Our Ingredients

Botanical name: Aloe Barbadensis leaf extract.

Aloe leaves contain a plethora of antioxidants including, beta carotene, vitamin C and E that can help improve the skin's natural firmness and keep the skin hydrated. Its anti-inflammatory properties help in treating blemishes, acne and other skin problems. It is great for people who have sensitive skin can as it is very soothing and does not cause any irritation. In addition, with its levels of Vit.A, C, E, B, Zinc and thiamine, aloe vera enhances destruction of candida albicans.

Alphabisabolol is derived from chamomile or extracted from Candeia oil (Eremanthus erythropappus). It is a natural compound that is effective as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent.

INCI: Cera alba

Beeswax is known as a remedy for inflammation, burns, and cracked heels.

It gives structure to our popular Original Balm.

Botanical name: Articum lappa

Burdock root encourages healthy hair growth and is a traditional remedy for inflamed and irritated skin conditions. 

Botanical name: Calendula officinalis

In herbalism, calendula is one of our favourite providers of plant medicine. It’s hard not to fall in love with its vibrant orange flowers and its sunny disposition. Originally native to
Mediterranean Europe, calendula grows freely pretty much everywhere. Calendula has been used medicinally for centuries. It’s credited with a range of benefits including woundhealing,
anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, styptic (which means it helps stop bleeding), circulatory stimulant and a sedative. The healing power of calendula is found in the flower heads and petals. When you touch them on a sunny day you will notice they’ve got a sticky quality to them – just oozing with goodness! These golden petals create rich golden oils and tinctures. They can be used fresh or dried. When they are dried, they have a delicious honey-like fragrance. Calendula-infused oil is gentle yet effective and applicable for many different skin problems including wounds, bruises, broken capillaries,
chilblains, sore nipples, nappy rash, fungal infections, sunburn and cold
sores.

Botanical name: Cameillia sinensis

With outstanding moisture and emollient properties, camellia is one of the lightest and most absorbent of the plant oils. It penetrates skin as fast as water, leaving it supple and hydrated. The oil contains mono-saturated essential fatty acids and is very high in oleic acid (Omega 9 fatty acid) and antioxidants. Camellia oil contains many vitamins and phytosqualene. Squalene is a natural component of human sebum. With age, we become deficient in it, which results in dry skin, premature aging and wrinkles. Camellia oil helps counter that while also protecting skin from harmful UV and environmental damage, forming a thin shield against strong sun rays and change of temperatures. It is also known to protect from age spots, freckles, and excessive pigmentation. The camellia is said to bring in riches and luxury. It has been used for drinking, beauty and medicine since around 1000 BC.

Botanical name: Euphorbia cerifera

Candelilla wax, is a natural ingredient frequently used in cosmetics and skincare products. It appears as a pale yellow to light brown, hard, and brittle wax, adding texture and stability to products like lip balms, lipsticks, creams, and lotions. It is prized for its emollient properties, creating a protective barrier on the skin's surface while also helping to lock in moisture. Its inclusion in formulations enhances product consistency and provides a cruelty-free alternative to beeswax.

BOtanical name: Ricinus communis

Castor is a very thick and sticky oil which takes a long time to absorb into the skin. It acts as a barrier and protective medium against harsh conditions. It is very soothing and moisturising. It is said to help break down lumps and bumps under the skin.

Weird fact: its viscosity made it a valuable lubricant for old biplane engines! Fly my pretties!

Botanical name: German chamomile -Matricaria recutita. Roman chamomile -Anthemis nobilis.

Chamomile is a sweetly aromatic annual plant, native to Europe. It has long held a reputation for its gentle soothing qualities both physically and emotionally. Its qualities help quieten, centre and relax the user. It has anti-anxiety, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antispasmodic properties. It can be applied to itchy skin and eczema. Tests have shown it is beneficial for healing wounds. I prefer using Roman chamomile for issues related to the mind and nervous system – it is a beautiful calmer. German chamomile is rich in azulene and I prefer this for my balms and creams as it is high in healing compounds. In the language of flowers, chamomile means patience in diversity. It is known as the 'herb of humility' because, as a lawn plant, the more it was trodden on, the faster it grew.

Botanical name: Stellaria media

Lovely little chickweed, or ‘starweed’, grows pretty much everywhere. It loves cool damp, moist places. It is rich in flavonoids, coumarins, Vit.A, Zinc, B Complex, D, and iron. You can include young leaves in salads, or you can cook it like spinach. It is highly regarded as a plant to help soothe hot, itchy skin conditions, redness in the face and for ‘tempering the heat of the liver’. It is one of my favourite plant healers!

