Herbal Remedies: A Breakdown of CBD Oil

Written by Vivoderm Admin on . Posted in Herbal Treatments

Originally written by Rachelle Dupree for Dermascope Magazine, January 2019 ©

https://www.dermascope.com/ingredients/9893-herbal-remedies-a-breakdown-of-cbd-oil

CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol. It is derived from hemp, a variant of the cannabis (marijuana) plant. Marijuana plants typically contain both THC and CBD, and these compounds have different effects depending on how the plant is grown and processed.

Recently, traditional medical practitioners, as well as holistic health experts, have begun recommending CBD oils and topical salve compounds to treat everything from anxiety, insomnia, and stress to some types of pain, inflammation, seizures, and even acne. This oil has also been proven to be a potent anti-inflammatory.

Unlike the high produced from THC, CBD is not psychoactive. This means that CBD does not change a person’s state of mind when they use it. Most hemp/cannabidiol products contain little, if any, THC.

In order to be effective as a topical or ingested treatment, CBD has to be safely concentrated. Products containing the CBD compound are now legal in many states in the United States where marijuana is not legal.
In June 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the prescription use of Epidiolex, a purified form of CBD oil, for treating two types of epilepsy. This has opened numerous paths of study for further pharmacological applications. The long-term results are still under evaluation, but many patients have reported markedly improved results for their ailments without the same side effects of other laboratory-formulated medicines.

So far, researchers have found no significant side effects on the central nervous system, vital signs, or mood – even among people who use high dosages.

CBD treatment options even branch out to cystic, chronic forms of acne, or acne vulgaris, caused by inflammation and overworked sebaceous glands.

How does it work? All cannabinoids, including CBD, produce effects in the body by attaching to certain receptors already present in the human body and brain. The main receptors present from CBD usage include the body’s own innate endocannabinoid system and CB2 receptors, which are more commonly found in the immune system. They affect inflammation and pain.

For those considering using CBD oils or topicals, doctors recommend buying only those products derived from organic hemp, processed without harsh solvents and pesticides. If possible, it is a good idea to view the certificates of analysis for each product to see exactly what is included. Ninety-nine percent of cannabidiol oil is available without a prescription and can be purchased online and in health food stores. To reduce inflammation, topical CBD is absorbed through the skin and into the fatty sheath around a painful or damaged nerve. At least one month of consistent treatment is recommended to feel results.

Anyone who is considering using CBD oils or topical creams should talk to a qualified healthcare practitioner beforehand. They can provide information about safe CBD sources, dosages, and local laws surrounding usage.

 

Understanding Hydrosols and Essential Oils

Written by Vivoderm Admin on . Posted in Herbal Treatments

© Originally published in Dermascope online magazine: http://www.dermascope.com/wholistic/understanding-hydrosols-and-essential-oils

Many aestheticians and spa owners today are looking to new trends and technology to increase their client base and services. In light of the growing organic lifestyle preferences, why not look to ancient remedies. as well? Aromatherapy and treating ailments with essential oils is a practice thousands of years old that has seen a resurgence of popularity in the last few decades. A lesser-known component of the essential oil making process is called a hydrosol.

Many have never heard of hydrosols or may have confused them with cheaper, adulterated versions of flower waters. Incorporating natural hydrosols and essential oils into salons or spa treatments can offer exciting, new options to clients and increase revenue streams.

WHAT IS A HYDROSOL? 
Hydrosols are the condensate result of steam distillation of plants or flowers produced when creating a natural essential oil. The top floating layer of essential oil is removed and the remaining 90 percent of the water is considered hydrosol.

