glossary of herbs + oils

Welcome to the Organic Experience.
At Earthbody, our treatments evolved out of a deep belief
in the power of the Earth principle.

  • Ayurvedic Rituals incorporate infused herbal oils
  • Customized Organic Facial treatments incorporate organic herbs + plant oils.
  • Bodywork + Massage treatments weave in aromatherapy, infused hot towels, + flower mists.
  • Post treatment includes Fair Trade Tea Service, handpicked + Certified Organic
  • Our Signature Bodycare Line is used in treatment and available to take home.

Feel free to peruse an introductory guide to some of our favorite herbs.

Aloe Vera (Kumari) Absorbs into human skin up to four times faster than water and provides a natural barrier that shields the cells from toxins. Naturally rich in vitamins A, C, D, E, and B12, Aloe Vera has soothing and cooling properties that relieve redness, irritation and itchiness, while nourishing the skin and tissues. Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, it works to speed the healing of cuts, bruises and sunburns, as well as minimize scarring.

Avocado Promotes the regeneration and rejuvenation of the skin and imparts a superior moisturizing effect. Rich in proteins, vitamins A, D and E, lecithin, and potassium. Contains oleic and linoleic acid as well as sterolins, which are reputed to reduce age spots, heal scars, relieves dryness and itchiness and alleviate sun damage. Avocado is easily absorbed into cellular tissue, increases the amount of collagen in the skin, and contains high emollient properties.

Basil (Tulsi) Considered India’s queen of herbs, basil is a tonic refresher and detoxifier and helps stimulate circulation under the skin. With abundant anti-oxidants and antibacterial compounds, it is excellent in treating minor infections and various skin conditions, including acne and congested complexions. Helps neutralize the toxins of bug bites and stings as well as enhance skin immunity and luster. Provides nourishment and healing for dry, itchy scalp and enhances sheen in hair. The aromatherapeutic properties of Basil sharpen the senses and create alertness.

Bentonite A powerful, healing clay with a strong ability to absorb toxins and impurities. Rich in mineral content and effective in retaining moisture and preventing dryness.

Bergamot Botanical obtained by cold pressing the peel of the bitter orange. It is know for its sweet smell and has powerful antiseptic and antibiotic and calmative properties that help to help stress, tension, anxiety, depression and heal skin conditions and wounds.

Borage Seed Oil Pressed from the seeds of the beautiful Borage plant (Borago officinalis), Borage Seed Oil is known to be beneficial for both topical and internal applications. Borage Seed Oil has the highest concentration of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) naturally found, higher than in any other plant source! GLA is an Omega-6 fatty acid, an essential fatty acid. Omega-6 fatty acids cannot be produced in our bodies, but must be obtained from food sources. Essential Fatty Acids are necessary for brain function, regulation of metabolism, and for the growth and health of bones, hair, and skin.

Epsom Salts Draws toxins from the body, relaxes muscles, and reduces swelling, sprains and bruises. Epsom salts naturally sedate the nervous system and have emollient and exfoliating properties on the skin.

Eucalyptus (Nilgiri) Contains anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic and germicidal properties. Relieves aches and pain in the muscles and joints. Has a cooling, refreshing, and stimulating effect on the skin and scalp and helps heal wounds, cut, abrasions, sores and irritations. A natural decongestant and immune system stimulant.

Fennel An astringent and active antioxidant, helps clear excess oil on the skin and has a toning effect. Stimulates healthy circulation, and maintain muscle tone and elasticity of the skin and connective tissue. Due to the estrogenic properties, it helps with bruises, fights wrinkles and promotes more youthful complexions.

Geranium Invigorates complexion, improves elasticity and has a tremendous balancing effect on every skin type. A natural astringent, it promotes proper blood flow, helps minimize scar tissue and rapidly heals wounds. Contains strong antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. On an aroma-therapeutic level, it promotes stability and balance.

Ghee One of nature’s richest moisturizers and considered the single most ojas producing food on earth. With cooling properties and nourishing properties, ghee penetrates deep into the tissues to strengthen and protect the skin, help slow down cellular aging and relieve fatigued eyes. Extremely strengthening and softening on skin tissue.

Ginger Contains the antioxidant gingerol, with fights skin-damaging free radicals and promotes smooth and even skin tone. As a natural anti-inflammatory and energizer, eases joint and muscle discomfort as well as soothe and relax tension. With a strong warming effect, it helps promote circulation. The phenol compounds in ginger are also responsible for its pain-relieving abilities.

Green Tea Extract Contains high levels of polythenols, abundant antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Helps slow down the development of aging, reduce sun damage and improve elasticity.

Turmeric Considered one of the greatest skin healers, turmeric is antibacterial, anti-viral, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic. Rich in antioxidants, it effectively protects the skin cells from damage, rejuvenates cellular tissue, helps reduce pigmentation and provides smooth and glowing skin.

Hibiscus Rich in AHA’s, amino acids and antioxidants. Works well in treating and rejuvenating damaged and irritated tissue. With astringent, anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging properties, hibiscus enhances the retention of the skin’s hydric content, restores hair’s natural barrier, hydrates the keratin fibers and regenerates hair structure.

Jasmine Regarded as the king of the flowers, contains sweet, exotic and rich aroma-therapeutic properties and has been long used for its divine scent. Deeply relaxes, lifts depression and boosts confidence. Jasmine has soothing, anti-inflammatory and healing properties, tones and improves skin elasticity.

Jojoba Oil Very similar to human sebum, making it very compatible with the skin. Rich in vitamin E and antioxidant properties, leaves skin smooth, supple and balanced. This humectant draws water to the skin’s surface creating a protective barrier that seals in moisture.

