Our Ingredients

 

 

ALMOND OIL 
 
Sweet almond oil is obtained from the dried kernels of the almond tree and is an excellent emollient. It softens and soothes the skin. 
 
It has a rich concentration of oleic and linoleic essential fatty acids. It also contains the vitamins A and E. 
 
Pile it On, Mothers Belly Balm,Forever Face cream  
 
 

ALOE

The number one application for burns, excellent for sunburn. 
 
Rehydrates the skin. Aloe contains active compounds that stop pain and inflammation, and stimulates skin growth and repair. 
 
Some evidence also suggests that Aloe can improve certain skin conditions such as Psoriasis. 
 
Excellent for nappy rash. 
 
Everyday Balm, Pile it On, Baby Bottom Balm,Teenage Cream

 

 

ARNICA (Arnica Montana) 
 
 
Traditionally used for years all over the world in mountainous areas. 
 
Works chiefly on blood vessels and the soft tissue of the body. 
 
Helps reduce pain and speeds absorption of blood under the skin. 
 
Excellent trauma remedy. 
 
Not to be applied to broken skin - may cause irritation. 
 
Aches and Pains

 

 

AVOCADO OIL (unrefined NZ) persea gratissima

 

Avocado Oil nourishes and restores dehydrated skin. It is deeply penetrating, and is laden with nutrients, lecithin, beta carotene, minerals and proteins. High in Sterolins, which are reputed to reduce age spots, and which work on sun-damaged areas and scar tissue. This makes it ideal for use on most NZ skins. It is the sterolins (plant steroids) in the oil that help to soften the skin and impart a superior moisturising effect. This deep green oil contains Vitamins A,B1,B2,D,E and Panothenic acid. In a study done at the Department of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology in 1991, it was found that Avocado oil significantly increases the amount of collagen in the skin - which normally decreases as we get older.

Vitamin C also helps collagen production, but that is another story.

 

Forever Face Cream

 

 

BEESWAX 
 
Beeswax is a biologically active product containing high bactericidal properties which are retained even after processing. 
 
Vitamin A, an antioxidant, with skin regenerative properties, helps the skin stay soft, smooth and firm, increases elasticity. 
 
It has an extremely high amount of carotin, which is a precursor to vitamin A. 
 
Aches and Pains, Warrior Balm, Everyday Balm, Pile it On, Baby Bottom Balm, Solar-X, It works, Fungus Salve, Mothers Belly Balm 

 

 

BLACK WALNUT (Juglans Nigra)

 
 
The bark, leaves and fruit of the walnut are used medicinally by herbalists. 
 
The bark and leaves have alterative, laxative, astringent and detergent properties and are traditionally used in the treatment of a variety of skin troubles. 
 
They are of the highest value in treating scrofulous diseases and healing indolent ulcers. 
 
The walnut is bursting with chemical activities: anti-oxidant, antiseptic, anti-mutagenic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic. 
 
Solar-X, Forever Face Cream

 

 

BURDOCK ROOT (Arctium Lappa) 
 
During the middle ages, burdock was valued for treating a host of ailments, internal and external. It was used for purifying the blood for it acts on sweat glands and clears the skin, a tincture or fluid extract of the seeds being used for the treatment of chronic skin complaints. Burdock has played an important role (along with red clover) in Native American medicine. 
 
It is not fully understood which chemicals in Burdock are responsible for its healing properties, but the plant has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, disinfectant and anti-carinogenic activities. 
 
Solar-X, Forever Face Cream 

 
 
 

CALENDULA (Calendula Officinalis)

 
Useful for open wounds, parts that will not heal, ulcers. It promotes healthy granulation, helps make acrid discharges healthy and free. 
 
Useful for open, torn, cut, lacerated, ragged or suppurating wounds. Helps abort or mature boils and abscesses. 
 
During the American Civil war Calendula was used to stop the blood flow from battle wounds. 
 
The flowers have anti-spasmodic, anti-microbial and anti-viral properties.   

Warrior Balm, Everyday Balm, Baby Bottom Balm, Mothers Bottom Balm, It Works,Teenage Cream, Calm Comfort Cream

 

 

 

CLEAVERS or CLIVERS (Gallium Aparine)

  

The whole plant is used when just coming into flower. 
 
In the old herbals, clivers is extolled for its powers as a purifier of the blood. 
 