Hydrosol is a chemistry term meaning “water solution.” In Latin, “hydro” – meaning water – and “sol” – meaning solution. The terms “hydrosol” and “herbal distillates” are most common to the United States. In France, the top producer of modern fragrances, the term changes to “hydrolait,” meaning water-milk. The terms, floral water, herbal water, toilet water, and aqua vitae are commonly interchanged with hydrosol — but, beware. The two products can differ vastly depending on the producer. A pure hydrosol will be solely plant-based and food grade — meaning edible. Typical floral waters you may find in supermarkets, drug stores, or ethnic food shops may contain non-organic ingredients such as alcohol, chemically produced fragrance or man-made food dyes. Most often they are infused with essential oils —which is not the same thing as a true hydrosol. Pure hydrosols will contain some of the same aromatic molecules as essential oils but in a much lower concentration. They are typically clear and colorless and have a light, trace aroma of the original plant or flower.

Hydrosol pH
Data on hydrosol pH varies, but most can be found in the 3 to 7 range; three being more acidic and seven being close to neutral, depending on the plant used. Additionally, being organic, a true hydrosol will not have the extended shelf life of a formulated floral water and can turn rancid or lose its scent after a time. It is always a best practice to refrigerate any pure natural skin care products the same way food would be refrigerated, and check frequently for color and scent changes. Hydrosols with a pH under 5.0 should last up to two years and over 5.0 pH will be good for 12 to 18 months.

HISTORY
There is evidence of essential oil distillation as long as 5,000 years ago. As stills developed over time, the distillation process became more efficient and more common. One very famous compound or co-distillate was “Eau de Me`lisse de Carmes” or Carmelite water. This recipe dates to sometime between the 14th and 17th centuries and is still shared amongst herbalists today.

According to Washington botanist Ann Harman, “Though sources disagree on the origin of this distillate, many agree on its medicinal value and ingredients. It included lemon balm, angelica root, nutmeg, lemon peel, cloves, and coriander seed, distilled in orange water and (grape) spirits. It was sold for centuries, which seems to indicate its value as medicinal water. There are literally hundreds of recipes for waters and their uses up to the late 1800s. Many were included in the official pharmacopoeias of the time.” Over time, these natural medicinal waters were forgotten and not commonly used in standard cosmetic brands due to the sheer amount of plant-based materials that would be required and shelf life concerns.

METHODS OF APPLICATION
Today, hydrosols and essential oils are most commonly used in natural or organic skin care treatments and aromatherapy practices.

True hydrosols should be considered essential oil distillates that are pure and natural, and only distilled from non-sprayed plant material and contain no additives. For some plants that are highly prone to fungus or bacteria, a very small amount of natural food grade preservative may be used. As such, they can safely be incorporated into many spa and facial treatment options. Again, remember to always refrigerate any organic or plant-based products to keep them from spoiling.

Pure hydrosols can be made from any number of flowers or plant leaves such as roses, peppermint, orange blossoms, and lavender. They can be used in just about anything cosmetic or edible, including lotions, toners, lip balms, tinctures, room sprays, and even cocktails or desserts!

Essential Oils
The highest quality essential oils come from the same steam distillation process that produces the hydrosol. Steam-distilling is an intensive process that requires many pounds of a plant product. For instance, over 60,000 freshly picked roses will yield only one ounce of pure rose essential oil.

Pure essential oils can also be formed by cold pressing or water distilling plant and flower parts. They can be extracted from the bark, stems, leaves, roots, and petals of herbs or flowers. Distilled essential oils have been employed as medicines or topical treatments since the invention of distillation in the 11th century. The shelf life for most essential oils is about 12 months.

Due to the large amounts of plants used to produce small amounts of oil, essential oils should never be ingested. In contrast, hydrosols are much less potent and contain a much smaller portion of volatile oils as wells as trace organic compounds not found in the oil. They can be incorporated into a myriad of treatment options with much less risk. For internal or food-based uses, confirm if any preservatives have been used before ingesting.

Every liter of hydrosol contains between 0.05 and 0.2 milliliter of dissolved essential oil.  For instance, herbal tea’s water to plant ratio is only 0.08 to 1 while hydrosols are at a ratio of 1 to 1 and can be considered a “supercharged” version of tea. In contrast, a pure essential oil will be 80 to 100 percent pure plant oil, sometimes infused in a carrier oil like sweet almond oil or jojoba, but containing no water.

