INGREDIENTS A-Z

Aloe Vera Aloe Barbadensis
Aloe vera has the most phenomenal reputation as a natural healer for the skin and within the body. A damaged aloe vera leaf seals over quickly with a film and a rubber-like protective coating to prevent loss of water. In a short time, the wound heals completely. The enzymes that enable this process have a similar effect in humans. Aloe vera helps foster the growth of healthy new tissue, reducing scars, age lines, marks and blotches. It has been shown to penetrate to the water-retaining second layer of skin, helping to eradicate dead cells rejuvenating the skin and fighting infection. It is also reported to relieve pain; probably due to it's soothing and detoxifying qualities.

We use only pure food-grade organic aloe vera in our products. Thanks to its healing and pain-relieving capabilities we find it extremely beneficial in any skin and hair care product, but a must for dry, itchy allergic conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, as well as burns, insect stings and bites.

Aqua (see water)

Avocado Oil Persea Gratissima
Avocado Oil is a highly therapeutic oil rich in vitamins A, B1, B2 Panthothenic acid, vitamin D, E, protein, lecithin and fatty acids, which have healing and regenerating qualities. Great for more mature skin as well as flaky skin and/or scalp. We use organic avocado oil that is unrefined as it contains more of the avocado fruit together with its vitamins and other beneficial properties. This gives our Night Cream the beautiful pale green colour of avocado flesh.

Anthemis nobilis (see chamomile, roman)

Beeswax Cera Flava
Beeswax is secreted by the bees when making their honeycombs. It is obtained by melting and filtering the honeycombs - without harming the bees! Recently rediscovered as a most valuable ingredient for skin care products, beeswax was used in ancient times as an antiseptic and wound healer. It has excellent antiseptic properties and contains more vitamin A - necessary for skin development - than any other natural product. Our beeswax is from a certified organic source.

Benzoin essential oil Styrax tonkinensis
Extracted from the resin of the benzoin tree in Asia, benzoin essential oil has anti-septic, anti-inflammatory and healing properties.

Bergamot Citrus aurantium bergamia
Bergaptene free. This beautiful organic essential oil from Sicily is cold-pressed from the peel of bergamot fruit and has a refreshing citrus scent. Bergamot is uplifting and helps to relieve nervous anxiety and to promote a restful sleep. It is also antiseptic and cleansing for the urinary system and skin.

Black Pepper Piper nigrum
This essential oil is extracted from the fruit of the black pepper forest plant and is commonly used to ease muscular pains and rheumatism.

Boswellia carteri (see frankincense)

Butyrospermum Parkii (see shea butter)

Cananga odorata (see ylang ylang)

Calendula Calendula Officinalis
More commonly known as the simple garden marigold, calendula has very powerful skin healing properties. Depending on the product, we use a therapeutic concentration of pure, organically grown and prepared calendula or a 100% organic calendula tincture.

Castor Oil Ricinus Communis
Organic castor oil, from the rubbery castor oil plant, is rich in fatty acids and very soothing and lubricating to the skin.

Cedarwood, Atlas Cedrus Atlantica
A true cedarwood, the only type recommended for Aromatherapy and during pregnancy. Relaxing and antiseptic, it helps clear bronchial tubes, oily skin and scalp disorders. It is antiseptic and fungicidal, used in a diffuser it may kill airborne bacteria. It also has a woody aroma useful in repelling insects. The essential oil is steam distilled from the wood and stumps of the cedarwood tree. Organic

Cera flava (see beeswax)

Cetearyl alcohol
A wax produced from coconut oil. Not to be confused with ethyl alcohol which may irritate the skin.

Cetearyl glucoside
A wax extracted from corn and coconut.

Chamomile, German or Blue Chamomile Chamomilla Recucita
Organic. The anti-inflammatory action of the particular Chamomile herb we use has been shown to compare favourably with mild cortico-steroids.

Chamomile, Roman Anthemis Nobilis
Our organic Roman chamomile essential oil comes direct from its' English growers and has a beautiful sweet, fresh aroma. Calming, relaxing and soothing to skin and muscle/joint pain. Excellent for children, the elderly and during pregnancy. We also use organic chamomile floral water (hydrolat), the product of the essential oil steam distillation process containing all the water soluble plant constituents .

Citric acid
A naturally occurring acid found in citrus fruits such as lemon and grapefruit.

Citrus bergamia (see bergamot)

Citrus limonum (see lemon)

Citrus paradisi (see grapefruit)

Citrus sinensis (see orange)

Clary Sage Salvia Sclarea Organic
Clary sage essential oil is steam distilled from the flowers and leaves and has warm nutty aroma. A powerful relaxant and very cheering, it recommended as a hormone and nerve balancer, stress and tension reducer. Helps with symptoms associated with PMS and menopause.

