Aloe vera is used by people through out the world
for various skin problems. It is beneficial for burns, blisters,
frostbite, allergic reactions and insect bites. It is used to
treat cracks in dry skin. People with dry skin use it to make skin
shiny and normal. It is an amazingly good skin moisturizer that
keeps the skin flexible by providing oxygen to the skin cells. Aloe
vera is used in treating many skin diseases like eczima, psoriasis
and other wounds. It also has anti-aging properties and perhaps
this is why a lot of women use it. It reduces pigmentation and
lightens dark spots on the face. This is why it is increasingly
used in cosmetic products like anti-wrinkle creams, skin
conditioners, make-up, lipsticks and facial masks.
The Black Willow (Salix nigra) tree, found in the
eastern part of the North American continent, is famous for its dark
brown, ridged bark. The fresh bark is rich in tannins and salicylic
acid-like materials. The freshly prepared extract has been reported
to have analgesic, antiseptic, astringent, anti-pyretic and
anti-inflammatory properties.
Blue-green algae, or Cyanobacteria are the oldest
known fossils, more than 3.5 billion years old. The oxygen
atmosphere which sustains us was generated by cyanobacteria during
the Archaean and Proterozoic Eras. Cyanobacteria have also played
critical roles in shaping the course of evolution and ecological
change throughout earth's history. Blue green algae have been
touted as “super foods,” and various web sites attribute miraculous
health benefits to their consumption.
Chickweed is a fast-spreading plant that is found
throughout the U.S. Usually thought of as a weed, the herb grows
through sidewalk cracks and on the sides of highways as readily as
in lawns, gardens and fields. The name chickweed comes from the
plant's use as feed for wild and domesticated birds. The high
nutrient content of chickweed helps heal skin conditions of all
kinds; the herb is especially useful for eczema and other rashes,
minor wounds, pimples and first-degree burns. Used as a poultice, in
a salve, or in a bath, chickweed soothes inflamed conditions and
prevents the spread of infection. To use the dried herb in the
bath, infuse a few ounces of the herb as though you were making a
cup of tea, and add the liquid to the bath; another way is to place
dried leaves in a clean sock or large tea bag, and float it in the
hot water.
Coconut oil is an excellent massage oil for the
skin. It acts as an effective moisturizer on all types of skins
including dry skin. The benefit of coconut oil on the skin is
comparable to that of mineral oil. Further, unlike mineral oil,
there is very little chance of having any adverse side effects on
the skin with the application of coconut oil. Coconut oil therefore
is a safe solution for preventing dryness and flaking of skin. It
also delays wrinkles, and sagging of skin which normally become
prominent with age. Coconut oil also helps in treating various skin
problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, and other skin
infections. Therefore coconut oil forms the basic ingredient of
various body care products such as soaps, lotions, creams, etc.,
used for skin care.
D-Calcium Pantothenate is known to help get rid of
acne. It is a vitamin B5 supplement. Vitamin B5, also referred as
pantothenic acid is a water soluble vitamin and is found in almost
all foods. The commercial name of vitamin B5 is D-Calcium
Pantothenate. Vitamins, particularly vitamin B5, assists metabolism
and maintains the skin in optimum condition. Deficiency in vitamin
B5 can lead to headache, nausea, fatigue and skin abnormalities.
However, deficiency of pantothenic acid is rarely found in humans.
This essential nutrient is found in abundance in eggs, meats, corn
and peanuts and fresh vegetables. People not getting enough vitamin
B5 are vulnerable to viral infections.
DMAE has become very popular as a result of Dr.
Nicholas Perricone, M.D.'s top-selling book, The Wrinkle Cure, in
which he promotes supplementing with DMAE as a treatment for
reducing wrinkles. When applied to the skin DMAE would stimulate
acetylcholine release which would trigger a response in the
muscles of the face. This activity creates a firmer facial tone
and less sagging. DMAE is used topically to reduce fine lines and
wrinkles showing a noticeable difference within 20 minutes of
application.
Emulsifying Wax NF
(One of the Natural Organic Ingredients in
all ZaHira Lotions & Face/Body Washes)
Emulsifying wax is one of the main ingredients in
body creams and lotions. The emulsifying wax is what holds
everything together by keeping the liquid (water) and oils from
separating.
