Aloe

ALOE VERA / FAMILY: XANTHORRHOEACEAE

A short-stemmed nutrient-rich succulent native to Africa with fleshy green leaves containing a clear gel containing more than 75 different compounds, including minerals (ie.calcium, chromium, magnesium, selenium, zinc) and vitamins (A, B12, C, E), amino acids and fatty acids (proteins), and other active components renowned for their healing properties.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Extremely soothing and cooling, used effectively on burns, wounds, acne, stings and rashes.

• Highly nourishing and hydrating to dry, itchy skin.

• Beneficial in treating a range of skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis.

PROPERTIES: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant.

Apricot Kernel oil

PRUNUS ARMENIACA / FAMILY: ROSACEAE

A beautiful light-textured oil obtained from the dry kernels of the apricot fruit through hydraulic cold pressing. It is a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, Vitamin E which helps the skin to repair itself and is particularly high in Oleic Acid (Omega-9) which is shown to improve the skin’s penetration abilities and has mild anti fungal properties. Being suitable for most skin types, the light texture of Apricot kernel oil makes it highly valued for its use in facial massage blends.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Nourishing, ultra-light and easily absorbed.

• High in vitamin E and Omega 6-9 fatty acids.

• Healing to the skin and offers protection from moisture loss.

• Suitable for most skin types, particularly oily, combination or sensitive skin.

Arnica

ARNICA MONTANA / FAMILY: ASTERACEAE

Arnica is renowned for being a powerful healing herb, effective in relieving the pain, inflammation and swelling caused by bruises, strains and sprains. The German folk name for Arnica means ‘mountain well-being’ as this remarkable perennial herb was found growing mostly in the mountainous woods and pastures of central Europe and used successfully as a remedy for a number of conditions over many years. Used externally on unbroken skin, the powerful healing qualities of Arnica have been shown to ease the pain from arthritis, bruises, sprains, strains and help ease joint stiffness and muscle pain.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Improves local blood supply and accelerates healing.

• Used on sprains, strains, bruising, joint stiffness and muscle pain.

• Promotes circulation and encourages new hair growth.

PROPERTIES: Anti-inflammatory, astringent, analgesic.

Avocado Oil

PERSEA GRATISSIMA (AMERICANA) / FAMILY: LAURACEAE

From its native growing site in South America, the Avocado tree is now found growing in many parts of the world where it is highly valued for its nutrient rich fruit. The oil is extracted from the flesh of the fruit, mostly through mechanical cold pressing and contains up to 30% pure oil, rich in fatty acids (Omega 9, 7), Vitamin A, D & E as well as beta-carotene, potassium and chlorophyll (seen in its vibrant green colour). The soothing and emollient properties make it particularly useful for dry, mature, undernourished skin, stretch marks and climate-damaged skin.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Nourishing for dry, mature, stressed skin.

• Helps to reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks

• Soothing on irritated skin and from conditions such as eczema and nappy rashes

• Rich in fatty acids (Omega 6, 7, 9), Vitamins A,D & E.

• Promotes faster healing of topical wounds.

Bakuchiol (derived from the Babchi plant)

PSORALEA CORYLIFOLIA / FAMILY: FABACEAE

The Babchi plant, native to Asia, has been used traditionally in Ayurveda and Chinese medicines since ancient times, embraced for its many healing properties. Babchi oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant by cold-pressing. Bakuchiol, on the other hand, is a concentrated active chemical component which has been isolated from the seeds, obtained through a proprietary monomolecular extraction process. It is highly valued as a powerful antioxidant, offering protection to the skin from pollution and environmental stressors, and for its collagen stimulating and antimicrobial properties. In recent years it has been used successfully as a natural alternative to retinol but without causing the associated redness and skin irritation. It has a pronounced soothing and brightening effect on the skin and promotes a beautifully rejuvenated complexion.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Powerful rejuvenating and regenerative properties

• Stimulates collagen production and improves elasticity of skin

• Reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation.

• Soothing and calming on sensitive, reactive and acne-prone skin.

• Protects the skin from pollution and environmental stressors.

• A natural alternative to retinol which is gentle on the skin.

PROPERTIES: antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, regenerative.

Beeswax (yellow)

CERA FLAVA

Beeswax is an important ingredient often used in balms, liniments and emulsions for its structuring, occlusive and regenerative properties. Our 100% pure beeswax (and wild honey) is of the highest quality and comes from bee-friendly Warre hives located in the beautiful Blue Mountain wilderness and woodland forests of the Central Tablelands of NSW.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Hydrates, soothes and calms the skin and forms a protective layer on the surface of the skin which creates a barrier to prevent moisture loss.

• Regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties help to ease dry, inflamed and irritated skin.

PROPERTIES: Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, moisturising, regenerative.

