Health Benefits and Scientific Evidence of Individual Ingredients in NEO OILS (A-H)

Arnica Oil

Arnica oil has been used for its magical healing properties for centuries. It is used as a topical treatment and is effective in treating bruises, sprains, dislocations, acne, varicose ulcers and hair loss. Using arnica oil in the affected area helps to stimulate the area and the immune system responds to it by sending blood supply to the injured site. This prevents tissue build up and results in faster healing of the injury. Arnica oil is also used to relieve muscle aches, joint pains, and pain and discoloration associated with bruising. The antiseptic and antibacterial properties of arnica oil make it useful in treating a number of skin ailments. In the early 1980s, German investigators made a breakthrough when they identified two critical substances in arnica – the sesquiterpene lactones helanalin and dihydrohelananin and their derivatives – both of which help reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and fight bacteria, albeit mildly. Many of the traditional uses for this herb make sense in the light of this discovery, especially given previous knowledge about counterirritant chemicals in arnica. Just as millions of Europeans suspected, arnica may indeed help soothe scrapes and aches. German health authorities approve of using arnica externally as an antiseptic, an anti-inflammatory, and a soothing agent for pain. A 2002 study found the efficacy of the sesquiterpene lactones described above to be similar to that of a reference anti-inflammatory for reducing inflammation. Both substances act to reduce the expression of inflammatory cytokines, notably Interleukin-1 (IL1) and TNF-a, which inflamed tissues over-produce. The topical use of one of the lactones was in fact more than twice as effective at suppressing inflammation than was a reference drug, indomethacin. A clinical trial using arnica applied externally to varicose veins showed a significant improvement in pain and swelling, not to mention other objective measures, in those individuals using the arnica as opposed to placebo after three weeks of use.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is pressed from the fruit of the Persea americana (avocado). Avocado oil is usually categorized as a vegetable oil, despite the fact that, the avocado is actually a fruit. The oil extracted from this fruit is of immense use in Aromatherapy for giving relaxing massages. Texture-wise, the oil is a bit heavy and lends a waxy fatty feel to the skin. It penetrates deeply into the skin and is a rich source of vitamins A and D, which are vital to the human body. It also has a high content of lecithin and potassium. As well, it is rich in Vitamins A, B1, B2, D, and E, which are essential for human health and wellbeing. It also contains the amino acids, sterols, pantothenic acid, lecithin, and other essential fatty acids. It is especially useful for people suffering from skin problems such as Eczema and Psoriasis. It blocks harmful UV rays, thereby protecting your skin from the sun naturally. It nourishes the skin and returns its natural glow. Though, it can be used independently , it is used as base oil in combination with one or the other essential oil such as Almond oil or Grape seed oil. Phytosterols, such as Sitosterol, contained in avocado oil has been used in the management of a variety of other conditions, notably benign prostatic hypertrophy as carried out in a trial reported in The Lancet and in fact is the basis of drugs sold in Germany for this purpose. There is evidence that phytosterols may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Calendula Oil

Calendula is well known as one of the ornamental marigolds, blooms month after month from early spring to first frost. The herb has been used to heal wounds and treat inflamed skin since ancient times. An active ingredient that might be responsible for Calendula’s traditional medicinal properties has not been discovered. One theory suggests that volatile oils in the plant act synergistically with other constituents called Xantophylls. Plant pharmacological studies have suggested that Calendula extracts have anti-viral, anti-genotoxic and anti-inflammatory properties. Calendula in suspension or in tincture is used topically to treat acne, reducing inflammation, controlling bleeding and soothing irritated tissue. There is evidence that Calendula cream or ointment is effective in treating radiation dermatitis. In a randomized study of 254 radiation patients, topical application of 4% calendula ointment resulted in far fewer occurrences of Grade 2 or higher dermatitis than occurred in the group using Trolamine. Calendula users also experienced less radiation-induced pain and fewer breaks in treatment. Calendula has been used traditionally for abdominal cramps and constipation. In experiments with rabbit jejunum the aqueous-ethanol extract of Calendula officinalis flowers was shown to have both spasmolytic and spasmogenic effects, thus providing a scientific rationale for this traditional use. An aqueous extract of Calendula officinalis obtained by a novel extraction method has demonstrated anti-tumor (cytotoxic) activity and immunomodulatory properties (lymphocyte activation) in vitro, as well as anti-tumor activity in mice.

