| HERBS, OILS & MORE
Almond Oil (Sweet) - Cold pressed oil from the seed kernel of the Prunus communis dulcis tree. Wonderfully emollient, soothing and moisturizing, with a sweet, pleasant scent. High in oleic, linoleic and other fatty acids that are beneficial for the skin. Nondrying, and useful in the treatment of very dry skin. Almonds are said to impart good tidings related to money, prosperity, and wisdom.
Aloe Vera - The juice or gel from the inner part of the leaf of the aloe plant, which contains complex amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes beneficial for skin rejuvenation and healing. Aloe has great moisturizing, hydrating, soothing and refreshing properties, and is very beneficial to damaged hair and dry, troubled skin that has been overexposed to the elements. Aloe is said to impart protection and luck to households in which it is grown.
Apple Juice - Cold pressed organic apple juice contains rich fruit acids that act as antioxidants, exfoliants, and help naturally adjust pH levels. Apple juice is astringent, and especially effective for soothing dry, irritated, sensitive, or fair skins. Apples are said to represent love, healing, and immortality.
Apricot Kernel Oil - Cold pressed oil from the seed kernel of the Prunus armeniaca tree, this oil is similar in composition to almond oil. It contains linoliec and oliec acids beneficial to the skin. Suitable for all skin types, it absorbs readily, and is especially valuable for moisturizing and softening rough skin. Apricots are said to foster love.
Arrowroot Powder - The powdered starch derived from tuberous rhizomes of the Maranita arundinacea plant. Used in place of talc (which is synthetic) in making body powders, arrowroot is light, soft and absorbent. It can also be used to help dry up blemishes, rashes, or other sores or wounds.
Baking Soda - Sodium bicarbonate. Very alkaline with skin soothing, softening, and deodorizing properties. Softens water, and can relieve bee stings and itchy rashes.
Beeswax - A white or golden solid wax made by bees. It is used as an emulsifier to harden oil-based products and as a protective barrier on the skin.
Benzoin Gum Powder - A dried and powdered resin from the plant Styrax benzion. It is a mild antiseptic, having healing properties for dry, chapped, irritated skin, and promotes healthy skin and scalp. It is also has antioxidant, fixative, and preservative properties. Benzion is commonly used as a base for incenses and is said to impart purification and prosperity.
Bergamot - The essential oil is derived from the rind of a non-edible citrus fruit (Citrus bergamia). It is one of the classic scents used in perfumery, with a light, delicate, refreshing scent. It is antiseptic, astringent, and relaxive. It is also used to flavor Earl Grey tea. I use only FCF (furanocoumarin-free) bergamot oil to avoid sun and other sensitive reactions.
Calendula - Also known as common Marigold (Calendula officinalis), calendula is wonderfully healing for all skin types, possessing anti-inflammatory, calming, wound healing, antioxidant, antiseptic, and freshening properties. It is common ingredient in salves and natural deodorants. Sometimes used as a natural pigment for red or blonde hair. Calendula is said to impart protection and to have a positive effect on prophetic dreams, legal matters, and psychic powers.
Camphor - The essential oil extracted from the plant Cinnamomum camphora. It has a potent aroma, useful for helping clear congestion. It also has mild antiseptic, cooling, and soothing properties, making it useful in in easing muscle aches and for soothing irritated skin.
Cardamom - The essential oil is extracted from the plant Elettaria cardomomum. It has sweet, spicy aroma and is considered an aphrodisiac. It also helps aid digestion and is one of the ingredients in Chai tea beverages. Cardamom is said to impart love and lust.
Carrot Seed - The essential oil is extracted form the seed of the plant Queen Anne's Lace (Dacus carota), which is the ancestor of our common garden carrot. It is wonderfully rich and healing, especially for mature, sensitive, or sun-damaged skin, and for skin irritations and rashes. It helps tone the skin and replenish elasticity. It is also mildly antiseptic and cleansing. Carrots and carrot seeds are said to promote fertility.
Chamomile (German) - (Matricaria recutita) A wonderful little daisy-like flower with a delightful scent that has been used by many cultures since ancient times. Internally, it is a mild sedative, and has a soothing effect on digestion. It is a wonderfully gentle herb, suitable even for children, as is often used to help treat colic. Externally, it has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, softening, moisturizing, soothing, and skin healing effects. It helps to cleanse and tighten the pores of the skin and helps to strengthen tissues. Reputed to reduce swelling and pain in the skin and mucous membranes. Also used as a rinse to add golden highlights to light hair. Widely used in skin care as an herbal extract and for its beautiful blue essential oil called azulene. Chamomile is said to promote love, sleep, pleasant dreams, protection, purification, and good fortune in money matters.
