Irchester Botanicals
Soothe Naturally, Heal Gently
Soothe Naturally, Heal Gently
Medicinal & Beneficial Uses
• Skin & Cosmetic Benefits: Rich in vitamin E, antioxidants, and fatty acids, almond oil improves skin hydration, may reduce stretch marks, minimize UV damage, and support scar appearance
• Anti-Inflammatory & Lipid Support: Exhibits anti-inflammatory, immunity-supporting, and hepatoprotective properties; may also help balance cholesterol by increasing HDL while reducing LDL.
• Blood Sugar & Weight Management: Some studies suggest improved post-meal blood sugar control and increased satiety when almond oil is included in meals
• Anti-Aging Potential: A pilot clinical study found daily almond consumption reduced wrinkle severity in postmenopausal women PubMed Central.
Safety & Considerations
• Allergy Risk: Not suitable for individuals with known nut allergies; topical use may still provoke reactions in sensitive individuals .
• Need for Further Research: While current data supports its skin benefits, comprehensive clinical trials for other systemic uses remain limited
Summary
Almond oil is a versatile, nutrient-rich oil with fairly robust support for skincare—including moisture retention, UV protection, and scar/stretch mark improvement—as well as potential metabolic benefits. Its gentleness and antioxidant profile make it a frequent choice for topical and dietary use, as long as nut allergy risks are managed.
Citations:
Gupta et al 2010, Zeeshan 2009, Kubala 2017, Ouzir et al 2021, Foolad et al 2019.
Medicinal & Beneficial Uses
• Wound healing & topical care: multiple clinical trials and systematic reviews show aloe vera can speed epithelial wound healing in certain settings (haemorrhoidectomy, burns, minor wounds) though results are mixed for chronic wounds.
• Anti-inflammatory & moisturizing: studies and product formulations show aloe-containing hydrogels improve skin hydration and have anti-inflammatory properties useful in topical formulations.
Safety / cautions
• Topical use generally safe; oral ingestion of non-decolorised whole leaf extracts may contain anthraquinones and has safety concerns (GI effects, electrolyte disturbances). Follow product directions.
Summary
Aloe vera has credible clinical support for accelerating healing and improving topical comfort when used appropriately; benefits depend on formulation and wound type.
Citations:
Dat et al 2012, Chelu et al 2023.
Medicinal & Beneficial Uses
• Topical / peri-operative pain and bruising: systematic reviews and clinical trials report mixed but promising results for topical arnica preparations in reducing postoperative pain, inflammation, and recovery after trauma. This topical herbal remedy has been in use for centuries by many native people across the globe. Researchers have attributed this to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.
Safety / cautions
• Topical arnica is used for bruising and soreness; oral arnica (non-homeopathic concentrated) can be toxic and is generally not recommended. Avoid on broken skin (higher absorption).
Summary
Arnica topical products show some clinical benefit for pain/bruising, but evidence quality varies and oral ingestion is unsafe.
Citations:
Smith et al 2021, Toma et al 2024,
Medicinal & Beneficial Uses
• Traditional digestive uses & preliminary clinical data: folk and some small studies indicate arrowroot/its starch can soothe GI upset and reduce diarrhoea in certain settings; research is mostly preclinical or small clinical trials. It is also used as a soothing topical starch in cosmetics. Arrowroot is also used to stabilise topical creams and allows for a smooth, non-greasy feel during application.
Safety / cautions
• Generally safe as food or topical starch ingredient; allergic reactions are uncommon.
Summary
Arrowroot has traditional uses for digestive comfort and formulation uses (thickener, soothing starch); clinical evidence exists but is limited.
Citations:
Kumalasari et al 2011, Malki et al 2023.
Medicinal & Beneficial Uses
• Potent antioxidant and antifungal properties: Essential oil and extracts of Tanacetum annuum (Blue Tansy) demonstrated strong antioxidant activity and efficacy against Fusarium oxysporum in laboratory tests.
• Anti inflammatory and calming effects: Blue Tansy oil contains chamazulene and other terpenes (camphor, sabinene, myrcene, pinene) which exhibit anti inflammatory, calming, and antibacterial qualities, making it useful for soothing irritated or inflamed skin.
• Skin-soothing applications: Early findings suggest benefits in calming burns and radiation-induced skin irritation; it’s also used for acne, redness, and improving skin barrier health.
•Caution/Toxicity:
While T. annuum is considered safer than common tansy (T. vulgare), sensitivity and misidentification risks remain. T. vulgare contains thujone and is toxic when ingested or used improperly.
