en.sheabutter.com

The face is the main beneficiary of the daily use of shea butter. Concentrate on inert parts (lower part of the nose, the corners of lips). Massage about ten minutes …en.sheabutter.com/sheabutter/shea-butter-main-applications/ (lire la suite)

Properties

Nigella Butter:

latin: nigella sativa; Codina created this special butter to find the quality of a ancient Egyptian recipe. Extremly rich in omega 6 and 3 EFA’s, the Black Seed (a.k.a. “Seed of Blessing”) has been used for thousands of years by millions of people in Asia, Middle East, and Africa to promote health and fight disease.
In addition to its impressive nutritional benefits, the Nigella Butter, has been used as a natural beauty aid as well as for various skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, neuro-dermatitis, acne, discoloration, also as a natural skin moisturizer, skin conditioner, and lightner, and daily as a natural exfoliant and cleanser for skin. It Has also traditionally been used For scalp massage and hair care, as well as for headaches by rubbing the forehead and the sides of the face near the ears with the butter.
The Prophet Mohammad (s) stated in his « Hadith » that black seed oil cures every illness except death. It is also noted that the black seed was also found in the Egyptian Pharoah Tutankhamen’s tomb, and is said by some to be “Cleopatra’s beauty secret.”
Codina’s Nigella butter is made of 60% shea butter and 40% nigella oil.
External use only.

See also Letter 3 for more infos on nigella seed oil

Properties

Palm oil contains an equal proportion of unsaturated acids. ( 40% monounsaturated oleic acids, 44% palmitic acids and oleic acids)

It is a natural source of Vitamin E.

Daily hair care.

Palm oil is produced from the pulp of the fruit

Cosmetic Uses

Due to his high content of unsaponifiables, avocado oil helps to relieve dryness and itching in skin problems like psoriasis and eczema.

Avocado oil is easily absorbed by the skin. Good emollient for hydrating. Ideal for dry and or mature skins.

In February we are glad to present the traditionnal egyptian and antique oil : the Black cumin oil.

Extract from American Journal of Pharmacy.
Editor: John M. Maisch – Vol. XLIII, 1871.
Botanical Origin.—Nigella sativa, L. (N. indica, Roxb.), belongs to the Order Ranunculaceae and is an annual herb, 8 to 12 inches high, with leaves cut into numerous, narrow, pinnate segments. The flowers are solitary, terminal, without an involucre; the petals blue and white, with greenish glands. The capsule is formed of 3 to 6 carpels, opening by the ventral suture. The plant grows on the Mediterranean coasts, in Egypt and Trans-Caucasia, whence it has spread to India. Boissier (Flora Orientalis, i, 68.) regards the var. b brackyloba, occurring in Cilicia and Syria, as the original type of the plant in a wild state.

We will publish some interesting questions from our visitors in « Your questions.. »

« Back to school… » for basics with in February GLA (gamma linolenic acid) or why to use evening primrose oil and borage oil …

Black cumin Oil – Nigella Sativa

Nigella, belongs to the Order Ranunculaceae and is an annual herb, 8 to 12 inches high, with leaves cut into numerous, narrow, pinnate segments. The flowers are solitary, terminal, without an involucre; the petals blue and white, with greenish glands. The capsule is formed of 3 to 6 carpels, opening by the ventral suture. .

Properties
The seeds contain the components Nigellone und Thymoquinone. Nigellone is a polymer of the Thymoquinone which inhibit the cyclo-oxygenase and the lipoxygenase pathway of the arachidonic metabolism. Lipoxygenase catalyses the formation of leukotrienes from arachidonic acid which function as a mediator of allergies and inflammations. First step of the reaction is a – enzymatically formed – peroxide. Cyclo-oxygenase is the initial enzyme of the cyclooxygenase metabolism which yields from arachidonic acid eventually prostaglandines (and thromboxane). Prostaglandines are also mediators of inflammations.

