Plant Dictionary

Arnica Montana - Arnica montana is the Latin name for a perennial that grows 1 to 2 feet tall with bright, yellow daisy-like flowers that appear in July and August. It is found on the moist, grassy upland meadows in the hills and mountains of northern and central Europe and Siberia. It is also found sparsely in the northwestern United States. More common names for Arnica are mountain daisy, leopard’s bane, and mountain tobacco.

 

St. Hildegard, a German nun known for her keen observation of nature and physiology, among other things, wrote about the healing properties of the Arnica montana plant in the 12th century. Since at least the 16th century, mountain people in that area have used it to relieve muscle aches and bruises.*

 

Beeswax - Beeswax is an exquisite substance that is secreted by worker honeybees. Beeswax works well in topical products because of the “wax esters” that exist in both beeswax and human skin and it is these compounds which help to bind ointments. As a natural hydrating ingredient, it increases essential moisture in the skin by helping retain natural skin moisture and relieves itching from sensitive skin.*

 

Bergamot  - The bright scent of Bergamot is reminiscent of oranges, but with subtler notes. When taking it in, it is known to help boost and enlighten moods, especially during times of sadness or grief. Bergamot Essential Oil is known to be phototoxic. However our Bergamot is Bergapten-free, making it safe for use in the sun.*

 

Blood Orange  - Slightly tarter than Sweet Orange, its zestful nature entices every nerve in your body and is just what you need when you’re feeling down. Blood Orange can also help ease nerves and uplifts your mood.*

 

Brahmi  - Bacopa monnieri is a wetland perennial, native to India and Sri Lanka. Brahmi has traditionally been used in Ayurvedic medicine for its beneficial qualities and for balancing all three doshas. The plant’s scientific name translates to “energy of universal consciousness” and according to folklore, has been thought to support the mind.*

 

Cassia Cinnamon Bark - Cinnamon was utilized extensively thousands of years ago and is still popular today. Its scent is uniquely warming, uplifting, and stimulating, and its flavor sweet and delicious. 

 

In TCM (traditional Chinese medicine), it is believed to balance the spleen, kidney, heart, and liver meridians and to stimulate circulation and the movement of 'chi' or energy. It is considered to be warming to the kidneys and is particularly useful in cold or stagnant conditions. In Ayurveda (traditional Indian system of healing) cassia is referred to as 'twak' and believed to support the respiratory, digestive, nervous, circulatory, urinary, and reproductive systems. Traditionally, cassia has been considered a highly valued and multipurpose nourishing herb.*

 

Chamomile - Chamomile is a gentle herb known throughout most of the world which has been used continually for many centuries. It is often ingested as a tea for calming purposes and to soothe the digestive tract.

Chamomile was used in ancient Egypt and was given as an offering to their gods. Chamomile has been utilized extensively in Europe as somewhat of a panacea which supported digestive health. Common preparations were teas, baths and sitzbaths, gargles, inhalations, and compresses. Germans refer to this herb as alles zutraut meaning 'capable of anything.' In the Mexican folkloric tradition, manzanilla was used to support healthy respiratory function and for soothing the stomach and easing digestion. In the highlands of southern Mexico, the Tzeltal Maya make a chamomile tea containing an orange and a lime leaf to lift the mood.

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Dao Ren - This exceptionally delicate green tea gets its name from the famous Dao Ren Peak in the Zhejiang province of China and has rich and complex history dating back hundreds of years. 

Considered the world’s most popular beverage after water, green tea has been consumed as a healthful and flavorful drink for millennia. Green tea leaves are unfermented retaining their high levels of naturally occurring antioxidants.*

Darjeeling tea - Drinking a cup of Darjeeling tea can help you stay happy and, more importantly, healthy. Darjeeling tea is a complex beverage that undergoes a delicate process of withering, oxidation and drying, which results in a dark brown amber hue that exudes exotic earthy aromas. Great care goes into the cultivation of Darjeeling teas since they have a much shorter fermentation window. 

 

Darjeeling tea -  Abundant in antioxidants and a single cup gives your body a tiny dose of caffeine to restore mental alertness and improve focus. In some cases, you may even experience an energy boost.*

 

Eucalyptus Globulus - Eucalyptus Globulus is one of the world’s most familiar essential oils and is widely known to help with respiratory problems. It is also effective as a support to aching muscles and joints from occasional overuse, such a strenuous gym workout, or with normal joint changes associated with the aging process.

 

Eucalyptus can stimulate healthy circulation, bringing a feeling of warmth to the body. It can also be effective in stimulating mental focus.*

 

Geranium Egyptian - Egyptian Geranium is a marvelous skin-balancing oil that can improve the overall skin complexion. It is known for its beneficial effects on women's reproductive health and can be helpful in easing the tension associated with the stress of daily life. It is uplifting and gentle.*

 

Ginger Root - Zingiber officinale is an aromatic and tropical herb that is widely cultivated in many equatorial countries. A zesty and warming spice, ginger root has been used to flavor culinary dishes and beverages for millennia. 

