Native Australian Healing Ingredients
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Aniseed Myrtle
Aniseed Myrtle has been shown to be highly antifungal and antibacterial, with an incredible aroma that is invigorating and clearing. The leaves are often crushed to release the oils.
Bunya Bunya Nuts (Araucaria bidwillii)
The bunya pine grows to 45 metres (148 feet) and is found mainly in the Bunya Bunya mountains in Queensland. Bunya seeds or nuts are produced in large cones, each containing about 70 seeds, encased in a plywood-like shell. The bunya nut is very high in nutrients and protein, is a good source of carbohydrate and oils and contains many trace elements.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp)
A powerful antiseptic, eucalyptus also has a refreshing and an uplifting aroma. Eucalyptus oil is an anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, diuretic, analgesic and deodoriser with antiviral, stimulating and grounding qualities.
Gum Honey
A powerful antiseptic, honey is nourishing to the skin and is known to kill bacteria and speed the process of healing.
Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora)
Lemon myrtle is the world's strongest and purest source of citral, a citric acid. An extremely powerful natural antiseptic, it works well with problem skin. It also helps to relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety. Lemon myrtle has antibacterial and antiviral properties and is used to treat respiratory, immune and hormonal functions.
Lilly Pilly (Syzygium australe)
Lilly pillies are the small pink fruit of rainforest trees found in Eastern Australia. They possess fairly astringent properties and are high in vitamin C and fruit acids beneficial to the skin. The berries' astringent properties make them a good cleanser, while the vitamin C and fruit acids assist in the regeneration and protection of skin cells.
Macadamias (Macadamia integrifolia)
Known to Aborigines as the "bopple nut," macadamia nut kernels contain up to 80 per cent oil, an oil known to be similar to the skin's natural sebum. This means ready absorption into the skin and minimal loss of moisture. Macadamias contain predominantly mono-unsaturated oils and have no cholesterol, making them very nourishing for all skin types, especially dry skin. Australian macadamias are high in vitamins E and A and are a good source of protein, calcium, potassium and are low in sodium.
Muntries (Kunzea pomifera)
Also referred to as "munthari," these berries are found in the coastal regions of South Australia and western Victoria. They look like tiny apples and are rich in nutrients, essential minerals, vitamins and fruit acids. Their high wax content helps nutrients to penetrate deep into the skin and provides continual nourishment by creating a natural barrier against daily abrasives.
Pepper Berries
Native pepper berries are incredibly stimulating as well as warming, with strong antimicrobial and antifungal properties. They are mainly used in foot products.
Quandongs (Santalum acuminatum)
Also known as the "desert peach," quandongs have a higher vitamin C content than oranges and can be eaten raw. The red quandong kernel is 70 per cent oil and is a rich source of protein.
Riberries (Syzygium luehmanii)
Found in the coastal regions of New South Wales, riberries are rich in essential nutrients as well as minerals and contain traces of vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps to stimulate new cell growth. The berries also impart fruit acids known to be beneficial to the skin's rejuvenation.
Tasmanian Kelp
Drawn from the waters of Bass Strait in Australia, kelp is naturally revitalising to the skin. It contains essential substances such as vitamins A, B-complex, C and E; calcium; sulphur; iodine; iron; niacin; choline; carotene; alginic acid and amino acids. Kelp contains other trace minerals vital for human health, including zinc, boron, chromium, selenium and tin. Certain types of algae have been found to possess molecules that are similar to those in collagen, the substance that gives skin its elasticity and firmness.
Wattleseed (Acacia sp)
Wattleseed are comprised of 32 per cent fibre, 26 per cent carbohydrate, 23 per cent protein and 9 per cent fat. They are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated oils.
Wild Limes (Eremocitrus glauca)
Very high in vitamin C, tiny wild limes have powerful anti-oxidant qualities and assist in the production of collagen and elastin, stimulating new cell growth.
Wild Rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
Wild rosella comes from a bright crimson flower (a member of the hibiscus family) which grows on a medium-to-large shrub found in the coastal and rainforest regions of Nothern Australia. The flower exudes a sweet, crisp fragrance and is known for its high levels of protein. It is also reputed to be a muscle relaxant.
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