Ginger

Ginger is the rhizome of the plant Zingiber officinale, consumed whole as a delicacy, medicine, or spice. It lends its name to its genus and family (Zingiberaceae). Other notable members of this plant family are turmeric, cardamom, and galangal. Ginger is known for its antibacterial properties, for the ability to kill bacteria and microorganisms. Ginger contains up to three percent of a fragrant essential oil, which has a warm, spicy, woody scent.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is an herbal extract from the leaves of the ginkgo tree, the oldest living tree species on the planet. The tree is native to China, but now grows in many parts of the world, mostly temperate climates. These days, ginkgo extract is most often used to treat circulatory disorders such as intermittent claudication and to sharpen cognitive abilities. Ginkgo’s active ingredients include bioflavonoids called ginkgo flavones, glycosides, as well as terpene lactones. The flavone glycosides function as antioxidants, neutralizing the toxic effects of free radicals, which some researchers believe may contribute to hair loss.

Ginseng

Ginseng is any one of eleven distinct species of slow-growing perennial plants with fleshy roots, belonging to the Panax genus in the family Araliaceae. It grows in the Northern Hemisphere in eastern Asia (mostly northern China, Korea, and eastern Siberia). Ginseng is noted for being an adaptogen (a product that increases the body's resistance to stress), one which can, to a certain extent, be supported with reference to its anticarcinogenic and antioxidant properties. Animal experiments demonstrated positive results in the effectiveness of Ginseng’s antioxidant properties. As well, when ginseng is used in combination with other traditional Chinese herbs, the synergistic effects had many more definitive and positive results.

Goji Berry

Goji berry, is the common name for the fruit of two very closely related species: Lycium barbarum and L. chinense. two species of boxthorn in the family Solanaceae (which also includes the potato, tomato, eggplant, deadly nightshade, chili pepper, and tobacco). It is native to southeastern Europe and Asia. Goji berries contain many essential nutrients such as vitamin C, carotene and iron, as well as antioxidants. Goji is known as the longevity fruit. Its unique master molecule polysaccharides and powerful antioxidants fight against free radicals that cause damage on the body. In total, goji berries contain 11 essential elements, 22 trace dietary minerals, 18 amino acids, 6 essential vitamins, 8 polysaccharides, and 6 monosaccharide. It contains 5 unsaturated fatty acids (essential fatty acids, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, beta-sitosterol and other phytosterols), 5 carotenoids (e.g. beta-carotene and zeaxanthin etc), xanthophy, and many phenolic pigments associated with antioxidant properties.

Grapefruit Oil

Grapefruit Oil is extracted from the fresh peel via cold compression. It has a sharp, uplifting smell that alleviates nervous exhaustion, depression and stress. It helps tone the skin and tissues and combats muscle stiffness and fatigue. Grapefruit Oil stimulates the lymphatic system and aids the body in removing toxins. Some of the therapeutic properties of Grapefruit oil are: anti-depressant, antiseptic, disinfectant, and lymphatic stimulant.

Grapeseed Oil

Grape Seed Oil is a vegetable oil pressed from the seeds of various varieties of Vitis vinifera grapes, an abundant by-product of winemaking. Grape seeds contain several antioxidants, including oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes. A University of Maryland Medical Center review summarises the health benefits of grape seed extract, and its potential use in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency, edema, high cholesterol, hypertension and cancer. Grape seeds contain several antioxidants, including oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes, which show some health benefits. A 1993 study supports the claim that grape seed oil increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C or "good cholesterol") levels and reduces low-density lipoprotein LDLor “bad oils” levels. Grape Seed Oil also contains 0.8 to 1.5% unsaponifiables rich in phenols (tocopherols) and steroids (campesterol, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol).