Botanical name: Cocos nucifera

Coconut oil is deeply hydrating and is known for its help is relieving inflammation, accelerating wound healing and treating common skin conditions like acne. We like its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties and the structure it adds to our vulvovaginal moisturisers.

Botanical name: Symphytum officinale

Used externally, comfrey is a fabulous wounder healer. Comfrey roots and leaves contain allantoin, a substance that helps new skin cells grow.

Interestingly, external preparations of the herb have been effective And possibly superior to diclofenac) in the treatment of ankle injuries and sprains.*

*Fisher C. 2009. Materia Medica of Western Herbs

Dehydroacetic acid (DHA) & benzyl alcohol is a glboally approved preservative for virtually every personal care and cosmetic application. It is permitted by Ecocert as a synthetic preservative in ecological and organic certified cosmetics.

We used this in our Nourish+ moisturiser because it has a water component.

Botanical name: Canarium luzonicum

With a beautiful light and spicy aroma, elemi resin is a gorgeous friend to mature skin as it helps protect from infections and irritations.

INCI: Cetearyl olivate and Sorbitan olivate

Derived from olives, we love this emulsifier. It forms highly stable and skin compatible liquid crystals which are similar to the lipids of the cutaneous barrier of the skin. This means it is able to physiologically
integrate in the stratum corneum and to carry its efficacy also to deeper layers of the skin. Because of its restructuring and thickness properties, it has anti-ageing properties, giving tonicity and elasticity to the skin.

Botanical name: Oenothera biennis

Evening primrose helps repair and maintain healthy skin tissue. It can help minimize fine lines and gives a moisture boost to
dry skin.

Botanical name: Scrophularia nodosa

The name scrophularia comes from the medical term “scrofula” which is a name for a type of infection in the lymph glands of the neck. This points to one of figworts primary uses as an herbal medicine, which is to support the health of the lymphatic system and to help relieve swollen lymph glands.

Figwort is known to benefit the lymphatic system in numerous ways, helping to improve the flow of lymph fluid, to clear blockages and relieve stagnation, and to help reduce swelling of the lymph nodes. Figwort is also commonly used for skin conditions such as acne, itching, eczema, psoriasis and hemorrhoids, among others. 

Botanical name: Boswellia carterii

The name ‘frankincense’ was derived from a medieval French word meaning ‘luxuriant incense’. Frankincense essential oil is distilled from the resin and is an impressive skin care ingredient. It is astringent, slightly antiinflammatory, and has an incredible ability to rejuvenate skin and eradicate wrinkles. Its antioxidant properties and cell regeneration abilities lead to smoother, more youthful skin.

Frankincense is particularly helpful for older skins, and has a definite tonic effect, helping to restore skin firmness, while also slowing down the appearance of wrinkles.

Frankincense is long recognised by religious and spiritual traditions the world over. Its centring effect allows one to focus clearly and is an ideal aid to meditation, contemplation, and prayer, ceasing mental chatter and stilling the mind. The Egyptians
used frankincense in their temple ceremonies and rituals, as kohl for their eyes and as a rejuvenator of the skin. Frankincense was found in the tomb of the ancient Egyptian King Tutankhamen.

Botanical name: Pelargonium graveolens

Geranium essential oil is a great all-rounder and is held in high regard for its skin healing and balancing properties. It
stimulates the lymphatic system, regenerates tissue and eases inflamed skin disorders such as eczema and acne. It has a balancing effect on the production of sebum and so is great to use on any skin type.

Research also hows it has significant pain-relieving actions.

Folklore has always considered geranium as a protection fragrance and oil. Red geraniums are seen as protective, while white are used for fertility spells, and pink are used in love potions.

Botanical name: Zingiber officinale

The Arthritis Foundation highlights studies showing how ginger can effectively relieve osteoarthritis pain.

We use it in our Bud Pain Relief Balm.

Botanical name: Centella asiatica

Gotu kola is used extensively in western, ayurvedic and Chinese herbal medicine. It looks a bit like violets, and like violets, loves to grow in damp, shady places. It is highly regarded as a venous tonic, meaning it helps stimulate the action of blood vessels carrying blood around the body which helps maintain the healing and health of tissues, and good flow of oxygen to the brain.

Read more in our blog here.

Botanical name: Helichrysum italicum.