Coconut Oil Cocus Nucifera
Our coconut oil is virgin; free of the bleach put on coconuts that have dried out in the sun for days and discoloured. It is also organic and not stripped of its free-radical fighting components through a refining process. As well as being rich, creamy and deliciously healthy to eat, coconut oil is a fantastic moisturiser keeping the skin soft and smooth. It quickly re-establishes the skin's natural anti-microbial and acid barrier. Its small molecular structure allows for easy absorption, giving both the skin and hair a soft smooth texture without feeling greasy. As well as aiding healing and repair, its effects are long lasting. Research shows that the hugely antioxidant properties of coconut oil help prevent premature aging and wrinkling. (Antioxidants are vital in preventing the free-radicals that break down our skin's connective tissues which cause it to sag and wrinkle.) Coconut oil has also been recognized for its quality of strengthening the structure of damaged, lacklustre hair. Beauticians who are familiar with coconut oil swear by it as a hair conditioner. It softens the hair and conditions the scalp through the action of minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iron.

Cymbopogon citratus (see lemongrass)

Decyl / coco glucoside
An eco-friendly, skin-friendly cleansing agent made from corn sugar and coconut.

Echinacea purpurea
A herb with excellent anti-septic, anti-viral and immune stimulating properties. Ours is organically grown.

Equisetum arvense (see horsetail)

Eucalyptus Globulus
Steam distilled from the leaves, organic eucalyptus globulus essential oil has a clearing, camphorous odour. It is a powerful antiseptic and a highly effective reliever of respiratory congestion.

Frankincense Boswellia carteri
Steam distilled from the resin, Frankincense essential oil has a warm, spicy, balsamic aroma. It is calming, grounding, quiets the mind and is often used to enhance meditation. Reputedly restorative for mature and dry skin.

Geranium Pelargonium Graveolens
Our 'Bourbon' variety geranium essential oil is acknowledged as the finest quality. It has a herbaceous, slightly rose scent and is steam distilled from the leaf. It has restorative and balancing properties for all skin types, especially mature skin. Toning and hormonally balancing, geranium is also beneficial for PMS and menopausal symptoms.

Glucose oxidase and lactoperoxidase
Milk and sugar enzymes with excellent antioxidant properties.

Glyceryl stearate
A moisturising combination of vegetable glycerine and coconut oil in the Bodywashes.

Grapefruit Citrus Paradisi
Zesty and refreshing, helpful in times of stress or pressure, our grapefruit essential oil is cold-expressed from the peel of ripe Florida grapefruit. It is wonderful in blends for acne or oily skin, and as a tonic for the digestive system.

Horsetail Equisetum arvense
A fern-like plant used since ancient times as an oral and topical remedy. It is recognized as a potential source of minerals such as silica that may play an important role in promoting injury recovery . The horsetail we use is organically and biodynamically grown.

Hypericum (see St Johns Wort)

Jojoba oil Symondisa chinensis
Organic. A liquid wax with excellent moisturising properties, jojoba oil is light textured, easily absorbed, and rich in omega fatty acids.

Lavender Lavandula Angustifolia
A beautiful 'soft' organic lavender from France, the traditional home of the finest lavender. Relaxing and very soothing physically and emotionally. Effective for muscular aches, headaches and insomnia. An excellent all-round first aid remedy - can be sparingly applied neat to burns, minor wounds, spots, insect bites etc.

Lecithin
The lecithin we use is of 100% non-GMO, plant origin. Also found in egg yolk and naturally produced by the human liver, it is a natural emulsifier and moisturiser high in 'B' vitamins. It is also widely used as a food supplement.

Lemon Citrus Limonum
This fresh, vibrant organic oil is cold expressed from ripe Spanish lemons. An uplifting, refreshing tonic with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. For oily skin, warts, athletes foot, infections and poor circulation.

Lemongrass Cymbopogon Citratus
Extracted from a scented grass native to India where it is widely used in medicine and cooking. Toning with antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties. An effective insect repellent.

Macadamia Oil Macadamia Ternifolia
Macadamia oil is the richest plant source of Palmitoleic acid (an Omega 7 fatty acid) a natural skin component, the production of which declines with age. Research has shown that macadamia oil can be used to help with acne, eczema and sunburn. It is non-greasy, highly emollient, nourishing and easily absorbed by the skin. Our organic macadamia oil makes an excellent base for massage or use on dry or mature skin.

MarjoramOriganum marjorana
A lovely fresh organic marjoram oil with muscle relaxing, pain relieving and sedative properties.

Matricaria Chamomilla (see chamomile, german/blue)

Melaleuca alternifolia (see tea tree)

Mentha piperita (see peppermint)

Nettle Urtica dioica
The common stinging nettle has many uses. It is nutritious, tonic and rich in iron and is a Native American folk remedy for rheumatic pains. Topical formulations of nettle herb juice have also been used to treat acne and other skin problems. It is tonic and stimulating to hair and scalp. We use nettle that is grown both organically and biodynamically.

