Venustas Essentials : Ayurvedic Hair Oil

Studies suggest massaging the scalp and hair with warm oil, preferably infused with hair-friendly herbs, is the best way to nourish the scalp and hair topically and imparts several benefits (1): 

1. It lubricates and conditions the scalp, helping to prevent flakes and dry scalp

2. Helps enhance blood circulation in the head and neck area helping relax the scalp and increase pliability.

3. Strengthens the roots of the hair and nourishes the hair-shafts, promoting new hair growth and strengthening current hair.

4. Helps soften and conditions the strands making it more manageable.

5. Spreads the natural oils of the hair, increasing hair luster and vibrancy.

6. Protect hair from the damaging effects of the sun and harsh weather by improving resiliency over time.

7.  Replinishes and rejuvenates dry, damaged hair, and helps prevent excessive brittleness and split-ends. 

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Venustas Essentials HERE! 

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Cold Pressed Oils Of:

• Coconut (Cocas Nucifera Extract): The fatty acids in coconut oil penetrate human hair fibres, giving it more structural strength thereby protecting hair from damage, prevents hair damage from hygral fatigue, reduces/prevents protein loss from the hair fibre, helps retain moisture form inside the hair shaft, nourishes the scalp and helps treat dandruff and has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral due to the presence of medium chain fatty acids, notably lauric acid (2).

• Castor: Rich in vitamin E, minerals, proteins, Omega 6 and 9 beneficial fatty acids and unusually high ricinoleic acid ratio makes it beneficial to skin and hair (3). It’s antibacterial and anti fungal properties make it beneficial against follliculitus, dandruff and scalp infections while its ricinoleic acid content helps increase circulation to the scalp and improve hair growth (3). Ricinoleic acid is also said to help balance scalp pH which can also help replenish the scalp’s natural oils and undo some of the damage of harsh chemical hair products (3). The antioxidants in castor oil support the keratin in hair and help make hair stronger, smoother and less frizzy (3).

• Olive: One of the top emollients that can penetrate the hair, and its lightweight nature makes it great for moisturizing (4). Olive oil also contains anti-inflammatory properties that promote scalp health and prevent dandruff. Extra virgin oil is also rich in high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E, an antioxidant important for hair growth (4). Olive oil is not likely to cause an allergic reaction, making it ideal for sensitive skin and hair (4). Olive oil deeply penetrates the hair cuticle so that moisture and nutrients are absorbed, leaving coarse natural and curly hair not only smoother, but shinier and healthier as well (4).

• Amla (Phyllanthus emblica) Beneficial in enriching hair growth and pigmentation, treatment of premature greying of hair and cleansing and condition hair (5,6).

• Bramhi: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidant properties, brahmi helps to strengthen the hair follicles and reduce hair fall, controls hair thinning and hair loss and clears up dandruff (7).

• Hibiscus Extracts: Prevents hair loss and premature graying, lessens frizz whilst promoting hair growth, gives hair a boost of shine and bounce, helps balance the pH of the scalp, reduces redness, scalping and itching of the scalp, works like an astringent to reduce the oiliness of hair, discourages split ends (8).

• Basil Extracts: A beneficial herb that stimulates and promotes hair growth, improves hair quality, nourishes and rejuvenates hair follicles. Its powerful stimulating properties can assist in follicle nourishing and regeneration (9).

• Curry Leaves Extracts: Rich in antioxidants and amino acids, curry leaves are capable of reducing hair fall and stimulate hair growth. Also a rich source of beta-carotene and proteins: beta carotene limits hair loss while presence of proteins prevents hair thinning by strengthening hair follicles (10).

• Essential Oil of Rosemary: Packed with antioxidants which help scavenge free radicals – that are responsible for greying as well as hair thinning (11). This wonderful oil stimulates blood flow to the scalp and promotes strong and healthy hair growth. Rosemary oil is also effective for treating dandruff, itchiness, scalp irritation and oily skin (11).

