Ritual Oil
Ritual Oil is a remedial treatment oil formulated with organic and sustainably sourced oils gathered from around the world, and hand-made in small batches in our laboratory in Los Angeles. Ritual Oil is formulated specifically to heal conditions such as alopecia, eczema, psoriasis, dandruff and other devitalized and demineralized hair and scalp issues. All the oils in Ritual Oil have been used for centuries for their powerful medicinal, cosmetic, and aromatherapy properties. We use Apricot kernel oil from America and Amla (Amalaki) oil from India as the base carrier oils as both are light, highly absorbable, and with impressive healing nutrient profiles for both the scalp and the hair. Apricot kernel oil is pressed from the kernels of the Prunus armeniaca (apricot), and is in the same family as almonds yet provide a more therapeutic substitute to almond oil for those with a nut allergy or sensitivity. Medicinally, apricot kernel oil has been used for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti- septic, and antioxidant properties. It has been used to soften, hydrate, nourish and rejuvenate the skin and scalp while stimulating the growth of thicker, longer, stronger and more elastic hair. Apricot kernel oil is high in carotenoids and antioxidants, oleic acid (omega 9), linoleic acid (omega 6), alpha-linoleic acid (omega 3), palmitic acid, and stearic acid and exceptionally rich in vitamins, especially vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C and vitamin E. All of these oils and vitamins each by themselves have been proven to aid in healing and restoring the hair and scalp, however the synergistic combination provides even faster and more comprehensive therapeutic recovery to itchy, devitalized, and wounded scalps as well as demineralized and damaged hair. The high amount of stearic acid provide cleansing properties that purge dirt, sweat, and excess sebum from the hair and scalp, while the conditioning properties protect the hair from damage without diminishing luster. Apricot kernel oil also contains palmitic acid, which is the most common fatty acid known for it’s emollient properties to aid in moisturizing the hair and scalp.
Amla fruit (Emblic myrobalan) also known as Indian Gooseberry, is a highly nutritious greenish-yellow fruit with an intriguing, sweet yet sour flavor. Native to India, the Amla tree has been worshipped in India as Mother Nature because of its numerous healing properties both internally and externally in Ayuervedic medicine practices. Amla in the form of oil has been used for thousands of years in ayurvedic medicine for its remarkable abilities to nourish and promote healthy hair and scalpbecause of its incredible nutritional profile. Amla oil has a high vitamin content including high amounts of Vitamin A and C, which have proven anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties. Amla oil also contains polyphenols, amino acids (alanine, lysine, proline, aspartic acid, glutamic acid), carotene, alkaloids, gallotannins, and antioxidants. Further, it has minerals calcium, magnesium, iron as well as a large amount of protein. Studies continue to prove the vast abilities of Amla oil to: strengthen the scalp and hair; reduce premature pigment loss or greying; stimulate growth; treat dandruff and dry scalp; treat fungal and bacterial infections; treat parasitic infections including lice; and most importantly reduce hair loss. Amla oil has been proven in studies to inhibit 5-alpha reductase, preventing baldness, comparable to Western medicine treatments such as finasteride and minoxidil, both designed to inhibit 5-alpha reductase.
To these two master healing oils, we added four other powerful essential oils known for their extreme benefits to both the hair and scalp: Roman Chamomile, Ylang Ylang, Lemongrass and Thyme. Our organic Roman Chamomile oil is steam distilled from the delicate daisy-like flowers of the Anthemis nobilis (synonym of Chamaemelum nobile) growing in the rolling, green countryside of Oregon in the United States’ Pacific Northwest. Endowed with the esters of Angelic and Tiglic acids (including Angelates and Metcrylates) comprising 80% of the total oil, which contribute to the outstanding healing properties of this oil when used on the hair and scalp. Roman Chamomile oil medicinally has been used for centuries for it’s antioxidants and anti- inflammatory properties that detox the scalp, and reduce scalp inflammation, discomfort, redness while helping moisturize the scalp and heal the corrosive dry flakiness associated with dandruff, dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and other scalp conditions. The high vitamin and supplement content further blocks hair diminishing and hair fall. Roman Chamomile also controls the overabundance of sebum creation that contributes to oily scalps so it works on healing and managing both dry and oily issues of the scalp. By helping maintain a healthy scalp, Roman Chamomile oil has proven in studies to promote hair growth. This oil has proven to boost collagen production and creation, which helps in the development, flexibility, and hair re-development. The powerful esters and antioxidants are further natural conditioning agents, making the hair softer and more manageable, while also strengthening the hair making it less prone to breakage. These same anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, along with high amounts of vitamin C and E protects the hair from environmental damage brought about by hurtful UV beams of the sun, and from accumulation of soil, residue and grime, while adding a natural, healthy shine and luster to the hair. Roman Chamomile is appropriate for dry delicate hair as it keeps dampness off the scalp and hair assisting it in making it smoother and more solid. This astounding oil is exceptionally compelling against dry and fragile hair also by successfully detangling the hair and keeping it frizz free for the entire day. Roman Chamomile oil has various aromatherapy properties including soothing and calming the nerves and the mind as well as helping soothe the various systems of the body.
