Aloe Ridge Herbals and Guest Farm - Birding Accommodation near Barberton Mpumalanga South Africa

Aloe Ridge herbal Treasures
At Aloe Ridge we care about your well-being and the environment.

At Aloe Ridge Herbals and Guest Farm we have started our small farming project with the aim of becoming as self sufficient as possible and also to prepare and sell various organic products from herbal preserves, cosmetic products and other produce.

Our philosophy is intended as an inspiration and support for your family’s health and well being.

Research into the properties of plants is extensive worldwide because we are all more aware of the damaging effects of our lifestyles on our bodies and the environment. In recent years, the role of the diet in preventing disease has been a popular and important area of research because it is likely that the preventative effect of a diet high in fruits, vegetables and herbs cannot be explained by just one single part of the diet.

There is a definite link between herb growing and organic gardening. Both make our world a better, healthier place. Herbs are the most extraordinary diverse and useful plants. They come in all shapes, sizes, textures and perfumes, and they can be incorporated into any lifestyle for either their medicinal, culinary or aromatic benefits. Any plant material that focuses on boosting overall health, for example, garlic/onions (bulbs); tomatoes/chilli peppers (fruit); turmeric/ cinnamon (natural food seasoning) or rosemary / basil / parsley (leaves) can be called a herb.

We grow a whole array of herbs both for culinary purposes in our preserves and for inclusion in the personal care products that we make on the farm (Overnight guests get a complimentary set of personal care products in their rooms). - All our herbs, fruit and vegetables are organically grown. Organic products are often far tastier than those produced commercially.

No chemical products: pesticides, artificial fertilisers, sprays, growth stimulants, or poisonous insecticides are NOT used. (In order to avoid any unnecessary chemicals we source organic seed where possible and raise seedlings on the farm rather than buying them).
- We use no artificial additives, MSG, colourants or flavourants in our preserves.
- Organic vinegar, organic brown sugar, non-iodised sea salt or spices are used to prolong shelf-life.
- Wherever possible we source other ingredients needed that are eco-friendly, e.g. spices that are non-irradiated if they can be found in our marketplace. Any exceptions being noted on the ingredients information.

We have gained great benefit ourselves from using our own products. They have become a part of our lifestyle and diet, in fact most of our cooking includes a selection of herbs, vegetables or preserves. You too can reap the benefits and take advantage of our delicious products as a simple way to consume a variety of nourishing healing herbs combined with organic ingredients that promote health and well-being. The products are locally marketed through a few selected outlets but are mostly on sale at our farm, where we wish you good health and good eating.

Reap the benefits and take advantage of our delicious products as a simple way to consume a variety of nourishing healing herbs combined with organic ingredients that promote health and well-being. Our products can become a part of your diet and lifestyle. Organic products are often far tastier than those produced commercially.

We have a variety of sauces, chutneys, jams, mustards and infused vinegars which we make from our vegetables and herbs. All of these:
• can be an additional flavour to a wide variety of dishes, from curries and casseroles, to pizzas or pastas.
• are delicious used as an accompaniment to grilled or cold meats or with biscuits, breads and muffins.
• will cut down on calories if used instead of heavy dressings.
• bring out the flavour in the meat and break down any tough fibres if a dash of flavoured vinegar, or relish is added to a stock or marinade.
• are delicious with bread and cheese snacks.

One ingredient that we use needs a specific mention - Tomatoes. Unlike other fruits and vegetables, where nutritional content such as vitamin C is diminished upon cooking, processing of tomatoes increases the bioavailable concentration of lycopene. For example, cooking and crushing tomatoes and serving in oil-rich dishes (such as spaghetti sauce or pizza) greatly increases assimilation from the digestive tract into the bloodstream.

