- Historical Uses of Herbal Oils
- Herbal Oils Vs Essential Oils
- Benefits of Herbal Oils
- A Guide to Herbal Oils
- Herbal Oil Uses
- Storing Herbal Oils
- Contraindications
IN ESSENCE…
- Herbal Oils are produced by infusing herbs in a Carrier Oil to create a nourishing oil rich in nutrients, bioactive elements, and antioxidants.
- The roots and seeds of the herbs are rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients that are fat-soluble.
- While any Carrier Oil can be used as a base oil, Coconut Oil and Olive Oil are the most common in herbal oils because they have longer shelf lives and are versatile in application.
- Herbs can be infused either dried or fresh. However, some herbs infuse better in one form over the other.
- Some of the most common Herbal Oils include Calendula, St, John’s Wort, and Comfrey Herbal Oils.
HISTORICAL USES OF HERBAL OILS
Herbal Oils were concocted and used for thousands of years due to their medicinal, anti-aging, and cosmetic purposes. Historical uses of Herbal Oils can be found in several ancient cultures, including the use of St. John’s Wort Oil in Roman civilization in 400 BC. Having harvested around the summer solstice, the St. John’s Wort flowers were soaked in Virgin Olive Oil to extract any healing properties. Once the oil was filtered, it was used to soothe burn pains.
In medieval Persia, Herbal Oils were also valued for their medical and pharmaceutical uses. In Bondahesh, a Sassanid Pahlavi manuscript that is considered one of the most important documents categorized all plant species into 11 groups, including oily herbs that were identified by their oily seeds.
The application of Herbal Oils and Extracts for medicinal purposes is believed to have originated in Traditional Chinese, Indian, and Egyptian medicine. Although modern health care disregards the healing benefits of Herbal Oils, these cultures continue to pass on these rituals down to new generations.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HERBAL OILS AND ESSENTIAL OILS?
Herbal Oils and Essential Oils are often mistaken for one another. Due to their emollient, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiseptic constituents, both Herbal Oils and Essential Oils have a place in natural skin care, hair care, and cosmetics. However, the different extraction methods between the two types of oils contribute to their unique characteristics and performance abilities. As the more common oil type, Essential Oils are the essence of the plant condensed into an oil. It is distilled by extracting the oil component of a plant that contains the highest concentration of specific properties. For this reason, Essential Oils are typically recommended to be used in small doses.
Herbal Oils are produced by marinating the chosen dried or fresh herb in a carrier oil, such as Olive Oil, and applying gentle heat over a period and is separated by filtration or decantation. Many of the medicinal qualities of the leaves, stems, and roots are released into the oils. Herbal Oils are typically used externally and are incorporated in natural skin and hair care products.
Essential Oils refer to the “essence” of the plant, closely mimicking the smell, taste, and color. The high concentration rate of Essential Oils tends to trigger sensitivities in many people. Since Herbal Oils are herb-infused Oils, they are far less concentrated, making them safe to use for those who have adverse reactions to Essential Oils.
BENEFITS OF HERBAL OILS
NDA’s Herbal Oils are cold pressed Carrier Oils infused with the soothing properties of herbs, resulting in oils rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. There are numerous benefits of opting for an Herbal Oil for skin and hair care needs. These include:
A gentler alternative to Essential Oils – Since Herbal Oils are more gentle than Essential Oils, they are less likely to trigger an adverse effect, making them safe to use for sensitive skin.
Absorbs into the skin quickly and effectively – The Carrier Oil base transfers its natural qualities plus the constituents of the herbs to the surface of the skin without leaving a greasy residue.
Moisturizing and Hydrating – Due to their combination of nutrients and antioxidants, our Herbal Oils penetrate deep beyond the surface of the skin and the hair, delivering a nourishing and healthy glow.
Versatility – Herbal Oils can be used to formulate creams, toners, lotions, lip balms, massage oils, hair oils, shampoos, and conditioners.
A GUIDE TO HERBAL OILS
ARNICA HERBAL OIL
Botanical name: Heterotheca inuloides
Plant part: Flowers
Infused in: Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Standardization: 11.3% dry herb/L of oil (i.e., 113 g herb per 1000 mL of oil)
Believed to:
- Be beneficial for treating a wide range of conditions such as bruising, sprains, and muscle aches.
- Provide a soothing effect on insect bites.
- Be helpful in soothing the skin with minor burns.
- Soothe inflammatory skin conditions such as acne and eczema.
- Possess antioxidant properties that slow the signs of aging.
CALENDULA HERBAL OIL
Botanical name: Heterotheca inuloides
Plant part: Flowers
Infused in: Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Standardization: 20% dry herb/L of oil (i.e., 200 g herb per 1000 ml of oil)
Believed to:
- Possess antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
- Relieve side effects of eczema and diaper rash.
- Be a protectant against harmful UV rays.
- Promote skin hydration and suppleness.
CHAMOMILE HERBAL OIL
Botanical name: Matricaria recutita
Plant part: Flowers
Infused in: Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Standardization: 10% dry herb/L of oil (i.e., 100 g herb per 1000 ml of oil)
Believed to:
- Gently moisturize and soothe the skin.
- Relieve itching, redness, and sunburn.
- Protect against free radicals.
- Safe for sensitive skin.
COMFREY LEAF HERBAL OIL
Botanical name: Symphytum officinale
Plant part: Leaf
Infused in: Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Standardization: 10% dry herb/L of oil (i.e., 100 g herb per 1000 ml of oil)
Believed to:
- Contain the compound Allantoin, which is known to support skin rejuvenation and aid in the healing of minor wounds.