A wash from the plant is said to be useful for sunburn and freckles. 
 
The herb has a special curative reputation with reference to cancerous growth and allied tumours, an ointment made from the plant to dress the ulcerated parts.   
 

Solar-X, Forever Face Cream

 

 

 

COMFREY (Symphytum Officinalis - commonly known as knitbone or boneset)

 
 
The root contains a crystalline solid that stimulates the growth of epithelium (cell tissue) on ulcerated surfaces. 
 
Useful as a dressing for sores or ulcers and Pruritis Ani (itchy anus). 
 
It's more common usage is for injuries to tendons and periosteum (the surface layer of bones), joints and cartilage. 
 
Aches and Pains, Warrior Balm 

 

 

 

COMMON DAISY (Bellis Perennis)  

Often trampled underfoot. Used to be known as bruisewort. 
 
Works on muscular fibres of the blood vessels and areas rich in glandular tissue like the neck, breasts and testicles. 
 
Can be used for the treatment of injuries that have a lot of soreness, swelling, or a bruised feeling. Soothes varicose veins.

 
 
Aches and Pains, Pile it On, Mothers Belly Balm, Mothers Bottom Balm

 

 

 

HARAKEKE, New Zealand Flax (Phormium Tenax) 
 
Parts used: roots.  
 
The value placed on the flax by the old-time Maori can perhaps be assessed by the astonishment expressed by some chiefs in the early days of contact when apprised of the fact that the plant did not then grow in England. They asked "how is it possible to live there without it?". 
 
The flax root and leaf are used by the Maori to treat cutaneous diseases such as ringworm and venereal disease. 
 
The root and rhizome were used to treat measles, small-pox and other eruptions, severe bayonet and gunshot wounds. In the small-pox epidemic of 1862 the native doctors used a "new" treatment which was said to be very successful. They boiled the root of the flax and then smeared it on as an ointment.

Herp-Ease, It Works,Forever Face Cream, Teenage Cream

 

   
 

HOROPITO (Pseudowintera colorata) PEPPER TREE 

Parts used:  Leaves

The Horopito plant is most well known for its action against candida.  The active constituent of horopito is polygoidal which mades the "hot taste" in peppery spices, producing significant anti-bacterial and anti-fungal  properties.  It has been shown to inhibit the growth of candida albicans and other yeast-like fungi.

Externally useful for fungal infections, such as candida albicans and ringworm, wounds cuts and burns.  Hotopito stimulates the cirulation of the skin.

Traditionally, skin complaints were treated by the Maori of New Zealand using bruised leaves that had been steeped in water or chewed.  

Fungus Salve 

 

 

 

HORSE CHESTNUT (Aesculus Hippocastanum)

 
Parts used: Seeds, leaves and bark. 
 
Horse chestnut seed extract (HCSF) is used in Europe as a treatment for chronic venous insufficiency. The seeds have been used as an analgesic and vasoconstrictor. 
 
Today horse chestnut seed extract is the most widely prescribed medication in Germany for chronic venous insufficiency and oedema. 
 
Homoeopathically it is used for engorged haemorrhoidal veins. Venous stasis in general, purple varicose veins. The anus is raw and sore, haemorrhoids with sharp shooting pains up the back, blind or bleeding. 
 
Pile it On, Mothers Belly Balm, Mothers Bottom Balm, Forever Face Cream,

 

 

 

KAWAKAWA Macropiper Excelsum

Parts used:  Leaves and Bark

Kawakawa is one of the most important and frequently used Rongoa (medicine) by the Maori of New Zealand.

Externally used for bruises and rheumatism and for the pain of neuralgic conditions, nettle stings and eczema.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-neuralgia activities.

It was used as a poultice for neuralgic affections and for treating venereal diseases and festering sores.

Internally, used as a blood purifier and tonic.  Useful for urinary and difestive disorders.  

It Works, Teenage Cream

 

 

 

KOROMIKO, Veronica (Hebe sticta/salicifolia) 
 
Parts used: Flowering tops. 
 
Amongst the Maori this plant has always played an important part in ritual ceremonies, as well as being widely known for the curative properties of its leaves to heal skin diseases as well as various internal ailments, especially diarrhoea and dysentery. 
 
Poultices of koromiko were used for many skin disorders, but, in particular, was useful for venereal diseases, ulcerated parts and crusted sores.

