We scoured the globe selecting only the highest-quality ingredients to produce our synergistic, potent product, ViM. Your skin is your largest organ and absorbs everything it touches. We believe that only pure ingredients should come into contact with your body. ViM’s ingredients are 100% natural and food-grade quality*, so you can be assured you are giving your body the very best.
*Although all ingredients are food-grade, ViM is for topical use only. Do not eat.
Hemp seed oil is one of the most talked about ingredients in our product, along with that it is also one of the most widely misunderstood. Let's take a quick look at the facts and the history of the many uses and benefits of this oil.
People have known about the benefits of hemp seed oil for millennia. Records indicate that as far back as 6,000 BCE, hemp seeds and the oil were used in a culinary application in ancient China. Hemp plants were also utilized as building materials, for clothing and even for shoes! By around 100 BCE, hemp plants were being used as a means to create paper products.
Fast forward to medieval Europe, where hemp was still one of the most common materials used to create clothing, as cotton was not yet widely farmed. Interesting fact: It was the law in colonial America for citizens to grow hemp, as it is an extremely useful plant with a variety of applications.
Hemp and hemp seed oil is not quite as popular today as it was throughout history, and part of this decline is due to the common misconception that hemp is the same plant as marijuana. In fact, hemp seed oil actually comes from a different type of cannabis than the strain people utilize recreationally and has no psychoactive effects.
Hemp seed oil is the oil acquired through cold pressing ripened hemp seeds. This precious oil has a large variety of health benefits including, being rich in omega 3, 6 and 9's fatty acids and antioxidants. Hemps seeds and the Hemp seed oil have a 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3, which may benefit skin diseases and provide relief from eczema and its uncomfortable symptoms.
They are also a great protein source and contain high amounts of vitamin E, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron and zinc.
There are so many health benefits that we're still discovering the multitude of ways that Hemp Seed Oil improves our health. From its omega fatty acids, bioactive compounds and mineral content, people are falling in love with the benefits of industrial hemp; the food strain that does not deliver psychoactive effects.
Hemp seed oil is often used as a moisturizer for the skin, and for good reason. Studies have indicated that hemp seed oil can dramatically decrease skin dryness, which alleviates itching and irritation. Moreover, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may protect against the aging process while soothing the skin. The abundance of fatty acids may make the oil an excellent choice for nourishing the skin and protecting it from inflammation, oxidation, and other causes of aging.
Many people have found hemp oil helpful as a form of natural pain relief, especially if the pain is a result of inflammation, hemp oil may also help with general stress and tension in the muscles.
Camphor is obtained from the bark of the Cinnamonun Camphora tree. Only 50-year-old trees can produce the waxy substance, which is turned into camphor oil. The camphor tree is evergreen, it grows throughout Asia, primarily in Indonesia.
Camphor has a wide variety of topical uses due to its antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it useful in healing infections. It can be used to treat skin conditions, improve respiratory function, and topically relieve pain, irritation, and itching. Camphor is also used to relieve chest congestion and other inflammatory conditions.
Camphor is considered an important ingredient in vapor rubs, balms and liniments to help allay pain and reduce itching. You might feel a tingling, warming or cooling sensation when using camphor products.
Camphor in muscle rubs can help to relieve muscle cramps, spasms, and stiffness.
The cooling and penetrating effects of camphor oil make it an anti-inflammatory and sedative agent. It has the added benefit of relaxing the body and mind while enhancing a feeling of peace. The fragrance plays an important role in relaxation and sleep.
Camphor products have been known to be effective in relieving the pain, inflammation, and swelling caused by arthritis.
Camphor is also used in many medical preparations such as ointments and lotions to treat bacterial and fungal infections of the skin. It also is a detoxifier and a stimulant for the circulatory system, which can increase blood circulation and bring relief to those who suffer with rheumatic diseases, arthritis, and gout.
The organic compound menthol occurs naturally within the mentha arvensis botanical's secretory gland cells through the process of biosynthesis.
Menthol may be derived by the process of freezing an essential oil derived from a species of mint, after which process the resultant crystals would be removed through a filtering process. In their natural state at room temperature, menthol crystals appear to be colorless or white, solid but small, brittle, satiny crystalline matter with a waxy texture.
In ancient times, although menthol crystals had not yet been discovered, the peppermint plant was used throughout several cultures to address symptoms of colds, such as coughs, and respiratory ailments.
Used cosmetically, menthol crystals contribute a cooling sensation to the skin, which helps reduce the feeling of irritation, itching, and burning. It is used to eliminate blackheads and whiteheads and to diminish the appearance of dark spots as well as age spots, thereby preventing acne outbreaks and promoting clearer skin.
It is known to leave skin feeling cleansed, moisturized, and radiant. Additionally, its astringent property is known to tighten skin, leaving the complexion looking firmer and smoother.
Used medicinally, menthol crystals work to address aches, pains, cramps, sprains, and irritation. By activating the body's receptors that are sensitive to cold temperatures, menthol crystals contribute a cooling sensation when applied topically or when inhaled, making it ideal for use as a decongestant that promotes the feeling of airways opening up.
Menthol crystals exhibit effective antispasmodic properties that help relax muscles, while their antiemetic quality can address tension headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
Menthol Crystals are reputed to alleviate fever symptoms, coughs, headaches, sinus discomforts, to support immunity, to facilitate healing, and to stabilize the emotions by elevating the mood.