The Canaga Tree (known as the “perfume tree”), native to Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, produces gorgeous yellow-green flowers, called Ylang Ylang, and known for their distinctive exotic fragrance. Our organic Ylang Ylang essential oil, freshly picked and steam distilled from the wild forests of Madagascar, has many therapeutic benefits for hair treatment. During the Victorian age in England it was used as a natural hair growth treatment, and it is still widely used today as a natural remedy to combat hair loss from both stress and alopecia. When the scalp produces insufficient sebum, the scalp becomes dry and prone to damage and disease, while the hair becomes thin, brittle and breaks off easily. Ylang Ylang oil is a natural conditioning agent, stimulating the sebaceous glands to increase the production of sebum, which keeps the hair healthy and conditioned, while increasing the strength of the hair and preventing breakage. Ylang Ylang contains an antibacterial and antifungal compound called linalool, which has clinically proven to exhibit antimicrobial activities towards Staphylococcus strains and other microbial infections. Ylang Ylang essential oil also contains isoeugenol, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and shown to reduce oxidative stress. Isoeugenol has also been reported to have wound healing properties, and studies on skin fibroblast cells have shown anti-proliferative properties displaying promise against chronic disease. Ylang Ylang essential oil has been traditionally used to decorate the beds of newly weds in Indonesia for its soothing and aphrodisiac nature. Studies have proven Ylang Ylang’s soothing aroma helped reduce anxiety and improve self-esteem. Ylang Ylang oil also is known for its combating insect and lice manifestations.
Our organic East Indidan Lemongrass oil is steam distilled from the rich, spicy green grasses of the Cymbopogen flexuosus plant cultivated in the rural countryside of southern India. Lemongrass oil is naturally comprised of 70% of the aldehydes (organic compounds that enhance a range of fragrance notes) Geranial and Neral, collectively known as Citral used extensively for its aromatherapy benefits as well as a natural deodorant offsetting odor with it’s antibacterial properties. In addition to the aldehydes Lemongrass contains healing compounds of hydrocarbon terpenes, ketones and esters. Lemongrass oil is also loaded with Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, folate and Vitamin C along with a powerhouse of essential minerals such as Zinc, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Manganese, Copper, Potassium, Calcium, and Iron. The presence of these vitamins and minerals is responsible for it’s incredible antifungal, antiseptic, insecticidal and counterirritant properties, able to treat and heal dandruff and other wounded scalp conditions especially those caused by fungi and bacteria. Lemongrass oil is known and proven to increase blood circulation to the scalp that stimulates hair follicles encouraging new growth while also strengthening the hair follicles making them more resilient, deterring breakage, hair thinning, and falling out. Lemongrass oil has Limonene, which balances sebum production of the scalp and dissolving excess oil making it beneficial for oily hair while also providing healthy moisturization for dry irritated scalps. It further acts as a natural conditioner for the hair itself making it softer and more manageable while adding increased luster and shine. This oil has non- comedogenic properties, which won’t clog pores and acts as a natural detoxifier for the scalp treating pimples and blackheads. As a result of all these healing properties Lemongrass has been used to treat a variety of other ailments such as headaches, indigestion, and muscle and joint pain. Lemongrass’s powerful aromatherapy properties soothes the nervous system inviting comfort during difficult emotional times while encouraging motivation during times of anxiety stress, and depression. It uplifts, and relaxes, assisting in both reducing fatigue and energizing the mind. It’s antiseptic and antimicrobial properties repels and smothers insects especially lice which feed on hair.
Our organic Thyme (Thymus vulgaria) Oil is steam distilled from the delicate, pale purple flowers and aromatic green leaves of four different kinds of thyme herbs cultivated in bright, sunny fields along the Spanish countryside. Thyme oil has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, which make it ideal for treating scalp conditions that come with itchiness, flakiness and inflammation such as dandruff, eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. These properties make it effective in counteracting bacteria and fungi, as well as the damages of oxidative stress. Thyme oil also contains a generous amount of several compounds that have extensive health benefits, including: linalool; thymol; caracrol; cineol; camphor; and borneol. Many of these compounds have been proven to counteract alopecia areata as well as hair loss and hair breakage caused by separate conditions. The thymol in Thyme oil has been proven to increase blood circulation to the scalp, which stimulates the hair follicles and promotes hair growth. Thyme oil is high in antioxidants that protect the hair and scalp, while also providing hair-strengthening properties making the hair appear thicker and more voluminous. Thyme oil is known for its ability to repel and kill lice, making it a natural remedy for lice infestations. As aromatherapy, Thyme oil is centering emotionally and energetically as well as calming to the mind body and spirit. The oil promotes greater self-assurance and helps dispel any negative feelings one might be experiencing. Thyme oil has been used extensively for its culinary aspects as well as in mouthwashes, because of it’s antibacterial properties, and to ease minor pains, and unwanted muscle spasms due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Each of these oils on their own can be used for treatment of alopecia, wounded scalp issues, hair breakage and hair fall, and to stimulate hair growth and making the hair stronger, more voluminous with a beautifully intense luster and shine, however together they become a powerhouse of treatment benefits for the hair and scalp as well as the mind, body and spirit. We recommend for ideal use to massage Ritual oil into the hair and scalp and leave it in overnight to allow the powerful nutrients and compounds to be absorbed and continue working. Make a ritual of doing this and your hair and scalp will love you.
