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