TRADITIONAL AND SPA USES
Hydrosols are extremely versatile when used externally — from facial toners and masks, to compresses or hair rinses, and body lotions or room sprays. Some of the most commonly used fragrances are orange blossom, lavender, rose, rosemary verbenone, lemon balm, peppermint, geranium, and roman chamomile. Spa treatments can incorporate hydrosols into all phases of facials – from steaming to toning to mixing dry facial masks, as well as baths and full body steams.

Neroli (citrus aurantium), also known as orange blossom, is a fruity-floral with uplifting hints of citrus. It has astringent properties that are beneficial for oily skin. It naturally tightens and tones skin while reducing the size of pores. It is antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory and can be an effective treatment for acne, rosacea, and inflamed skin. Neroli can also be used for cooking. Middle Eastern cultures have used orange blossom for centuries in their sweets, sorbets and beverages. Add a few aromatic drops to an herbal tea for clients to enjoy.

Lavender (lavandula angustifolia) is a popular essential oil and may already be a part of spa or facial treatment options. Lavender oil is considered “universal” for its calming, healing, and antiseptic properties. Add a new dimension by including this floral astringent hydrosol in new ways. Lavender hydrosols are good for every skin type. It has a pH level of 4.5, which is just above neutral. It has cooling properties that help heal heat rash, sunstroke, and burns. Add lavender hydrosol directly to cotton pads as a refreshing toner or combine with chamomile to alleviate rashes. Relieve tension headaches and stress by adding it to a cold compress. Another use is to add half a teaspoon of lavender hydrosol to hot or iced tea for a refreshing zing.

Scents of orange and lavender can also be used as room aromatics or spritzers to help to reduce anxiety and improve client’s mood.

For stiff muscles, aches and pains, add peppermint (mentha piperita) hydrosol to a hot or cold body compress during a massage treatment. Peppermint has many beneficial properties –internally and externally – including stimulating digestion, reducing motion sickness, treating bad breath, reducing acne, and detoxifying the liver. The aroma of peppermint has been shown to enhance memory and increase alertness.

Rose (rosa damascena) hydrosol is a gentle balancer internally and an excellent humectant for dry, mature skin. It is gentle enough to be used directly as a soothing facial spritzer or toner to reduce inflammation and redness. It can also be combined with other skin-healing hydrosols such as chamomile and lavender. For added astringent properties, add two parts witch hazel.

Instead of champagne or wine, treat clients to a fun, fizzy drink. Gently heat the preferred hydrosol over low heat and add a little bit of honey (to taste). Mix half-part hydrosol to mineral water or sparkling soda and stir it until mixed. Add ice and a fresh sprig of mint, orange, or a lemon slice as a garnish.

As with any natural or organic products, it is advisable to only purchase hydrosols from a qualified herbalist and certified organic farm or distiller. Always check for quality and know botanical names to ensure safety and efficacy.

Written by Rachelle Dupree, marketing, communication, and design for Vivoderm Natural Skincare © Dermascope Magazine, December 2017

 

 

 

 

Herbology 101

Written by Vivoderm Admin on . Posted in Herbal Treatments

Herbal skincare

Herbology, which is also known as herbalism and herbal medicine, is the study and use of plants for medicinal purposes. Herbology and botanical studies can incorporate many different paths, including basic herbal pharmacology, physiology, nutrition, homeopathy, aromatherapy, and flower essences. Modern herbalists can use all or some of these options to heal a wide variety of traumas, diseases, and infections.

History

Most modern medical and pharmacological practices can trace their roots to ancient herbalism or traditional medicine in some form or another. In India, the practice of Ayurveda dates back thousands of years and emphasizes plant-based treatments, hygiene, and body-mind balance. Egyptian papyri dating back to 1550 B.C.E. have also been found to document medicine with a catalogue of useful plants and minerals. The Chinese and Greeks developed their own versions of herbal pharmacology around the first century C.E. with extensive herbal prescriptions and a new focus to treat the cause of diseases rather than the symptoms. In the Middle to Dark Ages, medical treatments became a strange combination of folklore, religion, and herbalistic practices that may or may not have been effective.