Lycopene is a carotene that gives red colour to fruits. Lycopene is considered one of the more effective antioxidants because it is not converted to vitamin A after it is eaten. Conversion to vitamin A weakens the antioxidant properties of carotenoids like beta carotene. Research shows that lycopene can be absorbed more efficiently by the body after it has been processed into tomato juice, sauce, paste, or puree. Processing makes the lycopene more bioavailable by increasing the surface are available for digestion. Lycopene is fat-soluble (as are vitamins, A, D, E, and beta-carotene), so absorption into tissues is improved when oil is added to the diet. Tomatoes also contain vitamins, potassium, carotenoids, and other antioxidants.

Another good reason for you to enjoy the benefits of our products.

There is a huge variation of flavours possible when infusing herbs in vinegar:

The rich depth of flavour of some of the woody herbal infusions, is well matched with dark meats and marinades, and is also good in salad dressings.
The lighter more mellow flavour of leafy herbal infusions is excellent with fish, chicken and light meals, accompanying marinades, pickles, most salad dressings and butter sauces.

The best way to introduce herbal vinegar to the family is to substitute it for the ordinary table vinegar and use it in the cooking. A cupboard full of these herbal vinegars is a constant source of nourishment. In fact, herbal infusions make anything that can be prepared with vinegar taste better without adding fat, salt, or a significant number of calories.

The piquant, tantalizing tastes of Herbal Vinegars:

These offer an easy way to introduce a delicious flavour to salads, vegetables, main courses and desserts. Use them in
soups, marinades, even drinks.
(They can be used where lemon juice is required e.g. in making mayonnaise, sprinkle on pawpaw before serving for a
refreshing breakfast, or just use on potato chips!
(They add interest to your favourite dishes, sauces or marinades.
(They are a tasty addition to a variety of dishes. For something different, try them when cooking pastries, biscuits or muffins.

Benefits of Herbal Vinegars:
Using these vinegars instead of heavy dressings will cut down on calories.
Marinating meats yields a tender, well seasoned result.
2 tablespoons added to a light stock for poaching fish or to water used for boiling meat will lighten and improve flavour
Vinaigrettes made with high-quality oil and our infused vinegars enrich the flavour of many dishes
Use these vinegars to mix your own mustard.

A cupboard full of these herbal vinegars is a constant source of nourishment. In fact, herbal infusions make anything that can be prepared with vinegar taste better without adding fat, salt, or a significant number of calories.

Apple cider vinegar is a general tonic as it is effective in extracting vitamins and minerals – a beneficial way of adding nutrients directly from the plants to the diet. The pH of apple cider vinegar is very beneficial for the body and does not harm your body in any way. There are no known side effects resulting from using it and is safe, even for children.

It is important to note that Organic Apple Cider Vinegar comes from the best quality apples that have been grown without pesticides … on fertile, rich soil. It is made with fresh apples that are allowed to mature in wooden barrels. Non organic vinegars can be quickly processed from apple cores and peelings.

Vinegar is technically an acid liquid made from wine, cider or beer by a process of fermentation. It is believed that it is this slow fermentation process that gives apple cider vinegar its healing capabilities and the dramatic increase of nutrients.

There is currently a revival of interest in the values and uses of natural organic substances linked especially to maintaining the body at its optimum state of health. With chemical substances found to be harmful in food and skin care products, commodities that do not contain such ingredients are becoming popular and more health-oriented customers are demanding food and cosmetics based on natural ingredients. In some countries, ingredients that are not allowed in certified organic foods are allowed in certified organic personal care and cosmetic products. This represents a lack of continuity and consistency in labeling standards. What we actually see on the label can be confusing and terms used may not always be used sincerely. Some components may even be harmful

Whilst it is true that cosmetic and skin care products help protect your skin, what we are not always told is that cosmetic creams found on the market can contain fats, synthetic emulsifiers, preservatives and synthetic fragrances that cannot be utilized by human cells because they are foreign to our body. That kind of cream can form an occlusive barrier protecting the body from cold or heat but it does not nourish the cells.

