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| Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) |
| Native to tropical Central and South America, the cured seed pods of vanilla are valued in cosmetics for their aphrodisiac and aromatic qualities. Vanilla bean is often included in lotions, moisturizers and soaps as well as perfumes. Because the plant must be hand-pollinated (the bee whose job this was is now extinct due to pesticide use), vanilla is the second most expensive herb in the world. |
| Violet (Viola odorata) |
| Violet leaves and flowers are antiseptic, astringent and demulcent. They are excellent for dry, normal and oily skin and are included in facial steams, cleansers, toners, lotions, moisturizers and in bath products. Used internally, violet can help clear the skin of acne, boils, eczema and psoriasis. |
| Walnut (Juglans nigra, J. regia) |
| The outer rind of the unripe nut, leaves and inner bark are used for their alternative, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent properties. Walnut is used topically in salves to treat athlete's foot, eczema, fungal infections, herpes, impetigo and ringworm. The hulls are used in shampoos and conditioners as a colorant to darken hair. |
| White oak (Quercus alba) |
| The bark of the white oak is used as well as the galls, which are growths produced in response to fungi or insects. White oak is rich in tannins, which causes its action to be very astringent. It is also very antiseptic. The tannins bind with protein in the tissues, making them impermeable to bacterial invasion and infection while fortifying their strength. White oak is used as a compress, poultice or salve for contact dermatitis, eczema, insect bites, ringworm and wounds. The galls are used as a coloring agent to darken the hair. |
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