Sacred Oils
Slow crafted botanical oil infusions are the foundation of what gives Waking Bird skincare recipes their special medicine. Sacred herbal oils are an ancient form of body puja that can be traced back cross-culturally for millennia. These plants not only serve us on a physical level, but the psycho-spiritual as well.
Each herb is lovingly prepared with supreme quality, cold-pressed olive oil in cadence with the movements of Nature and the planetary cycles.
Anoint Your Temple.
Calendula Flower (Calendula officinalis) grown at small family owned herb farm in Évora, Portugal. Calendula can significantly brighten the appearance of your skin. It affects blood flow to the skin cells, providing antioxidant protection that reduces the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and even scars.
It is commonly used to help heal wounds and soothe dermatitis. Calendula helps give skin an even-tone that glows with youthful vitality.
- Demeter Certified/Biodynamic
Chamomile helps soothe inflammation, alleviate redness, blemishes, and reduce signs of aging. It can be especially useful for skin conditions such as rosacea.
Organic Green Tea Leaf (Camelia sinensis) sourced from Chá Gorreana, located on São Miguel Island in Açores. It is the oldest, and currently the only tea plantation in Europe. Founded in 1883, Chá Gorreana is a family business that has been cultivating tea using original methods from the ancient Orient for five generations.
Green tea can help protect the skin from UV rays because of its high catechin content, specifically epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which may even help to prevent skin cancer. As the major polyphenolic compound in green tea responsible for its healing and protective powers, EGCG is especially potent with 25 to 100 times the antioxidant power of vitamins A, C and E. EGCG helps the skin’s immune system, delays cellular aging and soothes sensitive, irritated skin.
Green tea works as a sun protector by quenching free radicals and reducing inflammation rather than by blocking UV rays.
It can help reduce hyper-pigmentation, increase skin clarity, and encourage fresher and smoother-looking skin. Hibiscus is packed with Vitamin C and is a known complexion brightener with collagen-boosting properties.
The antioxidants anthocyanin, myricetin, and beta-carotene that are also found in hibiscus are part of the reason it has been dubbed "nature's botox". Anthocyanins visibly boost elastin production and cell turnover. Myricetin and beta-carotene, slow down the degradation of collagen and reduce inflammation.
Note: Topical vitamin C increases skin photosensitivity and is not recommended during sun exposure
- Demeter Certified/Biodynamic
Fresh Immortelle Flower (Helichrysum italicum) lovingly wildcrafted locally in accordance with biodynamic rhythms. The word helichrysum comes from the Greek word helios, or sun, and chrysos, or gold—in reference to the golden yellow flowers of the plant.
Helichrysum reduces fine lines and brightens skin tone and texture. It has antioxidants, flavonoids which help reduce the appearance of dark spots caused by sun damage.
Immortelle is an ideal choice for care of sun exposed skin, as it is very soothing and rejuvenating.
Fresh Lavender Leaf (Lavandula latifolia) lovingly wildcrafted locally in accordance with biodynamic rhythms. Touted for its calming effect on the nervous system, lavender is also used to calm inflammation and soothe the skin. It may help improve acne, and forms protection from free radicals. Lavender is great for brightening and toning the skin, while improving circulation.
Lavender Flower (Lavandula latifolia) grown at small family owned herb farm in Évora, Portugal. Touted for its calming effect on the nervous system, lavender is also used to calm inflammation and soothe the skin. It may help improve acne, and forms protection from free radicals. Lavender is great for brightening and toning the skin, while improving circulation.
- Demeter Certified/Biodynamic
Rose Petal (Rosa damascena) grown at small family owned herb farm in Évora, Portugal. Rose oil has a long history of use as an hydrating astringent and skin soother. It is often used for conditions with irritation and redness, including eczema, sun damage, scars, or stretch marks. Rose contains Vitamin C and potent antioxidants, meaning it scavenges free radicals that contribute to skin damage and visible signs of aging.
Topical vitamin C has been clinically found to have a mild depigmentation effect (skin lightening), by inhibiting the oxidation of melanin.
The high concentration of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamins, provide a range of benefits for the skin. The oil locks in moisture and improves the skin's barrier function, which keeps the skin hydrated and supple.
Note: Topical Vitamin C increases skin photosensitivity and is not recommended during sun exposure.
