Half of the farmed land in Palestine is planted with olive trees. Some of them are over 1000 years old, and they play a huge part in the link between the people, their history and their land. With the olives generating nearly a quarter of Palestine’s agricultural output, they also play a huge part in the country’s productivity and economy. The olive oil used in this medicine is sourced from a company called Canaan Fair Trade, a network which works with fifty village based co-operatives of farmers and women across Palestine. “Olive oil is a symbol of our identity. The trees connect us to our land, to the place, to the history, and to past generations…they represent the continuity of a nation and our rootedness in the land.” The symbolism of the olive tree – a tree so resilient and independent that it is able to both self-pollinate and live off little or no water – is telling of the symbolism to Palestinian spirit.

Referred to as “liquid goal” by the Greek poet Homer, Olive oil was so respected that cutting down Olive trees was punishable by death, according to the 6th and 7th century BC Greek Laws of Solon. According to mythology, the goddess Athena offered Greece the gift of the olive tree and began using it in their religious practices as well as for culinary, cosmetic and pharmaceutical purposes. Boasting a long life span, the Olive tree has been revered in the Mediterranean region for centuries. Historically, it has been used as a body moisturizer after bathing, helping to avert sports injuries, release muscle tension, and reduce the buildup of lactic acid. The Egyptians used it as an antibacterial agent, a cleanser and a moisturizer for the skin. 

Used topically as a carrier oil as is intended with this product, olive oil has the ability to clean, moisturize, and eliminate bacteria by deeply penetrating pores without clogging them. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial phenols prevent skin from becoming inflamed or infected while impeding the growth of harmful bacteria. Its antioxidant properties help prevent skin from showing signs of aging by restoring smoothness.

~Base elements~

Cannabis (Cannabis sativa) is a dioic plant that belongs to the Cannabaceae family (Magnoliopsida, Urticales). Knowledge of the medical and psychoactive properties of cannabis dates back to 4000 B.C. Hemp is a distinct variety of the Cannabis sativa plant, which can be grown to maximize seed production, or the fiber in the stalk of the plant. Hemp has barely or even no measurable levels of the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabinoid most known for its psychoactive properties. 

Whilst you may have heard that cannabis topicals are great for your skin, did you know they can also treat burns, alleviate arthritis, and soothe bites and abrasions due to potent anti-inflammatory properties? Because cannabis topicals are non-psychoactive, they are a versatile way for you to take advantage of those cannabinoids, offering numerous healing properties. Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and it’s also your body’s first line of defence against invasive toxins. The skin acts as a protective layer with the body’s highest density of cannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoid receptors sit on the cell surfaces, waiting for specific neurotransmitters (such as those found in cannabis) to bind them. Different types of receptors are found in other parts of the body as well, in what is known as your endocannabinoid system (ECS). Once applied, the cannabinoids bind with the CB2 receptors in your skin, providing quick relief for muscle pains.

Applying cannabis topically for bug bites, scratches, and other skin abrasions offers localized pain relief whilst reducing swelling. Further, cannabis topicals contain potent antibacterial properties and inhibit the buildup of dead skin cells. Due to a powerful array of antioxidants, applying cannabis topically prevents your skin from aging, and has been shown to speed up the healing process and prevent tissue damage caused by the environment.

Cannabis is a well-known aphrodisiac, particularly for women. In fact, references of cannabis for sexual pleasure date back over 2000 years ago in India where cannabis was incorporated into tantric sex practices.

Fair trade Palestinian OLIVE OIL

CANNABIS (Hemp) Seed oil (>0.03% THC)
Cannabis sativa, indica & ruderalis

Called the ‘herb of the sun’, Chamomile has enjoyed a rich history with ancient civilisations as a spiritual and medicinal herb. It is one of the oldest, most widely used and well documented medicinal plants in the world. It contains a complex series of phytochemicals that work individually and collectively to ease a wide range of complaints. Chamomile is a good sedative and a good anti-inflammatory. Containing one flavonoid in particular, apigenin, which binds to the benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation. It calms the central nervous system, reducing anxiety. A 2011 study published by the journal, “European Neuropsychopharmacology” showed that the phytochemicals in chamomile have 3 effects on the central nervous system that contribute to its anxiolytic and sedative properties. Binding to the GABA receptors, reducing the activity of the cells in the sleep centre of the brain. 