Also non-enzymatic peroxidation was found to be inhibited. This inhibitory effect of Nigella fixed oil can only partly be explained by the presence of Thymoquinone. A substrate inhibition by uncommon C20:2 unsaturated fatty acids (which are similar to arachidonic acid) may also play a role. The research results support the traditional use of Nigella oil against rheumatical and inflammatory diseases. (see bibliography)

Cosmetic Uses
Anti free-radical, protection, stimulation, daily skin care

It is stated in the Pharmacopoeia of India, that nigella seeds are carminative

The plant
Nigella sativa is a plant occurring in China, in the Mediterranean countries, in the Near East and in India. Nigella sativa belongs to the Ranunculaceae.

Process
Oil is cold pressed from the seeds

Composition

Bibliography

CHAKKRAVARTY, N., 1993: Inhibition of histamine release from mast cells by nigellone. Ann. Allergy. 1993 Mar; 70(3): 237-42 EL-DAKHAKHNY, M., et al., 1965: Arzneimittel-Forschung 15 (1965), 1227-1229 Pharm. Zh. 106 (1967), Nr. 4. Journal pharmac. Sci (Cairo) 1(1960) 9
EL-TAHIR, K.E. et al., 1993: The cardiovascular actions of the volatile oil of the black seed (Nigella sativa) in rats: elucidation of the mechanism of action. Gen. Pharmacol. 1993 Sep; 24(5): 1123-31
MAHFOUZ, M., et al., 1963: Pharm Zh. 103(1963), Nr. 5 SALOMI, M.J. et al., 1991: Inhibitory effects of Nigella sativa and saffron (Crocus sativus) on chemical carcinogenesis in mice. Nutr. Cancer. 1991; 16(1): 67-72
SALOMI, N.J. et al., 1992: Antitumour principles from Nigella sativa seeds. Cancer Lett. 1992 Mar 31; 63(1): 41-6
Abou-Basha, I. L., & Rasheed, S. M., and Aboul-Enein, Y. H., « TLC Assay of Thymoquinone in black seed oil (Nigella sativa LINN) and Identification of Dithymoquinone and Thymol ». Liquid Chromatography. (1995) 18 (1), 105-115
Aboul-Enein, Y. H., & Abou-Basha, I. L. « Simple HPLC method for the Determination of Thymoquinone in black seed oil (Nigella sativa Linn) ». Liquid Chromatography. (1995) 18 (5) 895-902
Al-Jassir, M. Saleh., « Chemical composition and microflora of black cumin (Nigella sativa) seeds growing in Saudi Arabia ». Food Chemistry (1992) 45, 239-242
Brown, D. « Pharmaceuticals from plants: Great Potential, Few founds ». American Botanical Council and the Herb Research Foundation #34
Ghazanfar, A. S., & Mohammed, A. « Medical Plants of Northeastern and of central Oman (Arabia) ». Economic Botany . (1993) 47 (1) 000-000
Grieves, M. « Fennel Flower ». A Modern Herbal Online. Internet. Available: http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/f/fenflo04.html
Hadith V11. « Black Seed « The Seed of Blessing »" Online. Internet. Available:

http://www.ali.on.ca/islam/blackseed.html

Haq, A., Remo., & Al-Sediary, T.S.. « Fractionation of black seed oil (Nigella sativa Linn) Proteins by using Rotofor ». Liquid Chromatography and Related Technology. (1996) 19 (4) 593-599
Houghton, Peter, J., & ZArka, Rema, & de las Heras, Beatriz, & Hoult, J.R.S.
« Fixed Oil of Nigella sativa and Derived Thymoquinone Inhibit Eicosanoid Generation in Leukocytes and Membrane Lipid Peroxidation ». Plant Medica
Miller, Anthony G. « Plants of Dhofar, the southern Region of Oman: traditional, economic, and medicinal uses » pg x1x
Nergiz, Cevdet & Otler, Semih,  » Chemical Compostion of Nigella sativa L. Seeds ». Food Chemistry (1993) 259-261
TGSC Essential Oils of Black Carawaky Seed Oil (Nigella sativa) « BLACK CARAWAY SEED OIL (NIGELLA SATIVA)
Online. Internet. Available: http://www.execpc.com/~goodscnt/data/es1066691.html
Ustun, G., & Kent, L. & Civeleoglu, H. « Investigation of the Technological Properties of Nigella sativa (Black Cumin ) Seed Oil »
JAOCS American oil Chemists’ Society (1990) 67 (12) 958-960