 
 
It Works, Mothers Belly Balm, Baby Bottom Balm, Mothers Bottom Balm, Forever Face Cream 

 

 

 

KUMARAHOU (Pomaderris kumerahaou)

Parts Used:  Leaves

Commonly known as poverty weed or gum-differs soap, it was used by the gum-diggers in Northland, New Zealand in early colonial times.  The flower head was crushed and mixed with a little water to produce a soapy lather.

Another traditional Maori Rongoa (medicine) that is still widely used today.  A brew is made with a handful of leaves, simmered for an hour in about 2 litres of water and the liquid strained off and a small cupful drunk daily. Of undoubted value for lung conditions, particularly bronchitis.  Also taken internally for colds and asthma.  Was used by old-time Maori of New Zealand, for treating tuberculosis. It is a blood purifier and liver cleanser.

For external use the leaves were boiled and the liquid obtained used as a strong soothing and healing agent for sores, wounds, rashes and skin irritations.

The leaves can also be used fresh on the skin.

Externally, old- time Maori made an ointment from the leaves and applied to skin cancers.  

Solar X

 

 

 

MAKOMAKO (Aristelia serrata)

Parts used:  Leaves and Bark

Traditional Maori Rongoa (medicine) hugely effective when used for treating burns, from fire or scalding water.  The bark or the leaves could be used as a poultice or as a wash. Contains tannic acid, giving it astringent properties.

Was also used as a poultice or internally taken as a treatment for reheumatism.

Leaves were steeped in hot baths for arthritis and rheumatism.

The colonial settlers ate the fruit, made a jelly from the fruit and also a wine, perhaps giving it its common name "wineberry".   

Everyday Balm

 

  
 

MANUKA (leptospermum scoparium)   

Parts used:  Leaves and Young Shoots    
 

The Manuka has been traditionally used by the New Zealand Maori for a variety of complaints internally and externally.  Vapour baths were used to treat lumbago, rheumatism, and ease childbirth. Leaves, seeds and bark after preparation were also used as poultices and ointments for ringworm, burns and scalds, sprains, wounds, lesions from venereal diseases, eczema among other things.

Today, the honey made from Manuka flowers is established to be anti-bacterial, and used in hospitals for such things as leg ulcers and slow healing wounds.

Successfully used for bacterial and fungal infections, slow healing ulcers and sores, wounds, candida and athletes foot.

As well as being anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, it has astringent properties owing to the high tannin levels which helps reduce inflammation.   
 

Warrior Balm, Fungus Salve, Mothers Bottom Balm, Teenage Cream, Calm Comfort Cream

 

 

 

MAIRE TAWAKE (Syzgium maire)

Parts used:  Inner bark

Traditional Rongoa (medicine) used by the Maori of New Zealand for the treatment of ringworm and other scurfy diseases.  Used externally by old time Maori as a lotion.

Internally was used for treating asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, colds etc.

Fungus Salve

 

 

 

NETTLE (Urtica Dioica) 
 
 
Parts used: Whole flowering tops. 
 
Stinging nettle is widely used to treat rheumatism and poor circulation, neuralgia, gout and joint aches and pains. 
 
Main properties are analgesic, anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory. 
 
According to tradition, Caesars troops introduced The Roman Nettle into Britain because they thought they would need to flail themselves with nettles to keep warm and until recently "ûrtication" or beating with nettles was a standard folk remedy for arthritis and rheumatism. 
 
Aches and Pains 

 

 

 
OLIVE OIL (olea europaea)

 
   
Olive oil contains many substances essential for healthy skin. 
 
Vitamin A, an antioxidant, with skin regenerative properties, helps the skin stay soft, smooth and firm, increases elasticity. 
 
Vitamin E, an antioxidant with skin moisturising systems, that prevents skin irritation and has anti-inflammatory properties. 
 
Beta Carotene, an antioxidant with photo protection properties. 
 
Squalene, an excellent moisturiser and helps reduce skin irritation.     
 
 

Aches and Pains, Warrior Balm, Everyday Balm, Baby Bottom Balm, Solar-X, It Works, Mothers Belly Balm, Fungus salve, Forever Face Cream

 

 

 
PLANTAIN Plantago Major 
Plantain 
 
Parts used: The leaves. 
 