Modern Herbalisim

Modern invention and the scientific method took over many industrialized nations in the 18th and 19th centuries and quickly pushed aside traditional medicine and herbalist practices. Only those nations that did not develop economically stayed rooted in the old ways of healing. Herbalists were soon considered antiquated and their herbal treatments were passed over for chemical compounds and prescriptions. Yet, according to the World Health Organization, approximately 25 percent of modern drugs used in the United States have been derived from plants. Chamomile

As a result of the rush to modernize society, many people in the new millennium are seeing destructive repercussions, including a prevalence of diseases and toxicity that did not exist before. The desire to return to how it was before has fueled a new interest in natural systems and the health benefits of organic living, sustainable farming, and herbalism.

Methods of Practice

Today’s certified or master herbalists will likely have been trained in one of the hundreds of professional schools or apprenticed under a licensed tutor or mentor. Most students focus on specific regional areas to become expert and their training should include in-depth botanical studies of native and non-native plants, diagnosis and treatment of conditions, and preparation and dispensation of herbal medications. Cultivating, harvesting, prepping, and storing are key factors to learning the best methods of preserving medicinal properties. Remedies can be prepared and administered as tinctures, salves, ointments, essential oils, teas, compresses, capsules, or tablets.

Herbal treatments can also be used alone or in combination with standardized scientific methods to supplement treatments, depending on the condition and diagnosis. While the debate about science versus nature continues, it is up to the individual to determine the method of treatment that is most beneficial for them.

by Rachelle Dupree, marketing and communications director for Vivoderm Natural Skincare
O c t o b e r 2 0 1 6 |
D E R M A S C O P E

Skin Care Products With Sage Extracts

Written by Author on . Posted in Herbal Treatments

Are you searching constantly for something that will make your skin look absolutely beautiful? With so many skin care products available in the market it is likely that you will get confused in choosing the right one. It would be best for you if you opt for herbal treatments so that your skin can look its best.

Facial Cleansing with Vivoderm
Vivoderm Facial Cleanser uses sage and other herbs

This you can achieve with the help of sage extract or pure sage (as found in the Vivoderm facial masks and facial cleansers). It is often used in beauty products. It is a powerful herbal ingredient which helps to heal the skin and lets it repair quickly. Sage is also used in healing scars. You can use it directly on your skin as it absorbs quickly . The natural properties in sage help to your skin look and feel better. It aids in circulation and enhances the overall appearance.

Sage extract is also used for wrinkled and oily skin. It cleanses and stimulates blood circulation by restoring the elasticity and closing the pores. Sage oil restrains the action of sweat glands. You will find this ingredient present in Vivoderm’s facial cleanser. It is a gentle cleanser that extracts dirt from your skin. It is infused with vitamins E and A which helps to keep your skin hydrated and clean which makes it ideal for every day use.

The face cleanser is also suitable for removing eye-make-up. This cleansing milk is alcohol and acid free and hence it does not make your skin dry. The cleanser helps to maintain the natural moisture balance. After you use it your skin will feel soft, clean and fresh. You can follow up your beauty regimen with a toner also offered from Vivoderm.

Use of Lavender in Skin Care Products

Written by Author on . Posted in Herbal Treatments

Nowadays we are bombarded with skin care products that claim to offer brilliant results of renewls and rejuveination. However, most of these products often come with a hefty price tag. But, sometimes a simple product with natural ingredients can also work wonders for you. Lavender is such a plant which if present in your facial creams and body lotions can be extremely beneficial. It belongs to the mint family and has been used for centuries around the world as a makor healing and antimicrobial herb.

Lavender in Vivoderm Natural Skincare
Lavender is an excellent healing herb

Lavender has many well known uses among herbalists and one of them is rejuvenating cells. The oil from this plant also has many wonderful rehydrating properties that make your skin fresh and revitalized. Lavender is a great essential oil that comes with a sweet scent. Lavender oil present in any skin care products can prevent scarring. You can also use this element for soothing sunburns. Oncce in a ltion or cream base, it adds wonderfully to the moisturizing effects that help in skin nourishment. Lavender helps in treating psoriasis and eczema too. It also has healing effects that reduces your itching and pain that these skin conditions can bring on. So you see, Lavender really is a wonder herb!