Menthol also has pain-relieving properties when applied topically. It is particularly beneficial in alleviating the pain associated with minor musculoskeletal problems, such as arthritis, sprains, or muscle cramps.
Arnica (Arnica Montana) has been used for medicinal purposes since the 1500s and it is still popular today.
Arnica, short for Arnica Montana, is a perennial plant found in the mountainous areas of Europe and North America, it produces yellow-orange daisy-like flowers.
Internal and external preparations made from the flowering heads of arnica have been used medicinally for hundreds of years. Arnica was used extensively in European folk medicine, while early settlers to North America produced alcoholic tinctures to treat sore throats, reduce fevers, and to improve blood circulation.
Arnica is also a common ingredient in hair tonics, dandruff treatments, perfumes, and cosmetics.
Arnica is mainly known for its use in treating muscular aches, bruises, sprains, muscle soreness, and muscle spasms often associated with sports activity, joint pain, and arthritis. Nature's anti-inflammatory, Arnica is well known for its ability to reduce swelling, which is why it offers significant benefits in the treatment of sprains, strains, fractures, contusions, and other injuries. Some surgeons even recommend Arnica as a remedy to reduce post-surgical swelling.
At the other end of the spectrum, the elderly also get extensive benefits from Arnica Montana supplements. For those suffering from arthritis or other inflammatory conditions that naturally occur as we age, applying some products with Arnica Montana in them can quickly loosen those aching joints and aid in reducing the swelling so that you can move easier with less pain.
The anti-inflammatory ability is one side of the coin, but there is also the issue of pain relief .
Over the counter pharmaceutical medicines tend to only cover inflammation, often leaving the pain behind, but Arnica Montana naturally works as an analgesic as well to relieve topical pain anywhere on the body. Arnica is a natural pain reliever that doesn't just mask the pain; it actually stimulates your body's healing processes, so your recovery time may be faster.
Arnica is especially recommended for pain that derives from trauma (such as a fall) or inflammation (such as arthritis). Arnica offers a safe alternative remedy for pain, without the risks associated with over-the-counter NSAIDs or prescription pain medicine.
As you can see, Arnica aids in the healing of many kinds of injuries, especially those that impact soft tissues. While not a substitute for appropriate medical care, Arnica can reduce pain and swelling from sprains, strains, fractures, bruises, overexertion, sore muscles, and more. Many people find that Arnica helps them recover much faster, so they can get back to the activities they love.
Eucalyptus is a fast-growing evergreen tree native to Australia. It is found as an ingredient in many products, and is used mainly to reduce symptoms of coughs, colds, and congestion. It also features in creams and ointments aimed at relieving muscle and joint pain.
Chinese, Indian Ayurvedic, Greek, and other European styles of medicine have incorporated it into the treatment of a range of conditions for thousands of years.
The leaves also contain flavonoids and tannins; flavonoids are plant-based antioxidants, and tannins may help to reduce inflammation.
Eucalyptus extract may act as a pain reliever, and research indicates that the oil may have analgesic properties.
Eucalyptol, or 1,8-cineole, which accounts for 70–90 percent of the contents of eucalyptus oil, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. It helps to: improve respiratory conditions. relieve coughs, improve seasonal allergies, fight infections, reduce pain and inflammation, alleviate headaches, aid in wound care, boost mental clarity.
There are a number of studies that suggest that eucalyptus oil aids in easing joint pain. In fact, many popular over-the- counter creams and ointments contain it to soothe pain from conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Since Eucalyptus oil helps to reduce pain and inflammation, it may also be helpful to people experiencing back pain or those recovering from a joint or muscle injury.
Argan oil is the beautiful, nutritious oil that comes from the seeds of the argan tree, which grows almost exclusively in southwest Morocco. Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of the argan fruit, which resembles a large, brown olive or a nut.
Traditionally, Moroccans applied argan oil topically to treat everything from eczema and psoriasis to wrinkles and hair loss.
You'll find argan oil primarily in two forms: the edible, food-grade argan oil, which comes from roasted argan kernels and can be ingested and used for cooking, and cosmetic argan oil, which is extracted from unroasted kernels, and is intended to be applied directly to the skin or hair.
Nutritionally speaking, argan seeds have many health benefits. They're chock-full of monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, and contain more vitamin E than olive oil. This helps give argan oil its skin- and hair-boosting benefits. Historically, Moroccans used it mainly to treat hair loss. Recent research suggests it can, in fact, help repair damaged hair.
Argan oil is comprised primarily of fatty acids, along with a variety of phenolic compounds. Other compounds found in argan oil, such as CoQ10, melatonin and plant sterols, also play a role in its antioxidant capacity.
One of the most attractive benefits of argan oil is that when applied to skin, it helps to ease inflammation while at the same time moisturizing and nourishing the skin. Argan oil is a rich source of vitamin E, which is a fat-soluble antioxidant that can help improve water retention in the skin.
Argan oil is high in linoleic acid, which can help to reduce inflammation caused by acne (as well as rashes, infections and bug bites), while simultaneously helping to soothe damaged skin cells. This is why argan oil can also help to improve acne. Hormonal acne is often the result of excess sebum, which is an unpleasant side effect of changing hormones. Argan oil has anti-sebum effects, which can effectively help to regulate amounts of sebum on the skin. This supports the treatment of several different types of acne and can promote a smoother, calmer complexion.
