Adaptogen + botanical guide
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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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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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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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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
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Helichrysum flower
The daisy-like flower of helichrysum contains powerful antioxidants that soothe skin, muscle or joint inflammation, promote collagen and elastin production, and calm irritations—all while promoting hydrated youthful skin.
Find it in: Cosmic Cream
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Juniper berry
This fragrant berry is not only refreshing in scent, but an energizing recharge for the body as well. Applied topically, its antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties help calm and cleanse the skin.
Find it in: Cosmic Cream
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Peppermint
Peppermint is the original “chill pill.” Its aromatherapy benefits help ease tension, headaches and brain fog while its topical benefits help “cool” sore muscles and aches with a soothing menthol effect that also works beyond the surface to fight inflammation.
Find it in: Cosmic Cream
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Pine needle
Used for its purifying properties for generations, pine needle oil can help soothe a variety of skin irritations like eczema, acne or rosacea as well as body inflammations like arthritis and muscle pain–all with a clean, bright and refreshing scent.
Find it in: Cosmic Cream
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Red Ginseng root
Red Ginseng is an invigorating root that has been used in traditional Eastern medicine for thousands of years. As an adaptogen, it reduces fatigue and has a natural anti-inflammatory effect in the body to aid in repairing cellular damage caused by chronic stress.
Find it in: Bring it
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Rosemary
Not only does this twiggy herb ease stress with its aromatic properties, but it also has been shown to work as a natural pain reliever and can help increase blood circulation to an area which brings in a supply of nutrients and clears out cellular waste to help reduce inflammation.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.