- Demeter Certified/Biodynamic
Fresh Rosemary Needle (Salvia rosmarinus) lovingly wildcrafted locally in accordance with biodynamic rhythms. Rosmarinic acid, the main component in rosemary leaf extract, is calming for skin conditions like eczema and acne. It helps to firm up loose skin for a more youthful appearance. Rosemary also stimulates cell growth and circulation which may reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Sage Leaf (Salvia officinalis) is grown at small family-owned herb farm in Évora, Portugal. Sage stimulates cell renewal and increases circulation, which helps minimize wrinkles. Rich in calcium and vitamin A, sage contains volatile oils with astringent properties that can improve the appearance of broken capillaries and reduce redness.
Good for both oily or dry skin due to its ability to regulate sebum production, which can help treat conditions such as seborrhea, acne, and chapped skin.
Sage contains ursolic acid, a natural antiseptic, which helps to treat wounds, acne, eczema and skin fungus. Carnosic acid, also found in sage, can be used to treat UVA and UVB skin damage, while protecting it from the future damage from over-exposure to the sun.
- Demeter Certified/Biodynamic
Carrot Seed Oil (Daucus carota)
Carrot seed essential oil is derived from steam distillation of carrot seeds from the Wild Carrot plant, also known as Queen Anne's Lace. It has a high carotol content which breathes new life into dull skin cells while helping to minimize wrinkles and fine lines. It is rich in carotenoid antioxidants, which protect from free radicals that can be damaging to the skin.
Both dry and oily skin types can be balanced out using the power of carrot seed oil. It naturally regulates the skin’s sebum production, which prevents too little or excess sebum on the skin.
It is also a very good sunburn soother, and has skin healing properties that help promote cell renewal.
Frankincense Oil (Boswellia serrata)
Also known as "liquid gold", frankincense contains boswellic acid, which helps soothe skin inflammation and can be beneficial for eczema and acne. It also contains terpenes, which balance sebum levels.
Frankincense helps improve skin elasticity. It can be used to reduce redness and irritation and soothe swelling and itching. Its antibacterial properties cleanse skin, tighten pores, and can minimize wrinkles.
Frankincense oil is good for wound healing and acne scars. It also helps stimulate collagen production and reduces sun damage.
Geranium Oil (Pelargonium graveolens)
Geranium has antioxidant and astringent properties that help firm and tone the skin. It enhances water retention and hydrates dry skin cells.
One of the most effective uses of geranium oil for skin is treating acne. The oil contains strong antiseptic properties and regulates the production of excess sebum which can cause acne.
Geranium stimulates circulation and skin cell renewal which may help in fading skin spots and scars.
Lemongrass Oil (Cymbopogon citratus)
Lemongrass is often used for its cleansing properties. It can be helpful for bacterial infections and acne, as it clears dead skin cells and excess sebum.
It is a natural astringent, helping to firm skin and tighten pores.
Lemongrass contains limonene, which soothes inflammation, as well as vitamin C which can improve overall functioning of the skin and reduce wrinkles by enhancing collagen production and elasticity.
Turkish Damask Rose Oil (Rosa damascena)
Sourced from Turkey, this high-quality Rose oil has a long history of use as an hydrating astringent and skin soother. It is often used for conditions with irritation and redness, including eczema, sun damage, scars, or stretch marks. Rose contains vitamin C and potent antioxidants, meaning it scavenges free radicals that contribute to skin damage and visible signs of aging.
Topical vitamin C has been clinically found to have a mild depigmentation effect (skin lightening), by inhibiting the oxidation of melanin.
The high concentration of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamins, provide a range of benefits for the skin. The oil locks in moisture and improves the skin's barrier function, which keeps the skin hydrated and supple.
Note: Topical vitamin C increases skin photosensitivity and is not recommended during sun exposure.
Cold-Pressed Castor Oil (Ricinus communis)
Castor oil is wonderful for healing skin inflammation that can be caused by sunburns, acne, and dryness. When applied, it penetrates deeply into the skin and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. This helps delay the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and makes the skin smoother, softer, and more vibrant.
Castor oil is often used for fading blemishes and scars. It works slowly in this regard and needs to be used regularly to see prominent results. The fatty acids present in castor oil penetrate deep into scar tissue and plump it out while encouraging the growth of healthy tissues around it. It is so effective that dermatologists recommend castor oil to treat uneven skin tone and blemishes because of its ability to reduce pigmentation.
Castor oil is rich with fatty acids, specifically omega-3, which hydrate the skin while stimulating the growth of healthy tissue, giving you smooth, toned and supple skin.
