Sleep Balm Ingredients
Deep Sea Magnesium Brine
Sourced from the ancient Zechstein seabed in the Netherlands, this brine is extremely concentrated with naturally occurring Magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral crucial in over 600 enzyme reactions in the body including muscle and nerve function. Magnesium serves as a relaxant in the neurological system, which means it promotes relaxation, facilitates sleep, and decreases anxiety. Similarly, it has been shown to relax muscles and improve various disorders such as Restless Leg Syndrome and muscular cramping. Because soil is depleted of many naturally occurring minerals, most people today are deficient in Magnesium.
Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Olive oil is a liquid fat cold pressed from the fruit of Ole europae or the olive tree. The fatty acids that comprise olive oil are oleic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid. These fatty acids have been shown to treat hyperpigmented skin by reducing melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity levels. In one published scientific study, significant skin lightening was noted after applying these three fatty acids to dark spots consistently over a two week period.
Organic Grass-fed Tallow
Tallow is high in the fat-soluble vitamins A,D,E,K. It is rich in the fatty acids that form the skin's lipid barrier which is used for protection and moisture retention. Tallow's composition is very similar to the sebum our skin makes, which allows it to readily absorb into the deeper layers of the skin where it can hydrate and nourish. Due to these properties, tallow has been used for centuries as the main ingredient in skin balms, moisturizers, and ointments.
Organic Beeswax
Beeswax is the natural byproduct of the production of honey by worker bees. In therapeutics, it functions as an occlusive, humectant, and emollient meaning it creates a protective skin barrier and locks in hydration which softens and soothes the skin. Because of these healing properties, beeswax has been shown to alleviate dermatitis, psoriasis and bacterial overgrowth.
Organic Cacao Butter
Cacao butter or “Theobroma oil” is a pastel yellow fat extracted from the cocoa bean. This oil serves to deeply moisturize the skin due to its rich content of fatty acids. Cacao butter is mainly composed of palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid; these fatty acids are known for hydrating the skin by creating a protective barrier to hold in moisture and prevent the skin from drying. Cacao butter is also rich in phytochemicals which have been proven to protect the skin from sun damage. Because of these and many other skin benefits, cacao butter has been considered a prized medicinal among many different cultures for centuries.
Organic Roman Chamomile (chamaemelum nobile)
Chamaemelum nobile commonly known as Roman Chamomile is a plant that originates in northwestern Europe. The Chamomile plant contains many skin nourishing nutrients such as flavonoids and terpenoids which exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The oil from Chamomile has been shown in studies to aid in the healing of many ailments from depression and anxiety to inflammatory skin conditions such as dermatitis and psoriasis. Because of these healing and nourishing traits, Chamomile has been utilized for thousands of years in Greece, Rome and ancient Egypt.
Organic Vanilla Planifolia
Vanilla planifolia is a species of vanilla orchid that is native to Mexico and South America. This oil not only provides a warm relaxing aroma, it is comprised of antioxidant compounds vanillin and vanillic acid which assist in protecting the skin from toxins in the environment. These antioxidants also help to brighten the skin, improve texture, and even skin tone.