Vivoderm, a skin care brand that offers only natural skin care products uses lavender in their anti-wrinkle eye creams and facial masks. These masks and facial creams are very beneficial for your skin because they are infused with vitamins, minerals and exotic herbs to aid in the benefical properties of lavender. The eye cream especially is ideal for the soft skin around the eyes. It helps to soften down imperfections and lines and prevents the appearance of future wrinkles. By using a natural eye cream regularly, you will deliver a moisture boost to the skin around the eyes and look years younger.

Advantages of Using Chamomile Skin Care

Written by Author on . Posted in Herbal Treatments

Chamomile is an essential ingredient that is used chiefly in skincare products. It is used as an essential oil and a skin conditioning agent. It is also useful in skin conditions where inflammation may be present. The herbs and oil promotes cellular regeneration and healing. Chamomile contains healing and antiseptic qualities which aids in relieving skin congestion. The herb also helps in softening the skin and acts as an anti-aging compound.

Benefits of using chamomile in Skin care
Chamomile is an excellent skin healer

After much research it has been proven that Chamomile is one of the most popular essential oils and herbs in the world. It consists of azulene that assists in reducing puffiness. Chamomile extracts in herbal skin care products also helps to clean the skin pores and remove impurities. Chamomile has healing properties and is very effective in treating skin disorders like rashes and acne by reducing inflammation. Chamomile is most often used in natural face wash, skin toner and night lotions. The Vivoderm line uses Chamomile in almost every one of our products, especially our rich, healing Chamomile Body Butter.

Chamomile herbs and oil can alleviate pain and irritation when you used regularly.  The oil has a soothing effect on your skin, reducing redness and irritation. So, whether it is a lotion or a cleanser you choose, with chamomile you can surely get great results.

Additional tip: Beauty should be skin deep and you must treat your skin from within so that you can get the best results. Along with using natural products you must maintain a healthy diet so that it reflects on your skin too. Along with water, you can also drink Chamomile as a wonderful soothing tea to help flush internal toxins from your body system.

Benefits of Rosemary in Skincare

Written by Author on . Posted in Herbal Treatments

Rosemary is an herb which is extremely beneficial for taking care of your skin. The extract of this herb is used for many different purposes. It belongs to the mint family and is found all across the globe. It is mainly used as a spice in food items, but it is also known for its therapeutic values and as an herbal medicine. You may not know that there are approximately 24 antioxidant properties present in rosemary extract. The antioxidant properties are unique as they are capable of arresting a multiple number of free radicals. Hence, their lifespan is quite long. Rosemany can be found in many of the Vivoderm Natural skincare products, incuding our 100% herbal face masks and most of our creams and lotions.

Vivoderm Rosemary Ingredients
Rosemary is a Main Ingredient in Vivoderm Products

There are a number of health benefits of this herb extract that will be advantageous for you. The extracts help in protecting the skin cells from any kind of damage that can be caused due to aging. This will help to delay the signs of aging like sagging skin and wrinkles.

The anti-inflammatory properties of Rosemary extract aids in reducing the inflammation that is caused by different allergic reactions such as asthma. The herb extract also helps in promoting the activities of different vital enzymes in the body that aids in detoxifying the system from harmful substances. You can also prepare Rosemary at home by boiling the herb as a tea for additional health benefits.

Rosemary is used in many herbal facial creams and also acts as an antiseptic solution that promotes healthy skin. The herb has a refreshing smell and has therapeutic properties for the skin. It is also used in anti-aging cream for binding and toning effects that promotes proper skin function. So, definitely go for herbal products, which contains rosemary extracts, try the Vivoderm Zinc Reparing Cream or our Intense Moisturizer to start seeing the herbal benefits today!