Chaparral - (Larrea tridentata) This pungent desert plant (also known as Creosote Bush) is used externally for its potent anti-microbial and skin healing properties. It makes a great skin wash for problem skin, and persistent problems like athletes foot.
Chickweed - (Stellaria media) This cute little flower is used for it's skin soothing properties. It is especially useful in treating irritated and sensitive skin, and helps heal skin wounds and reduce swelling. Chickweed is said to foster fidelity and love.
Cinnamon - (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) This warm, fragrant spice is used in cosmetics for its aromatic and astringent properties, and also acts as a natural coloring agent. Cinnamon is said to enhance love, prosperity, healing, intuitive powers, protection, and lust.
Clary Sage - The essential oil of this plant (Salvia sclarea) is commonly used as a fixative in perfumery, and also helps to harmonize scents in a blend. It also has mild astringent and cleansing effects on the hair and skin.
Clove - In addition to its wonderful, spicy aromatic properties, clove (Eugenia caryophyllus or Caryophyllus aromaticus) is used in body care as an astringent and antiseptic. The essential oil can also help reduce toothache pain as a topical analgesic. Also used in hair rinses for brown or red hair. Clove was commonly burned as incense to attract money, drive away negative forces, purify an area, and to attract love.
Cocoa Butter - This fat comes from the beans of the Theobroma cacao or chocolate tree, and has a light chocolate scent. It is warm at room temperature, and melts when applied to the skin. It is highly emollient, softening, and soothing to the skin, and is found in many skin care products.
Coconut Oil - (Cocos nucifera) This oil is extracted from the pulp (or "meat") of coconuts, and is solid at room temperature, but melts easily when it is applied to the skin. It is wonderfully emollient and soothing for all skin types. Coconut is also used in many products as a sudsing agent. Coconuts are said to impart purification, protection, and chastity
Coltsfoot - (Tussilago farfara) Contains cystine, an amino acid found in the hair protein keratin, which helps strengthen the hair and smooth the hair shaft. It is also a superb skin nutrient, and can help soothe and reduce welts and swellings. Coltsfoot is said to foster love and visions, and is commonly found in herbal smoking blends.
Comfrey - Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) has been highly regarded as a skin healing herb since the Middle Ages. Its active ingredient is allantoin, which has cell regenerative properties. Comfrey is emollient and slightly astringent, and helps to reduce skin inflammation, soothe irritation and improve skin texture. Comfrey is said to bring protection during travels and luck in money matters.
Distilled Water - Water purified by a distillation process to remove minerals and impurities.
Essential Oils (E.O.'s) - Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts from plants. They are also known as volatile oils because unlike most "fixed" oils we are familiar with (vegetable oils like olive and nut oils like almond) they are very sensitive to elements like heat and air, and begin to break down and evaporate as soon as they are exposed to those elements. Essential oils are fragrant, and usually contain many of the medicinal properties of the plant. They also perform essential functions for plants, like attracting pollinators or providing protection from predators. In aromatherapy, essential oils are inhaled and mixed into fixed oils and applied to the skin to promote healing and well-being. In cosmetics, they are used for their aromatic and topical healing applications, also. Not all plants that have scents produce volatile oils that can be captured. I only use pure essential oils to scent my products, which is why I do not have fragrances like lilac or strawberry...they are nearly impossible to reproduce without using synthetic components. You may find, like I have, that once your nose becomes accustomed to pure, natural scents, it is easy to identify synthetic fragrances, and they become nearly offensive.
Echinacea - (Echinacea purpurea) Most people are familiar with the internal use of echinacea to help stimulate the immune system and aid recovery from colds and flu. Echinacea is also great topically as an anti-microbial, and to help soothe and heal skin irritations and wounds. It was highly regarded by native peoples in both healing and spiritual work.
Evening Primrose Oil - A rich oil from the seeds of the evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) plant. High in essential fatty acids, especially gamma-linolenic acid, which occurs in few plants, and is very beneficial for skin health. Wonderfully emollient, it helps restore the moisture and lipid balance to dry skin and scalp conditions. Also thought to be beneficial when taken internally for skin conditions, PMS, diabetic neuopathy, menopausal symptoms, and dry mucosa conditions like dry eyes.