Atopic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes itchy, red skin. Research has found that applying argan oil topically to the affected area can help treat the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Vitamin E and the natural anti-inflammatory properties found in argan oil can lead to a soothing effect.
Argan oil can also be applied directly to your skin to reduce inflammation caused by injuries or infections. In fact, treating skin infections is one of the traditional uses of argan oil. Because argan oil has both antibacterial and fungicidal properties, it can help treat and prevent both bacterial and fungal skin infections.
Argan oil may accelerate the healing process of wounds. Research indicates that argan oil may help reduce inflammation and improve the elasticity of skin, which could be why many people report success when using it on stretch marks. One study suggests that argan oil may prevent and treat stretch marks in their early stages.
Argan oil has long been used as an anti-aging treatment. Until recently, this practice was only supported by anecdotal evidence. However, we now see from current studies that argan oil may support, repair and maintain healthy skin when applied directly to your skin, possibly reducing visual signs of aging.
Lavender is a very common essential oil, with it's beautiful color and aroma, it has so much to offer! Here is the history and the benefits of using it on a regular basis.
Lavender is an herb native to northern Africa and the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and India, with a history dating as far back as 2,500 years, it is a flowering plant in the mint family that's easily identified by its sweet floral scent.
In ancient times, lavender was considered a holy herb. Additionally, it was often used to freshen up and give a light scent to a variety of personal items, such as clothes and hair.
During later times, lavender was used in baths and bathhouses to provide a luxurious and fragrant accompaniment to bathing, it was used as a bath additive in several regions, including Persia, ancient Greece, and Rome.
These cultures believed that lavender helped purify the body and mind, since then, lavender has been used to treat many different ailments, including: mental health issues, anxiety, insomnia, depression, headaches, hair loss, nausea, acne, skin irritations.
Jump forward to the present day, and lavender is still just as popular. A popular and vital ingredient in many bubble baths and spa treatments, it's no coincidence that the healthy skin promoting properties of lavender continue to be celebrated and harnessed today, as they have been for thousands of years. To stand the test of time is a pretty impressive thing indeed.
The medicinal benefits of using lavender to treat anxiety, fungal infections, hair loss, and wounds have been demonstrated over time.
Lavender oil is also believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to heal minor burns and bug bites.
In fact, if you have acne, eczema, or skin inflammation, applying lavender oil to affected areas may play a role in soothing the skin, treating blemishes and easing the inflammation.
Lavender is known as an excellent remedy for various types of pains including those caused by sore and tense muscles, muscular aches, rheumatism, sprains, backache, and lumbago.
Lavender also contains polysaccharides. Another study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research stated that plants containing these molecules are “the most potent in curing inflammatory diseases,” which includes arthritis and rheumatism.
One study found lavender to be an effective remedy for postoperative pain. It can function as a pain reliever because the oil contains linalyl acetate and linalool, which are anti-inflammatory components.
Lavender can even help as a sleep aid, once upon a time, lavender was recommended for people suffering from insomnia or other sleep disorders. People used to stuff their pillows with lavender flowers to help them fall asleep and get a better night's rest. Those people with mild sleep disorders may find that it helps to lull them off to the land of nod, whilst people suffering from anxiety and panic attacks could benefit from the relaxation benefits it provides.
Coconut was first cultivated in India along the Malabar Coast thousands of years ago. Coconut agriculture then became prevalent in Sri Lanka around 2000 years ago. Countries such as the Philippines, Malayasia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea are also heavily into coconut cultivation.
Coconut oil is one of the few foods that can be classified as a true “superfood.”
There are many uses for Coconut Oil, but we will address mainly the topical benefits, it is commonly used for cosmetic purposes and to improve the health and appearance of skin and hair. Top uses of coconut oil include:
Skin moisturizer
Nourish scalp and increase hair growth
Carrier oil
Coconut oil is 100% fat, 80-90% of which is saturated fat. This is why it hardens at cold or room temperatures. Fat is made up of smaller molecules called fatty acids, and there are several types of saturated fatty acids in coconut oil. The predominant type is lauric acid (47%), with myristic and palmitic acids present in smaller amounts. Also present in trace amounts are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
Coconut oil has antibacterial properties and can reduce candida, fight bacteria, and create a hostile environment for viruses, since almost half of the fat in coconut is lauric acid, which helps destroy active bacteria in the stomach and mouth.
Some studies on individuals with dry skin show that coconut oil can improve the moisture content of the skin. This is why coconut oil forms the base ingredient of a number of body care products like soaps, lotions, and creams that are used for skincare. What's more, it may delay the appearance of wrinkles and sagging of skin, which normally accompany aging. And it may also reduce symptoms of eczema.
It may also aid in treating various skin problems that include the following:
Eczema & psoriasis: Topical application of virgin coconut oil can reduce the severity of these conditions.
UV radiation: Research suggests that the use of coconut oil protects the skin against the harmful effects of UV rays.
Dermatitis: Virgin coconut oil can be used as an effective way of managing atopic dermatitis.
Antimicrobial activity: Monolaurin is an active component of coconut oil which has been found to be antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal in nature. It aids in protecting against the harmful effects of bacteria that can cause pimples and other skin infections.
Candida, also known as systemic candidiasis, is a tragic disease caused by an excessive and uncontrolled growth of yeast called Candida Albicans. Coconut oil can provide relief from the inflammation caused by candida, both externally and internally. Capric acid, caprylic acid, caproic acid, myristic acid, and lauric acid all found in coconut oil help in eliminating Candida albicans.