Clove Derived form a plant that originally comes form India, Clove is a strong antiseptic and bactericidal herb used to treat many skin conditions. Improves circulation and helps reduce pain and discomfort. Rich in minerals, such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium, as well as vitamins A and C. Its aromatherapeutic properties help to stimulate the brain.

Lavender Has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and analgesic properties. Extremely healing and valuable in the treatment of many skin disorders and injuries, disinfects scalp and skin and enhances blood circulation. Lavender is also a natural anti-depressant and balances the psyche as well as the body.

Lemon With natural nutrients and a rich content of vitamin C, lemon is detoxifying, astringent, antiseptic, disinfectant, anti-infection, antifungal, carminative and stimulating. Lemon increases the luster of dull skin, aids in purification and rejuvenates the skin. Its antiseptic properties treats blemishes and various skin disorders. Also an effective hair tonic.

Mint Used in Ayurveda for curing a variety of skin problems, mint nourishes both dry and oily skin types. With astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, mint protects the skin from physiological damage while it hydrates and rejuvenates. Contains large amounts of menthol as well as vitamins A, C, B2, and B3Also effective in treating blemishes and reducing puffiness, while healing, invigorating and refreshing the hair and scalp.

Mustard Well known for its stimulating and cleansing properties, juniper helps treat a variety of ailments from skin irritations to arthritis. With high levels of astringent and antiseptic properties, it is great in treating cellulite by stimulating the skin’s connective tissue and encouraging circulation to help fat cells dissolve and make skin firmer. Also helps prevent tissue degeneration, calms redness and inflammation and excellent for treating aches and pains.

Neem Known in India as ‘The Divine Tree’ or ‘Heal All’. The bark, leaves and oil of the Neem tree have been used in India for several thousands of years and are still used today.

The antiseptic, anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-viral properties of neem effectively heal chronic, irritated skin conditions and disorders including acne, psoriasis, eczema, athlete’s foot and dandruff. Neem also promotes wound healing, and effectively heals cuts and abrasions and soothes hives, irritations, diaper rash and also relieves skin conditions on pets. The bark is used to brush the teeth and help maintain healthy gums. Neem also works as a natural sun protector, insect repellent and pesticide.

Internally, Neem is used as a blood purifier, therefore detoxifying the liver and helping maintain healthy circulatory, digestive, respiratory and urinary systems.

Nettle Promotes skin and scalp wellness, improves condition of hair follicles, helps thickens hair texture and is effective in reducing irritation and itchiness; extremely restorative.

Nutmeg Obtained from the seed of the fruit, nutmeg is anti-bacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and bactericide. It is a calming, soothing and gentle botanical that adds nourishment and luster to the skin.

Oat Protein Hydrolyzed oat protein is a natural humectant clinically proven to increase hydration. It is anti-inflammatory and anti-itching, helps condition the skin and hair and adds a silky smooth feel. A moisturizing and conditioning agent for the skin and hair.

Olive Oil A fruit oil obtained from the olive that is high in anti-oxidants, including vitamin E, and promotes a smooth and radiant complexion. Olive oil is helpful in maintaining the elasticity of the skin and is deeply rejuvenating for dry, dehydrated and brittle skin conditions.

Orange (Sweet Orange) Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and bactericidal, orange helps strengthen the epidermis layers, increase circulation and improve cell hydration and regeneration. A sedative for nervous energy and tension, orange is known for its energetic and harmonizing effects.

Patchouli An excellent skin tonic used to promote and stimulate new cell growth, prevent the formation of scar tissue and help to calm inflamed skin. Also regulates combination and oily skin conditions and helps rejuvenate chapped, cracked, mature or sensitive skin types. Patchouli is astringent and anti-septic.

Sage Astringent, antiseptic and antibacterial, balances the production of sebum and eliminates over-dry and over-oily skin, acts as a tonic of the skin. Used also in hair care for regulating the sebum production and eliminating greasy, oily hair and scalp.

Sandalwood A highly regarded herb in Ayurvedic medicine, sandalwood has been used to treat acne and rashes in addition to providing powerful anti-aging therapies. Anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and extremely soothing and cooling in nature, sandalwood effectively hydrates, relieves allergies and itchiness and balances all skin types.

Sesame Seed Oil Mentioned in the Vedas as an excellent healer to balance the Vata dosha. Naturally antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory, sesame is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes oxygen radicals in the tissues beneath the skin. Penetrates extremely quickly to nourish, protect and feed the cells and tighten facial skin. Helps increase circulation and has a warming effect.

Sunflower Oil Extracted from the seed of the sunflower plant, an emollient that softens and soothes the skin, rich in essential fatty acids, lecithin and vitamins A, B, D, E and minerals.

Triphala Translating as ‘three fruit’, triphala contains the herbs Amalaki, Bibhitaki and Haritaki and is one of the best natural sources of vitamin C. Highly anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral, it helps in the production of collagen, keeping skin supple and thick and enhances the skin’s natural resistance to free radical damage and photo-sensitivity. Triphala works to balances all three Doshas and is highly rejuvenating.

Vitamin A Necessary for the maintainence and repair of skin tissue, helps in the reduction of lines, wrinkles, acne and other skin problems.

Vitamin B5 Also known as DL Panthenol, it is an important nutrient for healthy hair and skin with powerful strengthening properties. Improves hair structure, conditions and adds luster and sheen.

Vitamin C (Amla) An antioxidant containing the richest natural source of Vitamin C. Amla’s anti-bacterial and astringent properties prevent infecton and help in the healing of the skin. It is referred to in ancient text as the best medicine to prevent aging. It has a high concentration of minerals, amino acids and immunity boosting properties.

Vitamin E Because of its anti-oxidant activity, vitamin E is vital in protecting skin cells from elements that produce cell damaging free radicals. Also, helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and is extremely effective in the treatment of scars, stretch marks and age spots.

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