Your questions…

From Nelly: Do you have an oil to help reduce inflammation in my joints ? (increase Omega 3 ?).
Michel’s reply: Try perilla oil with its high percentage of alpha linolenic acid (Omega 3 fatty acid).
The difference with fish oils :
1. you can apply on skin for better results
2. no digestive discomforts

From Lysbeth : I use nigella oil for external skin care but what is the suggested use for internal ?
Michel reply: Nigella oil is the black cumin oil, very rich in EFA (essential fatty acid) with 55 % of linoleic acid.
With numerous nutrient components like Protein, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine, Niacin, Folacin, Calcium, Iron, Copper, Zinc, Phosphorus, this oil is traditionnaly used for complaints like asthma, arthritis and to boost immune system.
Use one teaspoon daily 5 days per week during 1 month. It is approximativly the 4 oz of Codina bottle.

Back to school…

GLA (gamma linolenic acid)

What is GLA ?
GLA (gamma linolenic acid) is a fatty acid and is an important component in normal human metabolism. It is even found in human breast milk. It is not, however, commonly found in normal foods, although it does occur in the seed oils of a few species of plants. Of these, commercially viable oils have been obtained from the seeds of evening primrose (Oenothera sp.), borage (Borago officinalis) and hemp (Cannabis sativa).

Rationale for use

The human metabolism, like most mammals, can synthesise certain saturated and monounsaturated fats but is unable to synthesise the two families (n-6 and n-3) of polyunsaturated fatty acids both of which via a series of desaturation and elongation steps produce in vivo longer chain, more unsaturated metabolites and ultimately the eicosenoids – hormone like substances – which regulate many bodily functions. (see our january letter)

Typically, the rate limiting step in these metabolic pathways is the initial D6 desaturation; the activity of the enzyme is reduced by a number of factors/conditions including: dietary saturated and trans fatty acids, malnutrition, ageing, alcohol, diabetes, eczema and stress.

Supplementation with a GLA-containing oil such as Evening Primrose Oil and Borage oil by-passes this step in the metabolic pathway and provides directly a substrate for conversion to dihomo g-linolenic acid – the precursor of the highly beneficial vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-aggregatory PGE1 prostaglandin.

Possible Applications
· Health food supplements.
· To assist in the treatment/prevention of atopic eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, pre-menstrual syndrome, cosmetics/dermatology.
· Nutritionals to reduce moisture loss and inflammation.

At Codina we recommend to test a 125 ml / 8 oz bottle borage oil with one tea spoon per day. After the first week you will see on your skin and /or your wellbeing if you need this important health food supplement.

We will publish some interesting questions from our visitors in « Your questions.. »

« Back to school… » for basics with in January the Essentials Fatty Acids (EFA)

« Special deals » to inform you : what will be your gift this month.

Argan Oil – Argania Spinosa

Properties
Argan oil is rich in naturally occurring antioxidants such as flavonoids and tocopherols. Argan oil contains 56 mg/Kg of polyphenols and double the amount of tocopherols mg/Kg (620) than olive oil (320).
Linoleic acid (omega-6), an essential fatty acid, comprises 34% of the total fatty acid content of argan oil.

Cosmetic Uses
Flavonoids act as a natural anti-inflammatory.
Tocopherols helps prevent free radical damage

The tree
Argan is a thorny, evergreen tree native to south western Morocco near Agadir.
The tree bears plum-sized fruits, which are eaten by goats which can climb the trees.
The fruits have a bitter pericarp around a structure, containing one to three kernels with 50 % oil content.

