Beauty News, Lepaar
How we choose, procure and process our ingredients – Lepaar
How do we choose, procure + process our ingredients?
Each component is mindfully chosen for their uniquely active properties beneficial for our physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing, masterfully dosed according to it’s potency, benefits, performance, natural fragrance and interaction within the composition.
We use highest quality, pure and rare ingredients, some with a medicinal and age-proofing history dating back thousands of year. We purposely seek to include are high in naturally preserving antioxidants, no need for stabilisers preservatives.
Our flowers are hand-picked, air-dried and sun-cured, oils are cold pressed, essential oils therapeutic grade and steam distilled, minerals pure and cosmetic grade.
We never use nut oils, CO2 extracts, absolutes, artificial preservatives, stabilisers or artificial fragrances.
Our oils are certified Demeter biodynamic and certified organic where we can, but we happily forgo certification if the produce is exquisite and grown sustainable by people who share our ethos.
A-Z GLOSSARY OF HEALING HERBS
Below is our A-Z of healing herbs from around the world. Each with rich medicinal and cosmetic history, some dating back thousands of years. We constantly update and add to this section as our collection of sun-infused composition grows.
The following list is for information purposes only, and are not endorsed by any governing entity.
I’ll update this when I get around to it. There’s always so much to do and it’s only Christo and I, so please excuse if some of the botanicals we are using are not represented in the below list. Johanna x
A-Z Glossary of Healing Herbs
ARNICA FLOWERS* / ARNICA MONTANA |
AVOCADO SEED + FRUIT*/ PERSEA AMERICANA Ancient history: Avocado tree was considered sacred by the Aztecs and Mayas. All parts of the tree played an important part in medicine rituals: Bark and leaves for respiratory and intestinal ailments. The Fruit’s rind to treat parasites. The fruit to heal wounds. The seed for bacterial infections. |
BEESWAX / CERA Ancient history: “Pharmaceutical” use of beeswax dates back to ancient Egypt: as reported by the Ebers Papyrus (1550 B.C.), beeswax was the main ingredient in many recipes for the preparation of ointments. Doctors of ancient Rome used to apply a cream known as “cold cream”, which contained olive oil, beeswax and rose water for the treatment of burns, wounds, cuts, bruises. Beeswax was one of the components of the first cosmetic cream, which was created by Galen, the great Greek physician, in 150 B.C., composed of beeswax and olive oil, with emulsion of rose water. |
BLACK CUMIN SEED* / NIGLLA SATIVA Ancient history: The personal doctors of the pharaohs always had a bowl of Black Seeds handy, to use as a digestive aid after extensive dinners and as an effective medicine for colds, headaches and skin diseases. In the grave of the pharaoh Tutankhamun archaeologists found a bottle of this ancient medicine-in preparation for life after death. Many health experts claim that it is a true panacea; able to help cure everything from allergies to hypertension. |
BLACK SESAME SEED* / SESAMUM INDICUM Ancient History: There are many Chinese stories of how consuming black sesame seeds can bring about longevity and beauty even at an old age. In Chinese medicine, there is a connection between the blood cleansing liver and healthy eye function – thus liver cleansing black Sesame is commonly prescribed for eye diseases. In Ayuvedic medicine, regular gentle massaging around the eyes is used to improve circulation, smooth lines, banish dark circles. |
BLUEBERRY / VACCINIUM CORYMBOSUM Ancient History: Native Americans harvested blueberries for potent medicinal concoctions: Blueberry tea was known to be a muscle relaxant and given to women in childbirth, and the berries were boiled into a thick syrup to treat coughs and sore throat. |
BLUE CYPRESS ESSENCE^ ‘KARNITIRRIKANI’ / CALLITRIS INTRATROPICA Ancient History: Used for thousands of years by the Australian aboriginal people, who made potions and poultices from crushed Blue Cypress needles to treat sore eyes. |
CAMELLIA SEED* / CAMELLIA OLEIFERA. Ancient history: Praised as an ancient beauty secret of the Geishas for its highly restorative effect and to protect their luxuriously fair skin from the elements. |
CALENDULA FLOWERS* / CALENDULA OFFICINALIS. Ancient history: Ancient Egyptians bathed in Calendula infusion for luminous glow and Calendula-infused butter was a popular salve used in wound healing and to treat burns. |