Helichrysum is also known as Everlasting Flower or Immortelle. This is a beautiful plant that grows freely in places around the Mediterranean, like Albania and North Africa. There are several varieties of helichrysum, but it is H.Italicum which is highly prized for its scar healing properties.

BOtanical name: Cannabis sativa.

Hemp seed contains a high amount of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids than any other plant which makes it ideal for anti-inflammatory skin care products. It has excellent soothing, balancing and anti-ageing properties and no, you won’t get high using it! It has numerous benefits as it contains antioxidants, protein, carotene, phytosterols, phospholipids, vitamins and a number of minerals. It is a source of complete protein and contains all known amino acids. The green colour in hemp seed oil is a result of the high level of chlorophyll which is naturally present in the seeds.

According to Chinese legend, the name Ma Gu literally means “Hemp Maid”. Ma Gu is associated with the elixir of life, and is a symbolic protector of females. Stories in Chinese literature describe Ma Gu as a beautiful young woman with long birdlike fingernails.

Botanical name: Simmondsia chinensis.

Jojoba oil is deeply hydrating and very nutritious for the skin. It is easily absorbed, leaving a lovely light feel to the skin. Highly regarded for its antiageing properties plus its antimicrobial. It is perfect for people with sensitive skin.

Botanical name: Kunzea ericoides

In New Zealand we know Kunzea as Kanuka.

The distilled essential oil is a powerful pain-reliever. Kunzea oil has been said to have anti-inflammatory properties, which enable it to relieve aches and pains in muscles and joints. We find it a wonderful ingredient in our Bud Pain Relief Balm.

Lanolin, a natural substance derived from sheep's wool, is a commonly used ingredient in cosmetics and skincare products. Lanolin is used to moisturize skin, hair and nails. It acts as a lubricant of the skin, which gives it a soft and smooth appearance.

Its moisturizing, emollient, and protective properties, help soften and smoooth the skin.

Botanical name: Lavandula angustifolia

For centuries, lavender has been used
as a general tonic, sedative, antispasmodic, antibacterial, diuretic, and digestive aid. It is used to treat skin ailments such as fungus, burns, wounds, eczema and acne.

In folklore, lavender has powers of love, protection, sleep, chastity, longevity, purification, happiness and peace. During the Victorian era, women ‘of refinement’ carried hand-sized aromatic
“swooning pillows” filled with lavender and camphor, so that they could be readily revived from a faint. Sounds just what every midlife woman needs!

Melissa Balm is a member of the mint family and used traditionally for stress and is considered a calming herb for the nervous system. Some studies suggest that topical ointments containing lemon balm may help heal cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Botanical name: Leonurus cardiaca

Motherwort is a member of the mint family, and is traditionally used to treat anxiety, high blood pressure, symptoms of menstruation and menopause, and edema.

Our motherwort is grown and harvested in the Archeus gardens.

Botanical name: Artemesia vulgaris

Mugwort has a range of uses, and is particularly known for is sedative and muscle relaxant properties.

Mugwort contains many compounds, particularly monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids which can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and decrease anxiety.

Our mugwort is all grown and harvested in our gardens.

Botanical name: Myrica cerifera

Myrica berry wax contributes to skin hydration and protectionby forming a lipid film on the surface of the epidermis. It also strengthens nails and hair.

It also smells beautiful and rich and earthy.

Botanical name Urtica dioica.

Don’t be put off by its nasty sting, as nettle is also an absolutely primo herb for helping hot, irritated skin conditions. This is a great example of the medieval herbalists’ idea of ‘like cures like’. We love nettle for its powerful soothing and repairing qualities for things like rashes, psoriasis and rosacaea.

Botanical name: Plantago Major or lanceolata.

Plantain is a superb wound healer. Rich in flavonoids, Zinc and B-Carotene, it cools and soothes skin and delicate membranes and is approved by the German Commission E for use on mucosa including pharyngeal cancers. Also known as ribwort, plantain is noted for its ability to help draw out infection and heal wounds. it has been widely used as a herbal remedy and treatment throughout time.

Botanical name: Populus nigra

Poplar buds, also known as Balm of Gilead, have been used since biblical times to ease tension, and melt muscles in massage.

The buds drop in autumn. They are gorgeously aromatic, and sticky and resinous and rich in salicin, which is a powerful pain reliever.

We gather these buds annually then slowly macerate them into our base oils.

Botanical name: Rosmarinus officinalis

Beautifully aromatic, rosemary is highly
regarded for its therapeutic benefits for the head, brain, focus and for easing headaches. Rich in antioxidant properties it is also regarded as helping reduce scalp irritation and support health hair growth. REsearch also shows it has pain-relieving properties.