Organic Green Tea
(One of the Natural Organic Ingredients in
all ZaHira Lotions & Face/Body Washes)
Green tea is well known for its antioxidant
properties, which prevents the degradation of cell membranes by
neutralizing the spread of free radicals. Green tea has 20
times the antioxidant properties of Vitamin E, 6 times the
antioxidant effectiveness of black tea. Green tea suppresses
inflammation and reduces irritation. Scientists at the
University Hospitals of Cleveland (UHC) and Case Western Reserve
University (CWRU) found that the natural organic ingredients in
green tea decreased the direct effects of sunburn.
Three different teas are produces from the same
Camellia sinensis plant. White tea is produced by cultivating the
silvery-white down young leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis
plant that are then bake dried. Green tea is produced by steaming
the fresh cut camellia sinensis, which inactivates the enzymes
that would otherwise oxidize the plant material. Black tea is
produced by allowing the leaves to oxidize. Of the three teas,
black tea contains the least active compounds due to the
oxidization process used to create it.
Kosher Vegetable Glycerin
(One of the Natural Organic Ingredients in
all ZaHira Lotions & Face/Body Washes)
Vegetable Glycerin makes the skin feel softer and
smoother, reduce rough feeling, cracking and irritation. Glycerin
has a high hydrophilic (water) factor and a low lipophilic (fat)
factor. Nontoxic, nonirritating and nonallergenic. Very sweet
syrup, about 0.6 as sweet as sugar.
Organic Marshmallow Root
(One of the Natural Organic Ingredients in all
ZaHira Lotions)
Marshmallow root has a long history dating back
thousands of years as an herbal remedy for cough, sore throat and
other respiratory problems. External uses have shown to be very
effective as well. Laboratory tests from the 1960’s concluded that
marshmallow root has anti-inflammatory activity on the human
tissue indicating that this herb could be helpful in treating
cuts, scrapes, and other wounds, as well as a remedy for eczema
and psoriasis. Marshmallow roots form an imperative ingredient of
ointments and creams that are effective in cuing boils and other
bodily abscesses.
Methylsulfonylmethane
(One of the Natural Organic Ingredients in all
ZaHira Face/Body Washes)
MSM, Methylsulfonylmethane, is a naturally
occurring nutrient found in plants, meats, dairy products, fruits,
and vegetables. MSM is therefore found in the normal human diet.
It is an odorless, tasteless, white water soluble, crystalline
solid in its purified form.
MSM supplies sulfur to the body which allows it to
heal itself. It produces muscle relaxation and reportedly a whole
host of beneficial qualities. It has been used with great success
in eliminating chronic back pain, muscle pain, repairing cut,
scraped, burned and damage skin. We've seen reports of MSM
eliminating wrinkles, brown spots, skin tumors, and spider veins.
MSM is being used for burn victims and repairing scar tissue. Many
people report relief from allergies after using MSM. Other reports
indicate that MSM will remove parasites from the body, and help
the body to detoxify itself.
MSM is anti-inflamatory and anti-microbial. MSM
feeds the formation of collagen and elastin while preventing and
reducing cross-linking between cells, which is the primary cause
of wrinkles and scar tissue. MSM is a natural sulfur compound that
contributes to healthy skin, hair and nails. MSM has been used
orally and topically to aid skin disorders. When used topically,
in the form of a cream or lotion, sulfur is helpful in treating
skin disorders including acne, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis,
dandruff, scabies, diaper rash and certain fungal infections.
Organic Milk Thistle
(One of the Natural Organic Ingredients in
all ZaHira Lotions)
Milk thistle, Silybum marianum, is a healing herb
that has been used for centuries. It is named milk thistle because
of the milky sap it contains. It has purple flowers and brown
fruit. It was first used as a medicine to heal and protect against
liver problems. There are various methods to take milk thistle.
The most common method is a tea or a tablet. However, there are
also benefits of applying milk thistle topically, especially in
the healing of skin disorders.
Neem Oil
(One of the Natural Organic Ingredients in all
ZaHira Lotions & Face/Body Washes)
This is one of the natural organic ingredients
used widely in India as an antibacterial, antiviral. antifungal,
antiseptic, anti-parasitic agent in toiletries, soap, toothpaste
and skin/hair care products. It is used to treat skin disorders
such as eczema, psoriasis, ringworm, scabies, syphilitic sores,
chicken pox etc. It can be used to get rid of lice and control
dandruff.
Organic Nettle Leaf
(One of the Natural Organic Ingredients in all
ZaHira Lotions)
Many people know the herb as an annoying garden
weed, or a dangerous plant to avoid. Others have been warned to
be frightened of the plant, as it delivers quite a stinging bite
when it comes into contact with the skin. And, while it is true
that you should take care when dealing with nettles in the plant
form, after you read about the incredibly powerful effects of this
herb on many systems in the human body, you make rethink your
initial aversion to this potent little weed.