Process
The old process was unbelievable : in West Morocco, goats climb the trees in order to eat the sweet flesh that surround the argan kernels. After they have eaten, the goats eliminate the kernels which was collected by the women of the villages, washed and then ground in order to extract the oil.
Nowadays, modern technology has eliminated the goats « process » and their droppings from the process. Kernels are stripped by machine of the fruit before the kernels are crushed and cold pressed.
The oil has a specific aroma and is considered as the best culinary oil by Moroccans and now by European « connaisseurs ».

Your questions ….

From Nancy : I would like more information on the uses of Shea Butter. I use it on my scar on my hand and it has helped dramatically. I will like to know will it help with cellulite and stretch marks, and also on old scars. Thank you ..

Michel reply : Not easy to developp in the same time the problem of the cellulite, the stretch marks and old scars. Generally speaking it’ better to prevent than to cure. Let’s try :

Stretch marks.
During pregnancy you gain weight too quickly and for a long period of time. Skin is usually elastic but not enough and it may appear fine lines on your skin when elasticity breaks down : the stretch marks.
Strech marks occur in the middle layer of the skin : the dermis. This tissue under your skin may tear from rapid stretch. Between the tear, skin produces collagen to increase the amount of strong and it creates these scars or stretch mark.
From this description, you understand that the best way is to help skin to be more elastic, before the stretching mark problem.
Using sheabutter daily during pregnancy will help to prevent stretch marks. Blend your butter with an oil helping quick penetration like Hemp oil or Macadamia oil.

Hypertrophic scars or keloid scars can originate from a wound inflammation, a severe acne, piercing, surgical procedures, burns, insect bites and injuries.
The scar overfills with collagen. It swells and enlarges.
Hypertrophic scars are caused by burns, tension on the skin or reaction at the time of injury.
Children have more hypertrophic scars. Keloid scars keep on growing even when the wound is healed.
They are more common on people with darker skin types.
Scar managment is not easy, but we think that it is always important to increase hydratation
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to prevent internal scarring.
The sheabutter has a traditional anti-inflammatory action.
We propose to blend it with Wheat Germ Oil for Vitamin E.
(African, Asian and Hispanic people suffer from hypertrophic scars more often)
For old scars, the problem is this old keloid. Tamanu oil (Fohana, Calophyllum) is said to be efficient. It’s an oil used by Polynesian for centuries.

For cellulite the problem is different : amount of fat in your body is determined by your eating and your exercise.
Generally, distribution of fat in your body is determined by heredity.
Reduction of your cellulite can be accomplished by a weight-reduction program. However, regular massage can increase the blood circulation and prevent cellulite spreading.
The anti-inflammatory action of the sheabutter will help. Blend it with Andiroba oil which is not easy to found.
When not available use Hemp Oil, Safflower Oil or Grappe Seed Oil for their EFA

Back to school…

Essential Fatty Acid (EFA)

When the body cannot synthetize a fatty acid, this acid is called « Essential ». The body cannot fonction without it.
The Essential Fatty Acid or EFA must be provided by the food, but it is also important to apply them on the skin.
These two acids are linoleic acid and alpha linolenic acid :

Linoleic acid C18:2 6
Linoleic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid.
It is biologically inactive before it is catalysed by our body into others omega-6 fatty acids : gamma linoleic acid (GLA), dihomo-gamma linoleic acid (DHGLA) and arachidonic acid (AA).

Alpha linolenic acid C18:3 3
It is an omega-3 fatty acid.
Other omega-3 fatty acids are manufactured in the body using alpha-linolenic acid for example the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Most of oils has one EFA and not the second, but Hemp oil is perfectly balanced in both EFA.

Properties

Internal and external use.

Hemp oil is the most perfectly balanced oil, with a total of EFA reaching 75 %. The body requires from other substances the two EFA it cannot produce. From EFA it will produces GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid).
The ratio between Omega-3 and Omega 6 is 1 for 3, optimal ratio of the two Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) Omega-3 Linolenic Acid (LNA) and Omega-6 Linoleic Acid (LA). See all articles on Omega 3 needs.
Furthermore Hemp Oil contains 2.6% of GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid) and it has been shown that factors of modern life (diet, environment, etc..) can inhibit the body’s capability to produce GLA.

