Oregon Grape

Oregon Grape – mahonia aquifolium, mahonia nervosa, berberis aquifolium – the state flower of Oregon, USA. The root of this herb is a much used digestive tonic. It has been used by Native American Indians throughout the ages. Internally, as a digestive tonic, it stimulates the gallbladder, relieves gastritis, and cleanses the blood. Externally, because of the antibacterial properties of the oregon grape, it is used to treat psoriasis, boils, eczema, acne, rashes and other skin problems.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Stimulates the gallbladder, corrects liver secretions, purifies blood, cleanses liver. A digestive tonic. Also, applied externally, this herb treats psoriasis, acne, eczema, boils and other skin problems.

Orpine

Orpine – sedum telephium – The root of this perennial plant can be cooked and eaten, the leaves eaten raw. Orpine is an astringent, anti-inflammatory and cytostatic herb. It has been used to stimulate the kidneys and treat diarrhoea. It has also been used to treat cancer. The leaves, in a poultice, relieve boils, burns, and inflammations.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Astringent, Anti-inflammatory and Cytostatic. Stimulates kidneys and treats diarrhoea. Has been used to treat cancer. Leaves, in a poultice, relieve boils, burns, inflammations.

Other Uses: Has been gathered on Midsummer’s Eve in the determination of the future of a relationship – along side of each other, if two leaves fell toward one and other, then it was true love.

Orris Root

Orris Root – iris germanica var.florentina – Orris root has a stout rhizome, swordlike leaves, and large, scented flowers in early summer that range in color from pale blue to white.

Other Uses: The orris root has long been used to find and hold love. The whole orris root is carried, the powder is added to sachets, sprinkled on sheets, clothing and the body , and around the house. Orris root powder is sometimes known as “Love Drawing Powder”

Palm Kernel Oil

Forms Available: oil

Palm Kernel Oil – elaeis guineensis – This oil is obtained from the kernels, taken from the cracked nuts of the palm. This oil contains large proportions of lauric acid, its chemical composition is quite different from that of palm oil, and is used chiefly for soap making. Palm kernel oil is a lauric type, similar to coconut oil and produces hard soaps that lather well in all kinds of water. Soaps made with palm kernel oil are white, very hard, and lather beautifully; 10-30% is plenty when combined with other vegetable oils. This small percentage also keeps the final bars from developing an odor characteristic of the palm kernel oil. Like coconut oil, palm kernel can have a drying effect when used in excess, yet is moisturizing when used in moderation.

Palm Oil

Forms Available: oil

Palm Oil – elaeis guinnesis – Palm oil is produced from the pulp or flesh of the fruit of the oil palm. Palm oil contains an equal proportion of unsaturated acids, containing about 40% oleic acids i.e. monounsaturated, 44% palmitic acids and oleic acids, which are also the major fatty acids produced by the body. It is a natural source of Vitamin E, the tocopherols, and tocotrienols and is also a very rich source of beta-carotene, an important source of Vitamin A. Palm oil is physically and chemically different from either palm kernel or coconut oil and should not be considered similar to these oils. Palm oil also contains a much higher proportion of palmitic acids than other fats and oils. Palm oil is frequently confused with palm kernel oil, which is highly saturated. In contrast, palm oil contains a balance of polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids. In addition, palm oil contains essential substances such as linoleic acid (an essential fatty acid which the body cannot manufacture), tocopherols and tocotrienols, which act as natural anti-oxidants against damaging free-radicals. Like other vegetable fats, palm oil is free from cholesterol. Because palm oil is solid at room temperature there is no need to use hydrogenation, a technique which hardens liquid oil but also produces damaging trans fatty acids and raises cholesterol levels in the process. Human feeding studies have shown that palm oil does not ordinarily raise blood cholesterol levels and in some cases has been found to lower harmful LDL-cholesterol.
Palm oil makes a nice hard bar when used in combination with other oils such as coconut and olive oil. It is less water soluble and resists melting; it saponifies easily and pulls other oils into saponification quicker. It is also known as vegetable tallow and adds firmness to bar soaps, giving a pale white-yellow color. Palm oil will speed up the soapmaking process. Because the palm oil mixture is more reactive, you must add the essential oils and the nutrients swiftly or the soap will begin to set prematurely.

Paprika

Paprika – capsicum annum

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Capsicum is a vital ingredient in creams designed to increase circulation by heat generated.