Latitude Ingredients
Essential Oils
Black Pepper
Botanical name: Piper nigrum
Plant part: The fruit
Origin: Madagascar
Production: Cultivated and certified organic
Extraction: Steam distillation of the dried peppercorns
Fragrance profile: A rooty-woody-spicy fragrance with stabilizing, strengthening and revitalizing effects.
Psychological function: Black pepper is useful with low energy and lethargy, especially with mental distraction. The oil will reduce emotional stagnation and inertia.
Topical use: Black pepper in a liniment will tone, invigorate and comfort the muscles.
Birch
Botanical Name: Betula lenta
Plant Part: Bark
Origin:The plant has been used for respiratory conditions such as chronic mucous discharge, but is mainly employed for joint and muscular pain relief from conditions such as lumbago, sciatica, neuralgia, gout, fibromyalgia, etc. Birch is often added to liniments and ointments to help ease muscle and joint pains. The salicylates pass through the skin, entering the tissues to inhibit the formation of prostaglandins, thereby reducing inflammation and pain. Along with its analgesic effects, Birch also has anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, antitussive, astringent, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue, galactagogue and stimulant properties. Birch is often included in formulas to open the breathing passages; deep inhalation of its bright aroma can clear the sinuses and stimulate the mind.
Carrot Root
Botanical name: Daucus carota
Plant part: The fruit
Origin: India
Production: Cultivated selective
Extraction: Steam distillation
Topical use: The oil tones and revitalizes tired skin, and nourishes dry, sensitive or mature skin.
Psychological function: Carrot seed oil is mildly centering and balancing.
Clove
Botanical name: Syzygium aromaticum
Plant part: The floral bud
Origin: Madagascar
Production: Cultivated and certified organic
Extraction: Steam distillation of the whole dried flower buds
Fragrance profile: A deeply warming, sweet-spicy sensuous fragrance from organic Madagascar cloves, with delicate vanilla floral top notes.
Psychological function: Clove bud oil strengthens and warms, while promoting sensuality. For lethargy and weakness both physical and emotional. Clove bud awakens emotional self-confidence and promotes courage, motivation and grounding.
Rose-Geranium
Botanical name: Pelargonium cv. group Rosat
Plant part: The herb
Origin: Nile Delta, Egypt
Production: Cultivated and certified organic
Extraction: Steam distillation of the fresh herb in flower
Topical use: In dilution, Geranium is supreme skin oil that topically balances combination, dry and mature skin types; it enhances skin regeneration in general as well. Geranium is also important for repairing damaged skin, as in wounds, bruises, scars, and stretch marks
Psychological function: Relaxing and balancing at the same time, this oil balances and harmonizes mood and feelings, while diffusing worry and restlessness. Rose geranium is also nurturing in states of grief and generally helps promote emotional confidence and self-esteem. In a woman the oil can balance hormones in all phases of her life.
Grapefruit
Botanical name: Citrus x paradisi
Plant part: The rind
Origin: South Africa
Production: Cultivated and certified organic
Extraction: Cold expression of the fruit rinds
Fragrance profile: Typical fresh-fruity, sweet, with rich Neroli-like notes
Psychological function: By enhancing mental acuity and short-term memory, Pink grapefruit relieves mental fatigue, pessimism and withdrawal. This oil is also very helpful with mood swings in general, especially when associated with frustration or anger.
Topical use: Pink grapefruit in dilution can improve muscle tone and energy. Grapefruit also addresses oily, congested or devitalized skin types, and generally strengthens the connective tissue to improve wrinkles, sprains, strains, stretch marks and such like.
Jasmine
Botanical name: Jasminum grandiflorum/p>
Plant part: The flower
Origin: India
Extraction: Solvent extraction
Topical use: Soothing dry or irritated skin.
Psychological function: Nurturing, sensualizing and euphoric, Jasmine works on transforming insecurity, emotional inhibition and sensory disconnection. This oil also helps one cope with intense emotions of all kinds and is excellent for short-term treatment of withdrawal conditions.
Juniper Berry
Botanical name: Juniperus communis
Plant part: The berry
Origin: Herzegovina
Production: Ethically and sustainably wild-harvested
Extraction: Steam distillation of the semi-dried berries
Fragrance profile: A complex spicy-fruity, woody-balsamic fragrance.
Psychological function: Juniper berry stimulates, clarifies and centers in conditions of lethargy, confusion, spacyness and discouragement, and when feeling overwhelmed. When used in dilution, can also invigorate and comfort the muscles in wind-damp-cold conditions.
Topical use: A good toner for hair loss and devitalized skin.
Sweet Majoram
Botanical name: Origanum maiorana
Plant part: The herb
Origin: Egypt
Production: Cultivated and certified organic
Extraction: Steam distillation of the partly dried herb
Fragrance profile: Intensely sweet-herbaceous and rich in lyrical spicy, lemony top notes. This sweet marjoram oil probably has the richest sweet-herbaceous bouquet of any oil.
Psychological function: Calming, cooling and balancing, Marjoram diffuses states of nervous tension and overstimulation of all kinds. The oil relieves irritability and restlessness, reduces anger, fear and worry, and provides emotional insight. Also used when mental hyperactivity causes loss of sleep.
