Adaptogen + botanical guide
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Aloe
This multitasking powerhouse of a plant is an adaptogen staple. Its popular moisturizing and calming effects just brush the surface of its capabilities. It also supports your immune system, fights free radicals and supports healthy cell regeneration – all of which can be seen in its success of treating acne and cold sores, slowing down signs of aging and supporting glowing healthy skin.
Find it in: Cosmic Cream
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Arnica extract
Arnica plants are native to North America and relatives of the sunflower. Their flowers contain a chemical compound called Helanalin which acts as a topical anti-inflammatory used to treat bruises, sore muscles and swelling for hundreds of years.
Find it in: Cosmic Cream
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Ashwagandha root
Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb that helps reduce anxiety and combat stress. Across many studies, ashwagandha root’s preventative measures against the stress response have shown numerous benefits like protecting the brain from disorders, regulating the thyroid, and of course, reducing chronic stress.
Find it in: Bring it
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Black Pepper
It’s true, the black peppercorn that kicks up your food has health benefits, too. At Selene, we use black pepper extract in our topical Cosmic Cream for its benefits for the skin. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help calm the skin and stimulate blood circulation to the applied area.
Find it in: Cosmic Cream
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Cajeput
Cajeput was traditionally used by the First Nations people of Australia for its pain-relieving properties which stem from the compound cineole. Topically, cajeput can warm the skin and encourage blood circulation to bring healing and relief to the area.
Find it in: Cosmic Cream
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Chamomile flower
This gentle daisy is actually a nervine: a type of herb that supports the central nervous system. While adaptogens address the hormones caused by stress, nervines like chamomile literally calm your nerves–relaxing the central nervous system and bringing a deeper sense of calm.
Find it in: Cosmic Cream, Bring it
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Cinnamon leaf
Cinnamon leaf oil contains natural antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and analgesic properties that reduce inflammation and redness in the skin, moisturize and help increase blood flow to promote healing and healthy skin regeneration.
Find it in: Cosmic Cream
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Citronella
Derived from the French word for “lemon balm,” citronella has an exhilarating citrus scent that lifts the mood and relaxes the mind. When applied topically, it helps the skin absorb moisture and promotes healing while reducing swelling, tenderness and pain.
Find it in: Cosmic Cream
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Cordyceps
Found in the foothills of the Himalayas, cordyceps are non-psychedelic fungi that help the body fight stress by enhancing how the body utilizes oxygen, and by promoting cellular ATP production. The energizing result can boost your stamina, energy and positive motivation.
Find it in: Bring it
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Cypress
Cypress oil is antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal which helps relieve cold sores and acne while also producing an aromatic and calming effect through topical application.Find it in: Cosmic Cream -
Eleuthero root
Eleuthero root helps increase your energy and stamina to reduce stress. Stress is an energy-vampire that can leave you feeling exhausted. The eleuthero root helps increase your circulation, fuel your cells, and keep them energized…it pretty much has the same effect on you, too.
Find it in: Bring it
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Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a super botanical with so many benefits, especially to the skin. For dry skin or skin conditions, it contains a compound called macrocarpal which helps protect the skin barrier and its ability to retain moisture. With additional antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it’s also been used to treat eczema and acne and provide additional pain relief.
Find it in: Cosmic Cream
Adaptogens
Just what are adaptogens anyway? We like to think of them as super herbs. Specifically, super herbs that win the fight against stress and anxiety by supporting the body’s natural calming systems.
Our bodies come equipped with natural processes that bring us back to center when our stress response releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Chronic stress or daily anxiety can take a toll on these systems (and our bodies), making it more difficult to return to balance.
Adaptogens are plants and herbs that naturally assist our bodies in returning to peaceful homeostasis by fueling our calming and soothing responses. Rather than being a “quick fix” solution to dampen stress and anxiety in the moment, adaptogens are traditionally taken daily to maintain your natural equilibrium and protect against future stress.
Here is a guide to the adaptogens you’ll find in Selene products and how each one contributes to your daily wellness ritual.
Botanicals
The power of botanical herbs has been harnessed by ancient medicines for thousands of years.
While adaptogens specifically react with our body’s stress response, other herbs and plants are used in Selene products for a variety of healthful benefits.
Here is a glossary of the botanicals and herbs we include in our products and how they contribute to a nourishing daily wellness ritual.