century as a condiment and spice. Ginger is a perennial herb and grows to about 3 - 4 feet high with a thick spreading tuberous root. It has narrow spear-shaped leaves and white or yellow flowers growing directly from the root. The oil is distilled from the unpeeled dried ground root. The aroma of Ginger Essential Oil can vary widely, depending on the distillation and quality of the root being distilled It has been used as a medicine since very early times and is recorded in both Sanskrit and Chinese texts and is also mentioned in the literature of the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Arabians. The name ginger is said to be derived from the Gingi district in India, where tea made from ginger is used for stomach upsets.

Eremophila mitchellii, known commonly as Buddha wood or false sandalwood, is a shrub or small tree native to Australia. Other common names include budda, sandalbox, and rosewood belvory. Buddha Wood is native to a variety of habitats in northern NSW and Queensland and is characterized for their drought, fire, frost and grazing tolerances. This species grows as a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree up to 10 meters in height with flaky bark. The leaves are linear to linear-lancelote and range between 2 and 6 cm in length and about 3 to 7 mm wide. It has white (occasionally pale pinkish-mauve), which occur in the spring, and to a lesser extent, in the autumn. Historically Buddha Wood has been used over the centuries by Australian indigenous people for its medicinal and cultural purposes. Traditionally indigenous people would use this plant for its anti-bacterial qualities to treat sores and cuts. It was also used both internally and externally as a decongestant, expectorant and analgesic. The leaves were also used to treat headaches and ease rheumatism. Buddha Wood Oil has a fresh, woody aroma. Image Source: Buddha wood By Mark Marathon - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25467136

Santalum spicatum, syn. Fusanus spicatus This golden oil, with a mild nutty aroma, is a powerhouse of benefits. It possesses high levels of Ximenynic Acid, a rare and powerful anti-inflammatory, and Sandalwood Seed is one of the highest yielding natural sources of this important fatty acid. Along with other special lipids, such as Oleic acid, this oil’s chemical make-up gives it many beneficial properties, making it moisturizing, soothing and protecting. It is a valued addition in products including skin care, hair care and body care. Sandalwood Seed Oil is harvested from the seeds of the Sandalwood Spicatum tree using CO2 extraction, making it a sustainable product, and non harmful for the tree. The tree is native to Western Australia where strict measures are in place to ensure the Sandalwood tree numbers thrive. Every Sandalwood Seed Oil product is packed and quality assured as per regulatory requirement. The ultimate achievement of this oil is to deliver one of the greatest gifts of nature in its purest form and share the secret of this dermatological elixir. Learn more about Sandalwood on our blog!

Conventional or organic available With a warm, herbaceous and woody aroma, Marjoram is a comforting and calming oil with a positive effect on the nervous system. It is derived from a tender, bushy perennial herb with wooly, hairy leaves which grows up to 60cm high. Origanum majorana is native to the Mediterranean region and is cultivated in France, Tunisia, Morocco, Italy, Hungary, Bulgaria, Germany and Poland. Marjoram Oil is steam distilled from the leaves and flowing tops of Origanum majorana. It is a pale yellow to greenish yellow colored mobile liquid, with a middle perfumery note and a warm-spicy odor.

Pomegranate Seed CO2-TO Extract (organic) is a yellow oil, with viscous consistence at room temperature. Stabilized with natural FLAVEX Rosemary Antioxidant Extract. This product is produced by supercritical fluid extraction with natural carbon dioxide, no solvent residues, no inorganic salts, no heavy metals and no reproducible microorganisms. Ideal for application in cosmetic products for promoting skin regeneration, stimulating self repair mechanisms, improving skin elasticity, reducing wrinkles and as prophylaxis against skin aging; calming and healing properties in case of irritated, dry, sensible, allergic and itching skin.

This unique carrier oil has a light fruity aroma and is high in essential fatty acids and has an incredible antioxidant content. Red Raspberry Seed Oil is cold pressed from the seeds of the red raspberries, mainly cultivated in the temperate regions of Europe and North Asia. Being so high in Omega 3, and 6 make this an extremely rich and moisturizing oil. It is also high in phytoserols which make it a great addition to sun protection products. It is hydrating and soothing and its anti-inflammatory properties make it a valued ingredient in products for sensitive and inflamed skin, and conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. A versatile carrier oil, Red Raspberry Seed Oil with its subtle, fruity aroma is easily absorbed by the skin and a valued ingredient in a wide range of products including skin care, body care, hand and nail care, bath products and hair care.

Conventional or organic available Hydrosol is the aromatic water that is produced during the distilling process. It has similar therapeutic properties to the essential oils, but is far less concentrated. These aromatic products possess a similar scent to their oil counterpart and the plant matter used in the distillation process imparts the hydrosol with the water-soluble aromatic and therapeutic properties of the plant. With a strong floral and sweet fragrance, rose is a favorite in the fragrance industry and favored in skin care with its soothing and hydrating properties. The high cost of Rose Otto Oil makes Rose Otto Hydrosol a viable alternative. Rose Otto Oil is extracted via gentle steam distialltion, with this prized Hydrosol being a product of this process.