• Essential Oil of Sage: Sage is known as a hair colorant where it is traditionally used  to restore color to graying hair. However, it is great for weak, damaged hair and it gives hair shine (9).

Yellow in color with a greenish tinge, the oil smells of herbs predominantly curry leaves. Fluid in consistency and light in texture, the oil is non greasy and washes away without leaving any residue or smell.

The oil is packaged in a plastic bottle with a flip top and is not travel safe. I would exercise caution if you plan to travel with it. 

Like all Ayurvedic oils, this oil is obtained by macerating various plants in an oil base to extract the main active ingredients. The herbs are are slow-cooked with the oils, cooled and let to sit in the sun for a couple of weeks before it is strained and ready to use.

The ingredients used have the capacity to arrest hair fall, reverse premature greying, treat dandruff and encourage hair growth. I do have grey stands but they are definitely not premature and I do not have dandruff issues so I am not sure the effect the oil has on these but I did have hair fall and I have been religiously using this twice a week for the past month or so and I have seen a reduction. I also love how the oil leaves my usually coarse and dry hair soft and well moisturized. 

Free of chemicals, preservatives and completely natural, this herbal concoction provides a nourishing and fortifying treatment for the scalp. 

*Product sent as PR sample*

Juicy Chemistry : Pain Relief Balm

I am a very pill popping kinda of person. I prefer to steer clear of pain relief balms plainly because they reek. They leave their stench and stains on linens, clothes and it just seems to linger on forever. So when Megha sent me this product I wasn't too sure if I wanted to try it. My mommy who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease causing the inflammation of flexible  joints), kindly volunteered and below is her (and my (yes she convinced me to try it)) take of the product.


ABOUT THE BRAND

To learn more about Juicy Chemistry CLICK HERE!

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR PROPERTIES

• Shea Butter (Butyrospermun parkii): Due to its cinnamic acid content and other natural properties, shea butter has anti-inflammatory properties (1). One compound in particular, lupeol cinnamate, was found to reduce skin inflammation and even potentially help avoid skin mutations making it beneficial for people with acne (2). Shea butter aids in the skin’s natural collagen production and contains oleic, stearic, palmitic and linolenic acids that protect and nourish the skin to prevent drying and with long term use, many people report skin softening and strengthening as well as wrinkle reduction (2).

• Vitamin E (Tocopherol): Topical application of vitamin E oil promotes production of two important protein components namely, collagen and elastin that improves skin elasticity (3). Vitamin E also prevents water loss from the skin, and helps retain its natural moisture making dull, dry skin look healthy and well-moisturized (3).

• Castor Oil (Ricinus communis): The oil contains triglycerides ricinoleic acid, and it is non-drying. Ricinoleic acid which enhances the absorption of other agents across the skin. Castor oil may reduce inflammation, increase circulation and relieve pain (4).

• Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis): Carrier oil used to dilute the concentration of essential oils. Rich in vitamin E, B-complex, copper, zinc, selenium, iodine, and chromium, jojoba oil can seal in the moisture and create an effective barrier to external elements (5).

• Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus dulcis): Carrier oil used to dilute the concentration of essential oils. External application of the oil can prevent dehydration by reducing moisture loss from the skin providing overall nourishment to the skin so it can be healthy with a radiant glow (6). (Learn more about the benefits of sweet almond oil HERE!).

• Wintergreen Essential Oil (Gaultheria Procumbens): Wintergreen oil works to reduce swelling and irritation that occurs around painful muscle, tissue and joints (7).

• Rosemary Essential Oil (Rosemarinus officinalis): Has certain anti-inflammatory qualities which makes it very good for relieving the pain from sprains and joint aches. Furthermore, it is known to stimulate blood circulation, which can relieve pain and also aid in coagulation of wounds for faster healing (8). The ability of rosemary essential oil to relieve pain has resulted in its extensive use in treating headaches, muscle pains, rheumatism and even arthritis.

• Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha Piperita): The presence of l-menthol, one of the best features of peppermint oil is its anti-inflammatory properties (9). This, when coupled with its natural pain reliving properties, make the oil perfect for the topical treatment of painful inflammation, very effective natural painkiller and muscle relaxant. Peppermint essential oil gives a cooling sensation and has a calming effect on the body, which can relieve sore muscles when used topically (10).

• Clove Essential Oil (Syzygium aromatic): A popular essential oil with strong antibacterial, antimicrobial, and hemostatic properties that is used to counter inflammation (11).

• Eucalyptus Essential Oil (Eucalyptus globulus): Topical application of eucalyptus oil helps relieve stress and joint pain. The volatile eucalyptus oil is analgesic and anti-inflammatory in nature and is often recommended to patients suffering from rheumatism, lumbago, sprained ligaments and tendons, stiff muscles, aches, fibrosis and even nerve pain (12).

• Thyme Essential Oil (Thymus vulgaris): Helps treat joint and muscle pain with it’s warming action on the body due to which it is beneficial for arthritis and rheumatism. Thyme is particularly effective for aches and pains caused by over exercising or sports injuries (13).

• Ginger Essential Oil (Zingiber officinale): A component of ginger essential oil, called Zingibain, is responsible for the oil’s anti-inflammatory properties (14). Traditionally used for inflammation reduction, this important component provides pain relief and treats muscle aches, arthritis, migraines and works as a headache remedy. Ginger essential oil is believed to reduce the amount of prostaglandins in the body, which are compounds associated with pain (14).

• Beeswax: Non-comedogenic in nature, when applied to the skin, beeswax forms a protective barrier that helps protect it from environmental assaults, while also holding in moisture and reducing dryness helping keep skin hydrated (15). A good source of vitamin A, beeswax helps support cell turnover and reconstruction (15). Its antibacterial properties reduces the risk of contamination in formulas (15).

The pain relief balm, comes in a 25 gm plastic pot with a screw on top. Red in color & non-greasy, the balm is buttery in consistency, smooth in texture and has a minty/herbal fragrance which does not overwhelm the olfactory. 

Hema (Mommy): I have rheumatoid arthritis which causes my flexible joints (wrist, knee, ankle) to swell and throb in pain. Unfortunately, there is no permanent solution to the problem and I need to take each day as it comes. I found the balm to glide on seamlessly leaving a oily film upon massage which eventually gets absorbed. There is no harsh odour like several over the counter balms and the smell dissipates rather quickly too. I found the balm did provide temporary relief and given the ingredient list I was pretty impressed with its efficacy. 

Upon application, there is a cooling sensation , followed by some heat and a tingling feeling. Several of the essential oils in the formulation help with arthritis and inflammation. For example, wintergreen essential oil helps fights rheumatism and arthritis in two ways. First, when applied externally, it easily penetrates through the skin around the muscles and tissues stimulating circulation of blood in that location. This activity, apart from bringing warmth to the affected area, helps to clear obstructions in the flow of blood, which is one of the major causes behind rheumatism and arthritis, and it does not let toxins like uric acid accumulate at that spot (7). Secondly, although it is absorbed through the skin, it eventually reaches the blood stream, where it stimulates and increases urination, acting as a diuretic. This speeds up the removal of toxins like uric acid from the body through urination. The removal of excess water, fats and salts through urine helps lose weight, which also reduces the effects of rheumatic conditions (7). 

Vidya: A couple of months ago, I had a ligament tear in my knee that was causing inflammation and pain, so much so I was advised to stop working out for the fear of worsening it. The injury with proper care and medication healed but occasionally I do feel the area to be sore, especially after workouts. I have tried the pain relief balm and it does provide adequate relief. My soreness completely disappeared and additionally the emollient property of several ingredients moisturize the skin.  This balm is definitely a great alternative for minor sport related injuries or chronic conditions that don't really have medications.

Finally a word of caution, the pain balm isn't a permanent fix or a miracle worker. If your issue persists even after a several days or weeks of application, it might be in your best interest to take a professional's opinion.  

Purchase Juicy Chemistry products HERE.

*Product was sent as PR sample*