Black Pepper essential oil

PIPER NIGRUM / FAMILY: PIPERACEAE

Native to India and now cultivated in many tropical countries, black pepper is the dried fully grown unripe fruit from a flowering vine. The fruits grow in clusters like grapes and turn from red to black before being harvested. With a long history of being a highly regarded spice, black pepper has traditionally been used to relieve the aches and pains associated with arthritis and rheumatism. The warming and analgesic properties are useful for relieving muscle stiffness, aches and pains

KEY BENEFITS:

• Energising to the body.

• Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness

• Known to assist with arthritic aches and pains.

• Stimulating and strengthening to the nervous system.

PROPERTIES: analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, laxative, rubefacient, stomachic, tonic.

PRECAUTIONS: Use in moderation. Skin irritant in high concentrations.

Buriti oil

MAURITIA FLEXUOSA FRUIT OIL / FAMILY: ARECACEAE

Buriti oil is a rich, nutrient packed fruit oil extracted from the buriti native palm tree in South America. The fruit of the tree is ground then cold pressed producing an exquisite orange-red coloured virgin oil. Buriti means “the tree of life” in Brazilian, which shows its importance. Buriti has a long history of being used successfully for its healing properties, particularly as a topical treatment for burns.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Rich source of Carotenoids and Vitamin E

• Improves collagen production and restores skin elasticity.

• Soothing to skin after sun exposure.

• Ideal for mature, dry and stressed skin.

• Helps protects the skin from environmental stressors.

• Useful on sensitive, irritated skin and reduces redness.

Calendula / Marigold

CALENDULA OFFICINALIS / FAMILY: ASTERACEAE

Calendula shines as a herb for the skin, offering countless healing benefits due to its powerful anti-inflammatory, regenerative and soothing properties. For this reason we have chosen the unassuming yet powerful calendula blossom as our icon for ml. BOTANICS. Native to the mediterranean region and now abundant in temperate regions around the world, Calendula is renowned in skincare for helping wounds heal faster, relieving inflammation and increasing beneficial immune responses. It has mild antimicrobial properties and also protects the skin from radiation damage. The bright yellow to orange petals of the calendula flower contain a rich source of flavonoids, including carotenoids and quercetin, that possess powerful healing properties and skin regenerative benefits.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Soothing, regenerative and anti-inflammatory.

• Improves elasticity and hydration of the skin.

• Useful on rashes, chapped and cracked skin, eczema, itchy skin and scratches.

• Extremely effective post surgery and in prevention of scar tissue. Soothing to skin after burns and insect bites.

• Supports blood vessel health.

PROPERTIES: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, antiviral, antispasmodic, astringent, cicatrisant, detoxifying, vulnerary.

Caprylyl / Capryl Glucoside

A natural ingredient used as a solubiliser (an agent which enables oil to mix in water) and a surfactant. It is produced by the reaction of the glucose from corn combined with the fatty (capric) alcohol, found naturally in coconut and palm oils. We use it in our room mists to allow the essential oils to mix with the floral waters. Without a solubiliser the essential oils would float on the surface.

Carrot Seed essential oil

DAUCUS CAROTA / FAMILY: APIACEAE

Carrot seed oil is produced by using a method of steam distillation of the seeds. Traditionally, it has been used to boost the immune system and general action of the organs and considered an excellent blood purifier due to its detoxifying effect on the liver. The oil extracted is highly valued in skincare for its ability to rejuvenate and tone the complexion and sooth inflammation.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Ideal for mature skin due to its stimulating effect on red blood cells adding tone and elasticity to the skin.

• Helpful for problem skin such as eczema and psoriasis.

PROPERTIES: carminative, cytophylactic, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue, hepatic, stimulant.

PRECAUTIONS: Best avoided during pregnancy.

Cetearyl Olivate (& Sorbitan Olivate)

A natural emulsifier using a blend of ingredients derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and wheat and oat proteins. An emulsifier is used to make a cream or lotion which enables oil ingredients to be blended with water ingredients without separating.

Chamomile (German) flower extract

CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA / FAMILY: ASTERACEAE

A sweetly aromatic annual native to Europe, the flower-heads of Chamomile have been a favourite herb for centuries for its varied medicinal uses, including digestive disorders and promoting improved quality of sleep. In skincare Chamomile is prized for its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic healing properties that assist with inflamed and irritated skin, sore skin, eczema and various skin conditions where a calming and soothing effect is needed.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Excellent for its wound healing properties.

• Reduces redness and irritation

• Soothes dry, itchy skin and eczema.

• Beneficial for allergies and sensitive skin.

PROPERTIES: Anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, anti-fungal, carminative, relaxant.

Chia Seed oil

SALVIA HISPANICA / FAMILY: LAMIACEAE

A close relative to Clary Sage (Salvia sclera) and member of the mint family, Chia is an annual herb that has become well known its healing benefits contained in the nutritious little seeds. Its origin is believed to be in South and Central America where the seed was a staple grain in the ancient Aztec diet and provided an excellent source of dietary fibre.. The oil is made by cold-pressing the seeds and provides potent anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties beneficial for skin barrier repair due to its exceptionally high content of a-linolenic acid (65%) and linoleic acid (20%) and phytosterols. Chia seed oil is also useful for in the care of oily skin due to its low content of saturated fatty acids and non-oily feeling on the skin.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Powerful anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties

• Exceptionally rich source of essential fatty acids (Omega 3, 6)

• Helps maintain a healthy skin barrier function

• Particularly useful in the care of sensitive, dry, irritated, inflamed and mature skin.