 

Traditionally used for its warming action, Ginger Root aids digestion, stimulates blood flow and helps relieve a queasy stomach and menstrual discomfort. When used on the skin, it helps joint and muscle aches associated with the wear and tear of normal aging.*

 

Ginkgo leaf - Ginkgo biloba is the oldest living tree species on the planet today. Native to a small range within China, it is difficult to find ginkgo growing in the wild but the tree is extensively cultivated globally. Ginkgo leaf has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its wellness-supporting properties. 

Recent research into the plant has discovered a range of active compounds in the leaves and this has excited a lot of interest in the health-promoting potential of the plant. The leaves contain ginkgolides, these are compounds that are unknown in any other plant species. Ginkgo supports overall cognitive health and helps maintain healthy circulation. Dried ginkgo leaves are considered "sweet" and have a gentle effect.*

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Grapefruit - Pink Grapefruit is a citrusy top note cold pressed from the peels of Citrus paradisi. Citrus paradisi, or grapefruit, is a hybrid of the sweet orange, Citrus sinensis, and the pomelo, Citrus maxima. Popular in diffuser and perfume blends for its sweet and uplifting aroma,it’s the perfect thing to lighten up mental fatigue and moodiness.* 

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Hemp - Hemp, or industrial hemp, is a botanical class of Cannabis sativa cultivars grown specifically for industrial or medicinal use. Along with bamboo, hemp is among the fastest growing plants on Earth. It can be refined into a variety of commercial items, including paper, rope, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastics, paint, insulation, biofuel, food, and animal feed.

Hemp is cultivated to have higher concentrations of cannabidiol (CBD) and lower concentrations of total THC.*

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Hibiscus flowers - Hibiscus sabdariffa is a member of the mallow family known for its vibrant red flowers. The ingredient is especially popular in Western Africa, Central and South America and the Caribbean. Also known as roselle or sorrel, it’s been used to treat everything from high blood pressure to indigestion.*

 

Himalayan Cedarwood - Himalayan Cedarwood can help promote mental focus and calming of the mind while you take in the dry, woody, balsamic scent with slightly spicy undertones.*

 

Holy Basil leaf - Holy basil has been revered throughout India for thousands of years. Ayurvedic texts describe holy basil as a pillar of holistic herbal medicine and a goddess incarnated in plant form (the mother medicine of nature). Many traditional Hindus worship an alter bearing a holy basil plant that is placed in the courtyard of their home or in another prominent location. Today holy basil remains one of the most cherished of India's sacred plants. The leaves smell of peppermint, cloves, licorice and/or lemon. Holy basil supports immune health to help you stay feeling your best.*

 

Hops flowers -The herbaceous perennial Humulus lupulus is a climbing plant native to Europe, western Asia, and North America. It has distinctive flower cones, or strobiles, that are referred to as hops. Hops flowers are known for their aromatic and bitter qualities. 

 

Hops have long been used in traditional Western herbalism for their beneficial properties. The hops flower is a gentle nervine, and promotes healthy relaxation and sleep.*

 

Ho Wood - Ho Wood Oil is steam distilled from the bark and wood of the ho tree. This oil is extremely high in calming linalool and is excellent for promoting a peaceful and relaxing environment. Ho Wood has a woody, floral, and camphorous scent. Its aroma and properties are very similar to Rosewood Oil, which as a threatened species, should be avoided. The camphor content in Ho Wood Oil results in a cooling feeling when used topically.*

 

Jojoba Oil -  jojoba oil comes from the beans of a desert shrub. It is bright and golden in color with a mild odor, and is regarded as the most favored in the carrier oil family because of its advanced molecular stability. It is wonderful for the skin because it has absorption properties that are similar to our skin's own sebum.

Jojoba oil may become cloudy and solidify as the temperature drops. This is a normal process that occurs from the hardening of the fats and waxes, and it will become stable at or around room temperature. Since Jojoba is not an oil but rather a wax, its shelf life and stability is considerably higher than most oils and rancidity is very rarely a concern.*

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Lavender - Lavender is perhaps the most well-known of the essential oils and medicinal plants, and for good reason. Lavender essential oil is renowned for its many beneficial properties, including promoting calm, relaxation, and being a nervous tension reliever.* 

 

Lemon - Lemon has a fresh, zesty citrus scent that is refreshing, energizing, and uplifting; this scent is invigorating to the senses and wonderful to smell. Hailing from Italy, Lemon Essential Oil has been used for centuries.