Rosemary
Botanical name: Rosmarinus officinalis
Plant part: The herb
Origin: Spain
Production: Cultivated organic
Extraction: Steam distillation of the whole fresh leafy shrub in flower
Topical use: In dilution, for cold, atonic or puffy skin, as well as for flaky skin and scalp conditions
Psychological function: Rosemary has a stimulating, awakening energy in conditions of lethargy and withdrawal. This oil increases mental focus and memory, while enhancing motivation, self-confidence and self-assertion.
Sandalwood
Botanical name: Santalum album
Plant part: The heartwood
Origin: South India
Production: Organically cultivated and certified
Extraction: Steam distillation of the dried wood chips
Topical use: Calming, balancing effect with moisturizing, soothing and softening qualities, relieves itching and irritation associated with acne, dry skin, razor bumps, rashes and rosacea.
Psychological function: Sandalwood kindles natural sensuality and a feeling of relaxed, whole body-mind harmony. The oil supports centering, inner security and self-assurance. Sandalwood is also used for withdrawal and worry, and for general tension or apprehension.
Vanilla
Botanical name: Vanilla planifolia
Plant part: The fruit
Origin: Madagascar
Production: Selective cultivationnilla
Mushroom Extracts
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Inonotus obliquus, commonly known as Chaga Mushroom
This mushroom has multiple benefits to the skin: Chaga has been shown to slow down aging of the skin by increasing the amount of collagen and elastin in the skin, improving the immume function of the skin and protect the skin against harmful UV rays. Chaga helps to detoxify skin on a cellular level by enhancing circulation and blood flow to the skin and increases energy to the epidermis. This helps to remove damaged collagen and elastin from the skin and scar tissue. This mushroom has been historically used in Russia, Europe, Scandinavia and Asia by dermatologists for wrinkles, sagging skin, brown spots, hyperpigmemtation, premature ageing, under-eye circles and puffiness, cellulite, stretch marks, varicose, spider veins, and surface capillaries.
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Cordyceps Mycelial, commonly known as Cordyceps Mushroom
One of the most prized herbs in all of Chinese medicine. Modern studies show Cordyceps to be something of a panacea: strongly antioxidant, antiviral and bacterial, anticancer, moderates blood pressure and blood sugar, reduces cholesterol, protects and tonifies the liver, kidney, heart and nervous system. It may also have activity against cancer cells particularly with lung and skin cancers.
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Hypsizygus Ulmarius, commonly known as “Elm Oyster”
This mushroom gets attention for its immune-enhancing and cancer-protective properties, as well as for it amazing ability to combat and reduce inflammation when applied to the skin. Many common skin conditions including sensitivity, dehydration, puffiness hyperpigmentation, and fine lines and wrinkles are caused by chronic inflammation. Hypsizygus ulmarius has a long history of enhancing health, boosting resistance to stress, and promoting healthy longevity.
Base Oils
Avocado Oil
It has been used for centuries in African skin treatments. This highly therapeutic oil is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B5 (Panthothenic acid), Vitamin D, E, minerals, protein, lecithin and fatty acids. It is a useful, penetrating nutrient for dry skin and eczema. Avocado Oil is known to have healing and regenerating qualities.
Sesame Seed Oil
It is rich in essential fatty acids and helps to maintain integrity of the skin tissue while restructuring and moisturizing the skin. This organic Sesame Seed Oil is rich in vitamins E and B, and in various minerals including calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.
Jojoba Oil
This oil is actually a liquid wax. It is highly penetrating and closely resembles the natural sebum within our skin. Jojoba is useful for removing excess oils and to help balance the skin's natural oil. Jojoba has natural anti-inflammatory properties called myristic acid and is useful in formulations for arthritis and rheumatism.
Camelina Oil
This organic oil is especially high in the essential fatty acids linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, neither can be manufactured by the body. Camelina Oil is over 10x higher in these acids than many other common oils. It is nourishing and helps to heal and treat skin conditions such as Eczema and psoriasis. The essential fatty acids contained in Camelina Oil help to repair cells. Camelina Oil helps to improve the elasticity of skin and is thus effective for maturing or sensitive skin. Its high content of natural tocopherols gives it a very stable shelf life against oxidation.
Sweet Almond Oil
This oil is great for softening and conditioning the skin and hair. It is well suited for eczema, psoriasis and itchy, dry and inflamed skin. Organic Sweet Almond Oil is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and E plus it’s light and penetrates easily.
Pumpkin Seed Oil
This organic oil is highly emollient and extremely nourishing. It is rich in vitamins A, C, E, K and mineral zinc. Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil is high in unsaturated fatty acids (about 60%). Pumpkin Seed Oil has good moisturizing and lubricating properties, and it can be used on all skin types. It is especially good in combating fine lines and moisture loss.
Meadowfoam Oil
It is unique oil that contains over 98% fatty acids that have over 20 carbon atoms. Meadowfoam Seed Oil is said to moisturize the skin and hair better than most common oils, and it helps prevent moisture loss. Additionally, Meadowfoam Seed Oil helps revitalize dry, cracked skin and is especially beneficial for its UV protection properties.
Borage Seed Oil
This oil is one of the richest sources of gamma linolenic acid, and also contains important vitamins and minerals. Borage Seed Oil nourishes and hydrates the skin. This oil is superior for maturing skin or damaged skin when regeneration of new skin cells is needed.
Rosehip Oil
This organic oil is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. It has natural anti-oxidant properties and is slightly astringent. Studies illustrate that Organic Rosehip Oil helps improve skin elasticity, regenerates skin cells, slows down premature aging, reduces the formation of wrinkles, and reduces scarring.