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Arctium lappa, commonly known as Burdock, grows fleshy roots that are a popular choice of tea. The tea has been consumed for centuries all over the world but has also been used in other traditional remedies. The root has also been used as a remedy for infections, rashes, boils and other skin problems. Burdock Root contains powerful antioxidants such as quercetin and luteolin. In addition, it has been proven to hold anti-inflammatory actions by inhibiting iNOS and nitric oxide production.

Myrica gale, known as sweetgale or more commonly bog myrtle, is a small shrub that typically grows in acid peat bogs in Northern Europe. The aerial parts of this plant have a sweet scent and has been traditionally used as an insect repellent, as well as perfume, a condiment with foliage historically being used in royal wedding bouquets. In Scotland it is widely known to be able to ward off the highland midge. Bog myrtle has astringent and antiseptic properties and was traditionally used in wound healing poultices, as well as treating acne and alleviating digestive problems and itching. There have been recent plans to increase the production of the plant in Scotland for use as an essential oil for treating sensitive skin and acne. The bog myrtle we use in our extracts is sustainably foraged from northern parts of Scotland.

The Secrets of Caledonia Blaeberry | Bilberry is a shrub species with edible fruits, blue in color. It is considered as one of the most important berries in northern Europe and the infusions have been traditionally used in European folk medicine Bilberries have been used for almost 1,000 years in traditional European medicine. Scientific research has shown that it is rich in anthocyanosides and flavonoids which contribute to the strong anti-oxidant effects of the berry. The use of Bilberries in skin care has gained in popularity due to its astringent properties and anti-aging effects.

Cynara scolymus, commonly known as Artichoke, is an edible perennial plant that originated from the Mediterranean region and is widely cultivated for food around the world. It is one of the oldest medicinal plants and is used as a digestive aid and to enhance gall bladder function. High levels of polyphenols, such as caffeic acid derivatives and flavonoids, are found in Artichoke. Leaf extracts have demonstrated antioxidant activities in vitro and in vivo by oral administration. Caffeoylquinic acid, chlorogenic acid and luteolin-7-O-glucoside were identified as major active components. These phenolic compounds have been found to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth.

The Secrets of Caledonia Active Sea | Bladderwrack is commonly found in the British Isles, is rich in minerals such as iodine, magnesium, potassium, sulfur and silicon. It also contains vitamins A, C and E. Traditionally used for wounds to soothe skin irritation and reduce inflammation. It was an alternative medicine for thyroid disorders. Bladderwrack was also applied to the skin for certain skin diseases, burns, aging skin, and insect bites Recent research reports improvements in contraction of fibroblast-populated collagen gels by enriching integrin molecules. The aqueous extract of it decreased thickness and increased elasticity by topical application.

Echinacea Augustofolia is a flowering plant native to North America. The Native Americans used this plant as a medicinal herb, and it was not until the 18th and 19th Century where it was popular and introduced to Westerners. The extracts of Echinacea were often used in the treatment and prevention of upper respiratory tract infections and as an immune stimulant. It can boost the immune system and reduce pain. Topically, it was applied to the skin to help with acne, inflammation, boils and wounds. Caffeic acid derivatives, glycoproteins and polysaccharides are some of the phytochemicals found in Echinacea. Lipophilic alkamides have strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Nepeta cataria is native to Europe and parts of Asia and is commonly known as Catnip, Catswort and Catmint. In Western herbal medicine, Catnip has been used as a traditional cold and flu remedy, being used as a diaphoretic which is helpful in feverish conditions. It was once commonly used as an insect repellent and used externally to reduce itching in eczema. Recent studies have shown the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of which the known active compound, nepetalactone, has been demonstrated responsible. Research has also shown that its essential oils hold anti-inflammatory properties.

Symphytum officinale is a perennial plants native to Europe and Asia. This plant has a long history of cultivation as a medicinal plant. In the middle ages, it was a famous remedy wounds, scratches and other skin irritations. Nowadays, the whole plant is used in Western herbal medicine for external wound healing and pain. Research shows that its allantoin, 5-ureide hydantoin, possesses a wound healing effect in clinical trials. The healing mechanism occurs via the regulation of inflammatory reactions showing increased proliferation of fibroblasts. Comfrey leaf extracts have shown to effectively induce healing activity which was confirmed by an increase in collagen deposition and a reduction in cellular inflammatory infiltrate, while another study demonstrated anti-irritant activity at a cellular level.