Sometimes called “herbal aspirin”, chamomile has been used for centuries to lower pain and reduce inflammation. Applied topically, it can help treat sunburn, inflammation, burns, rashes and sores.

This is an excellent nervine agent. Use it in combination with other nervines and anti-inflammatory agents for pain, swelling, and infection. It can be applied topically for inflammation.

As one of the earliest cultivated flowers, Calendula’s most popular use from ancient times to modern day has been as a skin treatment for minor wounds, burns, rashes, itchiness, callouses, insect bites, stings, acne and eczema. Calendula has the ability to promote the growth of healthy new tissue, increase blood flow to the affected area, boost collagen production, hydrate skin and speed up the process of skin repair. The flower contains glycoproteins and nucleoproteins which stimulate epithelial cell production (the cells that make up the outer surface of the body) and subsequently, is a great medicine for treating all kinds of skin conditions.

Thought to have originated in Egypt, it was an extremely important medicine in Ancient Greece, Rome and Arabia. During WWI it was used as an antiseptic for wounds; the main triterpenoid compounds in the plant are claimed to be the most important anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous (swelling prevention) components on the planet.

~Herbal elements~

Yarrow has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years to relieve pain, heal wounds, prevent inflammation, fight infection and soothe spasms. Yarrow is a “stypic” – an astringent herb that stops bleeding and heals wounds due to the alkaloid achilleine which facilitates the coagulation of blood. Yarrow is so ancient that it was found at a Neanderthal burial site in Iraq, dating between 60-80,000 BCE (along with other medicinal herbs). It has been called the ‘blood moving herb’ and has traditionally been used to stimulate circulation and lower blood pressure.

Cumulatively, yarrow’s antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties make it useful in relieving menstrual cramps, lessening menstrual flow and stimulating the uterus to bring on menstruation.

Deriving its name from the Latin word “salvere”, meaning ‘to be saved’, Sage has an enduring history as a medicinal plant and is most well known for it’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and purifying properties. There is a beautiful legend attached to Sage – when Mary was fleeing from Herod, no other plant would give her shelter but Sage. She told the plant: “from now to eternity you will be the favourite flower of mankind. I give you the ability to heal man of all illness and save him from death as you have done for me.” Also considered a sacred herb by Native American’s, sage is used for purification and protection purposes.

One of the best known uses of this versatile herb is as an anti-inflammatory. Comprised of luteolin and rosmarinic acid, it has strong inhibitory effects against TBK1, an enzyme that is believed to play a role in the development of inflammatory diseases.

Sage’s power to enhance memory and the cognitive process was noted by Tildesley’s 2003 study, which showed significantly improved word and cognitive recall. It has been used to treat Alzheimer’s disease, improving mental performance, memory and information processing.

Lavender is native to northern Africa and the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean, used for millennia to calm the mind. It is a relaxing nervine that eases tension and anxiety, helping with restlessness and insomia. It has a mild analgesic effects and can ease headaches and migranes when taken soon after onset.

Lavender has compounds which inhibit several neurotransmitters causing a sedative and anxiolytic effect, which been proven to increase the time to awaken after first falling asleep. One study showed that Lavender increased the percentage of deep sleep, and all participants reported feeling more refreshed and energetic the next morning.

It also has powerful antiseptic properties to heal wounds and treat burns. It’s pain relieving properties, combined with its antiseptic properties make it an effective treatment. Applying it to the affected area not only increases cell growth helping the wound to heal faster, it also decreases the appearance of scars. The anti-microbal properties protects scrapes and wounds from infection, while allowing them to heal.

The history of rosemary begins with the written word as early as the fifth millennium BCE, where reference can be found written in one cuneiform on the Sumerian stone tablets. It was revered by ancient civilisations for its mystical and healing powers. Originally from southern Europe, its botanical name, Rosmarinus, literally means “dew of the sea”, thought to be derived from the ancient legend that wherever one hears the sea, Rosemary grows. “Carnosic acid”, a powerful antioxidant compound and active ingredient in Rosemary is notorious for its benefits to the brain and its ability to promote clear thinking and sharp memory, stimulating the production of the “nerve growth factor” (NGF). Another major constituent of Rosemary is the phytochemical 1,8-cineole, a compound heavily researched for its ability to enhance memory, concentration, cognitive performance and mood.