Olea europaea (see olive oil)

Olive Oil Olea Europaea
Homer called it "liquid gold". In ancient Greece, athletes ritually rubbed olive oil all over their body in the widespread belief that it conferred strength and youthfulness. More recent research has shown that olive oil has an excellent moisturising effect on the skin and leaves a breathable protective film that holds in moisture. Our organic olive oil is virgin - so that its natural characteristics are unaltered and cold-pressed - which ensures that vital elements such as vitamins are not lost. Olive oil produces a very mild long-lasting soap suitable for small children or those with sensitive skin. Studies have begun, though conclusive data are not yet available, that the pronounced antioxidant effect of the oleic acid content of olive oil could play a choice part in the prevention of continuous oxidation, one of the processes that influences the development of certain types of skin cancer.

Orange, sweet Citrus Sinensis
Our organic Orange essential oil's scent and properties are energizing and invigorating and helpful in reducing fatigue. Used as a room freshener, orange contains antiseptic qualities. Its scent may calm and soothe the nerves.

Patchouli Pogostemon Cablin
An essential oil with an intensely rich, earthy/woody scent. It contains anti-depressant properties and may be useful for relieving stress and restoring emotional balance. It works well on dry, cracked or aging skin.

Pelargonium graveolens (see geranium)

Persea gratissima (see avocado oil)

Piper nigrum (see black pepper)

Pogestemon cablin (see patchouli)

Propolis
A sticky resin collected by bees and used to line the hive as protection against infection. It is anti-microbial, anti-viral and promotes tissue healing. Organic

Ricinus communis (see castor oil)

Rose Rosa Damascena (essential oil & tincture) and Rosa Centifolia (floral water)
Known as the queen of flowers in Aromatherapy, the Rose is an exquisitely fragrant and beautiful flower. Renowned for its antiseptic, soothing and regenerative qualities, it is particularly suited to sensitive and mature skin. A key ingredient in our Moisturiser and Rose Tonic. Organic

Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis
Distilled from the flowering tops of Tunisian rosemary, our invigorating essential oil helps decongest and relieve muscular aches and fatigue. We also use organic rosemary herb which is a wonderful hair tonic and growth promoter.

Salvia sclarea (see clary sage)

Sea BuckthornHippophae rhamnoides
These highly nutritious organic berries are packed with antioxidant vitamins A.B,C & E and skin-healing phytobotanicals.

Sesame Oil Sesamum Indicum
We use organic and cold-pressed sesame oil with all its natural vitamin 'E' intact. It is light, moisturising and has antioxidant and sun-protecting properties.

Shea Butter Butyrospermum Parkii
Shea butter comes from the fruit seeds of the African (karite) butter tree. African healers have used shea butter for thousands of years as a food, medicine and protection against the damaging effects of the sun. It is an ideal treatment for dry or aging skin with its high content of fatty acids to moisturize and retain the elasticity of the skin. It is mildly anti-bacterial and has extraordinary healing qualities, stimulating the formation and growth of new cells. (Superior in effect and well tolerated by those sensitive to cocoa butter). A rare source of certified organic shea butter.

St Johns Wort Hypericum perforatum
Widely prescribed as a natural anti-depressant on the continent, St Johns Wort herb also has powerful wound healing and anti-bacterial properties when used topically on the skin.

Stellaria media
Commonly known as chickweed, this herb has a calming and soothing effect on the skin. The herb we use is organically and biodynamically grown.

Styrax tonkinensis (see benzoin essential oil)

Sunflower oilHelianthus annus
We use a special high-oleic sunflower oil, which unlike most sunflower oil (high in polyunsaturates) is stable, not prone to rancidity and free radical generation on the skin. Moisturising and rich in antioxidant vitamins.

Tea Tree Melaleuca Alternifolia
Specially distilled for 4 hours by a certified organic plantation in New South Wales who hand harvest above the grass line to avoid contamination by wild plants known to cause skin irritation. The essential oil of this remarkable tree is highly antiseptic, anti-viral and anti-fungal. An indispensable home antiseptic for cuts minor wounds, boils, acne, scalp disorders, thrush, athlete's foot, warts, verrucae, nasal congestion etc.

Thyme Thymus vulgaris
Extracted from the flowering tops and leaves Thyme essential oil is said to provide a useful boost to the immune system and can be particularly helpful for respiratory problems. We use a gentle, organic 'linalool' chemotype.

Urtica dioica (see nettle)

Usnea barbata
A non-sensitising lichen extract commonly known as Old Man's Beard and traditionally used to treat digestive upsets.

Water Aqua
Pure water

Witch Hazel Hamamelis virginiana
Witch hazel is a deciduous twisted shrub or small tree. We use the floral water which is mildly astringent, cooling and tonic especially for oily or blemished skin conditions.

Xanthan gum
A soothing gel produced through the fermentation of corn sugar (glucose).

Ylang Ylang 'Extra' Cananga Odorata
'Extra' is the first and therapeutically the most potent of five distillations of ylang ylang essential oil. With a heady exotic, floral fragrance it is calming and relaxing for emotional tension, anxiety and palpitations. Helps normalise dry or oily skin conditions. We use organic ylang ylang.

Zinc oxide
A healing, antiseptic mineral with mild sun-screening properties.