• Beneficial on oily skin

Citric Acid

An organic compound which occurs naturally in a variety of fruit and vegetables, but most concentrated in lemons and limes. It is often used in formulations for its antioxidant properties.

Cocoa Butter

THEOBROMA CACAO / FAMILY: MALVACEAE

Natural Cocoa butter is extracted from the pods of cocoa beans that grow directly from the trunks of the Cocoa tree. The Cocoa tree grows to height of five to ten meters in the humid regions of West Africa (predominantly), Asia and South America. Historically cocoa dates back to the Olmecs and was used in a form of beverage and over time became a symbol of wealth. Hence the origin of its genus name ‘Theobroma’. In greek ‘theos’ means God and ‘broma’ means food. It was known as ‘food of the Gods’.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Very moisturising, particularly recommended for dry skin.

• Useful for skincare after sun exposure.

• One of the most stable butters known as it contains natural antioxidants.

Comfrey

SYMPHYTUM OFFICINALE / FAMILY: BORAGINACEAE

A native European plant, rich in anti-inflammatory, astringent and wound healing properties, Comfrey grows up to one meter in all temperate regions of the world. It is a perennial plant with thick leaves and pretty bell-shapes flowers coloured white and various shades of pink to mauve. The many common names for Comfrey include ‘woundwort’ and ‘knit-bone’, which refers to the plants renown for healing wounds, sprains and broken bones. It is so effective that herbalists advise against applying comfrey to a deep wound as it would heal over too quickly.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Stimulates the repair of damaged tissue.

• Used externally to encourage healing of bruises, sprains, fractures.

• Promotes cell renewal making it useful for wound healing, collagen production and tissue regeneration.

PROPERTIES: anti-inflammatory, astringent, demulcent, vulnerary.

Blue Cypress oil

CALLITRIS INTRATROPICA / FAMILY: CUPRESSACEAE

Native to the northern tropical regions of Australia, the therapeutic benefits of Blue Cypress have been known to First Nations Australians for thousands of years. The rare blue oil produced from the wood is highly valued for its potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pain-relieving properties, used to help ease the discomfort of minor wounds, insect bites, cold sores, warts, acne, irritated skin and various other skin complaints. It is known to be hydrating and moisturising to the skin and to offer collagen support, stimulate collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and firming the skin. Blue cypress offers a sweet, balsamic and slightly woody aroma, believed to have a relaxing and balancing effect on the nerves.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Hydrating, moisturising and soothing to the skin.

• Powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

• Eases the discomfort of insect bites, acne and various skin complaints.

• Accelerates wound healing, barrier function repair and helps prevent scarring.

• Stimulates collagen production, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

• Useful for dry, mature and acne-prone skin, to promote a rejuvenated complexion.

PROPERTIES: analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, soothing, moisturising.

Everlasting (Italicum) essential oil

HELICHRYSUM ITALICUM / FAMILY: ASTERACEAE

Another of our favourites from the Asteraceae family, Everlasting, also known as Immortelle, is native to the Mediterranean regions and cultivated in Bosnia, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy and Slovenia. A strongly aromatic herb, its name comes from the Greek words ‘Helios’ meaning ‘sun’ and ‘Chrysos’ meaning ‘gold’, used to describe the brilliant colour of the daisy-like flowers. Due to its analgesic, anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory and powerful cicatrisant properties, Everlasting has long been used as a remedy for sprains, strains and muscle pain and also for a variety of chronic ailments of the skin, respiratory and lymphatic systems.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Promotes a glowing complexion and healthy skin cell regeneration.

• Assists in wound healing, reduces scar tissue and stretch marks.

• Powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties

• Eases pain from arthritis, sprains and muscle tension

• Excellent restorative properties known to reduce blemishes and redness.

• Useful for treating various skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis.

PROPERTIES: anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitussive, antiseptic, astringent, cholagogue, cicatrisant, diuretic, expectorant, fungicidal, hepatic, mucolytic, nervine.

Fir Needle essential oil

ABIES SIBIRICA / FAMILY: PINACEAE

In many cultures Fir trees are referred to as the ‘Forest Healers’ due to their renowned health-promoting properties, particularly used for conditions affecting the respiratory system and relieving muscular aches and pains. The uplifting aroma is beneficial in relieving stress and tension. The Siberian Fir essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the green needles, young twigs and cones from the trees.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Used in diffusers and room sprays to purify the environment.

• Considered useful for its grounding effect.

• The uplifting aroma is beneficial for helping anxiety and stress.

PROPERTIES: analgesic, antiseptic, antitussive, deodorant, expectorant, rubefacient, stimulant, tonic.