Materia Medica
Key Ingredients, CORE CARE PRODUCTS (BODY AND HAIRCARE)
Chondrus crispus, a powerful marine algae
About Chondrus crispus is a species of red algae which grows abundantly along the rocky parts of the Atlantic coast of Europe and North America.
Hen & Moon uses the whole plant extract to trap moisture and hydrate the skin. Blended with botanicals and other natural ingredients, Chondrus crispus helps cleanse, cool and hydrate the skin.
Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil
Apricot Kernel Oil is obtained from the dried kernels of the Apricot tree. The oil is obtained by removing the pit from the apricot and cracking the shell of the pit in order to access the kernel covered by the shell. The oil is then pressed from the kernel. Apricot Kernel Oil is a very healthy oil because it is high in monounsaturated fat and contains no trans-fatty acids. Contains Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and Vitamin E. Vitamin E oil is powerful antioxidant used to fight damaging free radicals and cellular oxidization. Apricot seed oil helps repair skin’s barrier and reduce inflammation, which is excellent for dry skin.
Sodium Hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant (moisture-binding ingredient) that helps keep skin plump and hydrated. Hyaluronic acid isn't harsh or skin-stripping. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide (carbohydrate) in the human body. When used topically, Hyaluronic acid helps maintain young-looking, plump and hydrated skin.
Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter
Mango Oil is high in antioxidants and oleic acid. Mango Seed Butter contains mango oil, which is a powerful antioxidant used to fight damaging free radicals and cellular oxidization. Mango seed oil helps repair skin’s barrier and reduce inflammation, which is excellent for dry skin.
Orbignya Speciosa (Babassu Palm) Kernel Oil
Babassu oil comes from the seeds of the babassu tree. The babassu tree is a palm tree native to Brazil. Babassu oil has similar properties to coconut oil and is used similarly. Babassu palm is non-drying and high in lauric and myristic acids. These acids have melting points that are close to the human body temperature. When applied, babassu oil draws the heat from the skin to initiate melting, which helps create a mild cooling sensation on the skin. Babassu oil also forms a protective, soothing coat when applied to the skin as well as a pleasant, smooth feeling.
Astrocaryum Murumuru (Palm) Seed Butter
Pronounced “Moor-oo-Moor-oo,” the palm is native to the Amazon rain forest of South America. The oil rendered from the seeds has been a main source of edible oil for the people of this region for generations. Murumuru Butter is rich in pro-vitamin A and C and Omega fatty acids 3, 6, and 9. As with Mango Seed and Apricot Seed Butters, Murumuru oil helps form a protective, soothing coat when applied to the skin as well as a pleasant, smooth feeling.
KEY INGREDIENTS FOR ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS
ANISE (Pimpinella anisum)
The origin of Anise is Turkey, and is steam distilled from the seeds. The body systems supported by anise are the Cardiovascular, digestive, and respiratory systems. Anise is known for its anti-fungal, antiseptic, antispasmodic, diuretic, cardiac stimulant and toning properties. Anise has been used, historically, for
respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and coughs, digestive issues such as flatulence and colitis, and also known for helping to support blood oxygenation throughout the body, which is beneficial for patients with cardiac and respiratory challenges.
CEDARWOOD (Juniperus virgiania)
This species of Cedarwood has its origins to various parts of North America, throughout the Eastern region. The essential oil is distilled from the wood of the tree. Cedarwood has antifungal, anti-infectious, antiseptic properties for the urinary and pulmonary tract, astringent, diuretic and sedative properties. Cedarwood supports the integumentary system, and is known for its use with dandruff, hair loss, psoriasis, cellulite, and other skin diseases, making it highly useful with patients who have poor skin integrity and battle with dry, scaly skin. Cedarwood is also used to support respiratory conditions and urinary tract conditions.
CYPRESS (Cupressus sempervirens)
The species of Cypress originates in France and Spain, and is steam distilled from the branches of the tree. The body systems known to be supported by Cypress are the Cardiovascular, skeletal, and muscle system.
Cypress is known for its anti-bacterial, anti-infectious, antimicrobial, mucolytic, antiseptic, astringent, deodorant diuretic, lymphatic, vasoconstriction, and relaxation properties. Cypress supports water retention, lung circulation, muscle cramping, along with aiding in strengthening the connectivity of muscle tissue. The aromatic benefits have been noted to ease the feelings of loss, which helps with the patient and caregivers during the end of life process.
EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus radiate)
The species of Eucalyptus originates from Australia, and is steam distilled from the leaves of the plant. It has anti-bacterial, anti-catarrhal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and expectorant properties. Commonly used for skin conditions, flu-like conditions, and conditions that relate to respiratory and sinus congestion. Eucalyptus supports the respiratory and the skin body systems, and is a key ingredient for aiding with pain alleviation that comes with arthritis joints and muscles.