It is an old adage that “you are what you eat”, but considering that the skin absorbs 60% of what you put on it, it is not only what you eat, but what you absorb through the body’s largest organ, the skin that is important. Since many herbs have properties and compounds that are readily absorbed through the skin, this is a particularly pleasant way to take in good nutrients. The action of herbal preparations -to restore the natural balance of bodily functions that constitutes health - is effective over a gradual period of time.

Skin is one of the most complicated organs to deal with. Every internal system -- digestive, nervous etc. contributes to its condition. Skin imbalances can also be the result of other underlying problems within the entire system. The quality of the skin is a function of feeding the body and skin quality nutrients over time and keeping the toxin levels of the body as low as possible. When you use natural products, ALL the ingredients are active, beneficial and they ALL feed the skin.
Herbs have been used cosmetically for thousands of years. There are therapeutic reasons for using herbal preparations in a daily beauty routine and their wonderful aromas will promote a sense of well being. There are many compounds in any given herb, and these compounds act synergistically to provide the maximum benefit to the user. Each herb has its own unique benefits and aroma, which compliments and combines well with other botanical ingredients in our products. Combined they produce a wonderful natural first aid box that helps to speed up healing processes.
There is no miracle ingredient for the skin or hair, therefore, the combination of herbs with other botanical ingredients in our personal care products is for the uplifting good health of the skin in general.

The complementary products provided for our guests are as “natural” as we can make them. We cannot say, however, that we produce “totally natural or organic” but we try to keep out synthetics in our personal care products.

The base for our cream is non-petroleum. The additional oils and tinctures we add penetrate the skin, leaving no greasy residue.
Each fresh healing herb is used for its special benefits and is grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. However, the vegetable oils, essential oils or beeswax, whilst from reliable natural sources, cannot be guaranteed.
Creams and lotions have no unwanted chemicals or additives (synthetic fragrances or colours). The fragrances in our products are derived from our herbs in the infusions.
We use Apple Cider Vinegar not alcohol, to extract all the wonderful properties in the herbs. It is free from preservatives and organically grown.
Water is carefully ‘distilled’ from our borehole, but we are in a conventional farming area so there‘s no guarantee there either.

All ingredients play a vital role - they regenerate cells, and revitalize cells & skin tissue.

Glycerine Soap: Glycerine attracts water from the air and attracts moisture to the skin. That means when you use glycerine soap while bathing, a very fine layer will stay on the skin, adding moisture. Researchers have shown that glycerine makes your skin look and function better by helping your skin cells to mature properly. Skin thickens if cells don't mature properly. In combination with added essential oils, you get a moisturizing soap which can also restore and heal damaged skin. This soap is vegetable derived, is non-toxic and has no animal tested or animal by-products used in it.
Old Thyme Vinegar - Vinegar infusions are able to close and preserve/restore the natural skin acidity (pH balance); improve circulation to the area and reduce any excessive oils. When diluted they can be used as a splash or toner that will keep skin softly toned and fresh.

You may have heard the story of the four thieves who plundered graves of those who died from the plague (Yersinia pestis) in France during the 1720’s. To keep from getting the plague themselves they bathed in what is now called Four Thieves Vinegar. The ingredients used have antibiotic properties to prevent many types of infection so when used liberally for washing its likely that the vinegar did provide some protection for the thieves.

I have “stolen” this idea for my vinegar using the following herbs:
Lavender or Rose Geranium for a dash of natural fragrance - both are wonderful for dry skin. Tea Tree for the exceptional antifungal, antiseptic and antiviral properties that add a wonderful “first aid” ingredient to the vinegar. Centella asiatica to increase circulation, but also known for its great wound healing properties and Apple Cider Vinegar - a natural astringent that also tones and revitalizes skin.

This handy vinegar is excellent to speed up the healing process for all those minor scrapes & scratches and is soothing for odd bites we get when out and about. Use it as a rinse to replace commercial antiseptics or apply neat to minor skin ailments. Also useful as a rinse after shampooing hair and excellent in the bath.