- Certified Organic
Cold-Pressed Olive Oil
This superb extra virgin olive oil is sourced from Quinta da Caldeirinha in the Douro region of Portugal where some of the best olive oils in the world are pressed.
Cold-pressed olive oil is packed with antioxidants which helps protect from environmental skin damage. It works as an excellent skin firmer and moisturizer.
Olive oil is an age-old beauty secret due to its ability to help replenish and restore the skin’s balance, elasticity, and hydration, as well as maintain youthful glow.
- Certified Organic
Cold-Pressed Raspberry Seed Oil (Rubus idaeus)
Raspberry seed oil is rich in EFAs (essential fatty acids), primarily linoleic and linolenic acids. It contains very high levels of tocopherols (Vitamin E), which act as antioxidants, and carotenoids (Vitamin A).
Also contains ellagic acid (another antioxidant), which helps maintain skin vitality and boosts your skin’s natural collagen and elastin production, which firms the skin and gives your face a more youthful appearance.
- Certified Organic
Artisanal Beeswax
Sourced from a trusted beekeeper in Magoito, Portugal. When applied to the skin, beeswax forms a protective barrier that helps protect skin from environmental damage, while also holding in moisture and reducing dryness. Beeswax doesn’t suffocate the skin and won’t clog pores.
Beeswax is high in vitamin A, which encourages healthy skin cell production and works as a natural humectant, to help your skin stay hydrated over time.
Non-Nano Zinc Oxide
According to ancient Indian medicinal scripts dating back to 500 BC, zinc oxide was first used in a burn and wound salve called Pushpanjan. Zinc oxide has been used for many years in the skin care industry due to its numerous benefits. It can be found in over-the-counter and RX acne treatments, calamine lotions, as a dietary supplement and in broad spectrum sunscreens.
Non-nano zinc oxide is not micronized (a nanoparticle will enter the bloodstream but a non-nano will not, or that reason, non-nano is safer) and sits on top of the skin as a protective barrier; scattering, reflecting, and absorbing the sun's UVA and UVB rays without seeping into pores or leaving behind a thick white film. It is known to be the safest compound to protect from sun damage.
Non-nano zinc oxide offers broad spectrum sun protection that scatters UVA 1, UVA 2 and UVB sun rays, which protects from sunburns, UV skin damage and dark sun spots. It is good for sensitive skin and safe for babies.
Ho Family Dit Da Jow
Chronic Injury and Pain Formula (Ho Family Dit Da Jow) is used to manage pain and arthritic stiffness, tissue strains, nerve damage and soreness, sinew injuries and general traumatic injuries. This is a Chinese family recipe that is nearly 200 years old.
Common Uses:
- Bruises/Contusions
- Swelling, redness and pain, inflammation
- Tendon injuries
- Sprains
- Strains
- Varicose veins
- Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis and joint/muscle pain
- Blood clots
- Nerve damage, numbness
Sourced indigenously, Ho Family Remedy uses geo-authentic herbs that are sulphur-free and lab-tested for potency.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts made through the process of distillation. Also known as ethereal oils, they hold the plant's soul essence and have many therapeutic and spiritual attributes when used with awareness and respect.
Due to the vast heaps of plant material it takes to make an essential oil, I've selected only a few high quality oils to enhance the aroma and healing qualities of the botanical oils. I blend essential oils based on what best harmonizes with your recipe.
If you do not want essential oils, are adverse or have an allergy to any particular oil, please make a note with your order and I will adjust accordingly. Rest assured, the botanical infusions are so potent, they smell amazing all on their own.
Botanical Sea Salts
Made with local sea salt and blended with your choice of cold-pressed botanical oil infusions and fresh herbs. Botanical sea salts are a wonderful circulatory stimulant, exfoliant and moisturizer. They also make for a soothing foot soak and can be used to clear the body's energetic field.
Botanical Oil Infusions
These beautiful oil macerations are made by infusing potent, therapeutic botanicals in the high quality cold-pressed olive oil. Maceration is the oldest known method of making botanical oils, dating back over 70,000 years. In ancient cultures such as Egypt and India these oils were held sacred and used for healing and ritualist purposes. The sense of smell was recognized as a direct pathway to the seat of the soul, as it stimulates the pineal gland. The aromatic properties of these oils were used to alter states of consciousness and heal people on the spiritual realm.