Skin Care Tips for Soft and Supple Hands

Written by Vivoderm Admin on . Posted in Herbal Treatments

Hands are the first part of your body that shows signs of aging. Hence, they need quite a lot of pampering so that they remain soft and supple for a long time. Beautiful well kept hands are essential as it tells a alot about how you care for yourself. Dressing up in fancy clothes will be of no use to hide hands that have been negleted.  Taking good care of your hands takes little time and has big rewards.

A few hand care tips can be extremely beneficial for you. The skin on your hand is extremely delicate and thin, hence you need to moisturize your skin at least four times a day. You should use a mild exfoliator on your hands once every week to remove rough spots and calouses. Apply a light moisturizing cream on to your hands every night before going to bed to keep skin soft and supple. If you are going out in the sun apply sunscreen lotion so that your hands don’t get unnecessarily tanned or darken age spots. Excessive exposure to sun can also bring about wrinkles and age spots early. Hence, to avoid this you can choose to follow a daily skin care regimen for your hands and treat them to some TLC.

Our hands have few oil glands to keep them naturally moisturized, so they get dry very quickly. When they come in contact with detergent, chemicals and dirt the skin gets further damaged. You can adopt special treatments like herbal therapies and warm oil soaks that can keep your hands soft and supple for a long time. Mix a few drops of rose water, glycerin, and lemon juice and massage it on your hands daily for best results. You can also try out cornmeal which is a great scrub for cleansing hands and softening them wonderfully.

With a little effort, you too can have hands that defy your true age.

Benefits of a Green Tea Facial Toner

Written by Vivoderm Admin on . Posted in Herbal Treatments, Natural Skincare

The advantages of green tea are countless. It is a good healthy drink and also used as a natural beauty ingredient. Green tea is extremely good for health and can have positive effects if you are suffering from any heart disease or rheumatoid arthritis. Green tea is rich is EGCG which is a very powerful anti-oxidant. So, if you include the consumption of green tea in your daily routine you will surely see a difference in your health and external beauty.

Herbal Shampoos Gives You a Refreshing Feel

Written by Author on . Posted in Herbal Treatments

There are many different herbal shampoos and conditioners are available in the market these days. These shampoos provide you with an experience which is 100% organic. Herbal shampoos are gentle and are made with herbal extracts. The ingredients are completely natural and can include products like Aloe Vera, comfrey, sage, jojoba oil, coconut oil and chamomile.

Most herbal shampoos are pH balanced and suitable for all hair types. These products are beneficial for restoring the nourishment and strength of the damaged and dry hair.

Treating Dark Elbows and Knees Is Easy

Written by Author on . Posted in Herbal Treatments

The dark skin on your elbows and knees is quite common. There could be several reasons for the cause of the skin appearing darker than the other parts of your body. Some of the more common reasons for dark elbows and knees are over exposure to sun, dryness, inadequate skin care, and heredity.  This may not be a very serious issue but it definitely causes embarrassment for womenfolk. Hence, it is helpful to make the skin tone lighter in these areas so that you can wear that favorite dress without any embarrassment next time you are going out.

Use of Essential Oils for Enhancing the Mind and Body Health

Written by Author on . Posted in Herbal Treatments

In the past centuries, different cultures have used exotic herbal aromas in different ways and purposes. They have been used ceremoniously over the ages. However, now it has been discovered that these aroma oils (or essential oils) have significant health benefits. Aromatherapy has become quite popular recently. This method uses aromatic essential oils to enhance the emotional and physical well-being and healthy mind-set of an individual.

Herbal Facial Treatments to Help You Look Younger

Written by Author on . Posted in Herbal Treatments

It is hard to find anyone who does not want the best, facial skin they can have. And because, your face is the first thing one notice’s in your overall appearance, many look for consitent ways to keep it fresh and glowing.

Today, there are many ways following which one can maintain a healthy appearance. Of these, the herbal facial treatments have garnered much fame. Thanks to the tiresome research of recent expert skin care analysts, these herbal facial treatments are a great way to rejuvenate yourself and help you look and feel younger.