 

Unlike other oils that are steam distilled, Lemon Essential Oil is extracted through the fruit peel using a cold pressed extraction method and is 100% pure with no fillers or additives. This strong, but refreshing scented aroma is known to support a healthy immune system, uplift and revitalize, and add a wonderful lemon scent.*

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Lemon Balm - Native to the Mediterranean and various regions in N. Africa, Asia, and Europe, lemon balm is a lemon-scented, aromatic, perennial with serrated heart-shaped leaves and whorls of small blue, yellow, or white flowers typical of many members of the Lamiaceae family. It is widely cultivated and naturalized throughout the world in temperate areas.

 

For centuries, lemon balm has been used for its beneficial properties and has been highly esteemed for its emotional and spiritual effects. It has traditionally been used as a gentle nervine and is often used to promote a sense of calm for the heart and the body.*

 

Lemongrass - Lemongrass is known for its uplifting citrus scent and healthful properties. Cymbopogon citratus is organically cultivated in subtropical climates. It is traditionally used as a spice in Thai and Indian dishes. The scent is uplifting to the spirit and when used topically, can boost circulation, bringing warmth to overused muscles and joints.*

 

Lemon Verbena - The familiar, bright scent of Lemon Verbena is both crisp and relaxing at the same time, with lingering notes of citrus. The brightness and uplifting quality of Lemon Verbena’s aroma is wonderful for emotional support. It can also be useful in helping promote a healthy digestive system. Historically, the herb has been used to soothe an upset stomach, help ease stress, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and difficulties with sleeping. It is a popular garden shrub for its lemony scent and the leaves are often used in potpourris and herbal pillows.*

 

Marjoram - Sweet Marjoram is calming and warming and can help encourage relaxation and help soothe muscle tissues. The essential oil is a middle note steam distilled from the Origanum majoana flowering plant. The Greeks referred to this plant as the joy of the mountains and considered it a symbol of happiness.*

 

MCT - MCT (medium chain triglycerides) is a clear, odorless liquid coconut oil comprised of select medium-chain fatty acids, for a versatile culinary and cosmetic oil. Produced through a clean, solvent-free cold-extraction centrifuge process. This oil is a wonderful moisturizer as it absorbs into the skin much quicker than solid coconut oil. 

 

Menthol - Menthol originates from cornmint (Mentha arvensis) essential oil extraction. Menthol is the solid constituent of oil of mint, to which the characteristic odor is due. Menthol is obtained by subjecting the distilled oil to a temperature of -22ºC by aid of a freezing mixture; the menthol crystallizes out in satiny crystals. They dissolve readily into alcohol or essential oils, and they can be dissolved into water or oil at their melting point of 111.2ºF. Menthol is cooling, refreshing, and has a pleasantly strong minty aroma.*

 

Nepalese black tea - This rare tea from the Himalayan region of Nepal is truly complex and has the flavor characteristics of both a green and a black tea. Black teas contain a high amount of antioxidants, which help to reduce free radicals and promote cellular health within the body. They also contain l-theanine, a beneficial compound that helps to fight stress and anxiety and to induce calm and relaxation. Contains caffeine.*

 

Passionflower - Native to the southern United States, Passiflora incarnata is now widely cultivated throughout the US and Europe. Passionflower is cooling to the body, calming to the mind, and soothing to the spirit. It quells disquietude, calms the ruminating mind, and can promote natural relaxation and helps in coping with stress.* 

 

Patchouli - Organic patchouli essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves of Pogostemon cablin. This base note has a smoky and earthy aroma. Patchouli became famous during the 1960s in the United States as a favorite scent of young counter-culture people, but it has been used as a scent in Asia for centuries. Patchouli can help alleviate nervous tension and worry.*

 

Peppermint - While the origins of peppermint are debated, it has been used for centuries for its revitalizing properties. Peppermint has a fresh, cool, grassy-minty smell. Peppermint Essential Oil has a cooling effect on the skin that is revitalizing and wonderful to the touch, due to its menthol content. This scent is invigorating to the senses and helps promote energy and alertness. Peppermint leaves in tea are refreshing, stimulating,  soothing and enlightening.*

 

Red Clover - Red clover is an herb that is native to northwestern Africa, Asia, and Europe. It has now been naturalized and cultivated in many parts of the world, including North America. The dark purple-pink flower heads are collected in full bloom, during the summer months. It has a lengthy history of use among many cultures. Both Russian and Chinese traditional use centered around bronchial wellness and skin support. The Druids believed that red clover could ward off evil spells and witches, and medieval Christians believed that the three lobed leaves were associated with the trinity and the four lobed leaves were a symbol of the cross.

Red clover is considered an alternative by herbalists. This herb contains the remarkably beneficial constituents called isoflavones, along with a multitude of other wellness-supporting properties. Additionally, red clover has a high mineral content, making it a healthful ally.* 

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Roman Chamomile - Roman Chamomile, or Chamaemelum Nobile, originated in the United Kingdom. Steam Distilled from the flowers of this small perennial creates a sweet, "green," herbaceous apple-like scent.

