Apple / Apple Powders

Apple contains naturally based alpha-hydroxyl acids (AHAs), which tend to be gentler than some commercial forms of the product. These acids help to remove the top layer of damaged skin cells, promoting regeneration in the under-lying layer. Apple has been used to reduce wrinkles, reduce age spots and other pigmentation differences, and help with acne. It is considered good for aging skin. It helps with youthful appearance by affecting elastin in the connective tissue through malic acid, one of the naturally occurring AHAs thought to get to the root of aging in the dermal layer below the skin’s surface.

Apricot / Oil / Butters / Seed Scrubs

Apricot kernel oil is good for people with sensitive skin. It is very soothing and light, yet penetrating, helping to seal in moisture. A massage with apricot kernel oil is good for dry, parched skin. Apricot kernel oil also used as a carrier oil – helping delivery of essential oils and herbs.
Scrubs made from emulsified apricot seeds provide a great natural alternative to many other products and are very effective in removing older/dying skin cells thus allowing new skin to healthily show. This assisted exfoliation and regrowth can reduce fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful appearance. The best apricot scrubs also retain some of the natural oils and thus nutritive properties of the plant, so they improve underlying skin health while removing superficial damaged cells, without overly challenging skin as chemically exfoliants, making them safer for those with highly sensitive skin.

Avocado / Oil / Butters

On your skin, as well as in your diet, Avocados have many skin improving qualities such as being rich in fatty acids, phytosterols, and anti-oxidants (Vitamin E and Beta-carotenes). For the skin, avocado is thought to be one of the “most penetrating” oils in the plant world, going through the epidermis to the dermis to release its effects – thus a very long-lasting humectant.
The oil has some interesting properties in that it is great for: Dry or mature skin types (used to reduce age spots, minor scarring and other pigmentation variations) ; Treating nutritional and stress-related conditions such as eczema & psoriasis; While simultaneously helping those with acne conditions. Research indicates it improves collagen production which decreases with age, both topically, and as part of a healthy diet aimed at the integumentary systems.

Mango / Oil / Seed Butters

Mangoes are high in anti-oxidants A (encouraging cell production and turn over) and C (component of collagen building) which promote skin health, both making skin more youthful. Mango can help to fade stretch marks and minor scarring, assist in dry skin conditions, and has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce allergic reactions, assisting in healing minor bites, wounds, and reducing itching or stinging. Nutritionally it helps you heal faster. Mango oil is generally safe for those with sensitive skin (unless C reactive – some products put back C – others remove it in the processing). Mango astringents (putting the properties of mangoes in water-based forms) can be helpful in treatment of acne conditions.

Raspberry Seed Oil / Butters / Powders

The botanical Rubus idaeus, raspberries’ oil offers moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. It is anti-aging because it improves skin elasticity, suppleness and flexibility, thus softening and smoothing the look of wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin. It also protects skin from sun damage. Rubus idaeus properties include being: High in alpha linolenic acid (the highest in any fruit seed oil) and phytosterols (helpful for eczema and psoriasis); Infused with ellagic acid (an anti- oxidant) that improves collagen protecting against wrinkles; Very high in anti- oxidant Vitamin E – helping to prevent oxidative damage related to premature skin aging and skin cancer; A high levels of phytosterols that can help reduce epidermal water loss and repair skin damage from environmental factors Raspberry seed oil is also rich in EFAs (essential fatty acids).

Raspberry seed oil is absorbed into skin at a medium-average rate, and has a slightly oily residue and is thus best mixed with other products. The “heaviness” works well with
dry, dehydrated, sensitive and mature/aging skin types, however (pomegranate being similar).

Strawberry / Strawberry Extract

Strawberries contain naturally occurring salicylic acid useful for exfoliations, removing dead cells while tightening the pores. They also have Ellagic acid which combats harm from UV exposure and helps removes impurities from pollution. Strawberry juice has skin lightening properties helping to improve pigment variations. The acids in strawberry also reduce unwanted oils and can aid in treating acne. They are used to reduce eye inflammation due to allergies or adrenal reduction. Strawberries have also been used in treating hair thinning and baldness by cleansing the pores.

