ALOE VERA (All Products)

Aloe Vera can be used to protect and retain skin moisture and integrity. It is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, antiseptic wound healing properties.

 
     It is a medicinal plant traditionally used since 1500 BC in many countries such as Greece, China, and Mexico. It has been used for centuries as a traditional medicine for various diseases and skin lesions. In Ancient Egypt, Cleopatra used Aloe Vera to beautify and care for her skin.

     Studies conducted on living organisms have shown that Aloe Vera can inhibit thromboxane (an inhibitor of wound healing), improve the wound healing process, and reduce inflammation.)
 

     Magnesium lactate available in the gel can prevent the production of histamine that causes itching and irritation of the skin. It also enhances the immune system and the synthesis of cytokines. 
 

     Aloe Vera gel can not only increase the amount of collagen in wounds but also change the composition of collagen, increase collagen cross-linking, and thereby promote wound healing.
Scientific studies have shown that the gel can increase the flexibility and reduce the fragility of the skin since 99% of the gel is water.  Additionally, mucopolysaccharides along with amino acids and zinc present in Aloe Vera can lead to better skin integrity and moisture retention.

     Aloe Vera is used as a powerful and natural base for healing and beautifying - with no added water – in our products.  Let Mother Nature do the talking.

ARNICA (Noe Pain)

The flower of the arnica plant has been used for hundreds of years for its apparent
benefits. Traditionally, it’s been used to reduce pain, swelling, and bruising.

A 2006 study looked at the effect of homeopathic arnica on facial bruising. It
found that homeopathic arnica may reduce the severity of bruising. A 2010 double-blind study
looked at topical arnica and found that it reduced bruising.

More recently, a 2016 review looked at the effects of homeopathic arnica on pain
and inflammation after surgery and found that it was both a safe and effective way to reduce
bruising, swelling, and pain.

BURDOCK ROOT (Guarded Hands)

Did you know the inspiration for velcro actually came from the burdock burr?  In 1941 a Swiss gentleman by the name of Georges de Mestral, who was an inventor and engineer often walked in the woods whereafter he and his dog would be covered with burrs.  

Wondering if the burrs could be of any use it took almost eight years of research using two strips of fabric, one with thousands of tiny hooks and another with thousands of tiny loops for Georges de Mestral to successfully reproduce the natural attachment.  He named his invention Velcro and formally patented it in 1955. 

Burdock is a family of daisy plants, related to dandelions and chamomile and widely spread throughout Europe and Northern Asia.

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It is highly valued in both traditional and modern medicine. In the past, burdock roots were used to purify the blood, treat rashes, eczema, colds, and improve digestive health. 

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Both the roots and the leaves are now widely consumed as culinary vegetables, while burdock flowers are made into herbal infusions.  It is a great anti-inflammatory and a natural remedy for respiratory tract problems. It also calms rashes and helps treat eczema.  

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Burdock root is a good source of essential nutrients such as vitamin C, B vitamins, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium which contribute to good overall health. 
 

GARLIC (Guarded Hands)

Garlic is a popular natural remedy for a wide array of conditions, including viral infections.
It is a powerful anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent. It strengthens the immune system against mild infections, like the common cold, by stimulating the production of white blood cells.  Garlic’s anti-viral properties allows it to help fight different viruses, such as the influenza viruses that cause the flu and the rhinoviruses that cause the common cold.

MANUKA HONEY (Guarded Hands, Manuka Honey Skin Delight)

All kinds of honey have been used as natural antibiotics throughout the centuries. In recent years, researchers have discovered that honey’s power to kill germs comes from hydrogen peroxide produced with the help of a bee enzyme.

Manuka honey takes this a step further by attacking germs with a substance called MGO. Found in the nectar of some Manuka plants, this substance helps heal both minor and chronic wounds.

Because of this, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved marketing bandages infused with Manuka honey for both over-the-counter and prescription sales.

The more MGO there is in the honey, the more antiviral and antibacterial properties it has.

Dozens of species of bacteria are susceptible to Manuka honey's antibacterial properties, including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus. Manuka also appears to be effective against Clostridium difficile, a difficult to treat organism often spread in healthcare settings.

Researchers are particularly interested in the fact that Manuka honey appears to attack infections that forms a biofilm, or a thin, slippery layer of bacteria. This is because once an infection has formed a biofilm, it’s considered to be untreatable.

To date, there are no reports of microbial resistance to honey. That suggests it might be successful against resistant organisms and long-lasting wound infections that do not heal with regular antibiotic therapy. For this reason, honey is considered a last-resort option against infection.

OREGANO (Guarded Hands)

Oregano is a popular herb in the mint family that’s known for its impressive medicinal qualities. Its plant compounds, which include carvacrol, offer antiviral properties.

     Oregano oil and carvacrol have also been shown to exhibit antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1); rotavirus, a common cause of diarrhea in infants and children; and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes respiratory infections.

 
          MNV is highly contagious and the primary cause of stomach flu in humans. It is very similar to human norovirus and used in scientific studies because human norovirus is notoriously difficult to grow in laboratory settings.  In a test-tube study, both oregano oil and isolated carvacrol reduced the activity of murine norovirus (MNV) within 15 minutes of exposure.

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     Oregano cleans as effectively as chlorine.  Produce is often washed before it's made available for purchase. That's great... except for the fact that chemicals like chlorine may be used. One study looked to compare the antimicrobial effect of carvacrol to chlorine as a wash for grape tomatoes.

