Ginger (Zingiber Officinalis) Oil
The oil contains gingerol, gingerin, zingiberine, etc. It is an antiseptic tonic and used externally for rheumatic pains and sore throats.
The characteristic smell of ginger brings an oriental freshness and
power to fragrance blends.
Ginkgo Biloba Extract
The Gingko Biloba has many names, including the Elephant's Ear tree, Fan Leaf tree, Japanese Temple tree and Duck Foot tree, but perhaps the prettiest is the Maiden Hair tree. It is the leaves of the tree that are used medicinally for their positive effect on the blood circulation as vasodilators. Internally, the plant improves an ageing memory and improves concentration. The extract has free-radical scavenging properties and is therefore a protectant in "anti-ageing" skin care products.
Grape (Vitis Vinifera) Seed Oil
The plant that provides grape juice, edible vine leaves, wine, port, sherry and champagne, also provides a light delicate oil, which is normally obtained from the seeds of muscat raisins. The oil is normally composed of over 50% linoleic acid (or the source of Vitamin F) and is virtually colourless and odourless. It is highly favoured by aromatherapists as a massage oil for its light skin feel and lack of smell (which would interfere with the aroma of any essential oils that were used).
Grapefruit (Citrus Grandis) Oil
Grapefruit oil is a vibrant, zesty and revitalising fragrance that will
wake up the most sluggish of skins and rejuvenate the senses with renewed vigour.
Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) Leaf Extract
More similar to the Chinese tea than to Indian tea, this extract contains tannins (skin firming properties) and other components that give this material free radical scavenging properties. As UV falls onto the skin it can react with chemicals within the skin to form highly reactive agents called free radicals. These can cause cellular damage and in the long term can lead to more serious consequences such as wrinkles and abnormal cell development. This material mops up these reactive species and neutralises them and so help to prevent one of the causes of premature wrinkle formation.
While every care has been taken to ensure that the information given in this glossary is accurate, neither the author, nor ESPA, nor the publishers can be held responsible for the claims arising from the mistaken identity of any herbs or the inappropriate use of any remedy or healing regime.
We must stress that the medical use of plants requires expert knowledge. In this respect, the book is a reference work rather than a guide to practical application. Under no circumstances should readers use the information in theses pages for home treatments of self-administration without first taking expert advice from their medical profession or qualified herbal practitioner.
Always seek medical advice for any persistent symptoms and never undertake self-education if already on a course of prescribed treatment, without the advice and guidance of your doctor.
NOTE: Essential oils must never be used undiluted on the skin, they must always be used with care.
Herbal materials should only be used by qualified medical practitioners or herbalists. The use of herbs for self medication is not recommended, and a doctor should always be consulted
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