Recommendations for trying new herbs, oils, or essential oils
It's always a good idea to do your research before starting any new herbs. Your doctor can help you determine if these herbs are right for you, especially considering side effects, interactions with other herbs you may already be taking, supplements, or medications, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or any diagnosed conditions.
A patch test is a simple way to see how your skin will react to topical products. It allows you to see if a product will irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction. Even natural ingredients, like herbs, oils, or essential oils can cause sensitivity. To test, apply a small amount on the upper part of your inner arm, and cover with a bandage for 24 hours to avoid getting it wet. If you feel any irritation or reaction, remove the bandage immediately and wash the area with soap and water, otherwise, you are good to go!
Medicinal properties of:
St. John’s Wort
"St. John's wort may be used for nerve pain (neuralgia), anxiety, and tension." "It can help treat injuries, muscle pain, and first-degree burns." "It’s also claimed to ease the pain due to some conditions. These include sciatica, rheumatoid arthritis, and menstruation." (Reference)
"St. John's wort has antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiviral properties and may also help fight inflammation. Applied topically (to the skin), it may relieve symptoms associated with minor wounds and skin irritation, Eczema, wounds, minor burns." (Reference)
"Can be applied to the face and skin to increase moisture retention, minimize fine lines or wrinkles" (Reference)
Medicinal properties of:
Calendula
"Calendula tinctures, ointments, and washes are often applied to the skin to help burns, bruises, and cuts heal faster, and to fight the minor infections they cause. Calendula [may] help wounds heal faster, by increasing blood flow to the wounded area and by helping the body make new tissue [and is recommended] to heal first-degree burns and sunburns." (Reference)
"Calendula is generally considered safe to use on your skin. People who are allergic to plants in the daisy or aster family, including chrysanthemums and ragweed, may also have an allergic reaction to calendula (usually a skin rash). Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use calendula. In theory, calendula could interfere with conception, and possibly cause miscarriage, so couples trying to get pregnant should not use calendula." (Reference)
"May temporarily relieve pain due to inflammation caused by but not limited to the following: cramping and spasms, pulls and tears, stress and strains.**" (Reference)
"Calendula can nourish and moisturize your (and your baby’s!) skin. It's a proven botanical for people with eczema or dry skin. And when used in a lotion or cream, it can help hydrate and protect your skin from environmental damage. Calendula can also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines." (Reference)
"It can help stimulate new tissue growth, promote collagen production, and improve skin regeneration." (Reference)
"Daily usage of products containing calendula as an ingredient will benefit the look and feel of your skin. It will tighten the skin, heal damaged cells, plump up the skin, and preserve the health of your skin’s ecosystem."
"The restorative properties of calendula hydrate dry skin and boost the growth of new skin cells to give you a healthy, younger-looking appearance." (Reference)
Medicinal properties of:
Chamomile
"As a traditional medicine, it is used to treat wounds, ulcers, eczema, gout, skin irritations, bruises, burns, canker sores, neuralgia, sciatica, rheumatic pain" "Chamomile is widely used to treat inflammations of the skin and mucous membranes, and for various bacterial infections of the skin" "It is also effective in arthritis, back pain, bedsores and stomach cramps." (Reference)
"New research suggests Chamomile sought-after effects on the skin may be due to its mast-cell supportive properties, which can have a soothing effect on skin irritations." (Reference)
"It is expected that chamomile oil, including the essential oil of chamomile (chamazulene and bisabolol oxide as main compounds) dissolved in an oily vehicle can be an effective formulation for pain relief in migraine patients." (Reference)
Medicinal properties of:
Rosemary
"A large number of studies [...] indicate the wide range medicinal properties of rosemary and its compounds such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antinociceptive, neuroprotective, antidepressant, anti-hysteric, ameliorative of memory and mental fatigue." "Rosemary [...] has been used in folk medicine to alleviate several diseases including headache, dysmenorrhea, stomachache, epilepsy, rheumatic pain, spasms, nervous agitation, improvement of memory, hysteria, depression, as well as physical and mental fatigue." (Reference)
"When people with rheumatoid arthritis were given 15-minute knee massages using a rosemary oil blend three times weekly, they had a 50% decrease in inflammatory knee pain in two weeks, compared to a 12% decrease in those not given the oil." (Reference)
"Another of the common herbs for flu, rosemary can help with a fever during the beginning stages when you're cold and shivering. It’s another one for the memory banks too – similar to sage, rosemary boosts memory, and contains many beneficial properties: anti-inflammatory, vitamin C, vitamin A, renowned for fighting infection, anti-fungal, antibacterial, antiseptic" (Reference)