FRANKINCENSE (Boswellia sacra, Boswellia carteril, & Boswellia frereana)
Frankincense’s place of origin is Oman, and is steam distilled from the gum/resin. This oil was historically known as a gift to Christ, from one of the 3 wise-man and is considered sacred and affiliated with ceremonies of spiritual practice. A key property is to aid in the relaxation and help with mental fatigue. Known for anticatarrhal, anticancer, antidepressant, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-tumoral, anxiolytic,expectorant, immune stimulating, and sedating properties, Frankincense provides benefits to every part of the body. The main body systems that Frankincense is known to aid in are the immune, nervous, and integumentary systems.
GERMAN CHAMOMILE (Matricaria recutita)
This species of chamomile was once found predominately found in Europe. It is known for its ability to help alleviate tension, regenerate skin tissues, and help cleansing the body. The oil helps with headaches, stomach discomforts, and poor skin integrity. The oil is widely known as a sleep aid for insomnia. The body system that is supported by this oil is the Nervous system.
LAVENDER (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is a species of plant that originates locally in Idaho and Utah, and also in France. The steam distillation takes places in the flowering tops of the plant. Lavender has a host of properties that are analgesic, antidepressant, antifungal, antihistamine, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-mutagenic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, antitumor, cardio-tonic, regenerative, and sedative in its effects. Lavender has been used in skin conditions of dandruff, rashes, and acne. It is also noted for its uses with digestive issues, such as gas and indigestion. Not only does Lavender soothe and relax, it potentially helps with water retention, increased heart rate, and increased blood pressure and is found in the cardiac and skin blends used in this product line for that reason.
MELALEUCA (Melaleuca quinquenervia)
Originating in Australia, the oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the plant. The main benefits are that it has a significant impact on supporting skin and immune function. Used in many skin products, improving the outcomes of rashes, fungal infections,and dryness. Helps support skeletal and muscles systems and helps decrease inflammation in tissues.
MYRRH (Commiphora myrrha)
Myrrh is a sacred oil that originates in Somalia, and is steam distilled from resins of shrubs and trees. Myrrh is known for its anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-tumor, astringent, and tonic properties. Myrrh supports the hormonal, immune, integumentary, and nervous system of the body. Myrrh relaxes the respiratory system during times of agitation, and during terminal restlessness at end of life transition. Myrrh is recognized as an adjuvant in respiratory conditions, such as bronchitis, skin conditions such as eczema, digestive issues such as reflux and indigestion, and even oral infections (used in toothpaste). Myrrh is used in religious/spiritual practices and is utilized in patients who are making the end of life transition. It can be very beneficial for patients and their families to provide a sense of spiritual awareness and a sense of uplifting during challenging times.
OREGANO (Origanum vulgare)
Oregano has its origins in Italy, and is steam distilled from the leaves of the plant. The plant is known for antibacterial properties, antifungal, anti-parasitic, antiviral, anti-spasmodic, and immune supporting. Oregano has historically been used to treat muscle conditions, such as rheumatism, and is used in the comforting and pain alleviating blend within this product line. Oregano is also known for aiding in respiratory conditions such as coughs and asthmatic issues. Oregano is known to add benefit to the nervous and mental challenges (anxiety, nervousness, and tension) in patients, because it provides a feeling of security and well-being in its ongoing display of effects. Oregano supports the Muscular and skeletal systems, aiding in alleviation of achiness. Oregano supports the Immune and respiratory systems as well, and can be used (but not limited to) cold and flu seasons for added support.
PEPPERMINT (Mentha piperita)
Peppermint is a common oil originating in North America, and is steam distilled from stems, flowers, and leaves of the plant. The host of properties associated with peppermint are analgesic, anti-carcinogenic, antiinflammatory (nerves), antiseptic, antiviral, and stimulating. Peppermint is associated with the Digestive, Nervous system, Integumentary, and Muscular/Skeletal system, when one wonders what parts of the body peppermint works well with. Peppermint has been known and used to soothe the digestive tract in cases of flatulence, indigestion, nausea, and heartburn. Peppermint has pain alleviating effects that can be utilized with patients experiencing headaches, muscle aches and tension, rheumatic type issues with joints and muscles. During cold and flu season, peppermint is utilized to open up nasal passages and help with congestion that
occurs in sinuses and lungs. Peppermint is uplifting and helps stimulate and provide energy boost, and can be used in any patient scenario for added benefit.
ROSE (Rose damascene)
The rose originates in Bulgaria and is steam distilled from the flower part of the plant. The rose is most known for its ability to bring calming and relaxation to the recipient. The properties consist of antibacterial, antihemorrhaging, anti-infectious, and sedative. The most significant uses for rose have been associated with the Integumentary system of the body and the emotional balance of the body. The skin issues aided by rose are scarring, wounds, and rashes. Headaches and nervous tension are greatly supported, because rose serves to
elevate the mind, stimulate, and help improve individuals suffering from dysthymia or down mood.
ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary is a plant originating in the United States, France, and Tunisia. Rosemary is steam distilled from the flowering part of the plant. Rosemary serves the Immune, Respiratory, and Nervous body systems. It has a host of properties that are associated with it, such as analgesia, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, anticatarrhal, antifungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and expectorant properties. Rosemary is found in the cardiac blend because it helps support blood pressure regulation and edema conditions, and utilized in the
joint and muscle blend because of its associated benefit of arthritis conditions that cause aches and discomfort. Rosemary not only has benefits with cardiac and muscular systems, but also aids with respiratory ailments like sinusitis, colds, and congestion; and skin conditions of dandruff and fungal (yeast issues), and digestive issues related to stomach upset. Rosemary has been known to stimulate memories and can be found useful when working with patients with compromised memory cognitive capacity.
ROMAN CHAMOMILE (Chamaemelum nobile)
This essential oil was used as an agent to decrease the stress of battle for Roman soldiers. Helps promote clarity and calm in times of worry or anxiety. Like German Chamomile it helps with insomnia, depression, muscle tension, skin ailments, along with tremors and restlessness. The body system that is impacted is the neurological system, which makes it excellent for balancing strong emotions. This essential oil was used as an agent to decrease the stress of battle for Roman soldiers. Helps promote clarity and calm in times of worry or anxiety. Like German Chamomile it helps with insomnia, depression, muscle tension, skin ailments, along with tremors and restlessness. The body system that is impacted is the neurological system, which makes it excellent for balancing strong emotions.
YLANG YLANG (Cananga odorata)
Ylang Ylang originates in Commores, Indonesia, and Madagascar, and is steam distilled from the flowers of the plant. The properties that are found in Ylang Ylang are antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, sedative, and tonic properties. Ylang Ylang supports mental and emotional well-being, thus supporting the system of emotional balance, the cardiovascular system, and the hormonal system. It helps to calm and relax, and supports the adrenal glands that attribute to stress, anxiety, and cortisol accumulation. Ylang Ylang works in the cardiovascular system to support high blood pressure and high heart rate, works in the emotional system to aid with depression and mental fatigue, and helps with sleep issues (mainly insomnia). The heart is affiliated with anger and rage in Chinese medicine. Ylang Ylang can be used to support patients who have dementia and are experiencing an array of behaviors and psychosis that appear as anger and rage, by providing a relaxing and calming effect.
WILD ORANGE (Citrus sinensis)
Wild Orange is from the origins of US, South Africa, Italy, and China. The oil is not steam distilled like the other oils, but is cold pressed from the peel of the fruit. The properties of the orange are attributed to anticancer, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, digestive, toning, and sedative properties. Historically Wild Orange was used with sailors to prevent scurvy. Helps with skin issues such as complexion, rashes, and tissue regeneration. Wild orange is known for the support of colds and flu, due to the vitamin C content contained from the fruit. The body systems that are impacted by Wild Orange are the immune system, integumentary system, digestive, and overall systems of emotional balance. The fragrance is uplifting and considered a high fragrance that is known to bring joy, uplifting, and boost the system in the face of depression.
FRACTIONATED COCONUT OIL (Cocos nucifera)
Fractionated coconut oil is a portion of the coconut oil where the long chain of triglycerides has been removed. This causes the oil to be able to maintain a liquid form, because the medium-chain triglycerides make it a saturated oil. The saturation provides the coconut oil with a long shelf life, increased ability to resist the rancidity that occurs in oil, and renders it a very stable oil. It contains Capric and Caprylic acid and those acids are increased, when the oil becomes fractionated. This factor adds to the antioxidant benefits that aid in preventing early rancidity or oxidation.
OLIVE OIL (Olea europea)
Olive Oil has historically been associated with the Mediterranean population and diet, due to the health benefits that are known to derive that help improve the cardiovascular system and inflammation processes when ingested. Olive oil is pressed from the olive to retrieve the oil, and utilized in an array of products that are used in hair and skin products and cosmetics. The Journey blend utilizes the olive oil, as its carrier, and is utilized in the end of life transition period. Olive oil is associated with spiritual ceremony and has been used to provide blessings and anoint, and is still being used in that capacity in churches, and in health care settings where chaplains and nursing staff are able to provide ceremony for patients in hospice settings.
GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT (Citrus seed extract) and VITAMIN E OIL (Tocopherol)
A natural preservative. There are many factors that can contribute to an oil becoming rancid or spoiling. Temperature, sunlight, contamination are the main culprits of the oxidation or depreciation of an oil blend. The bonds in the oils can be reacted upon, due to these conditions. However, the properties of the grapefruit seed extract and Vitamin E oil can help bring more stabilization to the bonds, in these conditions and slow that oxidation down. They are able to do this because they are antioxidants and work on reacting with the free radicals that disrupt the longevity, help to delay the aging/oxidation process, and increase the life of the product.