 

The powerful, sweet scent promotes relaxation and a restful, refreshing night of sleep and helps to ease tired muscles after strenuous exercise and aching joints due to aging.*

 

Rosehips - Rose hips are the fruits of the rose which appear in early summer and ripen into late autumn. Rose hips develop on wild roses as the flowers drop off. The rose hip, also called the rose haw, is actually the fruit of the rose. These fruits are one of the most concentrated sources of vitamin C available. During World War II, the British government used collected rose hips to make rose hip syrup as a source of vitamin C to replace citrus fruits that were impossible to get. Rose hips have a long history of use in traditional medicine.*

 

Rosemary - Rosemary is an aromatic, woody perennial bearing blue flowers and needle-like leaves. Native to the Mediterranean and naturalized worldwide, rosemary leaf is most recognized as a culinary spice. Rosmarinus officinalis was known historically for its healthful uses and folklore, especially as a memory aid. Rosemary leaves are often used in herbal medicine for their beneficial properties, including supporting overall cognitive health.*

 

Rose Petals - Roses have been valued for their beauty, fragrance, and healthful properties for hundreds of years. Rose petals are a good source of, Vitamin C, Iron, Calcium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E. Rose petals are also high in phytonutrients, plant compounds with antioxidant properties.*

 

Shea Butter - Shea butter has been used for centuries in Africa for its skin-supporting properties, where it has been used to hydrate skin which has been exposed to extreme elements. Shea butter contains vitamins A and E as well as essential fatty acids and other vitamins and minerals.*

 

Skullcap - Skullcap is a hardy perennial found near marshes, meadows, and other wetland habitats. Like the environment it grows in, skullcap herb has been known to instill a sense of gentle calm. Historically, it has been used in traditional folk practices to promote wellbeing and relaxation during times of occasional distress.*

 

Spearmint - Spearmint is a hardy perennial mint with bright green serrated leaves. Mentha x spicata was originally native to the Mediterranean but is now common worldwide. Spearmint is uplifting and may help improve memory, digestion, and relaxation.*

 

Sunflower Oil - Sunflower oil is wealthy in oleic acids and vitamins A, D, and E. Sunflower oil also has beneficial amounts of lecithin, and unsaturated fatty acids. Deeply nourishing and conditioning for the skin, this oil has a pleasant scent and is easily absorbed.

 

Sweet Orange - Sweet Orange is most commonly known for its wonderful uplifting and calming scent. It can help with nervous tension, sadness, and can support normal function of the immune system.*

 

Tea Tree - Native to Australia, Tea Tree Oil is commonly applied around the world for a multitude of uses. It is known to have remarkable effects on irritated skin by helping to ease redness and restore smoothness. Tea tree oil also helps support a healthy immune system. Its aroma is refreshing green, medicinal, and woody.*

 

Thyme - Thyme essential oil is steam distilled from the aerial portion of Thymus zygis. This middle note has a strong and spicy-herbaceous scent and is helpful is stimulating circulation.

 

Turmeric root - Indigenous to India, turmeric is now cultivated in tropical regions throughout the world. Turmeric is an important herb in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. It has a history of use spanning millennia and is considered energetically hot. The aromatic, dried rhizome tastes mildly pungent and is slightly bitter. Turmeric root’s main constituent, curcumin, is thought to be responsible for many of the rhizome’s wellness-supporting properties and results in its brilliant yellow color. Turmeric supports healthy joint mobility.*

 

Valerian root - Valeriana officinalis is a member of the Caprifoliaceae family and is known for its general calming effects. Valerian has pleasant, sweet-smelling flowers and pungently aromatic roots. Despite the strong odor, valerian root has been used since the times of ancient Greece and in traditional European folk practices. Valerian promotes natural relaxation and helps in coping with stress.*

 

Vetiver - Vetiver is known for its ability to promote relaxation and balance. Vetiver is very popular to use before bedtime to help calm the mind. It has a very strong aroma that has an earthy, woodsy, smoky scent, but is pleasant to the senses.*

 

Wintergreen - Wintergreen is a fresh, minty oil that is steam distilled from the leaves of the Wintergreen shrub. It is known for its uplifting aroma that can be used to promote positive thinking by creating an uplifting atmosphere. It is most commonly used for tired and sore muscles from occasional overexertion.*

 

Ylang Ylang - Ylang Ylang is steam distilled from the beautiful blossoms of the ylang-ylang tree (a name given by the Malay people meaning "flower of flowers"). The warm, sweet floral scent conjures fragrant warm breezes of the South Pacific. It eases the mind, releases nervous tension and helps the whole body relax.*

 

*This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.