A 2008 study in the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology at the State University of Maringá in Brazil fund that rosmarinic acid reduces inflammation and fluid build up, whilst also acting as a painkiller. Another study in the “Journal of Rheumatology” looks at rosmarinic acid’s ability to reduce the hyperactivity found in immune tissues that results in rheumatoid arthritis, also helping to reduce fluid build-up in joints.

CHAMOMILE ~ Matricaria Chamomilla

CALENDULA ~ Calendula Officinalis

YARROW ~ Achillea Millefolium

SAGE ~ Salvia Officinalis

LAVENDER ~ Lavandula Angustifolia

ROSEMARY ~ Salvia Rosmarinus

~On the top~

Known as sangre de grado – Spanish for ‘blood of the dragon'. There is a long history of the use of dragon’s blood by indigenous tribes in traditional medicine (particularly in South America) to stop bleeding, help heal wounds, and treat intestinal problems. The taspine and a proanthocyanidin components of this medicine have antiviral properties, and some studies have revealed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. Dragon’s blood resin is the tree sap that dries on extraction. It has also shown to be beneficial for topical ulcers and other skin ailments.

DRAGONS BLOOD ~ Croton Lechleri / Daemomorops Draco

~Essential oil elements~

Frankincense, also called olibanum (Arabic: luban) is an aromatic resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia, particularly Boswellia sacra. Known as the king of essential oils, Frankincense has a variety of notable uses and benefits. This powerful essential oil is revered for its ability to beautify and rejuvenate skin when applied topically, and to promote cellular health and immunity. Frankincense essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the dry resin. It has bitter, strong-smelling, antiseptic, expectorant, and decongestant properties. The chemical composition of frankincense includes acid resins, gum, 3-acetyl-beta-boswellic acid, alpha-boswellic acid, 4-O-methyl-glucuronic acid, incensole acetate, terpines, α-pinene, phellandrene, and pentacyclic triterpenoids. The perfume or aroma that Frankincense emits promotes feelings of satisfaction, peace, relaxation, and overall wellness, which explains its unique value in ancient times. 

It helps in healing wounds, sores, ulcers, carbuncles, hemorrhoids, and inflammations. The essential oil of the frankincense possesses antiseptic, astringent, carminative, digestive, diuretic, sedative, uterine, and vulnerary therapeutic properties.

Used as a beautifying agent in Ancient Egyptian times, Geranium oil is extracted from the entire geranium plant. The uses and benefits of this beautiful plant are highly versatile and are used to boost the appearance of skin and hair. With antioxidant and antiaging properties, when applied topically to the body, Geranium oil promotes the appearance of clear skin. 

Rose geranium oil has strong antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. The food service industry even uses rose geranium oil as a natural preservative in some food products. In one 2017 review of studies, rose geranium was shown to reduce bacterial, fungi, and viruses that cause skin disease and infections.

The scent of rose from the rose flower has been studied and shown to enhance relaxation, offer pain relief, and soothe anxiety in a clinical setting. It’s unclear if it’s the scent itself, memories of the scent, or a chemical agent in the scent which creates this chemical reaction in your brain.

Sage essential oil is high in the plant compound known as ‘thujone’ which has many benefits, including a regulatory effect on hormones which makes it extremely useful for menstrual and menopause problems. It also has a stimulatory effect on the digestive system. The natural chemical components of Sage oil are among the most soothing and calming compounds, making it an ideal oil for a soothing abdominal massage during the menstruating time frame.  

Enriched with the organic chemical linalyl acetate, Sage essential oil is known as one of the most relaxing, soothing, and balancing essential oils when used aromatically and internally. This herbaceous oil can be used for a variety of purposes both externally and internally. In the Middle Ages, Clary Sage was used for its benefits to the skin and has continued to be popular for its topical benefits. When applied topically, Clary Sage oil calms and soothes the skin.

FRANKINCENSE ~ Boswellia Essential Oil

ROSE GERANIUM ~ Pelargoium Graveolens

SAGE ~ Salvia Sclarea