During the springtime, this "wonder weed" can be
found growing in massive groves, especially in places that provide
the exact conditions that nettles love: a semi-shady spot in some
rich soil. For hundreds of years, many cultures from all over the
world have been ingesting nettles as a energy tonic. But what did
these ancient people know about nettles that we don't? Traditional
practitioners of natural medicine seem to have intuitively known
that nettles is an excellent source of iron, protein and other
important minerals for healthy living.
It's also a well-known fact that drinking nettles
can help improve the appearance of your skin, making it clearer
and healthier.
Nettle has a long history of medical use. The
Romans used to rub the leaves of Nettle on their bodies to restore
circulation to limbs numbed by the winters. Nettle also contains
vitamin C and iron, and increases the absorption of the latter.
This makes it useful in cases of iron deficiency related illnesses
according to research. Studies show that nettle is a circulatory
stimulant, helps prevent hemorrhaging and can be used in treating
nose bleeds. Nettle tea offers great relief to hay fever symptoms.
This is probably due to the nettles antihistamine qualities.
Nettle is also been known to mildly lower blood sugar levels.
Nettle is also used to treat anemia, excessive
menstruation, hemorrhoids, arthritis, rheumatism and skin
complaints, especially eczema. Externally, the plant is used to
treat skin complaints, arthritic pain, gout, sciatica, neuralgia,
hemorrhoids and hair problems. The fresh leaves of Nettle have
been rubbed or beaten onto the skin in the treatment of
rheumatism. For medicinal purposes, the plant is best harvested
in May or June as it is coming into flower and dried for later
use.
Organic Oatstraw
(One of the Natural Organic Ingredients in all
ZaHira Lotions)
Oatstraw or avena sativa in powder or extract form
is used to soothe and moisturize skin. Cooked oats or colloidal
oatmeal may be added to baths or a steam shower to treat dry or
itchy skin.
Organic Olive Oil
(One of the Natural Organic Ingredients in
all ZaHira Lotions & Face/Body Washes)
Cosmetics with an olive oil base nurture your skin
by maintaining a moisture balance that both soothes dry skin and
absorbs easily to nourish deep beneath the surface. This
therapeutic quality is especially important to those who suffer
with skin rashes, eczema, psoriasis and allergies. Products with
natural organic ingredients that use essential oil bases, like
olive oil, may be a little expensive but the long term benefits
are well worth the price.
Palm Stearic Acid
(One of the Natural Organic Ingredients in all
ZaHira Lotions)
This Stearic Acid is 100% Palm derived, with no
added chemicals. Popularly used to emulsify, thicken, bind, and
stabilize lotions and creams, Stearic Acid has become the number
one choice for most body care manufacturers. Stearic Acid occurs
naturally in vegetable fats.
Organic Rooibos Tea
(One of the Natural Organic Ingredients in
all ZaHira Lotions & Face/Body Washes)
Teas have become a main stay in the world of
natural organic ingredients. Rooibos tea is recommended for a wide
range of ailments including skin problems such as eczema, diaper
rash and acne because applied topically it has a soothing effect
on the skin. Rooibos tea is low in tannins, high in minerals such
as calcium and fluoride. The most important aspects of Rooibos
are its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial
properties. Recently, Japanese scientists found that Rooibos tea
contains a mimic of the enzyme Super Oxide Dismutase (S.O.D.), an
antioxidant which attacks the free radicals and limits their
damaging effects.
Rosemary
(One of the Natural Organic Ingredients in all
ZaHira Lotions & Face/Body Washes)
Essential Oil: Strong and fresh, camphor-like and
with a trace of woody-balsamic. It is another must have oil that
treats or aids just about any muscular ach or pain you can think
of. Other great users include treatment of varicose veins,
scabies, dandruff, lice, arthritis, rheumatism, cellulite,
circulation, digestion, bronchitis, coughs, colds, flu and so much
more. Like I said a must have oil.
Vitamin A
(One of the Natural Organic Ingredients in all
ZaHira Face/Body Washes)
Vitamin A reduces wrinkles and fine lines,
increases skin thickness and hydration and stimulates skin cells
to repair damaged skin. It also improves skin tone, reduces skin
discoloration and decreases pore size.
