The Properties of

Plants and Herbs

Plants and herbs absorb and store nutrients from their own habitats which promote harmony and healing within our own bodies

yellow and black leaves on water_edited.

Liquid

Extracts

Plant and herb extracts are where the beneficial compounds of the plant are extracted and made into liquid. Whilst not as concentrated as essential oils, extracts offer a more intense form of plant properties than oils or butters. The Curious Herb uses a number extracts - such as Seaweed and Arnica - with different properties and actions on the body.

Plant

Oils

Plant oils - not to be confused with essential oils - derive from the fatty portion of a plant, usually the seeds, kernels or nuts. They are rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins. The Curious Herb uses a number of different plant oils - such as Cameillia, Rosehip, Argan, Safflower, Sea Buckthorn, Sweet Almond - with varied and multiple actions on the body.

Plant

Butters

Butters are essentially an oil that takes solid form at room temperature. Like oils, butters carry the properties of plants. Butters are rich sources of vitamins, essential fatty acids, minerals. Butters typically come from fruit and nuts. The Curious Herb uses different butters - such as Mango and Shea - which have varied and multiple actions on the body.

A-Z of ingredients

& natural plant properties*

A

Almond

Prunus dulcis

Rich in vitamins, anti-oxidants and minerals, Almond is highly moisturising, revitalising and nourishing for the skin. It is especially suited to dry, sensitive and irritated skin and helps heal dry and chapped skin, reduce eye puffiness and dark circles

B

Benzoin

Styrax benzoin

Benzoin naturally contains benzaldehydes which helps with inflammation, wounds and cuts. Benzoin is also said to help to reduce stress and anxiety.

C

Calendula

Calendula officinalis

Rich in Salicylic acid which is a natural skin repairer, Calendula is renowned for its healing properties. It is antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. It helps wound healing, and soothes irritated and inflamed skin. Recent research has also suggests that Calendula promotes skin hydration and firmness [1]

Up

E

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus globulus

Eucalyptus is high in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is traditionally used as a decongestant helping to break down phlegm and mucus but it can also help with wound care, pain relief and as a powerful insect repellent.

F

Fennel

Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel is a balancing herb, calming skin and mind and relaxing muscle tension. It also mimics the production of oestrogen and can help relieve menopausal symptoms including lower abdominal spasms and water retention.

G

Geranium

Pelargonium Graveolens

Geranium has antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties which help with skin irritation, infections and balancing sebum levels in the skin. Geranium may also help with edema, shingle pain, and anxiety and depression.

H

Hemp

Cannabis sativa

Hemp contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties and essential fatty acids that help calm inflamed and irritated skin whilst keeping the skin nourished and hydrated.

J

Jojoba

Simmondsia chinensis

Jojoba is rich in Vitamin E and has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It attracts water to the top layer of the skin helping to keep it hydrated. It regulates sebum production, promotes collagen synthesis, improves skin elasticity and eases inflammation.

K

Kukui

Aleurites moluccana

Kukui Nuts are rich in Vitamin A, C and E and antioxidants. They intensively moisturise offering immediate relief to dry and rough skin and are helpful for eczema, psoriasis, chapped skin, scarring and mature or prematurely aging skin.

L

Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

Lavender is a herb for balancing and normalising body functions. When applied topically Lavender offers numerous benefits, including soothing and calming inflammation, improving wound healing, easing itching and dryness, evening skin tone, and repelling insects.

M

Mandarin

Citrus Nobilis

Mandarin is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-microbial with high levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It regulates sebum production, promotes the growth of new skin cells, and helps to reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks and age spots.

N

Neroli

Citrus aurantium

Neroli is known for its ability to promote healthy, glowing skin. It has antimicrobial, anti-fungal properties and is rich in antioxidants which can help protect against environmental damage and premature aging.

O

Olive

Olea europaea

Olives contain vitamins A, D,K and E and are rich in antioxidants which hydrate the skin and help protect against free radicals and the damaging effects of the sun

P

Patchouli

Pogostemon cablin

Patchouli contains anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. It can help with dry and cracked skin, dermatitis and acne but it can also offer mild pain relief, ease stress and anxiety and promote a sense of wellbeing.

R

Rosemary

Rosemarinus officianalis

Rosemary is traditionally used for improving brain function, concentration and memory but it can also help with joint inflammation, pain relief, increasing circulation and blood flow and repelling insects.

S

Sea Buckthorn

Hippohae rhamnoides

Sea buckthorn oil has been used in skin treatments for centuries. It’s rich in unsaturated fat, antioxidants, phytosterols, carotenoids, and vitamins E and K which work together to protect the skin, promoting its renewal and helping with wound healing.

T

Teatree

Melaleuca alternifolia

Tea tree has antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. It contains terpinene-4-ol which has been shown to help with fungal infection, skin inflammation and acne-prone skin but also increase the activity of white blood cells, helping to fight germs and pathogens.[1]

V

Vetiver

Vetiveria zizanioides

Vetiver is used to relax the body and mind, alleviate emotional stress and promote sleep but it can also help heal scars by promoting the regeneration of skin and tissue, reducing stretch marks, scarring and dark spots.

W

Walnut

Juglans regia

Walnuts contain essential fatty acids, oxidants and oleic and omega oils that soothe sensitive, irritated and damaged skin. The oils of walnut also promote healthy regeneration of the skin and protect it from environmental damage.

Y

Ylang Ylang

Cananga odorata

Traditionally used as an aphrodisiac, Ylang Ylang has a balancing effect on the skin, body and mind. It regulates sebum production, can help with high blood pressure, nervous tension and insomnia.

* The healing properties of the ingredients listed above are not exhaustive. The impact of herbal and plant ingredients will vary depending on the combination of plants and herbs used, the individual using them and whether they are ingested or applied to the skin. Herbal and plant remedies are not a substitute for a healthy and balanced lifestyle.