Finally, coconut oil may also help fight fungus that cause ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush.
Rosemary Essential Oil is derived from the aromatic herb belonging to the mint family, which also includes basil, lavender, myrtle, and sage. It is orginally native to the Mediterranean and receives its name from the latin words “ros” (which means dew) and “marinus” (which means sea), the full meaning coming to “dew of the Sea.” It also grows in England, Mexico, the USA, and northern Africa, namely in Morocco. Known for its distinctive fragrance that is characterized by an energizing, evergreen, citrus-like, herbaceous scent.
Rosemary was once considered to be a sacred plant by ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Hebrews, and Romans. The Greeks used to wear rosemary garlands around their heads while studying, as it was believed to improve their memory, and both the Greeks and the Romans used rosemary in almost all festivals and religious ceremonies as a symbol of purity.
In the Middle Ages, rosemary was believed to be able to ward off evil spirits and to prevent the onset of the bubonic plague. With this belief, rosemary branches were commonly strewn across floors and left in doorways to keep the disease at bay.
It has also been used throughout civilizations in cosmetics for its antiseptic, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties as well as in medical care for its health benefits.
Rosemary had even become a favorite alternative herbal medicine for the German-Swiss physician, philosopher, and botanist Paracelsus, who promoted its healing properties, including its ability to strengthen the body and to heal organs such as the brain, heart, and liver.
Rosemary Essential Oil's chemical composition consists of the following main constituents: α -Pinene, Camphor, 1,8-Cineol, Camphene, Limonene, and Linalool are known to exhibit the following activity:
α -Pinene
Anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, expectorant, bronchodilator, cough suppressant, decongestant, febrifuge, anesthetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory
1,8-Cineol
Analgesic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, anti-viral, cough suppressant.
Camphene
Anti-oxidant, soothing, anti-inflammatory
Limonene
Nervous system stimulant, psychostimulant, mood-balancing, appetite suppressant, detoxifying
Linalool
Sedative, anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, analgesic
We still use rosemary in aromatherapy today, as it helps reduce stress levels and relieve nervous tension, boost mental activity, encourages clarity and insight, relieves fatigue, and supports respiratory function. It can also be used to improve mental alertness, eliminate negative moods, and increase the retention of information by enhancing concentration.
Inhaling rosemary oil can help to boost the immune system by stimulating internal anti-oxidant activity, which in turn fights ailments caused by free radicals.
Used topically, rosemary oil is known to stimulate hair growth, reduce pain, soothe inflammation, eliminate headaches, strengthen the immune system, and condition hair to make it look and feel healthy. It is also used to soothe sore or tired muscles.
The anti-microbial, antiseptic, astringent, antioxidant, and tonic properties of this oil make it a beneficial additive in skin care products that are meant to soothe or even treat dry or oily skin, eczema, inflammation, and acne as well.
Rosemary oil is known in folk medicine as a pain reliever. Preliminary studies support its pain relief.
Rosehip oil is not actually extracted from a full-grown rose. Instead, rosehip oil is a type of pressed seed oil that is extracted from wild rose bushes found in the southern Andes. The oil can also be extracted from the hips of rose hips found in certain parts of Europe, Northwest Africa, and Western Asia.
Rosehip seed oil is notoriously difficult to produce and must be handled by trained professionals; the seeds inside the rosehip are attached to thin fronds that can be fatal if touched or breathed into the lungs. After seeds are carefully removed, they undergo a complex drying process before being cold pressed to extract the oil.
Treasured by ancient Egyptians, the Mayans and Native Americans for its healing properties, and for its therapeutic properties, rosehip oil offers a natural way to fight wrinkles, slow aging and have healthy skin. Clinical studies show that it also has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal qualities.
For centuries, rosehip oil has captured the attention of generations of women searching for the proverbial fountain of youth. We now know that it has high level of vitamin C, which helps to reduce wrinkles and repair ultraviolet damage from the sun. Vitamin C in rose hip oil has been used to effectively reduce hyper-pigmentation and brighten the skin.
Rosehips are thought to have more Vitamin C than an orange or lemon. Vitamin C has a high level of antioxidant properties. Vitamin C may help reduce ultraviolet light damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin C also supports collagen production, which helps reduce wrinkling. Finally, vitamin C may increase wound healing and help prevent dry skin.
It also penetrates deeply into the skin without leaving an oily residue.
Another very important vitamin found in rosehips is vitamin A, this vitamin helps in evening out skin tone and fading dark spots while reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It also helps smooth out a dry, rough complexion. The fatty acids and vitamin A in rosehip oil not only work to moisturize the skin, but they also promote skin regeneration, and can improve skin flexibility and permeability. It also inhibits the release of enzymes that break down collagen in the body, and helps to build collagen back up.
Fatty acids help keep our skin membranes healthy and strong, stimulating cell regeneration and making sure we stay radiant and hydrated. Rosehip Oil contains the following powerful fatty acids:
Linoleic Acid — Along with Omega-3s, thispowerful Omega-6 essential fatty acid (EFA) is often referred to as Vitamin F. As an EFA, linoleic acid is critical for human health, but we do not produced naturally in the body. Its excellent anti-inflammatory properties, can also help reduce acne.
Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA)— Helps to reduce inflammation and minimize acne, this Omega-3 essential fatty acid keeps skin soft and supple.
Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) — Another Omega-6 essential fatty acid,GLA has excellent emollient and antioxidant properties, helping the skin to better retain water, reducing the signs of aging. Linoleic acid is a building block for ceramides, a compound that occurs naturally in cell membranes to moisturize the skin, it's anti-inflammatory, soothing properties aid in treatment for both eczema and acne.
Some of the positive results from rosehip oil may be due to the polyphenols and anthocyanin in the oil, which are thought to reduce inflammation and joint pain. These can help to prevent osteoarthritis -a type of arthritis that occurs when the cartilage on the ends of your bones wears away.
The anti-inflammatory benefits of rosehip oil may make it a good option for people who cannot take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other pain medicines.
The Shea tree has naturally inhabited West Africa for centuries, stretching from Senegal to Sudan and up to the foothills of Ethiopia. African history mentions jars of a rich butter used for skin and hair care being transported during Cleopatra's reign. Even the Queen of Sheba is said to have used it!
The tree was used to make coffins for the early kings in Africa, and the butter extracted from the nuts was used for its healing and skin care properties. The tree is also considered sacred by many tribes in Africa. It is still extensively used in Africa to protect the skin and hair from the harsh sun and dry winds.
Thanks to some other special properties, Shea butter does more than just moisturize … it delivers key anti-inflammatory and anti-aging components that are absorbed right into the skin.
Shea butter is known for its healing properties, which can be attributed to the presence of several fatty acids and plant sterols such as oleic, palmitic, stearic, and linolenic acids.
Shea butter is effective in reducing skin rashes, skin peeling after tanning, scars, stretch marks, frost bites, burns, athletes foot, insect bites and stings, and acne.
It offers UV protection (it is SPF 6) and provides the skin with essential fatty acids and the nutrients necessary for collagen production.
Due to its cinnamic acid and other natural properties, Shea butter is an anti-inflammatory. One compound in particular, lupeol cinnamate, has been found to reduce skin inflammation and even potentially help avoid skin mutations.
Shea butter aids in the skin's natural collagen production. With long-term use, many people report skin softening and strengthening as well as wrinkle reduction.
The anti-inflammatory properties make it beneficial in reducing arthritis. The anti-inflammatory aspects of it also make it a powerful moisturizer, anti-ager, protector and healer for the skin.
Its anti-aging properties can also be attributed to its ability to increase circulation to the skin and promote cell renewal.
The non-saponifiable matter and vitamin F in this butter are vital ingredients for maintaining the skin's elasticity.
Peppermint essential oil has been called one of the most versatile oils in the world, sharing the title only with Lavender Oil. It is certainly one of our more popular ingredients, we all love the smell of peppermint, as well as the warm and comfort it's aroma and flavor brings to drinks and foods, but did you know there is so much more to this herb? Here is a bit of history and some of it's amazing health benefits.
Peppermint is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean but has also been cultivated in the USA, Italy, Great Britain, and Japan. It can be identified by its serrated leaves and by its flowers that range in color from light pink to mauve, growing in a conical shape.
Abounding in dermal and oral uses as well as anti-microbial properties, there are countless issues for which it is beneficial, promoting the wellness of body, mind, and overall health. The scent of peppermint can be described as being fresh, sharp and comparable to menthol, and the components of this multi-purpose oil are used internationally in cosmetic, culinary, and health industries.
Extracted from the peppermint herb, the uses of this cherished plant and its benefits have been traced back to Chinese and Japanese folk medicine practices and even to Ancient Egyptian times where dried peppermint leaves were found placed in tombs inside the pyramids.
Peppermint is one of the hundreds of species belonging to the mint family of plants or the mint “genus.” Included in this genus are herbs such as spearmint, water mint, and forest mint. The most active of the components in peppermint are menthol and menthone. Menthol is known to be analgesic and is beneficial for reducing pain such as headaches, muscle aches, and inflammation. Menthone is known to be analgesic as well, but it is also believed to show antiseptic activity.
Its invigorating properties lend the oil its energizing effects. It's important to note that peppermint essential oil is intense. The entire plant contains menthol, which provides a wonderful cooling sensation while it naturally alleviates discomfort. It also has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, antispasmodic and carminative properties.
Because peppermint oil has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties, it not only can relieve pain and inflammation but can help calm the spasms that cause muscle cramps.
Used cosmetically or topically in general, peppermint acts as an astringent that closes pores and tightens the skin. It's cooling and warming sensations make it an effective anesthetic that leaves the skin partially numb to pain and calms redness and inflammation.
When used in aromatherapy, peppermint essential oil's expectorant properties clear the nasal passageway to promote the relief of congestion and to encourage easy breathing.
It is believed to stimulate circulation, reduce feelings of nervous tension, soothe feelings of irritability, boost energy, balance hormones, and enhance mental focus and help provide relief from stress, depression and mental exhaustion due to its refreshing nature. It is also effective against feeling anxious and restless.
Lemongrass is a tropical, grassy plant used in cooking and herbal medicine. Native to islands in Southeastern Asia, it is a common seasoning in Thai, Indian, and Chinese cuisine and is often brewed as a tea. Extracted from the leaves and stalks of the lemongrass plant, lemongrass essential oil has a powerful, citrus scent.
With its fresh, citrusy scent, lemongrass essential oil is often used in aromatherapy for health and beauty. In aromatherapy, lemongrass essential oil is used to reduce inflammation, relieve headaches, and ease indigestion. Inhaling the scent of the oil or using the oil topically offers a variety of benefits.
