Castor oil: It is made by extracting oil from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. The seeds, known as castor beans are made up of a toxic enzyme known as ricin. However during the processing of castor oil, the heating process deactivates these enzymes making the oil to be safe for human consumption.
As an anti-inflammatory agent, castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, the major fatty acid that is found in castor oil. Evidence-based practices have shown that when castor oil is applied topically, it reduces inflammation and relieves pain.
Propolis: this is a resin like substance that is made by bees from the buds of poplar and cone-bearing trees. Bees use it to make hives. Research show that propolis are essential in the fight against bacteria, viruses and fungi in addition to being anti-inflammatory effects.
Tea tree: Tea tree oil is obtained from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a tiny tree native to Queensland and New South Wales, Australia. Tea tree oil has been applied as a traditional medicine by the Aborigines for many centuries. In the contemporary application, tea tree has been proven to contain essential compounds such terpinen-4-ol, that have been proven to kill some bacteria, viruses and fungi. These germ-fighting characteristics of tea tree oil makes it to be a significant natural intervention for treating of bacterial and fungal skin ailments, protecting against infections and promoting healing.
Cedar: As an essential oil, cedar oil is derived from the needles, leaves, bark and berries of cedar tree which are essentially ever green conifers. Several techniques are used in the extraction of this oil. Some of these commonly used techniques include steam distillation, carbon dioxide distillation and cold pressing. The potential health and beauty benefits of cedar oil are hinged on the inherent chemical compounds such as cedrine, cedrol, and thujopsene with the following properties; antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic, and antifungal.
White sage: This is a steam distilled essential oil from leaves of organically grown sources of cultivated white sage. Sage has been essentially viewed in traditional medicine for the treatment of common ailments such as coughs, asthma, bronchitis, angina, inflammation, depression, digestive and circulation disorders. In the modern treatment regime, white sage oil is used as an antimicrobial, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agent.
Product features
- Anti-inflammatory: they help reduce inflammation, which often plays a greater role in the reduction of pain.
- Antimicrobial and antibacterial properties: These characteristics make it possible for the ingredients to be active against viral and bacterial infections. Some of the highlighted essential oils can stop viruses by preventing them from replicating.
- Antibiotic: Some of the listed essential oils help in killing harmful strands of bacteria in different ways. For instance, some can interfere with the cellular processes that give bacteria energy to grow and replicate.
Precautions
Given that majority of the highlighted ingredients work by contact with the skin, it is essential that small patch test exercise is done on your forearm to test for irritability. This can help determine the level of irritability and potential allergic reaction to the ointments.
More specifically, white sage oil may be high in 1,8-cineole, which cause CNS and breathing problems especially in young children. It should also not be taken internally unless if you are working under the directions of a qualified physician.
Sage oil when administered in clinical trials, it has been at very low amounts within the confines of strict control through extraction and dilution because ingestion even in small amounts risks a potential poisoning. When ingested by children, sage essential oil has been known to cause seizures even in very small amounts. Also, sage essential oil is an allergen. It can cause mild allergy symptoms such as itchiness or tingling, shortness of breath, coughing, and light-headedness. In more severe cases, it can cause anaphylaxis, which has the potential to be life threating.
Castor oil, even though considered safe, can result in adverse health implications as unwanted side effects such as induced labor, diarrhoea, and allergic reactions.