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HERBOLOGY

The art and skill of using plants to heal is known as herbology. Animals seem to have this ability instinctively, as did ancient humans and as do the very few hunter-gatherer societies left on earth today. Complementary, alternative or holistic medicine is leading a renaissance in the study of medicinal plants, triggered by a renewed awareness and respect for traditional healing, along with disenchantment with drug-based allopathic medicine with its massive costs and toxic side effects. Following is a brief list of herbs, essential and natural oils used in HerbWise Products, along with a description of how their powerful therapeutic properties have been used throughout history.

Important
These descriptions are for educational purposes only. They are not intended, nor should they be taken, for medical advice. Readers are strongly advised against self-diagnosis and/or self-treatment of any illness. The use of herbs and essential oils for medical purposes should be undertaken only with the advice and direction of a health care professional.

Bruce Burnett, Chartered Herbalist. - More Information

Almond and olive oils: Almond and olive oils, once used for anointing kings and priests, have been regarded as effective, emollient skin conditioners since biblical times. They are especially good for wrinkles.

Aloe Vera Extract: Extensive research since the 1930s in the US and Russia has shown that Aloe Vera has a dramatic ability to heal wounds, ulcers and burns, putting a protective coat on the affected area and speeding up the rate of healing. This is partly due to the presence of aloectin B, which stimulates the immune system. The herb is useful for eczema and almost any condition that needs soothing and astringing and will help varicose veins to some degree. Aloe Vera is also excellent for burns, scrapes, scalds and sunburns. Aloe Vera also has a long history as a skin lotion. Cleopatra attributed her beauty to this herb.

Beeswax: A natural, antiseptic thickening agent for creams and salves.

Benzoin (Friars Balsam): Benzoin will help heal cuts and chapped, inflamed and irritated skin. It is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antioxidant. It is also an effective natural preservative, preventing the oxidation of the other ingredients.

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia): Bergamot refreshes and invigorates, easing anxiety and nervous tension. It is also an immune booster. Lavender, Rose Geranium and Bergamot are all beneficial for the skin.

Borage seed oil (Borago officinalis): Borage oil is highly emollient (softens and relaxes living tissue) and is ideal for sore and inflamed skin. The oil is particularly rich in polyunsaturated fats and is superior in this respect even to evening primrose oil. It is very effective for eczema and other chronic skin conditions.

Calendula (Pot Marigold - Calendula officinalis): Calendula is above all a remedy for the skin, providing effective treatment for most skin problems. It is used for cuts, scrapes and wounds; for red and inflamed skin, including minor burns and sunburns; for acne and many rashes and for fungal conditions such as ringworm, athlete's foot and thrush. It is very helpful for diaper rash and cradle cap and soothes nipples that are sore from breastfeeding.

Carrot oil (Daucus carota): Carrot oil is an abundant source of vitamin A like carotenoids that have been shown to enhance the health of the skin and repair skin damage. Retin-A, the prescription drug used to treat severe acne, is a carotenoid preparation. Applied topically, carrot oil is revitalizing and toning, especially for mature skin. It will combat wrinkles, acne, psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis.

Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia): Supposed to induce psychic powers).

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica): Good for relaxing nervous tension. For skin care cedarwood combats acne, dandruff, dermatitis, eczema, greasy skin and fungal infections. Cedarwood is also an effective natural insect repellent.

Chamomile (German) (Chamomilla recutita syn. Matricaria recuitita (Compositae)): German chamomile is an antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antiallergenic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, anodyne (pain relieving) and vulnerary (wound healing) herb that is very effective in the treatment of most skin ailments, including acne, boils, burns, cuts, wounds, dermatitis, eczema, insect bites, rashes, irritated and sensitive skin.

Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil : While cinnamon bark essential oil is a skin irritant and should never be used topically or internally, cinnamon leaf essential oil is used extensively in cosmetics, toiletries and soaps for its fragrance and therapeutic action. Cinnamon leaf oil is antiseptic, antimicrobial and astringent. Aromatherapists recommend it for lice, scabies, warts and wasp stings. It is also used to flavor food and beverages.

Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus): Citronella essential oil is now used primarily as a natural insect repellent. Traditionally it has also been valued for combating fever, intestinal parasites and digestive and menstrual problems. In traditional Chinese medicine it is used for rheumatic pain.