Used as a Bath Aid : A warm bath infused with fragrant herbal ingredients has an instant healing effect as the smell travels directly from the nose to the part of the brain that is concerned with intuition, emotion and creativity.

Vinegars are much better for the skin than most commercial toners because the latter contains drying alcohol. We use floral herbs in our vinegar infusions, such as lavender or rose geranium because their fragrant, velvety perfumes make a wonderful addition to the bath, but many of the more traditional culinary herbs are also good for skin.

With the selected herb in the vinegar you can create a bath for practically any purpose you want. Depending on the infusion chosen and temperature of the bath these baths can calm or stimulate the body and mind, ease aching muscles and release any stress or tension. The bath vinegar can also provide a multitude of benefits for the skin. It can open or close pores, soften, moisturize or scent the skin, remove excess oil, relieve inflammation or itchy skin and tighten or tone the skin. By adding vinegar to the warm water we are encouraging the herbs to release their natural oils, which in turn help us to relax our body and mind.

As you stretch out in the bath, breathe deeply and inhale several times to get the maximum benefit of the herbal aroma and properties.

Shampoo. We have combined our Tea Tree infusion with a gentle baby shampoo. Tea Tree contains substances that can penetrate the top layers of the skin and scalp to carry the properties into the deeper layers of skin. Tea Tree helps soften, smooth and give back lost vitality & helps hair problems such as flakiness, scalp itchiness or dandruff.

Moisturiser: Oils and moisture have to be provided whatever the skin type. A moisturising cream erects protective shields against free radicals and moisture loss, which cause wrinkles. Our ingredients are for the purpose of restoring the moisture balance of the skin. For this soft and gentle moisturiser we use Rose Geranium for its restorative powers. Centella asiatica stimulates the regeneration of skin cells and underlying connective tissue and helps maintain healthy skin tone or elasticity. With its moisturizing properties Grape Seed Oil also helps to regenerate & restructure the skin and is easily absorbed and Apple Cider Vinegar tones & tightens skin.

Use sparingly, a little goes a long way!
Hand and Body Lotion: The all purpose hand and body cream uses a combination of herbs that are for the good health and benefit of our skins in general, while at the same time sorting out minor skin problems. Calendula’s action on the skin helps stimulate white blood cells, circulation & production of collagen -- properties which are most useful in cracked/damaged ski or dry/dehydrated ski. Yarrow contains copper, an indispensable constituent of all cells. Lemon Thyme stimulates and deodorizes the skin. With its moisturizing properties Grape Seed Oil also helps to regenerate and restructure the skin and is easily absorbed. Apple Cider Vinegar tones & tightens skin. NOT for facial skin.

****To avoid introducing bacteria to the creams, we provide the clean spatula to lift out cream, … please do not use your finger tips. ***

Shelf Life: In order to benefit from these preservative and chemical free products, use the creams within 3 months and to extend shelf-life store them in the dark. Keep creams and vinegars out of the hot sun, preferably in a cool area. Changing temperature extremes can cause mould to grow and sunlight bleaches the vinegar.

Allergic Reactions: Herbal cosmetic infusions are suitable for most skin types but are for external use only and should not be used for culinary purposes. If you have any unusual symptoms after using the products, discontinue use. Everyone reacts to herbs differently. If you are unusually sensitive you may experience side effects such as rashes or itchiness,even at these low doses.

Note: If you are pregnant or nursing, if you have a long-term illness or are taking any medication, consult your doctor before using the preparations. .

Why we chose to make our own complimentary and personal care products products.
Instead of turning to the cosmetic counters that offer commercial beauty products, many people are looking for natural alternatives. Demand for them is increasing with more conscious, health-oriented customers and people who are concerned about the toxins in our environment.

Most cosmetic products found on the market contain products you may not wish to use on your skin. Synthetic emulsifiers, preservatives and synthetic fragrances or colourants, cannot be utilized by human cells because they are foreign to our body. They do not nourish the cells.

