GRAPESEED (vitis vinifera)

Source

The seeds

Extraction:

Seed only contains 10-15% oil, and therefore oil is always solvent extracted.

Properties:

Rich source of fatty acids.  Contains over 70% GLA.  Is an anti-oxidant.

Contains:

Vitamins, minerals and protein

Suitable for:

All skin types and not greasy to the touch

Benefits:

Reducing cholesterol; shrinking swelling from cysts; shrinking varicose veins; arthritis; and many other ailments.

Uses:

Often used as a base for bath oils and body lotions>  A very popular oil, as it is a green and very fine oil, and is described as giving a satin smooth finish.

Recommended Solution:

100%

Other

By-product of the wine industry.

The following article appeared in the "People" magazine dated Jan 20-Feb 2 1997:

GRAPESEED EXTRACT:

Scientists have finally found the fountain of youth - in grapes!

"Grape seed extract and oils are very new discoveries, but we now know they really can stop cells damage, and so help disease-proof the body' says Dr. Chen Li-Shen, of the Human Institute in China.  "These small seeds have the power to keep us healthier longer, and the latest research shows they're some of the most efficient products in nature at getting the mob done."

The secret ingredient in grapes is a substance called pycnogenol (pik-nah-genal).  It's an antioxidant 50 times more effective than vitamin E, and 20 times better than vitamin C at destroying free radicals - those rogue molecules that roam the body and leave us defenseless against the disease of aging.  The active ingredients in grape seed extract offer protection from aging in several ways:

They keep the heart healthy by lowering 'bad' cholesterol and elevating 'good' cholesterol, keeping vital arteries free of plaque that can cause heart attacks and strokes.  In one study, researchers found that good cholesterol rose 14 per cent in people who eat a low-fat diet  and drank two tablespoons of grape seed oil a day for a month.

They can help shrink some of the swelling from non-cancerous breast cysts, which affect about one in five per-menopausal women.

They shrink varicose veins and improve the skin colour and skin texture of people who suffer from circulation problems in two ways; they act as a catalyst for vitamin C, which promotes softer, smoother skin and they increase the flow of nutrient-rich blood to all areas of the body, including the extremities.

They can prevent arthritis because they maintain healthy collagen which is the fibrous part of connective joint tissue.  When arthritis strikes, collagen wears away, causing aches and pains.  If you already suffer from arthritis, the pycnogenol in grape seed extract reduces the inflammation that causes pain.  Some patient even get relief overnight, researchers report.

They can improve eyesight, by causing the small blood vessels in the eyes to function more efficiently.

Grape seed products bring relief to millions of allergy sufferers because they help block the release of enzymes that produce histamines, natural substances in the body that trigger allergic reactions.  Scientists suggest starting with 200 mg to 300 mg of grape seed extract a day.  After 10 days, reduce the dose to 60 mg to 150 mg daily.  Consult with a doctor for the best dosage, and check the recommended doses on labels before purchase.

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SAFFLOWER (Carthamus tinctorias)

Source

The orange thistle bloom of the safflower. The seed contains nearly 40% oil.

Extraction:

Cold pressed, light in consistency, pale yellow and odorless

Properties:

One of the riches sources of linoleic acid

Contains:

55081% linoleic acid and between 7-42% oleic acid

Suitable for:

All skin types

Benefits:

Carrying essential oils and assisting with their penetration into the body

Uses:

Good for painful inflamed joints and bruises.  Used in lotions, skin replenishers and massage oils

Recommended Solution:

100%

EVENING PRIMROSE (Oenethera biennis)

Source

North America.  Once known as the 'King's Cure All'.

Extraction:

Properties:

GLA, is a precursor in the production of a group of body hormones known as prostaglandins (PGEs), which are important in the maintenance and growth of cell tissue.

Contains:

A rich source of GLA, a fatty acid which is normally manufactured by the body but occasionally insufficiently, especially as the body ages.

Suitable for:

All skin types, especially mature skins

Benefits:

Moisturizing, softening, healing.  Helps the body build up protection against epidermal dehydration.  Reduces rate of blood clotting.   Valuable for skin ailments.

Uses:

Often found in hand and body lotions, moisturizing creams, nail treatments and cleansers.

Recommended Solution:

10%

SWEET ALMOND (Prunus dulcis)

Source

The kernel and contains protein (20%), vitamins (A and B) and minerals.

Extraction:

Cold Pressing

Properties:

Does not go rancid quickly.  Very little or no odor.  Almond is a light nourishing oil and is rapidly absorbed.  It is softening (emollient) and soothing.  Has natural skin moisturising properties.

Contains:

Over 60% oleic acid, the major product of human skin glands.  17-30% linoleic.

Suitable for:

All skin types, including sensitive and oily skins, as well as dry and inflamed areas.

Benefits:

New born babies and infants.  Aids prematurely aged skin.

Uses:

Particularly useful for night creams, lotions and cleansers.  Also used in lipstick.

Recommended Solution:

100%