Clary Sage Essential Oil (Salvia sclarea): Clary sage is a calming tonic herb. Because of its estrogen-stimulating action, it is most effective when levels of the hormone are low. It is therefore a valuable herb in treating symptoms of menopause, especially hot flashes. For skin care, it is valuable in treating wrinkles, inflamed skin, acne, boils and dandruff.

Coconut Oil A rich, moisturizing, emollient, highly absorbent oil that makes an excellent soap base and a light-textured base for healing creams and ointments.

Eucalyptus (Blue gum eucalyptus - Eucalyptus globules var. globules): Eucalyptus will relieve headaches and neuralgia and will enhance the immune system to resist the common cold, flu and other viral infections. For skin care, it's good for blisters, burns, cuts, wounds, herpes and insect bites. Extra virgin olive oil: Excellent natural emollient for dry skin

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a gentle, warming herb with anti-inflammatory qualities. The essential oil is very effective in correcting dull, oily, mature complexions and healing bruises.

Flaxseeds (Linum usitatissimum) are rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids and minerals. In the soap they also act as a gentle exfoliate.

Geranium Essential Oil (Pelargonium graveolens): Aromatherapists recommend this essential oil especially to treat mature and delicate skin, acne, bruises, broken capillaries, eczema, dermatitis, cuts and hemorrhoids.

Glycerine: Glycerine is a mild, alkaline humectant liquid that is richly moisturizing for the skin. It can be vegetable or animal based, depending on whether tallow was used in the manufacturing. HerbWise soaps use only vegetable based glycerine

Green tea (Camellia sinensis syn. Thea sinensis): Green tea is a rich source of polyphenols, which studies have confirmed can protect against cancer. In soap and other skin care products, green tea is very soothing and is especially good for irritated or sensitive skin. When applied to the skin, studies have shown that green tea polyphenols will prevent skin tumors from forming even after exposure to known carcinogens and excessive sunlight. Combined with lime and lemongrass essential oils, Green Tea and Lime soap is both fragrant and therapeutic!

Jasmine Essential Oil (Jasminum grandiflorum): This rare and expensive essential oil is a mild analgesic, a sedative, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. It is very effective in treating dry, sensitive, irritated and oily skin.

Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia): Essential oil of lavender is strongly antiseptic; helping to heal wounds, burns, and sores. Applied to the skin it relieves pain, inflammation, and muscle tension. It is one of the most relaxing of the essential oils, relieving nervous tension, anxiety, and insomnia. Lavender is also an effective, natural insect repellent.

Luffa sponges are the fibrous interiors of the fruits of the luffa sponge gourd plant (Luffa aegyptiaca). Luffa sponges have a gentle exfoliating effect on the skin. Environmentally conscious consumers appreciate that luffas are a natural, renewable resource

Rose Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens): Aromatherapists recommend this essential oil especially to treat mature and delicate skin, acne, bruises, broken capillaries, eczema, dermatitis, cuts and hemorrhoids. Recent studies at Guelph University revealed that Rose Geranium essential oil is a powerful natural insect repellent, especially effective against mosquitoes. Rose Geranium oil was 97% effective, while citronella oil was only 30% effective.

Lemon (Citrus limon): Second-hand objects washed with lemon are supposed to be cleansed of any negative vibrations from their previous owners. Does this include previously married spouses we wonder?

Lemongrass Essential Oil (Cymbopogon citratus): In aromatherapy, lemongrass acts to reduce fever and sedates the central nervous system. It is also analgesic, anti-microbial, antioxidant, antiseptic and fungicidal. For skin care, the oil is effective in combating acne, athlete's foot, scabies, pediculosis (lice) and excessive perspiration.

Lime essential oil (Citrus aurantofolia) is of great value against acne, boils, cuts, greasy skin, herpes, insect bites and warts.

Nettle (Urtica dioica): Nettle is a cleansing, detoxifying, astringent and antiallergenic herb. Herbalists have long prescribed it as a specific for both childhood eczema and nervous eczema.

Oatmeal (Avena sativa) in soap is excellent for irritated, itchy skin, eczema and shingles.

Palmarosa Essential Oil (Cymbopogon martinii): Palmarosa essential oil is antiseptic, bactericidal, cicatrizing (forms new tissue over a wound) and hydrating. It stimulates cellular regeneration and regulates sebum production. This essential oil is very effective in treating wrinkles, scars, sores, acne, dermatitis and minor skin infections.