As the number of people who are concerned about the toxins in our environment become vociferous, more and more skin care product companies are declaring their products to be either natural or organic. Natural refers to something that is "existing in or formed by nature, not artificial". Many labels of products contain chemical names, some followed by the phrase "derived from..", which misleads the consumer to believe that these synthetic chemicals have natural origins.

“Organic doesn’t always mean what you think”. Organic chemistry is concerned with substances that contain carbon. Carbon is present in all living things. Legally, the cosmetics industry is allowed to label any product that contains carbon as ‘organic’. So if it contains petrol, it is organic.

Methylparaben is derived from petrochemicals, which are derived from crude oil, which is derived from living matter. It is a widely used preservative in organic skin care products such as body creams, body wash and deodorants:

So effectively methylparaben can legally be labelled as organic.

The quality of the skin is a function of feeding the body and skin high quality nutrients over time and keeping the toxin levels of the body as low as possible. Beside being a major organ of the body and an effective eliminator, the skin absorbs into the body, about 60% of substances put onto it. When you use high quality, certified personal care organic products, - ALL the ingredients are active - ALL beneficial and ALL feed the skin.

An organic certification on a product label is the only way to guarantee the integrity of a product. The definition of certified organic is as follows:

“An independent third party guarantee of an organic claim”.

Always look for a logo that guarantees the product’s integrity. Certified organic products must contain a minimum of 95% organic ingredients excluding water and salt/minerals, with a small allowance for natural, non-organic ingredients that must comply with very stringent processing criteria.

A valuable definition of organic is, “The sustainable system of agriculture that uses natural substances & methods to create healthy nutrient rich and fertile soils”. At Aloe Ridge we adhere to this definition.

The effectiveness of herbal preparations is based on gradual action over a period of time and using more natural preparations promotes a general upliftment and sense of well being to skin condition.

Some of the properties we value for our products:
There is no miracle ingredient for the skin or hair, just as there is no magic pill for curing illness and disease but the most wonderful gifts of nature create a particularly pleasant and therapeutic daily beauty routine.

Herbs have been used cosmetically for thousands of years. In addition to wonderful aromas, they have healing and restorative properties. There are many compounds in any given herb and these compounds act synergistically to provide the maximum benefit to the user. Each herb has its own benefits and aroma that compliments and combines well with other ingredients.

Tinctures : Many herbs are best used fresh but until needed, can be preserved by steeping them in a tincture using alcohol. A 50% mixture of herbs and alcohol is used.

Most of the volatile components of medicinal plants and herbs are soluble in alcohol and this provides a highly concentrated solution that will last for one to two years. By immersing dried or fresh parts of plants in alcohol, the active principles are easily extracted and a convenient way to store and use medicinal constituents. Ideally tinctures should be made using pure ethyl alcohol distilled from cereals but, we prefer to infuse our herbs in Apple Cider vinegar. Vinegar is technically an acid liquid made from wine, cider or beer, by a process of fermentation. It is believed that it is this fermentation process that gives vinegar its healing capacities and the dramatic increase of nutrients from its original source. Vinegars also activate the herb’s unique tonic and nourishing properties and Apple Cider vinegar has excellent properties to benefit skin.

Botanical extracts, essential oils, essential fatty acids and natural emulsifiers, are excellent in natural skin care products. They play a vital role – they regenerate cells and revitalise skin and tissue.

Essential oils are very concentrated and because their molecules are very small, they are readily absorbed and can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin. Mixed with vegetable oils, they can rejuvenate the skin by speeding up formation of new cells, thus helping heal scars and diminish wrinkles.

Combined these ingredients can produce a wonderful natural first-aid box that provides optimal skincare. Just what the skin calls for, especially in our hot and dry climate.

Herbal creams without any of the harsh chemical preservatives can spoil after a certain length of time. Inclusion of synthetic preservatives, however, defeats the purpose of creating “natural” products. Synthetic preservatives are designed to inhibit the growth of potentially harmful bacteria and help boost the safety of beauty products, but, they otherwise add minimal benefits. We use Vitamin E Oil and Apple Cider Vinegar to help with shelf life. They too have excellent properties to benefit the skin.

