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.

Passionflower

Passionflower – passiflora incarnata – This herb is a very well used sedating and tranquillising plant. It has even been added to many pharmaceutical medications that treat disorders that manifest from nervous conditions such as: heart palpitations, high blood pressure, anxiety and convulsions. In homeopathic medicine, it is used to treat insomnia, pms, nervous disorders and pain. Passion flower is a tonic to the nervous system, it improves the ciruculation and, therefore, the nutrients to the nerves. In a poultice, the roots can be applied to inflammations, boils, wounds and earaches.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: A calming herb, both sedative and tranquillising. Treats nervous disorders and provides pain relief. Externally, applied in poultice, treats inflammation, boils, wounds and earaches

Paw Paw Tree

Paw Paw Tree – asimina triloba – The fruit of the paw paw tree is edible and is used in desserts. Medicinally, the paw paw is laxative, diuretic, emetic and narcotic. The fruit itself is laxative. The seeds are emetic and narcotic – they have been used to kill headlice. The leaves, diuretic, can be externally applied to abscesses, boils and ulcers.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Seed is emetic and has been used to kill head lice. The fruit is laxative and the leaves diuretic.

Peach Leaves

Peach Leaves – prunus persica – The leaves are demulcent, diuretic, astringent, expectorant and sedative. Internally, they are used in the treatment of coughs, bronchitis, and gastritis. Also can be used to relieve vomiting although, due to the diuretic properties of these leaves, the use for morning sickness should be under medical supervision. Externally, in a poultice or wash, the leaves can be used to treat wounds and sores.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: The leaves are demulcent, diuretic, astringent, expectorant and sedative. Internally, they are used in the treatment of coughs, bronchitis, and gastritis. Also can be used to relieve vomiting. Externally, used to treat wounds and sores.

Pecan Nut Oil

Forms Available: oil

Pecan Nut Oil