CHAMOMILE (GERMAN) FLOWERS* / MATRICARIA RECUTITA L. Ancient history: Chamomile was known as a powerful medicinal plant in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Throughout the Middle Ages used it as a remedy for asthma, colic, fevers, inflammations, nausea, nervous complaints, children’s ailments, skin diseases and cancer. |
CARROT ROOT* / DAUCUS CAROTA. Sun-infused root extract in certified organic sunflower oil. Certified Organic. Australia Ancient history: The Ancient Romans and Greeks used Carrot infusions for treating a variety of skin disorders. |
DESERT DATE SEED* ‘DATTIER DU DESERT’ / BALANITES AEGYPTIACA Ancient history: ‘Dattier du Desert Oil’ was one of earliest beauty oils of the Middle East and East Afrika. Adored by Egyptian royalty to protect and replenish skin parched by the sun and winds of the desert and valued for its ability to heal cuts, fade scarring, improve skin tone and restore youthful skin. It’s rare and precious nature made it a popular oil for annointing the skin of kings, queens and pharaos. |
EVENING PRIMROSE SEED* / OENOTHERA BIENNIS Ancient history: The evening or tree primrose is said to have originated in Mexico and Central America some 70,000 years ago and was a staple food for many Native American tribes who ate the boiled, nutty-flavoured root, and used leaf poultices from the plant for bruises. The seed spread on ships and European settlers took the root back to England and Germany, where it is romantically called ‘nachtkerze’ or night candle, because it flowers at night time with bright yellow flowers that glow like candles. Folklore tells that evening primrose counters the effects of drinking too much wine. |
FENNEL SEED* / FOENICULUM VILGARE. Ancient History: The Romans considered the fennel plant as the herb of eyesight and are said to have used it to help promote eye sight and treat glaucoma and vision-impairing diseases. |
FRANKINCENSE EXTRACT + ESSENCE*^ BOSWELLIA FREREANA* BOSWELLIA SACRA^ BOSWELLIA CARTERI^. We use a lovingly prepared signature blend of sun-infiused fragrant resin tears that have been hand-harvested, and the resin’s steam distilled essentenes to gain a rounded spectrum of benefits. High levels of boswellic acid in Omani Frankincense Sacra resin, regarded as the world’s rarest essence, tone and firm the skin, restore elasticity and repair elemental damage. Frankincense Carteri is high in alpha pinene and other monoterpenes, making it a great immune support and boswellic acid helps stimulate cell repair, fade lines and reduce wrinkles. Frankincense Frereana is high in chemical compounds pinene, thujene and cymene, powerful anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antispasmodic, and analgesic properties that help soothe skin inflammation. Frankincense generally Improves blood circulation, prevents collagen degradation and reduces stretch marks. Energetically, Frankincense realigns our self, comforts the soul, enhances mental functions and lifts anxiety. Ancient History: Frankincense was presented to newborn Jesus by the wise men for a harmonious soul life. Ancient Egyptians used charcoaled Frankincense resin eyeliner to protect the soul within. It also served as incense and insect repellent. Avoid in pregnancy and breast feeding. |
GOLD”, 24 KARAT / AURUM Ancient History: Gold was presented to newborn Jesus by the wise men to connect the physical body to earth, sun, moon and stars. Back when Cleopatra slept in a gold mask to renew her skin, the alchemists of Ancient Egypt prepared elixirs of gold to invigorate the body, stimulate digestion and cure diseases. |
HONEY^* / MELLARIUS. |
LIGHT ROOT** / DIOSCOREA BATATAS. Sun-infused root extract in certified Biodynamic Olive oil Certified Demeter Biodynamic. Apart from proteins, amino acids, vitamins and vital trace elements, Light root contains diosgenin, a plant hormone similar to the hormones involved in the female cycle, that positively influences menopause. But the most special thing about the Light Yam is it’s ability to store light ether, or light energy, in it’s enormously long root. Light ether supports the free flow of qi, the life energy, increases awareness and elevates concentration. Light energy strengthens the sense of self and the ‘uprightness’, counters gravity and immobility, and inspires our creative forces so we may bridge the daily gap head and heart, and go about our chosen path with confidence, comfort and filled with joy. The Light Root is believed to hold the highest amount of Light Ether of all plants. One of the four ethers that make up the formative forces (Earth, Water, Air, Fire), light works through the element of air, weaves into our etheric ‘light’ body’, and subtly strengthens our perception and awareness of our inner light. Our Light root is grown Johanna’s family friend’s certified Demeter Biodynamic farm in the South of Germany. Ancient History: In homeopathic medicine, light root extract is applied to the radial artery inside your wrists, the carotid artery either side of your neck behind your ear lobe, and the third eye, the energetic pineal gland point, to invite peace into the heart space, calm nervous tension, soothe agitated minds, revitalise our nocturnal sleep rhythm, stimulate absorption of nutrients, restore degenerated ‘fallen’ light ether, and bestow protection from electromagnetic fields |