- Possess strong emolliating properties, which is beneficial for dry scalp and extra dry skin.
- Reduce inflammation.
- Slow the signs of aging and support the skin’s elasticity.
MARSHMALLOW HERBAL OIL
Botanical name: Althaea officinalis
Plant part: Root
Infused in: Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Standardization: 10% dry herb/L of oil (i.e., 100 g herb per 1000 ml of oil)
Believed to:
- Be deeply soothing, hydrating, and softening when applied topically.
- Provide a protective and cooling effect on the scalp and hair.
- Soothe redness and inflammation.
MEADOWSWEET HERBAL OIL
Botanical name: Filipendula ulmaria
Plant part: Aerial parts
Infused in: Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Standardization: 10% dry herb/L of oil (i.e., 100 g herb per 1000 ml of oil)
Believed to:
- Be astringent, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory, due to its rich profile of tannins, flavonoids, and salicylates.
- Contain a natural source of Salicylic Acid, making it a great addition to exfoliating and cleansing formulations.
- Be safe for color-treated hair due to its antioxidant properties.
- Also contain tannin, making Meadowsweet potentially beneficial for acne-prone skin.
PAPAYA LEAF HERBAL OIL
Botanical name: Carica papaya
Plant part: Leaves
Infused in: Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Standardization: 10% dry herb/L of oil (i.e., 100 g herb per 1000 ml of oil)
Believed to:
- Naturally possess Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s), as well as Vitamins C and E.
- Soften and protect the skin when applied topically.
- Also lighten the appearance of scars and hyperpigmentation.
- Act as an effective oil cleanser or natural makeup remover.
ST. JOHN’S WORT HERBAL OIL
Botanical name: Hypericum perforatum
Plant part: Flowers
Infused in: Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Standardization: 20% dry herb/L of oil (i.e., 200 g herb per 1000 ml of oil)
Believed to:
- Possess skin toning and clarifying qualities.
- Decrease the appearance of scars.
- Improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
- Possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help treat the skin that is troubled by acne.
HERBAL OIL USES
For a healing salve that soothes cracked skin, blend one or more Herbal Oils with 28 grams of Beeswax and ½ a teaspoon of your choice of Essential Oil. Calendula and Comfrey Herbal Oils would make an optimal foundation for a healing salve, whether used on their own or blended. Calendula and Comfrey are believed to be deeply emolliating, so a salve including either of these Herbal Oils can be used topically to heal cracked skin and moisturize especially dry areas, such as hands, knees, and elbows. Comfrey oil is especially healing and can potentially treat bruises and scars.
To create an all-natural lip balm using Herbal Oils, begin with a solid wax or butter as a base. NDA’s Premium Canadian Beeswax, Cocoa Butter, or Lip Balm Cosmetic Base are exceptional foundations for lip balm formulations. Then, add 4 teaspoons of your choice of Herbal Oil. Chamomile Herbal Oil has a pleasant effect on the senses and is nourishing to dry lips. Marshmallow Root oil and Meadowsweet Oil are also excellent additions. If desired, complete this all-natural lip balm formulation with your favorite skin-safe essential oil.
The nourishing constituents of NDA’s Herbal Oils blend beautifully in a handmade lotion. Choose from any of our Herbal Oils to tailor to your skincare needs. Chamomile Herbal Oil is known to be anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory, making it ideal for skin that is troubled by acne or eczema. Papaya Leaf Herbal Oil’s softening and protectant qualities can also elevate any body lotion formulation. For sensitive or mature skin, Meadowsweet Herbal Oil possesses a profile rich in tannins, flavonoids, and salicylates, which emits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. Arnica Oil’s soothing properties can emit a luxuriously nourishing experience when added to an all-natural body lotion formulation.
Along with their numerous skin care benefits, Herbal Oils also offer a plethora of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are equally healthful for the hair. The moisturizing constituents of Meadowsweet Herbal Oil are believed to be safe enough to use on color-treated hair. The Salicylic Acid found in this oil can also cleanse and exfoliate the scalp from any build-up while delivering hydration to dry skin. The protective and cooling effects of Marshmallow Herbal Oil make it ideal to use for a scalp massage. Marshmallow also delivers moisture and repairs damage when blended into shampoos, conditioners, and deep hair treatments.
Arnica Herbal Oil has been used for medicinal purposes as well as cosmetic purposes for centuries. It is believed to be an effective natural treatment for sore muscles, burns, bruises, and insect bites. Use 1-2 drops on areas affected by bug bites to ease itchiness. For tight muscles, Arnica can be used as a massage oil to ease tension and provide an overall soothing experience for the senses.
STORING HERBAL OILS
Herbal Oils typically have a shelf-life of 1-2 years. When the herbs are harvested at their peak, the infused oils can be used all year round. To prevent rancidity, it is recommended to store Herbal Oils in a cool, dry place or, if possible, refrigerate them. If the Carrier Oil used is not shelf-stable, or if fresh herbs were used to infuse the oil, the Herbal Oil may be prone to molding. If your Herbal Oil displays any change in color, scent, clarity, or taste, discard it right away for safety.
CONTRAINDICATIONS OF POWDER BOTANICAL EXTRACTS
Unless otherwise indicated, Herbal Oils are only intended for external uses, as with all other New Directions Aromatics products. Some individuals may experience cause skin irritation or allergic reactions when exposed to these products. For this reason, NDA recommends performing a skin patch test prior to using the product. To conduct a patch test, apply a dime-sized amount of the Herbal Oil to a small area of the skin that is not sensitive. In the event of an adverse reaction, immediately stop using the product and seek guidance from a healthcare professional.