Floral Waters - Basically, water extracts of flowers, usually obtained though a steam distillation process. They are often used in the Far East as flavor enhancers in foods. Also used in cosmetics for the gentle healing properties of the flowers from which they are made. I use the three most common floral waters in my products: Rose, Orange Blossom, and Jasmine.
Frankincense - The essential oil is made from the resin of the Boswellia carterii plant. Frankincense is familiar to most as one of the oldest known incenses. In addition to its wonderful fragrance, frankincense also has wonderful topical applications for skin care: it is antiseptic, skin soothing and healing, and especially helpful for mature, aging skin. Frankincense has been highly regarded as a sacred scent by various cultures throughout recorded history for protection, purification, exorcism, and to foster spirituality.
Geranium (rose) - (Pelargonium graveolens.) - Not to be confused with common garden geraniums, there are several species of fragrant plants that share the common name geranium. The essential oil from the rose geranium plant is used in cosmetics not only for its fresh, clean fragrance, but also for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, deodorizing, and cleansing properties. Geraniums are said to promote love, protection, health, and fertility.
Ginger - (Zingiber officinale) Most commonly known as a spicy, pungent food, ginger is very warming and is one of the best known remedies for nausea. It is also a digestive aid, and helps promote circulation, therefore helping to soothe pain and stiffness in the muscles and joints. It also has antioxidant properties. The essential oil is used in cosmetics for its fragrance and its stimulating and warming effects. Ginger is said to bring love, prosperity, power, money and success.
Glycerin (Vegetable) - Vegetable glycerin is a thick, clear, sweet substance derived from coconut and palm oils. It is skin softening, and acts as a humectant, which means it draws moisture from the air to the skin, and prevents moisture loss from the skin. It adds a slippery, spreadable quality to creams and lotions, and smoothes and shines the hair.
Gotu Kola - (Hydrocotyl asiatca) Gotu kola is used both internally and externally to aid skin and tissue regeneration. It is helpful for wound healing, preventing scarring, and soothing skin irritations. Gotu kola is said to aid meditation.
Grape Seed Oil - A very light oil, especially great for use in massage oils because it is relatively non-greasy. It's wonderfully softening to the skin, and is non-allergenic, making it perfect for sensitive skin and delicate skin areas. Grapes are said to improve fertility, mental powers, and prosperity.
Green Tea - (Camellia sinensis) Contains powerful antioxidants, many times stronger than vitamin E. Helps protect, soothe, and restore skin damaged by exposure to sun, wind, and pollution. It is also astringent and cleansing, and can help reduce swollen tissues like those in under the eye. Tea leaves are often used in divination (scrying) work, and are said to bring riches, courage, and strength.
Guar Gum Powder - The powdered extract from the seeds of the Cyanopsis tetragonoloba tree of India. Used mainly as a natural thickening agent.
Hemp Seed Oil - A rich, emollient oil pressed from the seeds of the plant Cannibis sativa. (Hemp plants have very low levels of THC). In addition to its many uses in food products, hemp seed oil is wonderfully moisturizing and healing to the skin since it contains fatty acids beneficial to skin health. Hemp is said to impart healing, love, visions, and tranquil meditation.
Honey - Made by bees, honey is very soothing to the skin. Contains alpha hydroxy acids, has cleansing and antibacterial properties, and acts as a humectant, drawing moisture to the skin and preventing dryness. Adds texture and body to skin care products.
Horse Chestnut - Comes from the Aesculus hippocastanum tree. Stimulating and energizing, yet soothing, even to sensitive skin. It is mildly cleansing, and helps improve the tone of tiny capillaries in the skin, making skin firmer. It also helps reduce redness in the skin. Horse chestnut is said to foster healing and luck in money matters.
Horsetail - (Equisetum arvense) Contains natural silica and the amino acid cystine, which are essential to healthy hair and nails. Often combined with coltsfoot in hair care products, it helps balance the skin and scalp. Horsetail is said to foster fertility.
Jasmine - The essential oil is extracted from the aromatic flower of the Jasminum officinale plant. Jasmine is widely used in aromatherapy for its calming, relaxing, and euphoric effects. It is often used as a natural fragrance in cosmetics and perfumes, and is cleansing and soothing to the skin. Jasmine is considered an aphrodisiac, and is said to foster love, prophetic dreams, and luck in money matters.
