Lavender 
Throughout history lavender has been used as a calming, soothing herb. It has many beneficial properties: antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, anticonvulsive and antidepressant. Externally it is a soothing and calming herb, good for treating burns. Many chefs keep lavender oil in their kitchens as they are prone to burns! It also soothes sunburn and treats insect bites, small wounds and excema. Lavender's anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties are helpful for aching muscles, easing swelling and improving blood circulation. Only the flowers are used medicinally.
Found in:
Hand Balm Wrinkle & Crinkle Balm Skin Soother Balm
Muscle Balm Green Goodness Balm Hand Scrub
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, also known as melissa or bee balm, bears small white flowers that bees love. Ancient Greek beekeepers would crush the leaves of this herb and rub them on the hives to encourage bees to return. (Melissa means ‘honeybee’ in Greek.) Lemon balm’s usage to reduce fevers and as a calmative and antidepressant dates back hundreds of years. It lowers blood pressure and treats colds and flu. It is good for any problems related to nervous tension such as insomnia, tension headaches, stomach ailments and depression. Its strong lemon flavour is a good insect repellent.
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Lemon Grass
Lemon grass is an essential ingredient in many Southeast Asian dishes with its unmistakable fresh, lemony taste. Native to Sri Lanka, it is a fast-growing perennial. It has long, strap-like green leaves and can grow over a metre tall. Lemon grass has calming, sedative and antidepressant properties and reduces fevers and soothes stomach cramps. The essential oil is an antiseptic and is effective against fungal and bacterial infections. Lemon grass contains citronellal, geraniol and alpha-pinene which have effective insect repelling qualities.
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Lemon Verbena
This fast-growing, aromatic herb is a native of South America. It is seldom found at the greengrocer, so it is worth growing your own. A cleansing herb, it is used as incense to break up old patterns and habits, and to clear away unwanted things. Lemon verbena has a calming effect, particularly on the digestive system, reducing spasms and colic. It also reduces fever. Its fresh lemon repels insects.
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Marshmallow
Marshmallow root's use as a medicinal and cosmetic herb dates back thousands of years to when it was used by the ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Romans. Marshmallows were originally made from candied roots of this plant. It is a perennial plant with soft leaves and beautiful flowers. Its roots contain natural mucilage, excellent for strengthening and moistening muscous membranes,particularly in the throat, lungs and digestive system. This also makes it excellent for hydrating and softening skin, especially dry, ageing skin.
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Palmarosa
Palmarosa is extracted from a species of grass (cymbopogon martinii) that is similar to lemon grass. As its common name suggests, it has a rose scent combined with hint of lemon. It is a rejuvenating and moisturising oil.
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Pennywort
The Chinese name for gotu kola translates into ‘the fountain of youth’. A tenth-century king claimed it was gotu kola that gave him the stamina to satisfy all 50 women in his harem.
And its Indian nickname is ‘food for the brain’. This gives an idea of the properties of this remarkable herb. Rich in amino acids, beta carotene and phytochemicals, it improves the synthesis of collagen. This speeds healing, reduces scarring and increases hair growth.Taken internally as an infusion, it detoxifies, improves circulation, mental balance and functioning. It is used to aid meditation, relieve stress and increase spiritual understanding.
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Peppermint
Mint is an easy herb to grow – one of the most difficult things about it is preventing it from taking over your garden. This is a protective herb, with the reputation of warding off malignant energy and intentions.
There is a good reason why after-dinner mints are offered after dinner. One of mint’s main benefits is as a soothing digestive. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is the variety widely used medicinally. It is an antispasmodic, relaxing the colon muscles and digestive tract, and stimulates bile. It effectively treats indigestion, stomach cramps, flatulence, heartburn and nausea. It has a beneficial effect on irritable bowel syndrome, constipation and abdominal pain. It also promotes sweating and can be used to treat fevers. Externally mint can be used to ease joint and muscle aches. Added to a steam inhalation it eases nausea and decongests nasal passages.
Found in:
Muscle Balm Green Goodness Balm
Raspberry Seed Oil
Raspberry seed oil contains high levels of anti oxidants and protects skin from damage. This is a hydrating and protective oil, improving skin elasticity and suppleness. It acts as a broad spectrum UV protector.
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Rose
In addition to being one of the most beautiful and widely grown flowers in the world, rose oil (extracted from the petals of various types of roses) has a surprising array of beneficial properties. It is an antidepressent, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and astringent. Full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, rose oil is excellent for moisturising dry skins. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce puffy skin and redness. Its high vitamin A content increases skin cell renewal, which reduces wrinkles and evens out skin tone.
Found in:
Wrinkle & Crinkle Balm Skin Soother Balm
Rose Pelargonium
Rose pelargonium is part of a large family of plants (often incorrectly called geraniums) which are indigenous to South Africa. Rose pelargonium is an excellent herb for calming and de-stressing. It helps with insomnia, eases tension (including premenstrual tension) and anxiety and treats gastroenteritis. It has a balancing effect on the hormonal system and also increases circulation and soothes sore throats. Added to face creams, it soothes inflamed skin. It is also a good face cleanser – especially for problem skins. It is also a surprisingly effective insect repellent against mosquitoes, ticks and other insects.
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Rose Hips
Rose hips form at the base of a pollinated rose flower. They ripen to red, orange and purple and contain the seeds of the plant. They are full of antioxidants, vitamin C and essential fatty acids.