The Secrets of Caledonia Royasil | Basil is a member of the large and diverse mint family. It typically grows to between 12-51cm tall with clustered white/lilac flowers and abundant green leaves. In Europe, Basil is a popular culinary ingredient due to its distinctive aroma and flavor. In our experiments, Basil showed good effects for skin brightening and anti-wrinkle efficacies. In addition to this, it showed strong antioxidant activity.Other literature has confirmed these effects and shown Basil has been used to treat atopic dermatitis and other skin conditions.

Euphrasia officinalis is widely distributed in Alpine pastures throughout the world. Eyebright is used in herbal medicine for eye conditions. It is also used as an astringent and anti-inflammatory agent to reduce skin allergies and itching. Due to these effects, it is used topically for treating acne and skin inflammation. The antioxidant activities of its constituents, such as flavonoids, tannins and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, were carefully examined and antimicrobial of its extracts were demonstrated. Eyebright extract was found to inhibit IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, as well as IL-10 in human cells, confirming its anti-inflammatory activity.

The Secrets of Caledonia Sweet Elder | Elderberry is a nigra fruit, commonly found in Northern temperate regions, have a long history of being used in traditional Scottish medicine. In Western herbal medicine the berries are used to treat inflammation and infections. Modern research has shown that Elderberries are high in known active compounds: rutin, hyperoside and chlorogenic acid. As a result, their cosmetic effects include anti-aging, anti-inflammation and cell protection against oxidative stress.

The Secrets of Caledonia Broom Bloom | Broom is common in Great Britain and Ireland, is a well-known medicinal plant that is native to West Europe. The bright yellow flowers and green tops have been used to give beer a bitter flavor. Broom was traditionally used as a skin lotion to treat swelling and sore muscles as well as to rinse hair to increase shine and thickness. It is high in flavonoids, carotenoids and alkaloids, with aqueous extracts showing DPPH radical scavenging activity with a similar SC value to vitamin C.

The Secrets of Caledonia Marafen | Fennel originates from the Mediterranean and has been used as an aromatic herb across various cuisines. This fragrant herb has long been used in traditional medicine, as a flavoring agent and for thousands of years in Ancient Greece and Rome during rituals and celebrations. Extracts of Fennel have displayed antiglycation and antibacterial properties against E. coli and S. aureus. There is also a strong antioxidant effect due to minerals, vitamins and high levels of chlorogenic acid. It has also demonstrated prevention against UVB irradiation-induced melanin synthesis and skin photo-aging.

Calendula Officinalis, originating from the Mediterranean and also known as Marigold, has been traditionally used a culinary and medicinal herb. It was named by the ancient Romans who observed that the flower bloomed on the first day (Latin: kalends) of every month. Calendula was a symbol of joy and cultivated it in their gardens to spread happiness. The Romans and Greeks used the golden Calendula in many rituals and ceremonies, sometimes wearing crowns or garlands made from the flowers. It is rich in flavonoids, saponins and carotenoids, Calendula has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, with studies additionally finding antioxidative and cytotoxic effects.

Chrysanthemum parthenium, also known as Tanacetum parthenium, is a daisy-like perennial herb native to Europe. Its name originates from the Latin word “febrifugia” which means fever reducer. It was documented that the Greek physician, Dioscorides, used Feverfew as an anti-inflammatory agent. In Western herbal medicine, Feverfew has been used to treat arthritis, dermatitis and other inflammatory conditions. Scientific research on its anti-inflammatory effects show IkB-inhibition of parthelonide, an active compound contained in Feverfew; and inhibition of COX and 5-lipoxygenase by flavonoids found in this herb. Essential oil research of Feverfew has revealed antibacterial activity.

Ficus carica is a member of the largest genera and is cultivated worldwide for its fruit.  The dried fruits have been reported to be an important source of vitamins, minerals, organic acids  and phenolic compounds in particular, proanthocyanidins.  It has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic abilities.  There are many research articles that have published the many beneficial effects of Figs.  They have high antioxidant activities, antibacterial capabilities and cell protection activities  by protecting fibroblasts from oxidative damage.

The Secrets of Caledonia Eggwrack is a large, common cold-water seaweed, and grows solely in theNorthern Atlantic Ocean. It has long been used as an organic and mainstream fertilizer for many varieties of crops due to itscombination of both macronutrients and micronutrients. Studies have also shown the seaweed contains betaines, mannitol, organic acids, polysaccharides and amino acids which have been proven to benefit the skin. These bioactive components assist in free radical scavenging for anti-oxidation effects, keep the skin hydrated, with the minerals in this brown kelp being found to stimulate elastin and collagen production.