Echinacea

Echinacea species are herbaceous, drought-tolerant perennial plants growing up to 140 cm in height. They grow from taproots, except E. purpurea, which grows from a short caudice with fibrous roots. Echinacea has been found very effective for treating cold and flu symptoms. For example, a 2007 study by the University of Connecticut combined findings from 14 trials examining Echinacea and concluded that Echinacea can cut the chances of catching a cold by more than half, and shorten the duration of a cold by an average of 1.4 days. The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) assessed the body of evidence and approved the use of expressed juice and dried expressed juice from fresh flowering aerial parts of Echinacea purpurea for the short-term prevention and treatment of the common cold. Echinacea is popularly believed to be an immunostimulator, stimulating the body's non-specific immune system and warding off infections.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening Primrose Oil, extracted from the seeds of the plant is an excellent source of essential fatty acids (EFAs), which are necessary for health and cannot be manufactured by the body. EFAs are essential to proper brain and nervous system function, help maintain the structure and function of cell membranes and promote healthy skin, hair and nails. The oil from the Evening Primrose seeds contains ingredients called Linoleic Acid and gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA), which are believed to be key ingredients for the therapeutic benefits associated with this herb. Young roots can be eaten like a vegetable (with a peppery flavor), or the shoots can be eaten as a salad. The whole plant was used to prepare an infusion with astringent and sedative properties. It was considered to be effective in healing asthmatic coughs, gastro-intestinal disorders, whooping cough and as a sedative pain-killer. Evening primrose oil has also been used to treat symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). In 1985, researchers at Oulu University Hospital in Finland reported that 3 grams of Evening Primrose Oil per day could ease symptoms, such as breast tenderness and depression in women with PMS. Gamma-Linolenic acid also shows promise against breast cancer. David Horrobin published much research on the use of GLA (as Evening Primrose Oil) as a dietary supplement for treating atopic eczema. He also founded Scotia Pharmaceuticals, which sold this oil as a pharmaceutical. As well, the US National Institute of Health's MedlinePlus states that there is 'B' grade evidence ('good scientific evidence') for the efficacy of Evening Primrose Oil in the treatment of eczema.

Flax Seed Oil

Flax Seed Oil, is a clear to yellowish oil obtained from the dried ripe seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum, Linaceae). The oil is obtained by cold pressing, sometimes followed by solvent extraction. Alpha-Linolenic Acid, contained in Flax Seed Oil, has been found helpful for the treatment of painful menstruation. In a 4-month study of 42 adolescents aged 15 to 18, fish oil significantly reduced menstrual pain. Half received 6g daily of fish oil, providing 1080 mg of eisosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 720 mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) daily for 2 months. This was followed by a placebo for 2 months. This was followed by a placebo for 2 months. The other half received the same treatments in reverse order. The girls in the study reported improvements in their symptoms while they were taking fish oil, but not placebo. It is believed that Omega-3 fatty acids may help relieve dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain) by affecting the metabolism of prostaglandins and other factors involved in pain and inflammation. Fresh, refrigerated and unprocessed, Flax Seed Oil is used as a nutritional supplement. It contains the highest level of Omega-3 fatty acids among vegetable oils, especially alpha-Linolenic Acid, which may be beneficial for reducing inflammation leading to atherosclerosis, preventing heart disease and arrhythmia, and is required for normal infant development. Regular Flax Seed oil contains between 52 and 63% alpha Linolenic Acid (C18:3 Omega-3). Flax seeds themselves contain lignans, a class of phytoestrogens considered to have antioxidant and cancer-preventing properties.

Hemp Seed Oil

Hempseed oil is pressed from the seed of the hemp (cannabis) plant irrespective of the strain of cannabis. Cold pressed, unrefined hemp oil is dark to clear light green in color. The oil is of high nutritional value because its 3:1 ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 essential fatty acids, which matches the balance required by the human body. About 30–35% of the weight of hempseed contains about 80% as essential fatty acids (EFAs); i.e., Linoleic Acid, Omega-6 (LA, 55%), alpha-Linolenic Acid, Omega-3 (ALA, 22%), in addition to gamma-Linolenic acid, Omega-6 (GLA, 1–4%) and Stearidonic Acid, Omega-3 (SDA, 0–2%). The proportion of Linoleic Acid and alpha-Linolenic Acid is one tablespoon per day (15 ml) of Hemp Seed Oil easily provides human daily requirements for EFAs. Hemp Seed Oil can be used continuously without developing a deficiency or other imbalance of EFAs. This has been demonstrated in a clinical study.

He Shou Wu

The name of this herb literally means ‘black haired Mr. He’, in reference to an ancient story of Mr. He, who restored his vitality and youthful appearance by taking the herb now named after him. He Shou Wu is widely used in China for the traditional purpose of restoring black hair, and other signs of youth. Both animal and preliminary human studies performed in China support He Shou Wu’s effectiveness.