Jojoba Oil - A liquid wax extracted from the beans of the desert shrub, Simmondsia Chinensis. Jojoba is a wonderful moisturizer for the skin, hair, and nails because it has absorption properties that are similar to our skins own sebum. Jojoba acts as a humectant, attracting moisture, and also creates a protective barrier on the skin and hair to keep moisture in. It nourishes and cleanses without drying, and is highly effective on dry, damaged skin and split ends. It can be used as a natural alternative to petroleum jelly.
Lavender - (Lavendula officinale, L. angustafolia) Lavender has a long history of use for its calmative and uplifting effects when smelled. The word lavender comes from the Latin lavare, meaning "to wash", and lavender has been used since ancient times to purify areas and cleanse the body. Lavender has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, and is soothing and healing to the skin, making it a wonderful remedy for burns, wounds, and skin irritations. Lavender is said to impart love, protection, prosperity, happiness, purification, longevity, peace, chastity, and restful sleep.
Lemon - (Citrus limon) The essential oil is extracted from the lemon's peel. It has strong, astringent, antiseptic, antimicrobial, and cleansing, and antioxidant properties. It is often used in cosmetics for its pleasant, invigorating fragrance. It is softening and deodorizing, and lightens pigmentation on the skin and hair. It also helps balance skin pH and repels insects. Lemon is said to foster love, longevity, purification, fidelity, and friendship.
Lemongrass - Widely used in Asian cooking, this aromatic plant is also wonderful in body products. The oil is extracted from the leaves of the plant Cymbopogon citratus. It has cleansing, astringent, antiseptic, antioxidant, and insect repellent properties. Makes a great cleanser for dry and oily skin types because it helps normalize oil production. It also helps with blemished skin. Lemongrass is said to repel snakes and foster love and psychic powers.
Licorice Root Powder - (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Licorice is emollient and soothing to the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antioxidant, and healing properties, and helps to reduce the appearance of skin discoloration. It also helps open up the pores for cleansing by other herbs. Licorice is said to impart love, lust, and fidelity.
Mango Butter - The butter of the mango fruit, similar in color and texture to cocoa butter. An excellent moisturizer, this highly prized butter is a wonderful base ingredient for body care products. High saponins, it is also useful in soap making.
Marjoram - The essential oil is extracted from the sweet marjoram (Oreganum majorana) plant, and has anti-inflammatory, calming, antiseptic and muscle-relaxant properties. Also known as Joy of the Mountain, this plant is said to impart, love, health, protection, happiness, and foster self-nurturing, and was thought bring spiritual peace to the deceased.
Milk, powdered - Milk baths are an old folk remedy, and for good reason. Milk contains nutrients and other components that are softening and soothing to the skin.
Myrrh - The essential oil is extracted from the powdered resin of the Commiphora myrrha tree. It has powerful antiseptic, astringent, disinfectant, and skin soothing properties. Commonly used in perfumery for its pleasant aroma, and also as a preservative. Myrrh is also commonly found in dental care products, for its healing and freshening effects. Myrrh, along with frankincense, has been highly regarded since ancient times as a sacred scent, and is said to impart protection, healing, cleansing, and spirituality.
Neroli - The essential oil is extracted from the delicate blossoms of the Citrus arantium tree. This same tree, native to Italy, also gives us bitter orange oil from the peel of the fruit, and petitgrain oil from its leaves. Neroli has calming, uplifting qualities, and is good for mature and delicate skin. It also helps heal broken capillaries and stimulates new cell growth. Neroli is said to ease nervousness and anxiety, depression, fear, and to promote emotional stability and hope.
Nettle - (Urtica diocia) Has long been used as a bath herb and hair tonic for its ability to cleanse, improve circulation, and stimulate hair growth. Nettle is high in phosphates and trace minerals, making it a nourishing tonic for the scalp and hair. Nettle is thought to foster protection, healing, lust, and aid in exorcism.
Nutmeg - The essential oil is extracted from the seed of the Myristica fragrans tree. Commonly known as a culinary spice, nutmeg also has antiseptic, antioxidant, cleansing, and stimulating effects on the skin. It is also used for it's spicy, musky aroma. Nutmeg is said to foster love, fidelity, health, and virility.