According to aromatherapy proponents, essential oils may affect a number of biological factors, including heart rate, stress levels, blood pressure, breathing, and immune function. Lemongrass essential oil is typically used for: acne, anxiety, athlete's foot, excessive sweating, headaches, muscle aches.
Lemongrass essential oil contains beneficial terpenes, saponins, alkaloids, steroids, and flavonoids including limonene. Limonene has been shown to reduce inflammation and knock out bacteria.
One of the main components of lemongrass essential oil is citral, a compound found to act as an antimicrobial and help reduce inflammation. Chronic inflammation is thought to be the cause many health problems. The citral in lemongrass essential oil may also help ease pain as it relieves inflammation, and it can also help reduce general body pain resulting from strenuous activities and athletics.
The eugenol found in lemongrass also releases serotonin, which is a hormone that regulates mood, sleep, appetite, and cognitive functions.
Jojoba Oil is one of the most versatile oils out there! It has so many benefits to your health, your skin and your hair- it's basically an all around beauty oil. Let's take a look at all it has to offer.
Long used by Native Americans for its many benefits, Jojoba Oil is produced from the seed of the Jojoba plant. The Jojoba plant is a hearty, perennial plant that grows in North America. Not only does it thrive in the harsh, desert climates that could kill most living things, but it also produces a nut with many healing properties.
The nut of the Jojoba plant can be made into an oil, and is gentle enough to be used as a carrier oil to mix with other essential oils, but can also be used on its own.
Many people use Jojoba oil as part of their skin care routine, and there's a good reason for that! There's plenty of evidence supporting the use of pure Jojoba oil as a way to combat acne, dry skin, and countless other skin conditions.
Jojoba oil is a humectant ingredient. This means that it works to seal your skin with a protective barrier to keep it from losing moisture. This may help prevent bacterial infections, acne, and dandruff from forming.
Although Jojoba oil is a botanical substance, its makeup is very similar to our own human skin oils, using it can trick the skin into thinking it has already produced enough oil and helps balance our own oil production, without clogging pores or promoting acne or other skin problems.
Jojoba also naturally deters microbes, helping to prevent the growth of bacteria on skin, leading to fewer breakouts and less severe acne.
Jojoba Oil is referred to as an “oil” but it is, in fact, a liquid wax. And that makes all the difference. Although it can be absorbed into your skin, its waxy nature allows it to create a soothing seal on the surface of your skin. It doesn't evaporate like water-based moisturizers, which is very important when your skin is exposed to the environment. Studies have shown that Jojoba oil provides a substantial long-acting layer of moisture to the skin.
The antioxidants in Jojoba oil may help your body produce collagen. Collagen is a protein that's in your skin and joints as well as the parts of your body made of cartilage. To put it simply, collagen is the “glue” that holds your body together. Found in skin, hair, nails, bones, joints, muscles, tendons, blood vessels and vital organs, it's the most abundant protein produced naturally in the human body and is a critical component of connective tissue.
Jojoba oil is also a promising ingredient in stimulating wound healing. Jojoba oil encourages your skin cells to bind together after they've been separated by a scratch or cut.
This may also be the reason for its ability to treat acne and acne scarring. These wound-healing properties could be connected to Jojoba oil's concentration of natural vit E.
People who have inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema may find Jojoba oil especially beneficial. Jojoba oil is also rich in iodine, which fights harmful bacteria growth that leads to breakouts.
Jojoba oil is a popular ingredient in some natural sunscreen products. Some studies suggest that vitamin E, when combined with other antioxidants, can help protect your skin from sun damage. Jojoba oil contains both- Vitamin E and anti-oxidants.
Beeswax is one of the most fascinating ingredients in VIM. We know how important bees are to our environment, and how delicious honey is, but it's amazing to see how beeswax can benefit our health.
Let's start by taking a look at how it comes to be and the different varieties, then we'll move into the health benefits it provides.
Like the varying colors of honey, the color of beeswax depends on the age of the bees, the flowers they gather the nectar from, the region of flower growth, and the purity of the honey. These elements also contribute to the agreeable scent of the honey and wax.
Beeswax has a rich vitamin A content and emollient properties, which soften and hydrate the skin as well as aid in the healthy development of cellular reconstruction. Another benefit is that because it is non-comedogenic, it won't clog pores.
Beeswax helps to lock in moisture and keep skin firm and plump. The anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory properties soothe easily irritated skin, making it one of the best skin care ingredients for treating topical allergies or other discomforts, such as rosacea or eczema.
When applied to the skin, beeswax can also act as a layer of protection from irritants. It can protect skin from environmental irritants and extreme weather, diminish the appearance of the signs of aging, including spots, wrinkles, and skin damage. Refreshing, restorative, and gentle enough for use on even the most sensitive skin, beeswax is known to soothe itchiness and irritation, to nourish, and to soften dry, cracked, broken areas, making it ideal for use in lip balms.
Its regenerative quality and anti-inflammatory property work in conjunction to help decrease the irritation, redness, and inflammation characteristic of acne, while its antiseptic effect can facilitate the healing process.
When applied to skin afflicted with eczema and psoriasis, beeswax helps sooth the itchiness and helps prevent further irritation or infection. By promoting the growth of new skin and by contributing softness, beeswax leaves the complexion looking renewed.
