List of ingredients in our recipes and their benefits

Alphabetical List of Ingredients

Benefits

Macadamia-nut oil: Often referred to as "dry oil" macadamia-nut oil has an exceptionally light consistency that is readily absorbed by the skin. Rich in oleic acid, the oil provides moisture for all skin types. Go to Night Cream

Marigold and chamomile for reddening: Dried marigold and chamomile flowers have a soothing effect on the skin. They also alleviate itching and reddening, which can often occur after washing skin that is dry and sensitive. Go to Cleansing Talc

Cream and milk for dry, delicate skin: Sweet cream contains fat, which softens and nourishes dry, flaky skin and keeps it smooth and elastic. If you have normal skin, you can use milk instead of cream; it is less heavy, but it also supplies the lipids that enhance the skin-softening effects of a bran bath. Go to Bran Bath

Powdered milk for smoothing: Powdered whole milk nourishes skin, keeping it soft and elastic. Lactic acid in milk smoothes and refines the skin. Go to Cleansing Talc

Cream for chapped skin: The high fat content of heavy cream will nourish dry and overly sensitive facial skin and give it a relaxed, well-cared-for appearance. Go to Facial Pack

Enhancing the eyes: Jojoba oil is a great nighttime eye moisturizer. Dab the oil around the eyes with your finger, avoiding the lashes and lids. To relieve puffy eyes, place a cold teabag over each eye and rest. For strained eyes, dip cotton balls in cold witch hazel, milk or tea, and apply to eyes. Go to Natural Cosmetics

Mint hydrosol for inflammation: The process of producing essential oils leaves behind watery by-products, or hydrosols, which retain the plants healing properties in diluted form. Mint hydrosol, which is made from the peppermint plant, can freshen and clarify oily, blemished skin. It also has a mild antibacterial effect and helps prevent the formation of red, inflamed, painful pimples. Go to Toner

Essential oils for your hair type: Adding essential oils to conditioners can help address your particular hair-care needs. For instance, myrrh and geranium oils can help repair dry, damaged hair, while clary-sage oil can give hair a delicate sheen. Dandruff may benefit from cypress oil, which gently cleanses the scalp without drying it out, and from tea-tree oil, which helps fight bacterial infections that can occur with severe cases of dandruff. Invigorating rosemary oil stimulates circulation and promotes vigorous hair growth, which can counteract hair loss and dandruff.  Go to Hair Conditioner

Myrrh tincture for gum inflammation: Tincture of myrrh is available at health-food stores; its anti-inflammatory and astringent effects can help to combat the swollen and bleeding gums that are typical in the early stages of periodontal disease. Go to Toothpaste