Oat Powder - (Avena sativa) Another common "home remedy". Oats are naturally cleansing, exfoliating and soothing to the skin. Ground from whole oats, oat powder makes a wonderful addition to facial and body scrubs, as well as masks, body powders, and bath blends. Oats also help even out skin tones, and are soothing to dry, irritated, itchy skin. Oats are siad to bring luck in matters concerning money.
Olive Oil - (Olea europaea) A heavy oil, pressed from olives, commonly used for cooking. Virgin (or first cold pressing) is preferred. It is very soothing and softening, and beneficial in small amounts in salves, lip balm, and products for extremely dry skin. The olive tree has been revered since ancient times, and is said to impart healing, peace, fertility, virility, protection, and lust.
Orange, sweet - The essential oil is cold extracted from the fruit of the Citrus sinensis tree and is widely used in perfumery for its fresh, uplifting scent. It is mildly astringent, antiseptic, cleansing, and soothing, and makes a good toner for dry, sensitive skin, and broken capillaries. Oranges are said to promote love, luck, divination, and prosperity.
Palmarosa - (Cynbopogon martini) The essential oil is extracted from this grassy plant, which is related to lemongrass and citronella. It has long been used in perfumery, and has relaxant, analgesic, and antibacterial properties. It is useful for treating blemishes and skin irritations. Palmarosa is said to foster comfort, independence, and relieve sadness and grief.
Patchouli - The essential oil is stem distilled from the dried, fermented leaves of the Pogostemon cablin plant. Patchouli has long been used in perfumery, and possesses anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antidepressant, and insect repellent properties. It is wonderful for dry, mature skin. Patchouli is said to foster fertility, sexual virility, peaceful meditation, and financial prosperity.
Pau d'Arco - (Tabebuia impestiginosa) The bark of this tropical tree has long been used by native peoples for its anti-fungal and skin healing properties. Makes a wonderful addition to foot treatments for athlete's foot and other skin problems.
Peppermint - (Mentha piperita) Prized for it's wonderful aroma and flavor, peppermint also has wonderful applications for body care. It has astringent, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic, cooling, skin soothing, freshening, and invigorating properties. It helps balance oil production, and soothe irritated skin. When inhaled, the scent helps clear and invigorate the mind, and as a tea, it helps comfort digestive upset. Peppermint is said to impart purification, love, healing, psychic powers, and restful sleep.
Plantian - (Plantago major) Plantain is a common "weed" that is actually beneficial in skin care. It helps soothe skin irritations like rashes and insect bites, and helps draw out skin irritants and promote wound healing, making it useful in salves. Plantain is said to foster healing, strength, protection, and to repel snakes.
Rose - (Rosa spp.) Roses have a long history of use by various cultures as medicine, food, and in cosmetics since ancient times. More than just a delightful aroma, both the petals and essential oils have gentle astringent and cleansing as well as antiseptic and antiviral properties good for all skin types. Rose helps soften and soothe skin, and balances skin pH. Roses, of course, represent love, but also healing, luck, protection, and psychic powers.
Rose Hip Seed Oil - This oil is extracted from the rose hips of the plant Rosa rubiginosa (also known as Rosa Mosquita), that grows in the Andes mountains. This oil is very high in essential fatty acids and vitamin C, and is revered as being an excellent treatment for dry, damaged, skin and hair. It helps prevent scarring, and with long term use is even said to diminish old scars. It is also very useful in treating wrinkles and aging skin. It is very soothing, softening, and healing to the skin, and is suitable for all skin types.
Rosemary - Commonly known for its use in cooking, rosemary has a very long history of use for a variety of purposes. It is one of the oldest known incenses, and its name means "Dew of the sea". Rosemary also has wonderful applications in medicine and cosmetics. It has astringent, antioxidant, and cleansing properties, and it also stimulates circulation, improves mental clarity, soothes sore muscles, relieves congestion, and darkens and nourishes hair. Rosemary is known as the herb of remembrance, and also imparts protection, love, lust, purification, mental powers, healing, restful sleep, and longevity.
Salt, (Mineral, Dead Sea) - A coarse salt that is evaporated from sea water and contains minerals not found in common table salt. These beneficial minerals can be absorbed through the skin when used in baths. Sea salts also soften water and skin and draw impurities from the body, and make an invigorating exfoliant in body scrubs.