Cosmetic uses

At this time, cold press Hemp oil seems to be the most balanced and efficient oil used in cosmetic. It has excellent anti aging properties, keeps the skin moist and soft.

The high level of EFA (Essential Fatty Acids) in Hemp oil is a precious defense against free radicals responsible for the oxidation of our cells, in other words aging and wrinkles.

Used for massage, Hemp oil is one of the most penetrative oil.

Codina’s Hemp Butter

EFA’s, particularly Omega-6 and GLA, preserve the « barrier function » of cell membranes. Skin that is deficient in these nutrients allows more moisture loss and can show dryness and loss of elasticity.
The Hemp Butter strengthens and preserves this barrier, which also helps to protect the skin from the outside environment. The Hemp Butter can reduce skin discomfort by soothing & restoring dry or damaged skin and increasing the natural moisture retention capacity. (Our hemp butter is made of 60% shea butter and 40% hemp).

We first developed this product for European Hospitals that found our Hemp butter an efficient and natural solution for their patient suffering from bebsore.

Our Hemp butter is also a gentle way to prevent babies diaper rash.

Properties:

Internal and external use latin- Sesamum orientale;
The oil of the sesame seed has numerous health benefits, and has been used for thousands of years across many cultures. Like other prized remedies it was also found in the Egyptian Pharoah Tutenkhamen’s tomb. It is highly nutritious, rich in vitamins A, B and E as well as the minerals iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, silicic acid and phosphorus.
It contains linoleic acid and alpha linoleic acid as well as lecithin, and this may go some way to explaining its benefit to the brain and nervous system.
Internal use: many enjoy the oil of sesame seed as a nutritional supplement, as well as in foods and recipies for the maintaining of a balanced healthy body mind and spirit.

Among its traditional uses some include; reduction of stress and tension, (which can ease pain, spasm, sciatica, colic, backache, and joint pain), nourishing the nervous system, nervous imbalances, fatigue, insomnia, increase strength and energy. Also it is known for providing increased infection resistance, increased energy as well as its antioxidant properties which are know for slowing the aging process and increasing longevity. This is one of the most popular oils in the history of the pursuit of beauty and health care, and has also been used for lowering harmful cholesterol levels, and also as a potent anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer nutrient.
External use: It is the favorite oil for its chemical structure gives it a unique ability to penetrate the skin easily, nourishing and detoxifying even the deepest tissue layers. Used regularly, sesame oil is said by many to reduce stress and tension, nourish the nervous system and is revered for its ability in preventing nervous disorders, relieving fatigue and insomnia, and promoting strength and vitality. It is used to warm and stimulate the skin and underlying tissue, therefore it can be thought of as detoxifying. Those patients who use sesame oil daily have reported feeling stronger, more resilient to stress, with increased energy and better resistance to infection. Its rejuvenating properties certainly do revitalize those feeling tired and run down, while its warming effects enhance the circulation.

Properties

This flavorless oil has a light texture and penetrates the skin well.

Safflower oil contains more polyunsaturates than any other oil. (70 % v/ sunflower 60 % and olive oil 10 %)

Exceptionally rich in essential fatty acids, safflower oil is used in hair care to structure sensitized hair.

For massage, safflower oil has great moisturizing qualities.

Blend it with high vitamine E oil like wheat germ oil or argan oil or cashew nut oil to increase anti-aging action.

Cosmetic Uses :
With its high content of EFA, Foraha Oil is used skin softening, moisturizing. It has regenerative and antiseptic properties.

Hair :
Foraha oil is very efficient for dry and damaged hair. Brings back tone to permed hair and revives the brillance of colored hair.

History
Foraha oil is extracted from the nuts of the Polynesian Tamanu Tree.
Its fruit is an orange drupe.

Process
Nuts are cold-pressed and give a non-edible deep-green coloured oil with an aromatic fragrance like indian curry.

Foraha Oil is traditionally used by the Polynesians as analgesic for most skin problems.