Oil With a warm, herbaceous and woody aroma, Marjoram is a comforting and calming oil with a positive effect on the nervous system. It is derived from a tender, bushy perennial herb with wooly, hairy leaves which grows up to 60cm high. Origanum majorana is native to the Mediterranean region and is cultivated in France, Tunisia, Morocco, Italy, Hungary, Bulgaria, Germany and Poland. Marjoram Oil is steam distilled from the leaves and flowing tops of Origanum majorana. It is a pale yellow to greenish yellow colored mobile liquid, with a middle perfumery note and a warm-spicy odor.

Conventional or organic available Also known as Chinese Cinnamon, this beautiful, warm, spicy oil has been used for thousands of years. It has long been a part of traditional Chinese medicine and was even mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible as an anointing oil. The oil is steam distilled from the bark of the Cinnamomum Cassia, an evergreen native to China and Burma, but now grown across Asia, the US, UK and India. It is a member of the same family as traditional Cinnamon, and although similar in smell, Cassia oil has slightly sweeter and more subtle aroma. An uplifting and soothing oil, Cassia has many benefits. It is antimicrobial, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and has astringent properties. This beautiful oil is a middle note, has a myriad of uses and is mind clearing and boosts emotional well-being. Cassia oil – aka Chinese Cinnamon, is one of the oldest spices known to mankind.

Conventional or organic available The seeds of this incredible start shaped fruit produce a nutrient dense, moisturizing and versatile oil that is one of the highest yielding plant-based sources of Omega 3, 6 and 9. Sacha Inchi Oil is cold pressed from the seeds of the Plukenetia Volubilis bush. The plant is native to the tropical areas of South America and the Caribbean and has been used for centuries as a superfood and is now being noticed for its versatile qualities as a carrier oil and an extraordinary ingredient in the cosmetic industry. Rich in vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids with a light herbaceous aroma, this exotic oil is fantastic in skin care, body care, hair care, hand and nail care and wound healing products. It is moisturizing and soothing with anti-inflammatory properties, having over 90% of its composition being made of Omega fatty acids.

Conventional or organic available Salvia sclarea, clary, or clary sage, is a biennial or short-lived herbaceous perennial in the genus Salvia. It is also known as ‘clear eye’. It is native to the northernMediterranean, along with some areas in North Africa and Central Asia. It is cultivated worldwide. The plant has a lengthy history as a medicinal herb, and is currently grown for its essential oil. The plant is a biennial or perennial generally reaches a height of one meter and has large hairy leaves which are green with a hint of purple. The small flowers are purple or blue in color. The producing plant organs are the flowering tops and leaves. The name is derived from the Latin 'Claris' that means 'clear'. It was known in the Middle Ages as 'Oculus Christi' - the 'Eye of Christ' and was a highly esteemed medicine. Like its relative sage, clary tea, the leaf juice in ale or beer, was recommended for many types of women’s problems, including delayed or painful menstruation. It was once used to stop night sweating in tuberculosis patients. An astringent is gargled, douched and poured over skin wounds. It is combined with other herbs for kidney problems. The clary seeds form a thick mucilage when soaked for a few minutes and placed in the eye, helps to removed, small irritating particles. A tea of the leaves is also used as an eyewash. Clary is also used to reduce muscle spasms. It is used today mainly to treat digestive problems such as gas and indigestion. It is also regarded as a tonic, calming herb that helps relieve premenstrual problems. Because of its estrogen-stimulating action, clary sage is most effective when levels of this hormone are low. The plant can therefore be a valuable remedy for complaints associated with menopause, particularly hot flashes.

Conventional or organic available With a fresh, herbaceous, floral scent, Geranium oil is known to convey a feeling of calm, strength and security. Native to South Africa but now cultivated throughout the world, the Pelargonium graveolens plant is an erect, multi-branched shrub that grows up to 1.5m and has a spread of 1m. Geranium oil is steam distilled from the leaves and branches of the plant. The mobile oil appears to be olive to green in color with a sharp and herbaceous green odor and sweet minty-rose undertones.

Conventional or certified organic available Rice Bran Oil is obtained from rice bran which is the outer coat of brown rice. This coat is removed during a milling process and it is rich in vitamin, minerals, proteins, and essential oils. Rice Bran Oil also has components that are believed to hinder UV rays as they meet the skin's surface. Rice Bran Oil has been used for more than 2000 years throughout Asia. Today, it continues to be used for soap and skin cream manufacturing, especially in Japan, where the women who use it are known as Rice Bran Beauties, one of the highest compliments they can receive. Historically, Japanese Geishas would add the water that remained after washing rice to their baths after discovering its ability to cleanse, soften, moisturize, soothe, nourish, and smooth the skin, which slowed the look of aging and brightened the complexion. Aside from being used in their baths and to gently clean their natural wood floors, Rice Bran Oil was used to wash their faces and their hair, to name only two of countless other applications for this beneficial oil.