There are many recorded usages in New Zealand by maori and pakeha from 1830 onwards, for treating scalds, burns, ulcers, malignant ulcers, suppurating sores, abscesses and boils, cuts and wounds and for drawing poison. 
 
The Broad leaf plantain seems to have followed the migration of colonists to every part of the world. In both America and New Zealand it has been called "the Englishman's foot" or "the White Man's foot". 
 
The Saxons esteemed it highly and in the old "Lacnunga" it is mentioned as one of the nine sacred herbs. In this most ancient source of Anglo-Saxon medicine, we find this "Salve for flying venom". 
 
Warrior Balm 

 

 

 

PATETE (Schefflera digitata) SEVEN FINGER  

Parts used:  Bark, Sap and Leaves

Traditional Rongoa (medicine) used by the Maori of New Zealand.  Has been shown to contain falcarindiol, which has activities for treating skin diseases.  Was used to treat scrofulous sores and ringworm.  A useful fungicide against athletes foot.

Was used as a tonic just before childbirth to allow a safe delivery and the large soft leaves were used to wrap the newborn baby in.  

Fungus Salve  

 

 

 

RED CLOVER (Trifolium Pratense)

Red Clover

Helps to relieve the itch of conditions like, Eczema, Psoriasis, dry crusty skin, cradle cap. Used by the American Indians for skin diseases, particularly chronic skin conditions. 
 
Fomentations and poultices of the herb have been used as local applications to cancerous growths. 
 
The isoflavones isolated from red clover have been studied for their effectiveness in treating some forms of cancers. It is thought that the isoflavones prevent the proliferation of cancer cells and that they may even destroy cancer cells.    
 
 

Everyday Balm, Solar-X, Forever Face Cream, Calm Comfort Cream

 

 

 
ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus Officinalis) 
Rosemary 
 
Parts used: Leaves and flowers. 
 
A powerful herbal healer which is often passed over and used only as a culinary plant. Rosemary was a favoured herb in early apothecary gardens. 
 
Oil of rosemary has potent anti-fungal, anti-herpetic, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant activities.  

It Works, Fungus Salve 

 

  
 
 

 
ST JOHN'S WORT (Hypericum Perforatum)  
Hypericum 
 
An excellent remedy for injuries to nerves, fingers, toes, nails and whitlows. Relieves pain!! 
 
Insect bites are soothed, the itch relieved. 
 
Lacerated injuries, abrasions, burns, anything where nerve endings are damaged or exposed. 
 
Has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.   
 

Warrior Balm, Everyday Balm, Pile it On, Baby Bottom Balm, Mothers Bottom Balm,  It Works, Teenage Cream, Calm Comfort Cream 

 

 

 

THYME (Thymus Vulgaris)   

Parts used: Leaves and Flowering tops 

Thyme is well known as a culinary herb, but has also been used for centuries in respiratory complaints, as an expectorant for coughs, particularly in the treatment of whooping cough and has been used historically as a tonic. Thyme also has antiseptic, antispasmodic anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties.  It can be used to treat scabies, lice, intestinal worms and candida, gastic fermentation, wind and colic.

Like many other herbs with a high content of volatile oil, thyme has strong anti-bacterial properties.  The volatile oil components of thyme have been shown to have anti-microbial activity against a host of different bacteria and fungi. Staphalococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichchia coli, and Shigella sonnei are a few of the species against which thyme has been shown to have anti-bacterial activity.  Thymol, a major constituent of thymes volatile oil, is powerful, and should not be used internally without a qualified herbal physicians advice.  

Fungal Salve

 

 

 

TOTARA (Podocarpus Totara)

Parts used:  Leaves and Bark

The Totara was put to multiple uses by the old time Maori of New Zealand.  A well as a medicine for eczema, venereal sores and lesions, and haemorrhoids, it was used for housing, canoes, musical instruments, toys, torches, water containers, and food containers.

Traditional Rongoa (medicine) used by the Maori for treating haemorrhoids.  They would make a hole or short tunnel in an earth bank, with a small shaft for an outlet. A small smokey fire of chips or shavings of the Totara is made in this tunnel, the smoke escaping by the shaft, over which the person sits, covered with a sheet or cloak to prevent the smoke from escaping too rapidly.  Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. 

Pile It On

 

 

 

TURMERIC (Curcuma Longa) 
Turmeric 
 
Turmeric is a member of the ginger family and has been a traditional remedy in ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for thousands of years. 
 