LAVENDER FLOWER*/ LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA Ancient history: One of the most popular medicinal herbs since ancient times, its name is derived from the Latin lavare, meaning to wash. The Greeks and Romans were fond of it in their bath water. Lavender flowers have long since been used to treat digestive problems, insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness. Until World War I, lavender was used to treat and disinfect wounds. A study conducted at the University of Leicester in England showed that the use of lavender essential oil is just as effective in promoting sound sleep as traditional medication. Lavender contains limonene which can cause photosensitivity, so stay out of the sun when using this, only use at night time. |
MILK THISTLE SEED * / SILYBUM MARIANUM. Ancient history: Legend has it that Virgin Mary’s milk dropped onto the plant’s leaves. |
MIMOSA^ ‘AUSTRALIAN SILVER WATTLE’ / ACACIA DEALBATA Ancient history: All around the world, bark extracts of Acacia trees are still used for tanning leather, preserving ropes and nets, used in corrosion inhibitors (what works for metal works in skincare, right?;-), and in pharmaceutical products. The Mayans revered the Mimosa tree as a powerful support herb for external lesions and wounds. Indian, Australian Aboriginals and the Zulu of Africa used the tree’s bark to soothe inflammed skin and cure intestinal ailments. |
MYRRH RESIN + ESSENCE*^ COMMIPHORA WILDII^ ‘OMUMBIRU’ / NAMIBIAN MYRRH. Ancient History: Myrrh was presented to newborn Jesus by the wise men to enhance spiritual development. Ancient Arabian soldiers carried Myrrh resin into the battlefield for speedy wound healing, while their kings used it’s oil for rejuvenating facial treatments. Avoid in pregnancy and breast feeding. |
NEEM SEED* / AZADIRACHTA INDICA. Ancient History: Neem oil has been used in Ayurveda medicines for centuries to treat fungal and bacteria infection of skin and eyes. |
NEROLI ESSENCE / CITRUS AURANTIUM. Ancient history: Leonardo Da Vinci used Neroli oil to stimulate inspiration. In Traditional Chinese Medicine Neroli is used to restore the life force ‘chi’. |
NETTLE LEAVES / URTICA DIOICA Ancient history: American Indians referred to nettle as green-gold and Native American women drank nettle tea during pregnancy to strengthen the fetus and ease delivery. They also used its abundant vitamin K to stop uterine bleeding. Nettle has a well-deserved reputation as a hemostatic. Mineral-rich nettle is one of the most nourishing tonics in the plant kingdom and is an amazing soil enriche revered by biodynamic gardeners and farmers. |
OLIVE**/ OLEA EUROPAEA Ancient history: The ancient Greeks believed the olive tree was a gift from the goddess Athena and used olive oil in their religious ceremonies and beautifying rituals. Italian diva Sophia Loren credits daily bathing in Olive oil, also described as ‘liquid gold’ in Ancient Greek mythology, for her eternally luminous skin and age defying beauty. |
PAPAYA SEED */ CARICA PAPAYA. Ancient history: The only Tree to fruit every month of the year in its native Tropical climate. It’s crushed seeds have been used by Indian healers to cure rashes and skin problems. |
POMEGRANATE SEED */ PUNICA GRANATUM. Ancient history: Pomegranate was given as a symbol of fertility and prosperity throughout Middle Eastern empires, and drinking it’s bright red juice was said to bestow longevity. |
PRICKLY PEAR SEED (BARBERRY)* OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA L. |
PUMPKIN SEED* / CUCURBITA PEPO Ancient history: Native American tribes treasured the fruit and seeds for their dietary and medicinal properties. Also called “pepitas”, the seeds were actually discovered by archaeologists in caves in Mexico that date back to 7,000 B.C. |
RED RASPBERRY SEED */ RUBUS IDAEUS Ancient history: In Hellenistic Troy, Ida, nurse to the infant Zeus, pricked her finger while picking the white berries, staining them red for all eternity. |
ROSE PETALS* / ROSA CENTIFOLIA. Ancient history: Named “the queen of flowers” by the ancient Greek poet Sappho, the rose has been a symbol of femininity and purity since ancient times, and played central role beauty rituals, as well well as legends and ancient myths. |