Tangerine / Oils / Butters / Powders

Internally and externally tangerine oil assists in removing toxic substances and other impurities from the body – aiding repair of damaged cells. It is reputed to help such things as stretch marks and minor scars, including acne scars. It is an antiseptic that aids in healing gentle enough to be applied directly to cuts, wounds, sores, and burns. It can speed recovery when a wound becomes infected through its anti-bacterial properties.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is good for the body inside and out, and a recognized component of Ayurvedic medicine with many uses, now being researched in the west. Internally, it can help with brain function, blood purification, regulation of blood sugar, and heart disease. Externally it has a warming quality that helps reduce pain and inflammation – thus when combined with natural mints, you get nature’s take on commercially available “icy-hot.” The mineral composition of cinnamon also aids skin and tissue health and repair with calcium, manganese, and iron. Research into arthritic conditions indicates that topical application of iron may be beneficial in improving deficiencies inherent in underlying tissues – roots of the disease process.

Cardamom

Cardamom has a unique smell, as part of the ginger family. The oil promotes skin and hair health working as a natural cleanser. It has anti-spasmodic qualities and can help with aches and pains and in respiratory ailments.

Lemon Grass

Lemon grass has an uplifting smell which can help reduce pain and tension in the body and help with headache. It contains vitamins (A, several Bs, and C) and minerals (calcium, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, and zinc) which can improve skin and tissue health. It can be used to treat skin and scalp infections (anti-bacterial) and improve hair follicles, as an astringent.

Mustard/Oils/Poultices

Mustard powder and mustard oils and compresses have many benefits. A gentle amount of mustard in natural oils can smooth and soften skin pigmentation. Mustard also contains large amounts of vitamin E used in reducing scars and improving skin overall health. In higher concentrations (or in a poultice) mustard can be used to fight infection, improve respiratory function, stimulate sweating and thus detoxification. Mustard oil is thought to improve hair health and fight greying. The higher the concentration the more stimulating effect, so those with sensitive constitutions, should use mustard only for spot treatments.

Rosemary

Rosemary oil and poultices may be used in a variety of conditions. Rosemary is reputed to have a variety of health benefits, though the mechanisms are not fully understood. It is used to reduce aches and pains, as well as relive stress. Some studies indicate the aromatherapy with Rosemary can reduce cortisol in the blood stream, a major hormone associated with stress. Rosemary is too powerful a scent for some individuals, but can be effective in others in boosting energy and mental clarity. We use it in combination with other herbs or in place of herbs like lavender and lemon grass for those that dislike sweeter aromas.

Peppermint

Peppermint oil has a whole host of beneficial properties, when used both internally and externally. Mom’s peppermint tea for your tummy ache was no joke. Peppermint is: Anti-spasmodic; Anti-inflammatory; Anti-fungal; Anti-bacterial; and is used in aromatherapy for anxiety and stress reduction. Peppermint is used in our treatments for its uplifting and anti-pain properties to help with arthritis, stiffness, and headaches. It is a cross between water mint (used in some parts of the world for depression and age-related illnesses) and spearmint – the two are hybridized.

Spearmint

Spearmint is milder than peppermint but with many of the same qualities. Known as Yerba Buena (the good herb) in the Mexican culture and referenced in the Bible as a cure for severe headaches. This herb assists in: digestive disorders; fighting infection; lifting mood; and reducing pain and inflammation, including aiding in respiratory infections – improving breathing and making coughs more productive. It has also been used experimentally to improve memory and enhance cognitive function.

Wintergreen

Wintergreen is another great mint with multiple uses when taken internally or applied externally. It is known around the world for its pain reducing functions. When applied to sore muscles and joints the methyl salicylate induces numbness and calms nerves, also having a relaxation effect helpful in insomnia. While numbing, it also increases blood flow to applied area – blockages often result as tissue structures change as the result of the disease process. It is an analgesic, anodyne, anti-spasmodic and has antiseptic and astringent properties that can help to support the immune system and improve skin health. Various modern views contain warnings on the excessive use of wintergreen topically and some even caution against internal use, however, it has been used in many cultures as an edible plant, including my own Native American background, in which berries and leaves are picked in certain seasons and kept for consumed medicines.