Sunflower seed oil is our flower power oil! With their beautiful petals that follow the sun, sunflowers radiate brightness, joy and beauty, but have you ever wondered about the health benefits of sunflower seed oil? You're not the only one. First, a little history: the sunflower was cultivated by American Indian tribes around 3,000 B.C. Tribes used parts of the sunflower plant to help soothe snakebites and to condition the skin and hair.
One of the primary reasons for the growing popularity of sunflower seed oil is its impressive fatty acid content, which includes palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, lecithin, carotenoids, selenium, and linoleic acid.
Sunflower seed oil, which has more vitamin E then any other vegetable oil, is considered by many to be important in improving skin health and regenerating cells. Antioxidants, like vitamin E, neutralize free radicals, keeping them from destroying or damaging healthy cells.
You can see an increased reduction in scars, faster wound healing, and a natural glow to your skin. This is a major reason why sunflower oil is commonly used in cosmetic applications. Sunflower seed oil contains a number of compounds that have benefits for skin.
Sunflower seed oil is a non-comodogenic carrier oil which means that it is highly absorbent, and won't clog your pores. It's non-irritating for most people, and can be used on most skin types.
Sunflower seed oil is extremely high in vitamin E – an antioxidant that helps protect skin cells from harmful rays from the sun and environmental stressors, this makes it effective in combating skincare issues like acne, inflammation, general redness and irritation of the skin.
In addition to vitamin E, sunflower seed oil is also rich in vitamins A, C, and D, which makes it effective in the treatment of acne. The vitamins and fatty acids that it contains act as antioxidants to regenerate new skin cells and help your skin clear of acne-causing bacteria.
Sunflower seed oil is an excellent source of beta-carotene, a fat-soluble compound that can be converted into Vitamin A. Beta-carotene's antioxidant properties are beneficial for the appearance of your health and skin.
The antioxidant properties of sunflower seed oil help in preventing premature signs of aging. The vitamin E in sunflower seed oil can help protect the collagen and elastin in the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Clove oil is probably our most all around healing essential oil, it is indigenous to Indonesia and Madagascar. Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) can be found in nature as the unopened pink flower buds of the tropical evergreen tree. This oil is extracted from the flowers of the tropical clove plant, which has a pale yellow kind of a hue. Picked by hand in late summer and again in winter, the buds are dried until they turn brown. The buds are then left whole, ground into a spice or are steam-distilled to produce clove essential oil.
Eugenic oil is basically an essential oil of clove. It is a pale, yellow or colorless liquid that can be chemically separated from clove oil. It is also found in the essential oil of bay leaf and cinnamon, it is often used as an antiseptic and an anesthetic substance.
Blessed with a multitude of antiseptic properties, clove oil can be used to treat cuts, wounds, fungal infections, insect bites and even stings.
Clove oil has a number of medicinal properties and is used topically for multi symptom relief. The oil is rich in plant-derived phenylpropanoids, with the main compound being eugenol. The other bioactive compounds include thymol, carvacrol, and cinnamaldehyde.
Clove is filled with antibacterial and antiseptic properties, meaning they can help stop the growth of microorganisms like bacteria, they also contain a number of important vitamins and minerals.
Eugenol (found in Clove oil) is also known for its antibacterial properties. It has proven effective in reducing acne, pimples, boils, skin sores, rashes, blisters, impetigo and reduce swelling and killing infectious bacteria at the same time.
The flavonoids (which are plant based antioxidants) in clove oil also have potent anti-inflammatory properties. This powerful natural oil is used to treat all kinds of inflammation in the body from toothaches and sore gums to skin eruptions, or muscle and joint pain, to inflammation in the gut.
Clove oil's stimulating properties exfoliates dead skin, and increases blood flow which helps revive the youthfulness of your skin and make you have radiant looking skin.
This explains why you find it in many beauty products, it used for lessening the effects of aging, such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and blemishes and helps prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered a powerful anti-aging ingredient.
Aromatherapy is also closely associated with beautiful and glowing skin. We all know that stress is one of the biggest enemies for your skin, it not only makes your skin look dull and lifeless, but it also accelerates ageing of the skin. Clove's amazing aroma helps in calming the nerves and reducing stress.
Clove oil has a warming effect on the body with a spicy fragrance, which immediately refreshes the senses.
Topical application can help remove mental exhaustion and fatigue. Because of its anti-inflammatory nature, clove oil can also be mixed with carrier oils and used as a massage oil, which helps to lower stress and tension in the body as well.
Not only does carvacrol and eugenol, in clove oil, have an effect on your skin and beauty but they also have an anti-candidal and antifungal effect and as such, can be effective against candida albicans.
Small, mighty and oh-so-empowering! These three adjectives don't just describe the latest iPhone. They're also perfect for describing an almond!
After all, almonds are one of the healthiest, easiest foods to snack on, they can be consumed whole, ground into flour, they can be used to make a tasty dairy-free milk, and sweet almond oil can work wonders on your skin and hair. Seriously, what can't they do?
First things first though —you may not have realized that there are two varieties- the sweet almonds and bitter almond oil. Bitter almond oil is commonly used to provide scent and flavor, while sweet almond oil is your skin's BFF.
Almonds are commonly referred to as nuts, but they're actually the seeds found at the center of the almond fruit, which closely resembles a peach. They are very rich in fat, making them an ideal source of healthy oil.