Medicinal properties of:
Damiana
"In addition to its reputation as a love herb, damiana is also known for its ability to stimulate the nervous system and improve mental clarity. It's said to be particularly useful for those who struggle with anxiety or depression, as it can help lift the spirits and promote feelings of happiness and relaxation." "The ancient Mayans and Aztecs used damiana as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, including headaches." (Reference)
"The use of damiana has always been related to a constitutive improvement of the defenses of the body against stress. Moreover, it helps to relieve the symptoms of depression, anxiety, nervousness, and even insomnia." "In fact, it also relieves muscle tension or headaches. These are common symptoms caused by stress or high intensity activities." (Reference)
Medicinal properties of:
Sage
"Called the “thinker’s tea”, sage has been shown to enhance memory, relieve sore throats, and alleviate painful cramping in the gut. Sage is also anti-bacterial and a natural antiseptic that is high in vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin A." (Reference)
Medicinal properties of:
Gotu Kola
"Gotu kola is a medicinal herb that some people believe may support memory, thinking, and nerve function, among other benefits." (Reference)
"In fact, older adults experienced better moods. What's more, the study participants showed improved cognitive function. Cognitive function may include the following abilities: Attention, Decision-making, Learning, Memory, Problem-solving, Reasoning, Thinking" (Reference)
Medicinal properties of:
Lemon Balm
"As an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, it helps to reduce the swelling and reddening of the skin that is common in conditions including acne, shingles, chicken pox, eczema and psoriasis." (Reference)
"Today, lemon balm holds therapeutic value as a soothing treatment for anxiety, wounds, chicken pox, cold sores and acne." (Reference)
Medicinal properties of:
Elderberry
"Elderberry may reduce the symptoms associated with the common cold or the flu if taken early, but there is no evidence to suggest that elderberry can prevent infection. Further research is needed. Elderberry is also promoted for treating high cholesterol, relieving pain, having anti-inflammatory properties, and more." (Reference)
"Limited studies have found that elderberry eases flu symptoms like fever, headache, sore throat, fatigue, cough, and body aches. The benefits seem to be greatest when started within 24 to 48 hours after the symptoms begin. One study found that elderberry could cut the duration of flu symptoms by more than 50%." (Reference)
Medicinal properties of:
Hibiscus
"Hibiscus has also demonstrated [...] anti-inflammatory properties, which relieve you of pain caused due to inflammation of mucous membranes during fever. The phytoconstituents in hibiscus also possess antibacterial, antiviral, and analgesic properties. All these collectively make hibiscus effective during fever." (Reference)
"[Hibiscus] offers medicinal benefits that actually help calm inflammation instead of causing it. It's got protocatechuic acid (or PCA for short) and quercetin, two antioxidants that soothe inflamed skin and defend against the free-radical damage that causes it in the first place." (Reference)
Medicinal properties of:
Licorice Root
"Due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, both licorice root extract and tea may aid upper respiratory conditions." (Reference)
"Licorice root contains compounds that may support the adrenal glands, which play a crucial role in managing stress and anxiety and all the symptoms that go with it. By modulating cortisol levels in the body, licorice root tea may help reduce stress and give the immune system a much-needed overall boost." (Reference)
"Although licorice root is generally considered safe as a food ingredient, it can cause serious side effects, including increased blood pressure and decreased potassium levels, when consumed in large amounts or for long periods of time." (Reference)
Medicinal properties of:
Arnica Oil
"Arnica is used topically for a wide range of conditions, including bruises, sprains, muscle aches, wound healing, superficial phlebitis, joint pain, inflammation from insect bites, and swelling from broken bones." (Reference)
"Arnica is an herb believed to help relieve pain associated with arthritis and muscle soreness." "Arnica is commonly used in complementary and alternative medicine. It has been researched for use in: Bruising, Pain, Myalgia (or muscle soreness), Arthralgia (or aching joints)." (Reference)
Medicinal properties of:
Vitamin E Oil
"Vitamin E is the most abundant antioxidant in human skin. Vitamin E oil may be used as a form of skin moisturizer. Other benefit claims include: [Sun damage and skin moisturizer, Skin conditions such as eczema, and Wound healing]" (Reference)
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Please pardon our dust while this page is under construction. We are working hard to bring you more information about the herbs and botanicals we use. If you have any questions, please feel free to send us a message! :)
