Before there were antibiotics, antifungals or antiseptics
there were essential oils. For hundreds of years people relied on plant derivatives to heal and protect and today we're rediscovering their ability to heal without harsh chemicals or synthetic ingredients. Essential oils seem to work in a way that is more in harmony with our own bodies, with fewer side effects and less colateral problems. At Cain and Able we have developed unique formula's that use essential oils to treat skin conditions and allergies in a natural, safe and gentle way.
The techniques and methods used to produce essential oils
were first mentioned by Ibn al-Baitar (1188–1248), an Andalusian physician, pharmacist and chemist.
Essential oils are used in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps and other products,
for flavoring food and drink, and for adding scents to incense and household cleaning products. Essential oils are extracted from plants either by distillation or in a carrier extract like alcohol or fat. They can then be "volatilized to be used in a shampoo, conditioner or simply diluted and sprayed directly onto the skin. The effect of an essential oil can also be felt if inhaled and oils like Eucalyptus and Camphor are renowned for their ability to help cold sufferers with congestion. However Aromatherapy can have much more subtle effects. As Phyllis Balch points out in Prescription for Herbal Healing, "The inhalation of certain essential oils has been
associated with the release of brain chemicals that stimulate various emotions.
For example, lavender oil has the ability to evoke and increase the release of serotonin, thus producing a calming effect on the body."
We all are familiar with the zing of peppermint and the freshness of lemon but
did you know that Eucalyptus has antiseptic, antiviral, and disinfectant, properties?
It is also used to reduce fever, ease sore muscles, repel insects and treat bites and stings.
