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Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) – I have spent several years searching for the best witch hazel available, and I have learned a great deal from this research. I discovered a family farm in the Ozarks working exclusively with wild-harvested flowers and native plant materials. Their witch hazel begins here in the highlands of the central United States, on pristine, remote, and wild lands where the plants, water, and soil all combine in a natural alchemy. Working in these healthy forests, so rich in biodiversity, the farmers harvest in places where there are often times a hundred different species, all intertwined and interacting chemically. This wild and natural interaction between species helps produce some of the best medicinal plants on earth. In competing for light and nutrients, these wild plants grow stronger than those grown in crop rows or cultivated in a field or garden. The witch hazel is harvested by hand, with the farmers carefully selecting the freshest and finest parts of the plants. The whole harvest is quickly returned to their facility where these fresh wild flowers and plants native to the Ozarks are distilled.

Most witch hazel is extracted by alcohol because it is harvested when it’s dry, and not fresh. Instead, The Essence of Inshanti’s Witch Hazel is harvested fresh, is alcohol free, and is 100% organic. The plant material is NOT “boiled” to death in a water base; instead, steam is forced through the biomass, providing a high quality extraction. In summary, Inshanti’s witch hazel is a 100% pure witch hazel, grown in the wild, and harvested fresh, (not dry). Alcohol is not necessary for this extraction, as is the case with most witch hazel. Our witch hazel, harvested and distilled by a small family farm, is “the real deal.”

Witch hazel’s astringent properties promote the healing of skin and the reduction of swelling and inflammation. It is used to treat insect stings, oily skin, sunburn, windburn, eczema, poison ivy, poison sumac, shingles rash, chicken pox, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and acne. Tightening the skin proteins to repair the skin, witch hazel also protects against infection, as seen in the treatment of skin lesions. Research from Asia shows that the tannins in witch hazel account for its strong antioxidant properties.

Certified Organic Aloe (Aloe barbadensis) – Because of the intense itching that results from insect bites, poison ivy, chicken pox, and oak rashes, scratching the affected area can lead to infection. The frequent application of Aloe Vera can help prevent infection and help to heal infection if it has already begun.

Aloe Vera has powerful anti-bacterial properties that effectively work to heal while soothing irritation, redness and swelling all at the same time. Although Aloe is approximately 95% water, the rest of it contains a concentrated mix of essential oils, amino acids, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, glycoproteins, polysaccharides, anthraquinones, lectins, and anti-inflammatory fatty acids. Scientists believe all these compounds contribute to Aloe Vera’s effectiveness for the treatment of burns, wounds, insect bites, and rashes. One of its recently discovered compounds, acemannan, has been found in studies to help the body’s immune system by increasing the number of T-lymphocyte cells, or T-cells, which help the body’s natural resistance to a host of ailments. Aloe Vera helps the skin turn over by regenerating new cells. That promotes healing and reduces pigmentation caused by skin irritation. Aloe’s properties are anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory (skin soothing, cooling and calming), immuno-booster, anti-pruritic (relieves from itching and burning) and a natural moisturizer.

Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) – It was Rene-Maurice Gattefosse who observed the healing effects of Lavender oil when he burnt his hand in a laboratory accident. Lavender oil is commonly associated with burns and skin issues. It has antiseptic, analgesic and skin regenerative properties which will ease the pain of a burn, poison ivy, chicken pox, bug bites, bee stings, wounds, acne, preventing infection and promoting rapid healing. Lavender essential oil is very soothing and anti-spasmodic.

Lemon (Citrus limon) – Lemon oil is often referred to as having immune-stimulating properties, meaning that it stimulates the production of white blood cells to fight off invading bacteria. It has anti-bacterial properties that are beneficial for the treatment of acne and boils. Lemon oil is very cooling and drying.

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) – Bergamot oil offers an emotionally uplifting effect to combat stress and depression and calms the nervous system. It is one of the most valuable oils I have used to support emotional health and well-being. Bergamot is a fantastic essential oil for massage as it helps to reduce tension and soothe painfully tight muscles because of its anti-spasmodic properties. Bergamot has additional antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system. It has been found to inhibit the herpes simplex I virus which causes cold sores. It is particularly effective in combination with Lavender for the treatment of cold sores, chicken pox and shingles. Also, Bergamot imparts a pleasant flavor to Earl Grey tea adding to its soothing effect on the nervous system.

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) – Peppermint is high in Menthol content. Menthol acts as a strong anti-spasmodic that helps to alleviate inflammation and relieve pain. Because of its cooling action, Menthol is awesome in reducing acute, hot pain.

Carrot Seed (Daucus carota) – Carrot seed essential oil contains an extraordinary amount of Caratol. Carrot seed is best known for its skin-healing abilities and its tonic, rejuvenating effect on the liver. When the liver is supported and healthy, so is the skin!!! It is very useful in skin blends for eczema, psoriasis, skin ulcers, and skin infections, and also healthy skin to restore tone and to moisturizeIn addition, because of the intense itching that results from these rashes, scratching can often lead to infection.

Containing powerful anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties, the essential oils in this product will prevent or kill any infection. These essential oils contain very strong anti-oxidant properties boosting the immune system so the body will begin to heal itself. On an emotional level, these oils are very calming to the nervous system. I’ve had fantastic results with this blend!