Rhubarb

Forms Available: stem, flower

Rhubarb – rheum sp. – An edible plant. The stem can be eaten both raw and cooked. Medicinally, rhubarb is used in both eastern medicine and conventional medicine. It is a digestive tonic in small doses and a laxative in larger doses. It can be taken to enhance the function of the liver and gallbladder, aiding in the removal of excess toxins. Externally, rhubarb root can be used to treat burns, boils, wounds etc.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Treats constipation, diarrhea, is a digestive tonic, and enhances the liver and gallbladder functions.

Rice Bran Oil

Forms Available: oil

Rice Bran Oil – oryza sativa – Rice Bran Oil is rich in vitamin E complex, tocopherols and tocotrienols, a unique antioxidant known as gamma oryzanol, high quantities of phytosterols, polyphenols and squalene. This oil has a very good shelf life compared to other vegetable oils because of these antioxidants. Due to its high content of natural antioxidants, some of the major antioxidant companies have recently switched their basic oil to rice bran oil. This movement shows that the industry leaders recognize rice bran oil’s oxidative stability. Gamma-oryzanol is effective in absorbing ultraviolet light, thereby inhibiting a number of adverse effects attributed to exposure to sunlight. A number of sunscreen formulations incorporating oryzanol have been developed and marketed for human use. The use of rice bran oil should be considered in formulations for the protection of animal coats; this oil is safe for internal consumption. If using it on animals, please start with a very small amount and watch for any adverse reactions such as loose stools, etc. This oil is used for dry and flaky skin and adds body and luster to hair. Typical use levels in skin care 0.5% to 7.0%, in hair care 0.5% to 3.0%, in sun care 0.5% to 10.0%.

Rooibos Tea

Forms Available: tea bag

Rooibos Tea – Rooibos has been shown to aid in health problems such as insomnia, irritability, headaches, nervous tension, and hypertension. Studies also show that Rooibos tea provides anti-spasmodic benefits which could relieve stomach cramping and colic. Rooibos tea has been used to treat allergies such as hay fever, asthma and eczema. It is also used to treat irritated skin by brewing the tea and placing it directly on the affected areas. Rooibos contains anti-oxidants which can help slow the aging process and boost the immune system. Rooibos tea doesn’t contain oxalic acid which makes it a good beverage for people prone to kidney stones.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Rooibos has been shown to aid in health problems such as insomnia, irritability, headaches, nervous tension, and hypertension. Studies also show that Rooibos tea provides anti-spasmodic benefits which could relieve stomach cramping and colic.

Rosaline

Forms Available: essential oil, powder, cut, whole

Rosalina – melaleuca ericifolia – Its aroma is at times floral, at times woody and to some it’s reminiscent of rosewood. This oil, being in the Melaleuca family, is similar to Tea Tree whose major constituent is terpinene-4-ol but without the medicinal smell of Tea Tree. At this time there are no known tested aromatherapy or skin results for this oil. Use with caution if in doubt, keep away from babies, children and pregnant women.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: The essential oil is high in linalool, alpha-pinine and cineole which means it offers excellent decongestant benefits.

Rose Hips Wild

Rose Hips, Wild – rosa multiflora – The fruit of this plant has been used as an antidote to fish poisoning and can be applied, in a poultice, to wounds, sores, ulcers, sprains and injuries. The seed is both laxative and diuretic. The leaf can also be applied, in a poultice, to sores and wounds.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: The fruit is an antidote to fish poisoning and can be applied to ulcers, sprains, wounds etc. The seed and fruit are both diuretic and laxative. The leaf can also be applied to wounds and sores.

Rosehip

Forms Available: CO2 extraction, powder, oil, cut, whole

Rosehip – rosa canina, rosa mosqueta, rosa rubignosa, rosa rubirosa, – Rosehip oil can be used as a carrier oil with very small amounts of essential oils added, as a massage oil, or added to other vegetable/nut oils as part of a blend. This oil reduces scarring, heals burns, and softens scars and keloids. It can help diminish broken capillaries, but may also aggravate acne or blemished skin. The application of rosa mosqueta oil produced rapid healing of the inflammation, darkening and dermatitis caused by radiation. This is the best antiaging oil to use in skin care. However, it may turn rancid quickly and should be stored in a cool place or refrigerated. The oil is pale yellow in color. As with all natural products from plants, the color and aroma of this oil may change from batch to batch.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Can be used as a carrier oil with very small amounts of essential oils added, as a massage oil, or added to other vegetable/nut oils as part of a blend. This oil reduces scarring, heals burns, and softens scars and keloids.

Rough Cinquefoil

Rough Cinquefoil – potentilla norvegica – The root of this plant is astringent. Decoctions of the root can be gargled to relieve a sore throat. The root can also be chewed to relieve a sore throat.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: An astringent root. A sore throat remedy.