Sweet almond oil is full of vitamin E, vitamin A, mono-saturated fatty acids, protein, potassium, and zinc. Remember when we called the almond small yet mighty? We weren't kidding. Most of the health benefits related to almond oil come from its high amount of healthy fats.
The fatty acids help your skin retain moisture and can heal chapped and irritated skin, furthermore, it's a multipurpose beauty product that can be used both on the skin and hair, this is partly because of its emollient properties, meaning it helps prevent water loss from the skin. This quality makes almond oil an excellent choice to keep the skin, hair and scalp soft and hydrated. The moisturizing effects of almond oil may be especially helpful for people who have dry or sensitive skin.
Most of us are aware of how important collagen is for our skin and hair, since collagen keeps your skin looking supple and wrinkle-free. When your body doesn't have enough antioxidants to fight free radicals, it is called oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a major cause of the deterioration of your skin's collagen layer, however, almond oil is a great source of the potent antioxidant vitamin E, which is an extremely powerful antioxidant and helps to fight all those free radicals.
Thanks to the Vitamin E, sweet almond oil can keep your skin cells healthy, protects your skin from UV radiation damage, and helps your skin look smooth, soft, and free of fine lines. Also, the vitamin A in it can help reduce acne.
Camphor Gum is a transparent waxy crystalline material that has a strong pungent aroma. Camphor is a terpenoid, it is found in the wood of the camphor laurel a large evergreen tree found in Asia (particularly in Sumatra, Borneo islands, and Indonesia). It is used for its scent, as an embalming fluid, for medicinal purposes, and in religious ceremonies.
Camphor has been used in traditional medicine from time immemorial, it was used in ancient Sumatra to treat sprains, swellings, and inflammation and was also used for centuries in Chinese medicine for a variety of purposes.
According to the ancient Indian traditional systems of healing, camphor purifies the air and inhaling that air has numerous medicinal benefits. Camphor products are used to relieve pain and reduce itching. It has also been used to treat fungal infections and minor burns.
Camphor is readily absorbed through the skin, where it stimulates nerve endings sensitive to heat and cold, producing a warm sensation when vigorously applied, or a cool sensation when applied gently. The action on nerve endings also induces a slight local analgesia.
The cooling and penetrating effects of camphor oil make it an anti-inflammatory and sedative agent. It is very helpful in relieving nearly all types of inflammation. It also relaxes the body and mind while giving a feeling of peace and freshness. It can prove to be very cooling and refreshing, particularly in the summer.
The tea tree is native to Southeast Queensland and New South Wales, in Australia, which is why it is such a popular essential oil in that country. Tea tree oil is derived from the leaves of the tea tree. The tea tree was named by eighteenth century sailors, who used to make tea that smelled like nutmeg from the leaves of the tree growing on the swampy southeast Australian coast.
Australians have made use of the medicinal properties of tea tree oil for centuries — legend has it that during World War II, the Australian army required soldiers to carry a bottle of it with them. The Australian aborigines have applied tea tree oil from crushed leaves to heal cuts, burns, and bites.
The essential oil of tea tree is extracted through steam distillation of the twigs and leaves of tea tree. Tea tree oil comes from the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia plant, which is why it is also known as melaleuca oil. The reputation as a cure-all given to this oil is not an exaggeration. Tea tree oil can be used to relieve many topical infections. The antibacterial properties of tea tree oil make it an effective wound healer.
Studies show that thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil heals and shrinks wounds when applied topically. A nearly 100-year-old study in the British Medical Journal found tea tree oil was non-caustic to the skin while still proving 11 times more effective than carbolic acid for killing bacteria. The oil can help sooth insect bites as well.
While there are more than 100 natural chemicals in the oil, the primary active ingredients in tea tree are monoterpenes, hydrocarbons, and sesquiterpenes, which give the essential oil its antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
Tea tree oil can help manage skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne, and eczema, and can be applied to the skin for infections such as acne, nail fungus, athlete's foot and ringworm.
What is Vitamin E oil? We hear so much about it and how it benefits our health, but where does it come from? Turns out, vitamin E is not a single vitamin, but rather is a group of eight fat-soluble compounds that have antioxidant properties. These compounds protect cells from harmful substances called free radicals. While some free radicals are necessary for your health, they can cause damage if their numbers grow too high in the body.
Antioxidants fight free radicals. Free radicals have been linked to a wide range of health conditions, from cancer to premature aging. Most of us know that antioxidants are good for us, but not everyone knows why. Antioxidants can help you by protecting your heart, controlling diabetes complications, defending against dementia, and even supporting your eyesight.
You can get the amount of antioxidants that your body needs by adding more fruits and vegetables, and nuts and seeds into your diet. You also find antioxidants in most plant-based foods and in foods such as tea, wine, and chocolate.
Vitamin E is also has anti-inflammatory properties that help to support the immune system, cell function, and skin health.
Vitamin E oil is derived from vitamin E and can be applied directly to the skin, or added to lotions, creams, and gels, it is easily absorbed into skin and it helps to improve blood circulation. Topical use via creams or other products may increase the amount of vitamin E stored within the sebaceous glands.
While vitamin E's main role in creams and lotions is as an antioxidant, it can help soften skin as well.
Because of its protective properties, vitamin E is especially beneficial in sunscreens, daily moisturizers, treatment serums and after-sun products.
Since dry skin tends to look more wrinkled than well-moisturized skin. The moisturizing benefits of vitamin E oil may help the skin look more youthful and less wrinkled.