Fig 1. Apple

active natural: apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries as a folk remedy for a variety of ills. As far back as 3000 BC, the ancient Egyptians sang the praises of apple cider vinegar.  It is produced by fermenting apple juice into alcoholic apple cider, then letting the oxygen interact with it to turn the alcohol into acetic acid.  It has been used as an antibacterial, and wart remover. Apple Cider Vinegar also aids in overall skin health and healing.

Fig 1. Castor Oil

active natural: castor oil

Castor Oil is a vegetable oil pressed from the seed of the Castor plant. Castor Oil has been used for centuries for its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties by healers, doctors and common folk as well. The Castor Oil plant is native to India, and is regarded as one of the most valuable laxatives in medicine. You may remember it as a childhood remedy for stomach aches. Relieving a stomach ache is just one of its many uses. Its medicinal potential, alone and combined with other naturals, has grown in recent years.

Fig 1. Cedarwood

active natural: cedarwood

Cedrus Deodara (Cedarwood) is a species of cedar, a large evergreen coniferous tree reaching to 150 ft tall with a 40 ft spread at ground level. The stiff, needle-like leaves are about 2 in long and spreads seed through cones which bloom and drop to the forest floor. The plant yields a medicinal essential oil through distillation of the wood.  Cedarwood has anti-inflammatory properties and has been used for centuries to reduce itching and to help in skin healing.

Fig 1. Clary Sage

active natural: clary sage

Botanical: Salvia sclarea
Family: N.O. Labiatae

Clary Sage Essential Oil is steam-distilled from the flowering tops of the sage plant. It has been used for its antidepressant, antiseptic, deodorant, digestive and sedative properties. In aromatherapy mixtures it can be blended with Atlas Cedarwood, Bergamot, Cypress, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, and Lime. Clary Sage has been used to balance extreme emotions, reduce stress and restore inner tranquility. In hair care, Clary Sage can help to coat the hair shaft and improve shine.

Fig 1. Clove Oil

active natural: clove oil

Clove Oil (Eugenol) - The flower buds of the Clove plant are distilled to make the essential Clove Oil. It is known for its antibacterial and antifungal qualities. Clove Oil has been known to relieve headaches and toothaches, improves digestion, relieve gas, and open sinus and breathing passages. It has been called an "aphrodisiac", is mentally stimulating and helps improve memory. Clove Oil can be used in a carrier oil for just about any infection. The dental industry has used Clove Oil for years to deaden pain from toothaches or dental procedures.

Fig 1. Enzymes

active natural: enzymes

Enzymes are proteins, composed of amino-acids, which are produced by all living organisms. Enzymes are responsible for a number of reactions and biological activities in plants, animals, human beings and microorganisms. Enzymes can often replace chemicals or processes that present safety or environmental issues.

Fig 1. Eucalyptus

active natural: eucalyptus

Eucalyptus globulus is a large tree reaching a height of 300 ft. or more in forest conditions. The Eucalyptus is the dominant tree in the bush of Australia. It produces slick, dark green opposing leaves on juvenile shoots and is a favorite food of the tree climbing Koala bear. Known for centuries as a folk remedy, Eucalyptus Oil has been used a local antiseptic, an anti-inflammatory agent and to relieve certain skin ailments.  It has also been used as an insect repellant before the large-scale manufacture of chemical repellents in the twentieth century.

Fig 1. Food Aromas

active natural: food aromas

Dogs' noses work much the way ours do: We inhale molecules of odor, which then dissolve in mucus membranes. The dissolved odors are picked up by the olfactory receptors, located behind where sunglasses rest on the nose. An organ called the olfactory bulb shunts the chemical messages straight to the part of the brain that deals with stored feelings and memories, bypassing the cerebral cortex, the main part of the brain. This short-circuit is one reason smells so rapidly trigger strong emotions and memories that may have lain dormant for years. Increasing desired aromas in foods increases the desire to eat for animals who may be finicky, sick or recovering from surgery.

Fig 1. H2O2

active natural: hydrogen peroxide

Generally found helpful in softening and removing ear wax, Hydrogen Peroxide has been used as an antiseptic and anti-bacterial agent for many years. Hydrogen Peroxide is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) as an antimicrobial agent, as an oxidizing agent by the US Food and Drug Administration. Recently Hydrogen Peroxide has been found to have more medicinal uses than ever before, including: soothing arthritis pain and aching muscles, easing the pain of bee stings and insect bites, treating minor burns, bruises and rashes.

Fig 1. Lavender

active natural: lavender Oil

Lavender or Lavandula, are a genus of about 25-30 species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. Native to the Mediterranean region, tropical Africa and to the south east regions of India, Lavender is the most popular calming remedy in the world.  It contains a high level of natural esters which calm the central nervous system. English lavender, Lavandula Angustifolia, yields a highly effective essential oil with very sweet overtones, and can be used in balms, salves, perfumes, cosmetics, and topical applications. Essential oil of lavender also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Fig 1. Lecithin

active natural: lecithin

Lecithin is regarded as a well-tolerated and non-toxic surfactant. Surfactants are used to break the surface tension of liquid to allow for easier spreading. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for human consumption with the status "Generally Recognized As Safe." Lecithin is used commercially in substances requiring a natural lubricant and/or emulsifier (any substance that helps hold ingredients together). In the body, Lecithin, a fatlike substance, is also called a phospholipid. It is produced daily by the liver if the diet is adequate. It is needed by every cell in the body and is a key building block of cell membranes; without it, they would harden. Lecithin protects cells from oxidation and largely comprises the protective sheaths surrounding the brain.

Fig 1. MgZnSO4

active natural:
Magnesium & Zinc Sulfate

Like calcium, magnesium plays a role in many enzymes. It aids in energy production, nerve and muscle functions, and calcium assimilation. These activities directly affect the function of bones, the cardiovascular system, kidneys, and gall bladder. Zinc is said to be an essential element for normal growth and good vision. Its benefit in maintaining healthy skin, bones, collagen and protein synthesis is well known. Zinc is also said to accelerate healing time for internal and external wounds and to help relieve cold symptoms. Both are "Generally Recognized As Safe."

Fig 1. SLS

active natural: sodium lauryl sulfate (sls)

A detergent and surfactant found in many personal care products (soaps, shampoos, toothpaste etc.). There have been many rumors on the internet claiming this was a carcinogen, but that has since been debunked and found to have no direct link to cancer by such respected organizations as the American Cancer Society which has confirmed that this claim is false, and an urban legend. SLS acts as a foaming agent, disperser for sprays and surfactant. SLS is a natural occurring agent, derived from coconut oil.

Fig 1. Thyme Oil

active natural: thyme oil

Thyme is a genus of about 350 species of aromatic perennial herbaceous plants and sub-shrubs which can grow to 20 inches tall, in the family Lamiaceae. The name is derived from the Greek word “thymos” which means “perfume” and was used as incense in Greek temples. The Egyptians used it in the embalming process. Medicinally, Thyme has been used in folk remedies as an antiseptic and as an antibacterial. It also strengthens the nerves, boosts memory, concentration, relieves the feeling of exhaustion and also aids in combating depression.