Summary
Blue Tansy, derived from Tanacetum annuum, exhibits impressive anti inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifungal properties, especially useful in topical skin care. However, as with many essential oils, more rigorous clinical research is needed, and caution is advisable due to potential toxicity and species confusion. It derives its name from a tendency to turn blue during extraction methods.
Citations:
Ettakifi et al 2023, Goyal et al 2025, Stanborough 2019.
Medicinal & Beneficial Uses
• Wound & burn healing: randomized clinical trials show calendula topical preparations can speed wound healing (cesarean wounds, second-degree burns, acute hand wounds) and reduce inflammation.
Safety / cautions
• Generally safe topically; patch test if you have plant allergies (Asteraceae family sensitivities possible).
Summary
Calendula demonstrates useful, clinically measured wound-healing and anti-inflammatory effects as a topical agent.
Citations:
Rezai et al 2023, Leal Parente et al 2012,
Medicinal and Beneficial Uses:
• Emollient: Moisturizes and softens the skin, leaving it feeling smooth and hydrated.
• Skin Barrier: Forms a protective, breathable layer on the skin, helping to prevent moisture loss.
• Solvent: Dissolves and stabilizes fat-soluble active ingredients like antioxidants and botanical extracts, making them easier to incorporate into formulations.
• Texture Enhancer: Improves the texture and spreadability of products, reducing the heavy or greasy feel of other oils.
• Non-Comedogenic: Unlikely to clog pores, making it suitable for a wide range of skin types.
• Stable and Long-Lasting: Has a long shelf life and resists oxidation, increasing the stability of the products it's in.
Summary
Caprylic/capric triglyceride is a light, emollient ingredient derived from coconut oil and glycerin, commonly used in cosmetics and skincare products to moisturize, soften, and protect the skin by forming a breathable barrier that prevents moisture loss.
Citations:
Medicinal and Beneficial Uses:
• Topical Pain Relief (Analgesic): Used in creams or patches, capsaicin provides relief for conditions like neuropathic pain, postherpetic neuralgia, and musculoskeletal discomfort through repeated topical application.
• Mechanism of Action: Capsaicin desensitises sensory nerves and can reduce epidermal nerve fibre density, leading to reduced pain sensation.
• Additional Benefits (Emerging Evidence): Research indicates antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, thermogenic (supports metabolism), cardioprotective, and even potential anticancer effects—plus possible use as a radiosensitiser in cancer therapy.
• Metabolic & Anti-inflammatory Effects via Diet: Capsaicin, commonly consumed in spicy foods, may enhance fat burning, support blood sugar regulation, reduce inflammation, and benefit gut and metabolic health Time.
Summary
Capsaicin is a well-established topical analgesic and shows promising broader health effects in metabolism and inflammation, though dosage and form (topical vs. oral) are key to its effectiveness.
Citations:
V..Fattori et al 2016, M.Hayman et al 2008, T. Adetunji et al 2022, A.Chang et al 2023, E.Petran et al 2024,
Medicinal and Beneficial Uses:
• Aromatherapy — anxiety, analgesia, sleep: multiple clinical and preclinical studies/reviews note cedarwood and sandalwood oils have anxiolytic/sedative effects; sandalwood also shows dermatologic benefits (acne, eczema) in clinical/dermatology literature.
Safety / cautions
• Both are generally safe in aromatherapy and low-concentration topical formulations. Sensitive individuals may react to fragrances.
Summary
Cedarwood and sandalwood have supportive evidence for calming/anxiolytic aromatherapy uses and some topical dermatologic benefits, with sandalwood being particularly studied in dermatology.
Citations:
A. Sattayakhom et al 2023, R.Moy et al 2017.
Medicinal and Beneficial Uses:Deep Moisturisation: provides long lasting moisturising effect, making it an excellent emollient.
Improved texture: creates a light, silky texture in products that is easily absorbed by the skin, without leaving a soapy feel.
Gentle and stable: Known for its gentle properties and stability in a wide range of products and formulations.
Non-comedogenic: Will not clog pores, making it suitable for sensitive and oily skin.
Summary
Cetearyl Olivate and Sorbitan Olivate, often known by the trade name Olivem® 1000, is a natural, PEG-free emulsifier and moisturiser derived from olive oil that forms liquid crystals similar to the skin's surface, providing deep moisturizing and enhanced texture in cosmetics and skincare products. It acts to blend oil and water ingredients, stabilise emulsions, and improve skin texture and moisture retention, making it suitable for daily moisturisers, after-sun care, and products for sensitive skin.
