Sea Buckthorn Berry

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil
Hippophae rhamnoides

Also known as "Miracle Berry" or "Seaberry".

These pretty orange berries grow on the sea buckthorn shrub across Asia and Europe.

The oil extracted from the berry, or fruit, is more exceptional than the oil that is extracted from the seed or kernel. The berry oil has proven to hold far more skin care benefits. So, the berry oil is what I will refer to in this post.

Sea buckthorn berry oils is fantastic for treating skin diseases like acne, eczema and psoriasis. I have read reports on how this oil has changed the lives of those suffering from a variety of skin diseases.

It probably comes as no surprise that this amazing oil also helps with hair and nail health.

Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil is rich in:
Vitamins A, B, C, E, K and P
Antioxidants (destroy free radicals)
Carotenoids including Beta Carotene (think natural UV protection)
Fatty Acids and Essential Fatty Acids; Omega 3, 6, 7 and 9


Because of the large amount of Beta Carotene in the sea buckthorn berry, the oil is a reddish color making it a great tan enhancer or skin bronzer. At high concentrations it can stain clothing and sheets.

Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil is known to:
Brighten the Complexion
Calm Skin and Redness
Condition, Nourish and Moisturize
Diminish Age Spots
Improve Skin Elasticity and Tone
Neutralize Toxins
Offer Protection from the Sun, Free Radicals, Radiation and Environmental Damage
Promote Collagen Production and Youthful Skin Tone and Texture
Reduce Inflammation
Regenerate Skin Cells
Relieve Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis, Rosacea and Sunburn
Reduce Blemishes, Scarring and Wrinkle Formation
Slow Down Skin Aging
Treat Burns, Ulcers and Wounds



WEEDS: St. John's Wort

Sunday, February 12, 2012

St. John's Wort Oil


Hypericum perforatum

I handcraft my St. John's Wort oil, and all of my herbal oils, from scratch using organic St. John's Wort leaves and flowers steeped in organic olive oil. A small amount of natural Vitamin E is added for additional healing properties and natural preserving. 

St. John's Wort Oil is an amazing anti-inflammatory used to relieve muscle spasms and aches, back and nerve pain, sciatica, varicose veins, headaches and migraines, shingles, cold sores and genital herpes.

Speeds healing of bruises, burns (including radiation), stings, cuts and wounds-making it a fabulous addition to breast health and trauma blends.

St. John's Wort is an astringent. It tightens, binds and contracts the skin tissue back to normal. Because of its antiviral properties, St. John's Wort inhibits the grown of viruses.


St. John's Wort-infused Oil is so magnificent that I have added it to several of my blends; Baby Bum, Breast Health & Trauma Oil. I also added it to my Baby Bum Salve.

Chaste Berry: Feminine Tonic

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Chaste Berry or Vitex Berry
Vitex agnus-castus

"Feminine Tonic"


The berries, a peppery fruit grown on this Turkish shrub, have been used hundreds of years for a variety of complaints including constipation and hangovers. 

The name "chaste" comes from its use during the middle ages when women used the berry to keep them chaste while their husbands were away at battle. Today, there are no studies to support this particular use of the chaste berry.

However, the berry is used for acne-prone skin, breast health, headache and fatigue. 

Said to work well with the glands of the endocrine system; pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, ovaries. Balancing to hormones and estrogen cycle.

Clinical trials have shown that the berries offer relief for symptoms of PMS including mood swings, abdominal bloating, constipation, edema and breast tenderness. 

Said to enhance fertility and normalize reproduction functions because of its ability to balance hormones thus regulating ovulation.



Because of its ability to reduce inflammation, chaste berry is also used to reduce fibroids of the uterus

Studies have shown the berry to ease menopausal issues of excessive bleeding, night sweats, hot flashes, mood swings and vaginal dryness.



Research is being conducted on the positive effect of chaste berries on fibromyalgia, parkinson's disease, and its ability to repell insects.



Berry Elements:


  • aucubin: antitoxin
  • agnuside: anti-inflammatory
  • casticin: anti-tumor
  • chrysophanol D: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
  • alpha pinene: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antispasmodic, antiviral
  • beta pinene: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic
  • isovitexin: antioxidant
  • vitexin: anti-tumor
  • progestins: hormones
Should not be used during pregnancy or breast feeding. Not recommended for use by men. As with all herbs, please consult with your physician prior to trying anything new especially if you are taking medications.

Latest Buzz in Skin Care- Mineral Cleansers

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Mineral Cleansers

Completely natural and organic way to cleanse, exfoliate, detoxify, balance and nourish your skin. 

Gentle enough for daily use on even the most sensitive skin. But tough enough to make a difference in the appearance of your skin. 

The precious powders feed your skin with vitamin and mineral-rich ingredients like milks, oats, clays, rice, fruit & vegetable extracts, flowers, essential oils, nuts and seeds.


It takes a very small amount of the minerals to get the job done.


You simply pour a tablespoon or so into your palm, add liquid, stir with your finger and apply to your face in a circular motion. Rinse and pat dry. That's it.


I usually recommend water as the liquid. However, you can add yogurt, milk, apple cider vinegar, aloe, fruit or vegetable oils, eggs, wine or hydrosols.


I love Mineral Cleansers so much that I created an entire line of them!


It all started with Pixie. I created her for all skin types. She is a wonderful combination of rice, oats, lavender, chamomile & calendula flowers, vitamin e and gentle essential oils.


Then came Tres Leches; or Three Milks. A super softening and moisturizing combination of coconut, butter and goat's milks plus oats and clays. Great for most skin types, especially dry.
As I began to age, my skin care line expanded to include anti aging products. Geisha is a wonderful combination of antioxidant-rich ingredients including green tea, rice bran, parsley, strawberry extract, coconut milk, oats, rose buds, vitamin e plus a synergy of essential oils for a more youthful appearance.


Next up was California Girl. She is a beautiful combination of cleansing rice powders, soothing oats, skin polishing almonds, detoxifying clays, pore-reducing strawberry extract, healing honey, refreshing cucumber extract, vitamin e and skin nourishing essential oils. Suitable for most skin types.


Similar to Tres Leches, but a bit bolder, is Hula Girl. She's got the soothing and softening oats, clays and coconut milk plus the invigorating and illuminating pineapple enzyme; Great for most skin types, especially more mature.


Finally, my most recent formula was added for most skin types, but especially acne-prone and oily. During the testing phase (which consists of family, friends, anyone who will sit still long enough, and myself trying out the products) I decided to call this one Oatmeal Cookie. Why?  Well, that's what it smells like. 
This girl is packed with plant extracts, roots, barks and grains. These lovelies are soothing, cleansing, exfoliating, pore-refining, wrinkle-preventing, blemish-healing, dirt and oil-absorbing, skin balancing, irritation, itchiness and redness relieving, elasticity improving and polyphenol, antioxidant, mineral, silicon and emollient-rich.


Did you forget why you need to exfoliate? See my previous post on exfoliating.