Herbal Infused Oils for Culinary & Medicinal Purposes

Herbal Infused Oils made with Organic Olive Oil

~ Chilli for culinary deliciously spicy flavour in your cooking and topically it may have analgesic benefits as well as anti-inflammatory properties.

Chilli Peppers is the fruit of plants from the genus Capsicum. 

Chilli infused oil contains nutrients from the base oil, in this case organic olive oil, as well as the chillis nutrients which is extracted with the carrier oil. Chilli peppers contain several substances and compounds which have different health promoting properties when ingested or applied topically. One is “capsaicin” (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) which is an alkylamide with analgesic properties, used topically it aids in controlling peripheral nerve pain. It also contains several related chemicals, collectively called capsaicinoids

Chilli peppers are also rich in other nutrients like Vitamin C, A, E and K as well as B-vitamins and minerals such as Iron, Copper, Magnesium, Manganese & Phosphorus. Chilli is anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hypoglycemic and antioxidating. Therefore it reduces inflammation as well as pain and may also lower blood glucose levels. Chillis are strong antioxidants and may help reduce free radicals in the body. 

When applied topically it may relieve joint pain in arthrisis with regular usage. It may be used directly on the affected area or mixed with a soothing cream to also treat Psorasis. It should not be used in areas of sensitive skin and precaustions must be taken as chilli may cause strong reactions in certain people due to excatation of the nerves. If it feels at all discomforting topically or internally avoid usage. 

~ Rosemary for culinary flavour as well as medicinal externally due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidating properties.

Rosemary is a good source of iron, calcium and vitamin B6 as well as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Rosemary is thought to help boost immune system and also improve blood circulation. Antioxidants play an important role in neutralising harmful particles called free radicals.

Rosemary is believed to improve digestion and help treat indigestion. It is also believed to enhance memory and concentration according to research in Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology. 1,8-cineole, one of rosemarys main chemical components (35-45%) indicate improved cognitive performance in speed and accuracy however not alertness. Medical research have shown that Carnosic acid (CA) found in rosemary fights of free radicals and therefore protects the brain from stroke and neurodegeneration. 

Rosemary leaves contain plant derived phyto-chemical compounds that are known to have disease preventing and health promoting properties. The herb parts, especially flower tops contain phenolic anti-oxidant rosmarinic acid amongst many other health benefiting volatile essential oils compounds such as cineol, camphene, borneol, bornyl acetate, a-pinene etc. that are known to have rubefacient (counterirritant), anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-fungal and anti-septic properties. 

The herb is exceptionally rich in B-complex groups of vitamins, such as folic acid, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine and ribofalvin. It contains high levels of folates which are important in DNA synthesis. It is also rich in vitamin A which is known to have antioxidant properties and also has benefitial properties for vision, skin and mucusa. Fresh rosemary leaves are a good source of antioxidant vitamin C which is requierd for the collagen synthesis in the body, which is the main structural protein in the body required for maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, skin, organs and bones. 

Rosemary is also an excellent source of iron, being a component of hemoglobin determines the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. It is also rich in other minerals such as potassium, calcium, manganese, copper and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids, which helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, “superoxide dismutase”.

Rosemary infused oil can be used externally to treat illness by applying on areas that are sore. It can also be externally on hair to improve scalp health by leaving it in for minimun one hour. Rosemary oil may also soothe stomach and relieve ain from indigestion and menstural pain when applied externally.

~ More coming up! 

Namaste