Dictionary of Ingredients

ALCOHOL   We use high-quality vodka in our some of our formulae to mix the essential oils, as water does not dissolve them.  Alcohol also acts as a preservative, prevents the mixture from freezing, and It has antibacterial qualities.  Vodka is superior to isopropyl, or rubbing alcohol, because it is natural and far less drying.  The quantity of vodka in the products is much too little to cause intoxication.

ALOE VERA   This popular plant is useful for soothing skin irritations and promoting healthy tissue healing.  It is also an excellent moisturizer.

AVOCADO   The oil of the avocado is well-known for its skin-healing properties, and it has skin softening and moisturizing properties.  In addition, it contains vitamins A, B 1 and B2, and D, all of which protect against inflammation

BAY   Bay is useful for  curtailing dandruff and other skin irritations.  It has a soothing effect on insect stings.

CALENDULA   Long recognized for its antiseptic properties, we put calendula in some of our formulas to  fight skin infections and damaged skin.  It is known more commonly as marigold.

CASTOR OIL   We use pharmaceutical grade castor oil, so there is no toxicity in it.  It is useful for relieving itch, and it is a strong emollient.

CATNIP   Scientifically known as nepeta cataria, catnip has been used to stimulate cats into wild play and purring.  It does, however, have sedating properties, and its use as an insect repellent is unsurpassed.

CASTILE SOAP   Containing olive oil and sometimes cocoanut and jojoba oils, Castile soap is mild and gentle.  Almost all commercial soaps contain sodium lauryl sulfate and diethanolamine which are potentially harmful.  We use only the finest, organic castile soap.  You may like to use it on yourself as well as your pet.

CHAMOMILE   Gently performing chamomile is valuable for eczema and dry skin problems.  It is an anti-inflammatory and has a calming, soothing effect on animals. 

CLOVE   Besides smelling like Thanksgiving and pumpkin pie, clove has long been used for toothache.  Besides its anesthetic properties, it is also an effective antiseptic and insect repellent.

EUCALYPTUS   Widely used as an insect repellent, it is one of the most aromatic of the oils we use.  Used with lemon, it has anti-fungal properties.

GARLIC  The garlic cloves in Parsley Hollow formulas fight bacteria and fungi and reduce inflammation. Bugs plain don’t like it.  And, of course, it will ward away vampires!

GRAPEFRUIT SEED OIL   Sometimes called  grapefruit extract or citrus seed oil, grapefruit seed is not to be confused with grapeseed oil.  The grapefruit seed is a fairly recent addition to plant pharmacology, but it has been shown to be effective against staphylococcus (staph) and streptococcus (strep) infections, as well as parasites and viruses and other bacteria.

GRAPESEED OIL   We like grapeseed oil (made from red grapes) as a carrier oil, for besides its moisturizing qualities, it contains antioxidants that contain the formation of harmful free radicals.

JOJOBA   This is another carrier oil we like. Although some companies use synthetic jojoba, we use the oil from jojoba nuts and beans.  It contains a wax and minerals and is outstanding as an emollient and dry skin treatment.

LAVENDER  Lavender is widely esteemed throughout the world and history for its versatility.  Antiseptic and analgesic, it is effective against burns and insect stings.  Among many other uses, it is soothing and calming and an anti-depressant.  It smells great, and few of us can not recall a favored elder relative who was faintly scented with lavender.

LEMON oil is effective against insects.  It is also a good scent to use to discourage cats from clawing furniture.

MULLEIN is useful as an anti-inflammatory, and it is an excellent skin softener.  It is somewhat astringent in nature, so that it helps to heal small cuts and scratches.  It has been used as a painkiller.

NEROLI is a hydrosol, or a product of the steam distillation of orange oil.  It is derived from bitter orange that stimulates healing and helps to relieve stress.  It has a strong, pleasing scent.

NETTLE works wonderfully on flaking skin and dandruff.  It is very helpful in treating allergies in humans caused by animals’ dry, shedding skin.

OLIVE OIL is a valuable lubricant and skin dressing.  It relieves itching, burning ears, softens wax buildup, and smothers ear mites.  We like it as an ingredient in our shampoos, to soothe and soften the skin.

ORANGE oil should not be confused with neroli (see above).   Orange oil, which can cause sun sensitivity if used undiluted, must be diluted in a carrier oil as we use it, and then it is safe for use as an insect repellent and antiseptic.

PATCHOULI  is  often used as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory substance.  Because it soothes sores and minor wounds, it relieves itching and discomfort.  It has a wonderful, musky scent.

ROSE GERANIUM has a very strong fragrance, and it is repugnant to fleas.  It has a decided, soothing effect on the nervous system, and is sometimes used  for the treatment of ringworm and other fungi.  It soothes skin irritations.

ROSEHIP OIL   This is another carrier oil that we love.  It improves the condition of the coat, is appropriate for helping heal small wounds, burns or scars.  It is good for sun-damaged skin. (Even cats and dogs are susceptible to sunburn).

ROSEMARY   This wonderful herb has been used as a cleanser, a fungicidal, and for stiff joints.  It encourages hair growth and retards greasy fur.  We use ours, as all our ingredients, in dilution.

TEA TREE OIL    Also known be its Latin name, melaleuca, this Australian shrub has remarkable restorative properties.  Effective as an antibacterial oil, it also is useful in fighting fungi and viruses.

TOCOPHEROL   Also known as Vitamin E, we add this to our formulae to round out the basic vitamins, as it is also a powerful antioxidant and defense against sun damage.

WITCH HAZEL is a very mild astringent that helps to clean dirt and debris from the animal without harmful drying agents or irritants.  It also helps to heal small wounds.