Apple Cider Vinegar: is a natural astringent that tones and revitalizes skin. It is excellent when used as a facial rinse or applied neat to pimples and spots to speed up the healing process. Apple Cider vinegar has good results as a hair rinse or setting lotion.

Cosmetic vinegars have been used as a complexion aid for centuries. Able to close pores and preserve or restore the natural acidity, (pH balance), vinegars keep both oily and dry skin types soft and fresh. Depending on the herbs chosen for the infusion, vinegar tonics can tone, heal, soothe or soften skin. Vinegars are much better for the skin than most commercial toners because the latter contains drying alcohol.

Floral vinegars, such as lavender, rose, jasmine, rose geranium etc, are especially favoured for tonics, but many of the more traditional culinary herbs are also good for skin. These floral and herbal toners are very effective at balancing the skin after cleansing and creating a smooth clean environment for the application of your moisturizer.

A warm bath infused with fragrant herbal infusions has an instant healing effect as according to aromatherapy principles, the smell travels directly from the nose to the part of the brain that is concerned with intuition, emotion and creativity. Depending on the herbal infusion chosen and the temperature of the bath, you can create a bath for practically any purpose. These baths can calm or stimulate the body and mind, ease aching muscles and release any stress or tensionBy adding herbal vinegar to the warm water we are encouraging the herbs to release their natural oils and aroma.

Splash vinegar into the water and as you stretch out in the bath, breathe deeply and inhale several times to get the maximum benefit of the herbal properties.

Herbs chosen for our tinctures add their special properties, and this is why the addition of our herbal tinctures makes the creams primarily nutritive tonics – a way of adding vitamins and minerals directly from the plants to the skin.

Basils - Ocimum basilicum : Sweet and Opal Basil are summer annuals but we use all the basils.

They are good disinfectants and excellent used as a hair rinse, detangler or hair tonic. We use the perennial basils and Tulsi (Sacred Basil) for its amazing medicinal and healing properties. Tulsi’s an effective immune booster and the benefits to skin problems are extraordinary and wide ranging. Used as bath vinegar it is very refreshing and will help relax and de-stress – the perennial basil gives a lovely pink hue to the vinegar and the Opal a gorgeous purple hue. We use them in the cleanser too for the antiseptic properties.

Borage – Borago offinalis: Summer annual – contains gamma linoleic acid - GLA. Leaves and flowers contain many mineral salts, potassium, magnesium and calcium therefore are good blood purifiers and a tonic.

Excellent as a cleanser (especially for heavy or stage make-up) and a toner & is wonderful for delicate, dry and sensitive skins. Borage in the products is excellent to add to the bath and hair rinsing water for itchy, flaking scalp.

Calendula – Calendula officinalis : Winter annual – contain antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial properties that promotes healing and also helps with re-mineralization.

It has excellent properties for skin care and helps with cell rejuvenation, wound healing, reducing inflammation and sooths and softens the skin. Excellent for winter dry skin and as a “first aid” for many skin ailments. As a lotion it can reduce the appearance of large pores, nourish and clear the skin, clear-up spots and pimples.

Calendula is particularly helpful in cracked and damaged skin and has a humectant action on the skin, which helps with dry and dehydrated skin, while the cell rejuvenating properties are most useful in older as well as damaged skin. The tincture can be used as a toner or in splash form.

Chervil – Anthriscus cerefolium: Winter annual – rich in Vit. C, carotene, iron and magnesium. Used in a lotion to maintain suppleness & to discourage dry, flaky wrinkles, as well as oily build up on problem skin. Good addition to the cleansers.

Comfrey – Symphytum offininale : is a really amazing addition to any cosmetic preparation. Comfrey is a cell rejuvenator that helps to revitalize ageing skins and tissue cells. It is astringent, soothing antiseptic and healing -- contains Allantoin which is a substance that promotes skin repair. Allantoin is used in many commercial “blemish control” lotions. ** Can have an unpleasant smell if too much is used.