Vitamin C - Ester
(One of the Natural Organic Ingredients in all
ZaHira Face/Body Washes)
Asorbyl palmitate possesses all the benefits of
vitamin C, but unlike the water-soluble form, is able to be stored
in the lipid cell membrane until the body is ready to put it to
use. Vitamin C offers a wide range of support for the human
body. It is a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger
supporting cellular and vascular health.
Vitamin E
(One of the Natural Organic Ingredients in all
ZaHira Lotions & Face/Body Washes)
When it comes to natural organic ingredients used
in preservatives, Vitamin E is a great addition. This is a natural
antioxidant product used in food and cosmetic applications to
delay the onset of rancidity in fats and oils and extend shelf
life.
Vitamin E is an essential fat-soluble vitamin
composed of 8 naturally occurring compounds (the fractions are
called alpha, beta, delta, epsilon, eta, gamma and zeta tocopherol,
and four other substances called tocotrienols). While each of
these compounds exhibits different biological activities, d-alpha
tocopherol has the highest biological activity and is the most
widely available form of vitamin E in food.
Organic Slippery Elm
(One of the Natural Organic Ingredients in all
ZaHira Lotions)
Slippery elm (Ulmus
fulva) has been used as an herbal remedy in North America for
centuries. Native Americans used slippery elm in healing salves
for wounds, boils, ulcers, burns, and skin inflammation. It was
also taken orally to relieve coughs, sore throats, diarrhea, and
stomach problems.
Slippery elm contains mucilage, a substance that
becomes a slick gel when mixed with water. It coats and soothes
the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines; it also contains
antioxidants that help relieve inflammatory bowel conditions.
Slippery elm also causes reflux stimulation of nerve endings in
the gastrointestinal tract leading to increased mucus secretion.
The increased mucus production may protect the gastrointestinal
tract against ulcers and excess acidity.
Organic White Tea
(One of the Natural Organic Ingredients in
all ZaHira Face/Body Washes)
Topical applications of white tea is effective in
boosting the immune function of skin cells and protecting them
against the damaging effects of sun exposure. White tea was found
to protect the skin from oxidative stress and immune cell damage.
Elma Baron, MD, is Director of the Skin Study Center at UHC and
CWRU. "We found the application of white tea extract protects
critical elements of the skin's immune system," Dr. Baron says.
"Similar to the way oxidation causes a car to rust, oxidative
stress of the skin causes a breakdown in cellular strength and
function. The white tea extract protects against this stress.
This study further demonstrates the importance of researching how
plant products can actually protect the skin."
Researchers believe that the antioxidant property
of white tea is what makes it one of the most effective of all the
anti-aging natural organic ingredients in cosmetics. Kevin
Cooper, MD, chairman of the department of dermatology at UHC and
CWRU said, "We know that younger skin tends to be able to resist
the oxidative stress associated with exposure to the destructive
rays of sunlight. The white tea extract also appears to build the
skin's resistance against stresses that cause the skin to age."
Witch Hazel
(One of the Natural Organic Ingredients in all
ZaHira Lotions)
Hamamelis virginiana is also known as the common
witch hazel shrub. We've all heard of witch hazel, but may have
thought of it only as a strangely named remedy that is found on
drugstore shelves. You may have a bottle in your medicine cabinet,
but you might be unaware of all the uses for witch hazel.
Native Americans first learned how to use witch
hazel for medicinal purposes when they used the extract to relieve
bleeding, swelling, bruising and discomfort of external wounds.
Hamamelis virginiana was also used in sweat lodges to soothe sore
muscles. Native Americans also considered it an astringent and
purifier and a remedy for treating tumors.
Xanthan Gum
(One of the Natural Organic Ingredients in all
ZaHira Lotions & Face/Body Washes)
Xanthan
gum
is considered a polysaccharide in scientific circles, because it
is a long chain of three different forms of sugar. What's
important to know is that all three of these natural sugars are
present in corn sugar, a derivative of the more familiar corn
syrup. The
Xanthomonas campestris bacteria literally eat
a supply of this corn sugar under controlled conditions, and the
digestion process converts the individual sugars into a single
substance with properties similar to cornstarch.
Xanthan
gum
is used in dairy products and salad dressings as a thickening
agent and stabilizer.
Xanthan
gum
prevents ice crystals from forming in ice creams, and also
provides a 'fat feel' in low or no-fat dairy products.
Another use for
xanthan
gum
is the stabilization and binding of cosmetic products. One
advantage of
xanthan
gum
is that a little goes an incredibly long way. Cosmetic
manufacturers add a very small amount of
xanthan
gum
to their cream-based products in order to keep the individual
ingredients from separating.