Bentonite Clay

Bentonite Clay is used for cleansing both internally and externally. As a facial treatment it is known for removing excess oil and unclogging pores, as well as being particularly good at reducing skin edema (puffiness under eyes for example). Like many clays it is a detoxifier and has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Its beneficial effects have been studied in medicine in many countries. The Journal of General Microbiology, has reported positive effects of bentonite clay in people with eczema and psoriasis. Outside of the US, it has been used medically to speed the healing of wounds through daily applications. Thus, the clay both cleanses and rejuvenates skin.

Green or French Clay

Green clay’s chemical composition is used to detoxify the skin. It contains dolomite, manganese, silica, copper, phosphorous, magnesium, zinc and calcium. When applied topically, it helps skin to remove toxins – acting like a magnet to pull our debris which can then be rinsed away. It has gentle exfoliation properties and helps to clean pores and remove excess oil. A good choice for those with acne skin. It can also be used to reduce topical allergic reactions and infection.

Kaolin Clay – White

White clay is the gentlest of the colors and an excellent choice for sensitive skin or skin prone to dryness. While it is not as oily absorbing as some of the other clays, it will reduce oil and purify the skin by drawing out toxins, so can assist in cases where acne is accompanied by highly sensitive skin.

Moroccan (Red or Rhassoul) Clay

Rhassoul is an Arabic word for washing. For many, Red clay is a gentle enough to be used daily as part of cleansing the face or hair. While not promoting dryness, it aids unblocking of pores and reducing blackheads. Like most clays it draws impurities out of the skin while adding nourishment in the form of minerals. It can also be used (and is used in the east) for arthritic treatments and pain reduction, particularly when applied as a poultice including herbals.

Dead Sea Mud

Dead Sea mud has high concentration of salts and minerals that benefit the skin and other tissues, particularly its richness in magnesium and calcium. Although not a cure, it can reduce and lessen the discomfort of eczema and psoriasis through gentle exfoliation and change in PH balance. The mud improves skin health by pulling out toxins, reducing appearance of pores, and softening. It has also been used as a pore treatment and cleanser to aid in scalp infections and treat pre-mature hair loss. The mud is used to reduce the appearance of cellulite by mineral absorption affecting circulation and nerves. Research, as well as hundreds of years of use around the world, have shown the mud to be effective at reducing the pain associated with osteoarthritis, particularly of the knee.

Moor Mud

Moor Mud is used around the world in a similar fashion to dead sea mud, but has a vastly different chemical composition. Because it is derived from basically swamps, it is extremely rich in organic materials derived from the decay of flowers, grasses, and other plants. Many moor muds have 1000 or more organic materials from enzymes and amino acids to fatty acids and vitamins, making it rich food for your skin. As such it has been used in topical application as well as hot baths to reduce pain and inflammation, improve circulation, boost immune system, improve skin conditions, fight cellulite, and for its well-documented anti-aging properties.

Dead Sea Salt

Like the mud, dead sea salts have been used for hundreds of years to improve health. Minerals contained in the salt when used as a scrub absorb into the skin enhancing its ability to retain water, making it a good anti-aging treatment (However, it can be too abrasive for those with thin or sensitive skin) When mixed with softening agents, it can be used on the face too, to reduce appearance of wrinkles by increasing moisture retention. Like the mud, it is used to treat eczema and psoriasis through its mineral composition and general exfoliation. Salt and Mud can be combined in treatments to increase circulation, promote joint health, and reduce pain, particularly when followed by other topically applied herbals.

Pumice

Most people are familiar with pumice stones used to manually exfoliate hardened heels and other areas of the foot. Pumice may also be used in powdered form for exfoliation. It is a rigorous exfoliant, for even in very fine powder form the stone does not lose its sharpness – friable. It is a product of volcanic activity and ocean waves.