Patchouli essential oil (Pogostemon cablin): Patchouli oil has a regenerating effect on the skin and is recommended for acne, cracked and chapped skin, eczema, dermatitis, fungal infections, sores, wounds, wrinkles and athlete's foot. Patchouli is also a fixative, acting to bind the other ingredients, prolonging their activity and enhancing their therapeutic value.

Peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita): Peppermint essential oil is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antiviral. When applied to the skin, peppermint oil relieves pain and reduces sensitivity. It is particularly effective in combating acne, dermatitis, ringworm and scabies.

Peru Balsam essential oil (Myroxylon pereirae): The essential oil of Peru balsam is powerfully antiseptic and promotes repair of damaged tissue, especially the epidermis, or outer skin layer. It is particularly effective for diaper rash, dry and chapped skin, eczema, irritated skin, sores and wounds. The fragrance of Peru Balsam essential oil, which is rich and vanilla-like with a warming, comforting quality, also relieves stress and nervous tension.

Pink Grapefruit essential oil (Citrus x paradisi) is excellent for combating depression and nervous headaches. On the skin it has toning qualities and is effective against acne and congested, oily skin.

Poppyseeds (: Added as a gentle exfoliate to help remove dead skin. Rattanjot: A ground oriental spice used as a coloring agent.

Roman Chamomile Essential Oil (Chamaemelum nobile): Roman chamomile is an anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory oil that is very effective in the treatment of acne, boils, burns, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, insect bites, rashes, irritated and sensitive skin.

Rose (Rosa x damascena): The rose has long been a symbol of loveliness and peace. To Irish poet W.B. Yeats, the rose was an emblem of eternal beauty. English poet John Keats wrote, "Then glut thy sorrow on a morning rose," foretelling aromatherapy's confirmation of its ability to alleviate depression, insomnia, impotence, nervous tension and many stress triggered ailments. The rose is also useful in treating disorders of the skin, circulation, muscles and joints and the digestive system.

Rattanjot A ground Oriental spice used as a coloring agent. -

Rose Hips (Rosa canina): Rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C. Antibacterial, anti-aging and mildly astringent. Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens): Rose Geranium essential oil is excellent for relieving nervous tension, neuralgia and other stress-related conditions. It also stimulates circulation, alleviating fluid retention and cellulites.

Rosemary essential oil (Rosmarinus officinalis): This essential oil is analgesic, anti-microbial and antiseptic. It will effectively combat acne, dandruff, dermatitis and eczema. It is also an insect repellant.

Rosewood Essential Oil (Aniba rosaeodora): Rosewood essential oil has proven valuable in treating wrinkles, dry and sensitive skin, wounds, scars, acne and dermatitis.

Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra): Slippery elm soothes and coats irritated skin tissue, protecting it from injury and drawing out toxins or irritants.

Sweet orange essential oil (Citrus sinensis) is fabulous for relieving nervous tension and stress-induced conditions. It is very effective for alleviating a dull and oily complexion. Sweet orange is also a potent immune booster, especially in combating the common cold and flu.

Sunflower oil: Sunflower oil is rich in vitamins B and E. It is also an abundant source of linoleic essential fatty acid, necessary for the maintenance and repair of cell membranes.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Returning from China in 1280, Marco Polo wrote in his notes, "There is also a vegetable that has all the properties of true saffron, as well as the smell and the color, and yet it is not really saffron." He was writing about turmeric, which is still used as an inexpensive substitute for saffron and sometimes called "Indian saffron." The spice is highly regarded in India where it is identified with fertility. A potent anti-inflammatory herb, turmeric is also added for coloring.

Unrefined Honey: Honey is naturally antiseptic with inherent healing qualities. Medical studies have shown that honey will accelerate the healing of surgical wounds.

Vanilla (Vanilla aromatica): According to Scott Cunningham is his Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, vanilla is a feminine plant, ruled by the planet Venus and capable of restoring lost energy, improving the mind and inducing lust. A vanilla bean placed in a bowl of sugar will infuse it with loving vibrations. The sugar can then be used to sweeten love infusions.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a rich food for the skin, especially effective in combating dermatitis. It is also one of nature's most powerful antioxidants, helping to preserve the cream and prevent the oxidation of the other ingredients.

Water (Wild) Mint (Mentha aquatica): The original mint with similar properties to peppermint. Peppermint is actually a hybrid of wild mint and spearmint.

Ylang ylang Essential Oil (Cananga odorata): Essential oil of ylang ylang is sedative and antiseptic. Aromatherapists recommend this oil for eczema, acne, insect bites, irritated and oily skin and general skin care.

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