Natural Preservatives

There are thousands of plants that have various phytochemical constituents that are natural preservatives. Some of these botanical components are easily extracted with simple processes that meet the National Organic Program's standards for organic food processing, such as distillation and infusion. Following are safe and effective natural preservatives that have been used for centuries:

botanical resins | essential oils | grain or grape alcohol
herbal extracts | salt | sugar | vinegar

botanical resins: a solid or semisolid natural organic substances that are usually transparent or translucent and yellowish to brown, are formed in plant secretions, are soluble in organic solvents. Used to give gloss, glow, adhesion and water resistance to cosmetics. Dammar, elemi, and sandarac are the natural resins. When we say Botanical resin we are talking about resin that comes for natural sources, some resins are synthetic.

benefits: a few plants produce resins with different compositions, most notably Jeffrey Pine and Gray Pine, the volatile components of which are largely pure n-heptane with little or no terpenes. Botanical resin offers strength and flexibility to weak, brittle nails.

essential oils: the oils are isolated by steam distillation, extraction, or mechanical expression of the plant material; often only certain parts, such as roots, buds, leaves, or flower petals, are used. Essential oils have been obtained from over 3000 plants and are designated and defined by the plant species and sometimes the geographical location. Essential oils are used regularly in healing treatments and perfumes, some of the more commonly used essential oils are lavender, chamomile, peppermint, tea tree oil, eucalyptus, geranium, jasmine, rose, lemon, orange, rosemary, frankincense, and sandalwood. Essential oils are very strong and concentrated, they should be diluted with base oils before rubbing them directly on the body. Base oils are gentle and inexpensive oils, and common ones include almond, jojoba, grape seed, sunflower, and sesame oil.

benefits: give natural flavor and aroma, used as natural preservatives, cell-rejuvenating, antiseptic, germicidal and beautifying properties, as well as fragrance. Essential oils are used for skin and scalp conditions including acne, athlete's foot, burns, cuts, dandruff, eczema, insect bites, parasites, sunburn, warts, and wrinkles. They are recommended for muscle, joint, and circulation problems such as arthritis, high blood pressure, cellulite, aches and pains, and varicose veins. For respiratory problems and infections, various essential oils are prescribed for allergies, asthma, earache, sinus infections, congestion, and colds and flu. Essential oils are also used to improve digestion, promote hormonal balance, and tone the nervous system in conditions including anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction, and exhaustion.

effects: should not be taken internally, by mouth, rectum or vagina, unless under medical supervision. Essential oils should be kept away from the eyes. If an essential oil gets into the eyes, they should be rinsed immediately with cold water. Essential oils should be used with care on broken or damaged skin.

grain or grape alcohol: grain alcohol is known as ethanol. It is used widely in cosmetics, such as after-shave, lotion, bubble bath, cologne, cold cream, deodorant, shampoo, and many other cosmetics. It is manufactured by fermentation of starch, sugar, and other carbohydrates. Grape alcohol is made from grape berries.

benefits: an antiseptic and disinfectant. Grape alcohol is hypo-allergenic.

effects: can dry the hair and skin.

herbal extracts: a liquid solution of herbs and alcohol. The dried or fresh herbs are combined with alcohol, then the solid matter is removed leaving only the oils of the herbs mixed with the alcohol. Most commercially sold extracts have a herb to alcohol ratio printed on the label. When dry herbs were used to make the extract the ratio is commonly 1 part dried plant to 4 parts liquid, (alcohol and water). Not as strong as essential oils.

benefits: the process used to make standardized extracts also allows the active herbal ingredients to be concentrated. Concentrating the active ingredients, for many herbs, gives a major advantage–you get significant benefits without having to consume large amounts of the crude herb.

salt: the common name for the substance sodium chloride (NaCI), which occurs in the form of transparent cubic crystals. Used in mouthwashes, bubble baths, soap, and bath salts.

benefits: an astringent and antiseptic to treat inflamed lesions.

sugar: a sweetening ingredient and food. A preservative and antioxidant in the pharmacy, a demulcent, and substitute for glycerin. Sugar is also used to exfoliate skin and in soap-making.

benefits: an antioxidant, there are claims that application of sugar cane extracts is beneficial for the skin.

vinegar: an alcoholic liquid that has been allowed to sour. Used as a solvent for cosmetic oils and resins.

benefits: a cleaning agent, a mild disinfectant, and a remedy to allay irritations.