Lavender - Lavendula species : is a versatile herb that has long been used in cosmetics. It softens, soothes and eases away tensions. Lavender can be dabbed onto acne, spots and pimples, used as a facial rinse, splashed on as an aftershave. Added to the bath water it will relieve exhaustion and help you to unwind, ease away anxiety and stress and soothe aching muscles, sore feet and aching back or shoulders. Can be used by most skin types –use for the toners and bath vinegars.

Lemon : is a wonderful astringent used to soften skin. It also tones and bleaches. Use diluted as a rinse, as a face wash and as a freshener.
** Organic lemon is vital as it is virtually impossible to remove/wash away pesticides that are commonly used on non-organic citrus farms.

Lemon Balm – Melissa officnalis: freshens, revitalizes and cleanses the skin. Use the vinegar in the bath, as a facial steamer for greasy skin, and as a refreshing spritzer.

Lemongrass - Cymbopogon citratus: makes an excellent cleansing and astringent wash for oily skins. We use it to combat spots and blackheads and to treat open pores. It stimulates cell regeneration, soothes skin ailments and stress related conditions. Lemongrass has antibacterial, anti-microbial and astringent properties as well as being a fungicide, antiseptic, and deodorant.

Lemongrass is best used fresh in a lotion but it is also good in the vinegar. The bath vinegar will help lift the spirits if one is in a bad mood.
A lemongrass footbath and massage with lemongrass cream is a special treat – excellent against athlete’s foot.

Lemon Verbena - Aloysia triphylla : is excellent in massage oil as it is invigorating and helps to clear oily skin. Aids circulation, softens skin and is invigorating as an aftershave or after bath lotion. ** Lemon Verbena is especially good in our vinegars as it keeps its refreshing scent remarkably well. We love to use it for the toners and bath vinegars.

Mint – Mentha species: Peppermint has excellent antiseptic, aromatic, calminative, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiparasitic and stimulanting prperties. It can be added to a lotion or steamer for oily and problem skins. As bath vinegar it is a comforting relaxant for aches and pains, poor circulation and problem skin. It is a useful ingredient in a massage cream to relieve muscular pains.

Marjoram - Origanum species is a good antiseptic as it contains thymol. Marjoram has a tranquilizing effect on nerves.

The leaves retain a lot of their scent when infused in vinegar . We add the vinegar to the bath as a relaxant or use in a massage oil or lotion which is excellent for tired and smelly feet as it has a deodorizing effect. The lotion is infinitely soothing for a stiff neck or arthritic/rheumatic aches and pains or can be applied to varicose veins as Marjoram stimulates circulation and is generally a good tonic for the skin.

Origanum - Origanum in the bath is a soothing herb used to ease aching muscles.

Parsley - Petroselinum crispum: Has a high vitamin content especially Vit. C, iron and other minerals. It is good in the vinegar, creams and toners as it ensures elasticity, healing and toning throughout the body. Parsley contains the antiseptic chlorophyll – ideal for sprains, wounds and bites.

Pennywort - Centella asiatica: is a wonder plant. It is a rejuvenating, diuretic herb that clears toxins and reduces inflammation. This is one of our key herbal infusions for the skin products.

Centella is particularly helpful in healing damaged and injured skin - it stimulates the fibroblast and collagen in the skin, yet prevents excessive proliferation of fibrous tissue in wound healing. Practically all skin problems respond to Centella as it contains a compound that must be present to spur the development of connective tissue that must form to heal wounds. One of its functions is in increasing circulation, but it has been known for centuries for its great wound healing properties. Many minor skin ailments respond particularly well to Centella and it has proven useful in treating wounds, skin grafts, surgical incisions, sunburn and even gangrene.