Sandalwood - (Santalum album) One of the oldest known perfumes, and incenses, sandalwood is thought to have been used for over 4000 years. The sandalwood tree takes 40 years to develop its wonderful fragrance, and has been highly revered as a sacred scent since ancient times. The essential oil is distilled from the inner wood of the tree, has relaxing, soothing, disinfectant, antiseptic, insect repellent, healing, and uplifting properties. It is wonderful for dry, aging, damaged, and irritated skin. Sandalwood is said to impart protection, healing, spirituality, peaceful meditation, and for making wishes come true.
Shea Butter - This raw unrefined butter is derived from the nuts of the Mangifolia or Karite tree in Central Africa. This rich butter has wonderful softening, moisturizing, and skin soothing properties, and forms a breathable, water-resistant film on the skin that helps retain moisture and prevent moisture loss. It adds a wonderful texture to skin care products and is suitable for all skin types.
St. John's Wort - (Hypericum perforatum) Widely known for its use as an antidepressant, St. John's Wort also has beneficial applications for skin care. An excellent skin softener and moisturizer, this herb is a soothing agent for chapped, dry, damaged skin and hair. It also has antimicrobial and wound-healing properties, and is relaxing to sore, aching muscles when infused into massage and body oils. St. John's Wort is said to impart health, protection, strength, and happiness.
Sugar, raw - Sugar contains glycolic acid, (a natural fruit acid commonly known as alpha-hydroxy acid) which helps to clear and smooth the complexion through exfoliating and revitalizing the skin. I use sugar as the base for my body scrubs since it is less drying than salt, and combined with salt makes an invigorating, skin softening treatment.
Tangerine - The essential oil is extracted from the peel of the citrus fruit Citrus reticulata, and has astringent, cleansing, aromatic, and uplifting properties. It helps to balance oil production, and is commonly used in perfumery.
Tea Tree Oil - The essential oil is distilled from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, found in Australia. It has potent anti-fungal, anti-microbial, antiseptic, astringent, cleansing, deodorizing, insect repellent, and wound healing properties. It helps balance oil production, and makes a wonderful treatment for blemishes, insect bites, skin irritations, and superficial skin injuries. It is also good for chapped and irritated skin and makes a great addition to foot care products. It is commonly found in all sorts of natural products, from dental hair, and body care to natural cleaning products.
Thyme - The essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the Thymus vulgaris plant, and has antiseptic, disinfectant, deodorizing, astringent, and stimulant properties. It is soothing and smoothing to the skin, and helps treat inflamed, irritated, and problematic skin conditions. Thyme is said to foster health, healing, purification, love, courage, psychic powers, and restful sleep.
Usnea - Usnea is a lichen found growing on trees in mountainous areas. It is a strong antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and would healer. It is especially useful in salves to prevent infection and aid healing, and in foot preparations to treat athlete's foot.
Vanilla - (Vanilla planifolia) Vanilla comes from the beans of the only edible orchid known. It is commonly used as a flavoring in cooking and baking, and is widely used in perfumery for its sweet, uplifting, calming scent. Vanilla is said to promote love, lust, and mental powers, and is a soothing scent to children.
Vitamin E Oil - (d-alpha tocopherol) Currently touted for heart health, Vitamin E has antioxidant properties that are also useful in skin care. Vitamin E helps promote wound healing, cell regeneration, and helps prevent scarring. It is also used in cosmetics as a natural preservative because it prevents rancidity. It is important to use only natural d-alpha tocopherol from mixed tocopherols, because all other forms are synthetic.
White Willow Bark - (Salix alba) The bark of this tree contains salicylic acid, and is used in cosmetics for its astringent, deodorizing, soothing, and skin healing properties. It is especially useful for treating acne and other types of skin irritations. Willow is said to impart love, protection and healing.
Witch Hazel - Extracted from the bark and leaves of the witch hazel (Hamamelis virginana) plant, witch hazel is a well-known ingredient for skin care. It refreshes and tightens the skin and improves the appearance of enlarged pores. It has soothing, astringent, antiseptic, cleansing, and deodorizing properties, and is especially useful for the treatment of inflamed skin conditions, oily skin problems, bruises, swellings, and varicose veins. Witch hazel is said to impart protection and chastity.
Ylang Ylang - The essential oil is extracted from the Cananga odorata plant, and has antidepressant, relaxive, and aphrodisiac properties. It is also good for balancing overly oily skin. It has a very sweet, uplifting scent and is commonly used in perfumery
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