The ancients used rosemary in their ceremonies and the old French word for it was Incensier.

Our rosemary is hand harvested in the Archeus gardens.

Botanical name: Santalum spicatum

In ayurvedic medicine, sandalwood is revered for its numerous beneficial properties. Research* has shown that sandalwood's strong anti-inflammatory effects make it effective in treatment of conditions like psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and acne.

In ayurvedic beauty products it is regarded as balancing and refining the skin.

One of the oldest known perfume materials with at least 4000 years of uninterrupted use, Sandalwood is known for benefiting a range of skin problems including acne, dry, cracked and chapped skin, shaving rash and
its balancing qualities mean it is also reputed to be good for oily skin. There are references to sandalwood in Indian scriptures and folklore dating back beyond the birth of Christ and for example is mentioned in Buddist Jatacka stories of the 7th century BC.
Burmese women sprinkle people in the street on the last day of the year with a mixture of rosewater and sandalwood oil to wash away the sins of the year.

*Sharma Manju , Levenson Corey , Browning John C. , Becker Emily M. , Clements Ian , Castella Paul , Cox Michael E. East Indian Sandalwood Oil Is a Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor: A New Therapeutic Option in the Treatment of Inflammatory Skin Disease
Frontiers in Pharmacology. Vol.9, 2018.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.00200

Botanical name: Sesamum indicum

Sesame Oil is a potent antioxidant and hydrating agent that moisturizes and protects the skin. It is an excellent ingredient for products targeting premature aging of the skin and hair due to its rich nutrient profile like vitamins E and B. This oil also offers a mild natural sun protection factor, providing an additional defense against the harmful UV rays of the sun.

Botanical name: Butyrospermum parkii.

Shea is a beautiful ingredient for skin
creams. It is rich in Vitamin A, which is a building block for skin cells. Packed with powerful antioxidants that help reduce the effects of ageing, treat stretch marks and blemishes, recover and repair muscles and skin, it really is very special. What makes it special? Well, aside from the Vitamin A and antioxidants it also has a compound in it
called allantoin, which is a superb healer. Shea butter is thick and creamy with a consistency that is softer than cocoa butter. Because it has a range of different length fatty acid chains in it that expand and contract at different rates, it can go grainy due to changes in temperature – this is more of an issue for balms than creams. To be honest
though I think of this as its way of telling us it comes from Nature and is still responding to its environment. I prefer to use certified organic unrefined shea butter because I believe it has more beneficial properties in it than refined shea butter which has basically been ‘steam cleaned’.

Botanical name: Helianthus annuus

We absolutetly love using certified organic sunflower oil in many of your products. It has a long shelf life, is wonderfully hypoallergenic and it has a nice density and hardly any aroma.

The emollient properties within sunflower seed oil help the skin retain its moisture while also imparting additional hydration. It's rich in antioxidants, and so it helps the skin maintain a healthy barrier, protecting skin cells from things like UV rays, pollution, and environmental stressors. Perfect.

Botanical name: Calophyllum inophyllum.

Tamanu is a nut oil, and with its deliciously earthy smell, it feels like the forest. Rich in essential fatty acids, it helps lubricate your skin and keep it healthy. Its age-busting attributes dome from its antioxidants. These help fight free radicals, which are a major cause of skin ageing.

Tamanu is antibacterial and antifungal and is renowned for helping heal wounds, reduce scarring and ease minor burns and sunburn.

Tocopherol is more commonly known as Vitamin E. It is a powerful antioxidant and helps delay the rancidity of oils. It is also good for the skin.

Botanical name: Curcuma longa

We use turmeric essential oil in our Bud Pain Relief Balm because of the extensive research showing how helpful turmeric is for reducing inflammation and pain.

Studies show a beneficial impact on common conditions like arthritis, muscle soreness and inflammation.

Botanical name: Chrysopogon zizanioides

Native to India. In western and northern India, it’s popularly known as khus. It is also known as 'the oil of tranquility'.

Vetiver helps brings about a sense of peace and calm. In fact studies show its effectiviness in treating children with ADHD.

It is thought to help boost the immune nad nervous system and soothe anxiety and nerves.

Botanical name: Viola odorata

Violet's benefits include benefits include actions against hot inflamed tissues, sore throats, swollen lymph glands, and cysts. They are a traditional remedy to help breast and uterine health. Modern research has been looking at extracting properties from violets to make an anti-cancer tumour drug.