     For the experiment, grape tomatoes were contaminated with Salmonella and then given a chlorine wash or carvacrol. The solution using carvacrol achieved significant reductions in Salmonella. The researchers also noted the natural carvacrol solution did not affect nutritional value, antioxidant content, look, or taste. 

TEA TREE OIL (Guarded Hands)

We should all be making sure to do everything we can in order to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and healthy.

     Tea Tree Oil, originally from the Land Downunder, has made its way across the world.  The antiviral, antiseptic disinfectant properties of this powerful protective gift from nature is worthy of consideration for our health and cleaning needs.

     While many people know tea tree oil for its anti-fungal properties, this native Australian oil has also been shown to possess anti-bacterial, anti-yeast, acaricidal, and antiviral qualities as well. As a result, people all over the world have adopted tea tree oil as an antiseptic.

 
     In 2006, a groundbreaking study by researcher Christine F. Carson, which resulted in great success, began with the tobacco mosaic virus. With further studies, she could see the effects of Tea Tree on the Herpes Simplex Virus.  This caused hundreds of researchers to take Carson’s work and broaden their understanding of the properties of Tea Tree Oil.  So much that it was discovered in 2009 that Tea Tree Oil was effective against certain forms of influenza with the actual component active for the antiviral properties isolated – terpin-4-ol.

     Later studies would unlock just how tea tree oil works to inhibit viruses from binding to host cells and what concentrations were necessary to accomplish this. The culmination of this research has proven that tea tree oil does indeed possess powerful and effective antiviral properties which can be utilized by masses in products such as hand sanitizers.

 
     Furthermore, whereas the alcohol in regular sanitizers quickly evaporates, Tea Tree Oil can remain on the skin protecting it for several hours.  It should be noted however that the tea tree oil doesn’t necessarily absorb into the skin. It stays on the surface as a natural shield to help prevent the spreading of viruses.

     Additionally, what are the health benefits of Tea Tree Oil to colds? Well, it can stop the growth of bad bacteria which typically leads to sinus infections and other respiratory issues. Using it on surfaces in your environment is a very good idea due to its great cleansing properties, which can help prevent colds in the first place.

     A few drops of Tea Tree Oil in a diffuser helps with sinus issues. It helps boost your immunity and its expectorant quality helps relieve congestion and body tension. With less stress one is better prepared to fight off illnesses.

WITCH HAZEL (Guarded Hands)

When applied to the skin, witch hazel-based toners have the potential to ease irritation, injury, and inflammation. Some of the most common uses include acne, inflammatory conditions, and sunburn.

There’s also the potential that witch hazel could possibly benefit other types of inflammatory skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema. 

Other Uses: bruises, bug bites, cuts and wounds, diaper rash, hemorrhoids, and other burns.

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It’s a substance commonly used in cosmetic and natural skincare products. Full of all-natural vitamin A, 100 percent pure, unrefined, raw shea butter can improve numerous skin conditions such as blemishes and wrinkles, stretch mark prevention during pregnancy, muscle fatigue, dermatitis, and radiation treatments for certain medical problems.

Why is shea butter good for your skin? Shea butter, also called Butyrospermum parkii, is extremely moisturizing and very hydrating. When applied to the skin, it provides immediate softness
and smoothness. But there are even more proven benefits of shea butter.

The National Center for Biotechnology Information published a study indicating that shea nuts and shea fat (shea butter) constitute a significant source of anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor promoting compounds. Another study from the American Journal of Life Science claims that shea butter boosts collagen production, demonstrating some major anti-aging potential.

IRISH MOSS (Guarded Hands)

Irish moss is now thought to contain 15 of the 18 essential elements that make up the human body.
Recent studies have found that Irish moss does, in fact, have some great anti-viral properties and can help fight the Influenza B and mumps viruses.

It has many cosmetic properties from helping rid the body of varicose veins to reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Is packed with Vitamin K can help improve this elasticity, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and
things like bags or dark circles that can form around the eyes. These creams are also thought to
heal all sorts of skin problems from eczema, psoriasis, and even sunburn.

LEMON BALM (Guarded Hands)

Functions as a natural antibacterial agent. There’s some evidence that lemon balm products,
including kombucha (a fermented drink that contains probiotics), have antibacterial qualities that
may help naturally fight infectious bacteria.

Lemon balm oil specifically shows a high level of antibacterial activity against candida.
In addition to providing antioxidant support, it has the potential to act as an anti-inflammatory agent. Reducing chronic inflammation helps protect against disease and relieve pain.

Lemon balm uses also extend into the topical application, due in part to their antiviral qualities.
Specifically, when applied directly to the skin, it is a useful herbal remedy to help treat
the herpes virus.

While there is no permanent cure for herpes, treatment methods generally involve finding ways
to decrease the frequency and duration of outbreaks. To date, most researchers have studied the
efficacy of lemon balm on herpes labialis, or cold sores.

When using lemon balm extract in cream form, research shows that the intervals between herpes
breakouts become longer, the healing period shortens and the symptoms, such as itching and
burning, seem to decrease. Interestingly, because of the way that lemon balm works to achieve
this, studies point to no risk of resistance to the herpes virus forming after repeated uses.
The same results seem to exist when using lemon balm essential oil, too.

According to various sources, it seems lemon balm’s effects on the herpes simplex virus are
related to its antioxidant compounds. These include tannins and polyphenols.

Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory This herb can help fight free radical damage in ways that may prove to be remarkable in natural medicine.