Centella is an ingredient found in many ‘commercial’ skin creams because it stimulates the production of collagen, therefore is excellent for giving back elasticity to dry, damaged or ageing skin. It maintains healthy skin tone and elasticity in ageing skin, helps to improve the tone of veins near the surface of the skin, and stimulates nail and hair growth too.

Rosemary – Rosmarinus officinalis: antibacterial and antifungal, and helps poor circulation if rubbed into the affected joints. It is good for headaches if applied directly to the head.

Rosemary has a refining effect on the skin and promotes a healthy skin. The lotion as a massage medium is handy to ease pain of swollen feet/legs.
We use the vinegar infusion in the bath to help relaxation and as a hair rinse to give sheen, lustre and body to damaged hair as it encourages/stimulates growth. It can control dandruff.

South African Wild Rosemary – Eriocephalus africanus is said to have similar qualities to Rosemary.

Sage – Salvia officinalis: combined with the vinegar it is excellent as a gargle for sore throats, laryngitis & tonsillitisor mouthwash for infected gums and mouth ulcers. We use Sage in cleansing cream for oily skins and blackheads.

PineappleSage- Salvia elegans makes an incredible vinegar – it keeps its remarkable scent and adds a lovely redness to the vinegar.

Salad Burnet – Sangnisorba minor: is an excellent herb for dry skin and ailments like excema, sunburn, rashes and stings. As it is very gentle to use on delicate skins we include it in our Baby Cream.

Scented Geranium - Pelagaonum graveeolens (Rose Geranium): is a penetrating skin cleanser. It is wonderful for dry skin, especially on hands and feet and in a massage cream it works wonders on tired legs or feet. Rose Geranium keeps its aroma in vinegar to make a lovely scented bath vinegar & will keep both dry and oily skin softly toned and fresh. Used in the bath it acts as an excellent muscle relaxant. The lotion when used as a massage cream is superb for tired legs and feet & dry skin on hands and feet.

Scented Geranium is gentle enough for babies and pregnant ladies if used in a tincture and added to the cream.

Tarragon - Artemesia dracunculus – add to hair rinse vinegars to restore lustre to tired hair. It can clear dandruff too.

Tea Tree - Melaneuca alternifolia : has exceptional antifungal, antiseptic and antiviral properties. Substances contained in the oils can penetrate the upper layers of the skin to carry the properties deeper in. Our Tea Tree infusion --- can be used to dab on enlarged pores and is excellent on oily or spotty skin; is amazing in our creams; used as a hair rinse it will remove build up of hair products such as sprays, gels etc. and will return the hairs’ natural sheen, lustre and body.
N.B. the essential oil is toxic if taken internally.

Thyme - Thymus species (- especially vulgaris and citriodorus): is a strong antiseptic herb that is effective on acne and problematic greasy skin types. It also stimulates and deodorizes the skin. The vinegar can be used as a gargle for sore throats or mouthwash for sore gums. Added to the bath it soothes rheumatic pains and can be used in creams for massage.

Not for pregnant women and essential oil should not be taken internally.

Vetiver –Vetiveria zizanoides – we use the roots to make a good aroma stabilizing vinegar. Incredible in a cleanser and as a massage cream it is exceptional not only as a softener but it takes away tension in aching neck + shoulders and tired sore feet.

Violet -Viola odorata : is perfect for sensitive skins and especially those with fragile veins close to the surface of the skin. It soothes and treats dryness, rashes and spots.

Winter Savory – Satureja montana: is a good facial steamer (fresh) or in a lotion as it is astringent and antiseptic. The bath vinegar after a long days sport or when one is exhausted is exceptional.

Yarrow - Achillea millefolium : is a remarkable cleanser and freshener that tightens pores and firms the skin. Its oils are antiseptic and contain tannins which are astringent. Yarrow is associated with wound healing as it contains copper, an indispensable constituent of all cells. Copper is essential for the normal growth and the well being of all living tissue. Use for chapped skin and rashes and the vinegar can be used for a mouthwash.
Not for pregnant women.