ROSE OTTO ESSENCE (DAMASK)* ROSA DAMASCENA MILL. Ancient history: Since Ancient times, Damask rose is considered the most precious essence in the world, used by pretty much every queen, princess and priestess in history to rejuvenate skin and chase eternal youth. |
SANDALWOOD ESENCE* / SANTALUM SPICATUM. Ancient history: Australian Sandalwood has been used for thousands of years by indigenous Australians as a relaxant and to promote focus. Ancient Indians used sandalwood to preserve the youth and beauty of women. |
SAFFRON* CROCUS SATIVUS Saffron’s chemistry truly is of otherworldly complexity. The world’s most expensive, most charismatic spice contains over 150 volatile and aroma-yielding compounds – a biochemical symphony with epic skin-suportive properties. Saffron can help increase oxygen flow important for vital skin tissue and healthy disease-resistant cells. It contains antioxidant carotenoids crocin and crocetin, which have strong antioxidative, cellular and neuro-protective properties that help with ageing eyes, and there are studies suggesting regular use of saffron may help restore structure and function of retinal cells, and reverse age-related macular degeneration. Our Saffron is exceptionally beautiful, deeply red, sultry aromatic, and certified organically grown right here in Australia. Ancient History: Incredibly, each Crocus flower only yields 3 saffron stigmas which are, to this day, only ever harvested by hand. 50,000 year old frescoes of prehistoric places in northwest Iran contained saffron-based pigment. The worlds most expensive spice’s medicinal uses ranged from lightening and beautifying skin, treating eye problems to healing genitourinary diseases in many ancient cultures. |
SEABUCKTHORN FRUIT*/ HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDS.
Cold pressed fruit oil. Certified Organic. Germany. Ancient history: Genghis Khan used Seabuckthorn elixir to supercharge his army and chinese, tibetan and mongolian women have long been using the berry both internally and externally in their glow-inducing beauty rituals. |
SEABUCKTHORN SEEDS*/ HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDS.
Cold pressed seed oil. Certified Organic. Germany. Ancient history: Ancient Greek legends claim Seabuckthorn seeds were the main food source of the mythical winged horse Pegasus and fed it to their top performing race horses. |
SPIKENARD ESSENCE* / NARDOSTACHYS JATAMANSIA. Ancient history: Also called nard, nardin and muskroot, Spikenard was revered as one of the most precious oils in ancient times, and was popular in perfume, medicine and in religious ceremonies from India to Europe. according to the bible, Mary of Bethany spent a year’s worth of wages to buy Spikenard oil to anoint Jesus’ feet before the Last Supper. |
ST JOHNS WORT^/ HYPERICUM PERFORATUM. Ancient history: Early Christian mystics named the plant after John the Baptist and it is traditionally collected on St. John’s Day, June 24, and is soaked in olive oil for days to produce a blood red anointing oil known as the ‘blood of Christ’. It was believed to have magical powers to protect one from evil, was traditionally burnt to banish negativity, picked and hung on the bedroom wall to give dreams of a future husband/wife, carried on the body to help with problems of willpower and indecision, hung around the neck to prevent fevers. The plant has a 2,400-year history of safe and effective usage and has been used as a herbal remedy since the Middle Ages in many folk and herbal remedies. |
VANILLA* / VANILLA PLANIFOLIA. Ancient history: The Totonac Indians first cultivated the beans for medicine, spiritual rituals, insect repellent and tributes to their Aztec conquerors, who used Vanilla to flavour and super-charge their aphrodisiac chocolate elixirs. |
WHEAT GERM*/ TRITICUM VULGARE. Ancient history: The history of wheat goes back to 7000 B. C, with Wheat Germ used in traditional Ayurvedic skincare in body scrubs and beauty rituals. |
WILD CARROT SEED ESSENCE ‘QUEEN ANNE’S LACE’ . DAUCUS CAROTA Don’t use when pregnant. |
YLANG YLANG. CANANGA ODORATA Energetically, Ylang Ylang relaxes the central nervous system and regulates adrenaline flow, so is a fantastic balancer of all extremes: hot/cold, high/low, rage/euphoria, panic/sluggishness, obstinacy/submissiveness, etc etc. Boosts low self esteem, lowers blood pressure, calms nervous tension and deflates stress. I’ve always loved the intoxicating, erotic, voluptuous, uber exotic scent of Ylang Ylang, and am so excited to play this ultra precious essence in our new ELEMENTAL DAY SILK composition. As always, I’ve unearthed a particularly luxurious Ylang Ylang Extra essential oil of the finest quality: certified organic and traditionally steam distilled in first distillation from night-harvested flowers grown in Madagascar. |