Rose hip oil is excellent for skin, particularly for reducing dark spots, scars and fine wrinkles as well as moisturising dry itchy skin.
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Rosemary
When I grew my first herbs and vegetables, I planted them around an existing large rosemary bush. Years later it had became so old and straggly I had to remove it. The following spring, a rosemary branch appeared – growing out of the middle of my vegetable garden wall! I have left it to grow and it is now a quirky feature in my garden. Rosemary has a multitude of medicinal uses, ranging from treating depression and baldness to improving memory and circulation. Rosemary increases circulation and is an analgesic.
Externally it is excellent for treating headaches, sore joints and muscles. Its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties make it a good ingredient as a wash for skin conditions. It is a good hair tonic in herbal shampoos and conditioners. It is an effective gargle and mouthwash. Internally it treats flatulence, stimulates digestion and improves memory and circulation.
Found in:
Green Goodness Balm Anti-Bug Body Spray
Sea Buckthorn Berry
The Sea Buckthorn (great name!) is a thorny shrub native to Europe and Asia. Its Latin name Hippopha, meaning Shiny Horse, comes from the leaf being used by the ancient Greeks to feed their horses to make them fit and strong. The oil of the Sea Buckthorn berries has been used for thousands of years as a skin healer and rejuvenator. It is one of those super food berries that contains an impressive range of nutrients, including rare omegas. It is excellent for keeping skin firm and hydrated as well as for treating damaged skin and scars.
Found in:
Wrinkle & Crinkle Balm Skin Soother Balm
Shea Butter
This wonderful moisturiser is extracted from karité trees (Vitellaria paradoxa) in Central and West Africa. Unrefined shea butter has healing and moisturising properties. It helps our skin absorb moisture from the air and has antifungal, anti-inflammatory and sun-screening properties. It enhances body lotions, hair conditioners, shampoos and soaps. It helps treat skin allergies, eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, dermatitis and itchy, dry skin and reduces scarring, stretch marks and wrinkles.
Found in:
Hand Balm Skin Soother Balm Green Goodness Balm
Wrinkle & Crinkle Balm Muscle Balm
Soap
The pure soap we use is hand-made using all-natural ingredients: a blend of olive oil, skin-loving plant oils, lye and water, to cleanse and nourish your skin.
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Spearmint
Like all mints, this herb repels many insects, especially mosquitoes. Plus it has a lovely fresh and sweet scent.
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St John's Wort
This herb has long been used as a protective plant, warding off everything from evil spirits and sickness to lightning. It was once carried to increase courage and endurance. So the next time you run a marathon – take some sprigs of St John’s wort with you. St John’s wort is used so extensively to treat anxiety and depression that it has earned the nickname ‘natural Prozac’. In addition to being an antidepressant it is also an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory. Internally it is an effective treatment for painful joint and nerve conditions. Externally, it is used to treat wounds and burns and to heal scars and damaged skin.
Found in:
Skin Soother Balm Green Goodness Balm
Sweet Almond Oil
High in both Vitamin E and A, sweet almond oil protects skin from UV radiation and keeps skin cells healthy, smooth and soft. The fatty acids help skin retain moisture and can heal chapped and irritated skin.
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Sweet Orange Oil
This fresh smelling oil has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is high in vitamin C and other biochemicals that help maintain a healthy skin.
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Tea Tree
Aboriginal Australians have been using the sap from the tea tree for centuries as a potent all-purpose healer. When Captain Cook and his crew landed on the shores of Australia, the Aborigines taught them how to treat their cuts using the crushed leaves from the tea tree. The essential oil from the tea tree has powerful antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. It is used to treat fungal infections, acne, mouth and gum infections and to disinfect cuts, sores and rashes. It is also an effective inhalant remedy for coughs and colds.
Found in:
Green Goodness Balm Hand Scrub
Vanilla
Vanilla is the only member of the orchid family that bears a fruit. Each flower only opens for one day and results in a single vanilla bean. These are hand-picked, cured and dried - a process that takes up to six months. It is second only to saffron as the most expensive spice in the world.
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Vitamin E Oil
This oil is high in antioxidants, which protect our skin from cell damage and slow down the ageing process.
It increases production of collagen, which increased the elasticity of skin and regeneration of cells, reducing scarring. It moisturises and nourishes our skin and reduces brown pigmentation spots.
Found in:
Hand Balm Skin Soother Balm Green Goodness Balm
Wrinkle & Crinkle Balm Muscle Balm Anti-Bug Body Spray
Wintergreen
Wintergreen oil is derived from the leaves of the American intergreen (or Gaultheia procumbens), a bushy shrub native to north eastern North America. It is used both for flavouring (especially in chewing gum) and for treatment of muscular aches and pains.
It contains methyl salicylate, which is readily absorbed by the skin and reduces pain and increases circulation and blood flow. It also relaxes muscles, easing tension and spasms.
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Ylang Ylang
Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) is a native of the tropics. It is naturally a large tree, however it is kept trimmed to allow for easy harvesting of its flowers, which produce an exotic and heady scent.
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Zinc Oxide
Zinc oxide is a powdered mineral that sits on top of the skin. It provides an effective natural barrier against the harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun. It is made up of non-nano particles, meaning it will not be absorbed and enter our bloodstream.
Found in: Sunscreen