It is used externally for reducing inflammations, treating skin diseases and healing wounds. 
 
Turmeric has extremely high anti-oxidant activities. In Asia, it is added to food to prevent oxidisation. It is also claimed to be anti-carcinogenic and used topically on the skin for cancerous affections. 
 
In 1990, D.K. Shallini, in Biochemical Pharmacology, reported that turmeric provided DNA protection from oxidative damage by carcinogens. 
 
In 1988, N.T. Huang reported that skin tumours in mice were inhibited at the rate of 98% by turmeric. 
 
Solar-X

 

 

 
VIOLET (Viola Odorata) 
Violet 
 
Parts used: leaves and flowers. 
 
The common garden sweet violet. Medicinally the whole plant is used, and has been for centuries, for a variety of disorders, internal and external. 
 
Violets have antiseptic and anti-mutagenic properties and are rich in vitamins A and C. 
 
The violet plant is haemostatic and has the ability to hasten healing, hence its use for gastric and duodenal ulcers, and to treat cancers, both externally and internally. The dried flowers have been used in Siberia for centuries to treat cancers and ulcers. Lucas 1977 says that the Chinese were making a poultice from the plant to treat surface cancers as long ago as 500BC. The list goes on. 
 
Solar-X, Forever Face Cream 

 

 

 

 
WILLOW BARK (Salix Alba) 
Willow Bark   

Willow was one of the first herbs to be scientifically investigated. In the 19th century the French chemist Leroux extracted the active ingredient "Salicine". By 1852 it was being synthetically produced and by 1899 a less irritant and unpleasant-tasting variant of the substance (acetyl salicylic acid) was manufactured and marketed as aspirin. 
 
The willow is traditionally used for treating feverish diseases, chills, agues, pain, inflammations, neuralgia, headache, gout and rheumatic ailments, and arthritic joints.  

Aches and Pains  

 

 

 

 
WITCHHAZEL (Hamamelis Virginiana) 
Witch Hazel 
 
Parts used: Bark and leaves. 
 
Witchhazel is a valuable medicinal plant for checking internal and external haemorrhage, most efficacious in the treatment of piles. A good pain-killer for the same, useful for bruises and inflammatory swellings. 
 
Witchhazel has been supposed to owe its utility to an action on the muscular fibre of veins. It is excellent applied to varicose veins, bleeding or otherwise. 
 
Witchhazel contains tannins which are highly astringent. Properties are hemostatic and styptic (contracts blood vessels). 
 
Pile it On, Mothers Belly Balm, Forever Facer Cream

 

 

 

 
YARROW (Achillea Millefolium) 
Yarrow 
 
Tincture made from the whole plant is employed for bleeding piles.  
 
Yarrow has been used as a medicine for centuries. It is said to have been used on battlefields to staunch bleeding wounds. 
 
Externally yarrow stops bleeding, makes tissue contract, inhibits bacterial growth, helps tissue heal and reduces inflammation. 
 
Activities are anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-herpetic and analgesic. 
 
Pile it On, It Works, Mothers Belly Balm  

 

 

 
BIBLIOGRAPHY 
 
A Modern Herbal. Mrs. Grieve, Revised edition published 1992 by Johnathon Cape Ltd, Great Britain. 
 
Complete Guide Medicinal Herbal, The. Penelope Ody, Published 1993 by Dorling Kindersley, Australia. 
 
Concordant Materia Medica. Frans Vermeulen, Published 1994 by Merlijn Publishers Haarlem, The Netherlands. 
 
Homoeopathic Materia Medica, William Boericke, Published 1983 by B. Jain, India. 
 
Maori Healing and Herbal. Murdoch Riley, Published 1994 by Viking Sevenseas NZ Ltd. 
 
Oldfashioned and Unusual Herbs, Gillian Painter, Published 1982 by Hodder and Stoughton, New Zealand. 
 
Dr Dukes Phytochemical & Ethnobotanical Databases agricultural research service, http://www.ars.grin.gov/duke. 
 
Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine by David Helwig. 
 
Integrative Medicine, http://www.healthandage.com. 
 
http://www.mcpedu/herbal. 
 
http://www.cloudnet.com. 
 
The Arizona Centre for Phytomedicine research, http://www.herbsarespecial.com.