Article repost: Wonders from Nature

Wonders from Nature - naturally beautifying solutions

With thousands of cosmetics products being released every year, is it true that the more expensive they are the better quality they will be? While scientists try to develop the latest technology for skin peels, facial creams and laser treatments, did you know that there are a whole range of natural ingredients that have been used and recorded since ancient history to improve, rejuvenate and replenish you inside out without breaking your bank or having to use chemicals?

So let’s go back to basics today- take a look at these botanical and natural finds, some of their history and uses:

1.       Bees

Thanks to the hardworking bees, we get sweet tasting honey and nourishing beeswax. The healing power of both honey and beeswax is undeniable. Beeswax is the most natural, non-toxic wax for making candles and skin care. Most candle wax releases black smoke and toxins when burning so it is not safe for children or long-term use. In cosmetic products, its thickness ensures the moisturizers stay on your skin and is absorbed thoroughly.  The combination of both beeswax and honey makes the most soothing lip balm for chapped, cracked and dry lips. 

2.       Carrot

This little bunny’s favorite is one of the most nutritious and anti-carcinogenic vegetables. Rich in vitamin A, antioxidants and carotene, carrots protect our eyesight and helps decrease the cholesterol level in our bodies simultaneously. A study published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry shows that two groups of rats were used to test on pre-cancerous tumors. The results showed that the rats who were fed carrots were 33% less likely to develop full-scale tumors. Carrot seed essential oil is full of antioxidants which will stimulate healing process, cell regeneration, smooth wrinkles and rejuvenate.

3.       Chamomile

Chamo and milos, interpreted as ‘ground apple’ in Greek, is in the daisy family. Chamomile, also known as a sleeping aid, was used as an offering to the Egyptian god Ra in the ancient time. Romans blended chamomile in a tea form to soothe digestive ailments, heal insomnia, stress and back pain. While sipping some chamomile tea will prepare you for a restful sleep, massaging with chamomile essential oils will sooth itches and dry skin. Eczema sufferers truly benefit the calming quality of the national flower of Russia.

4.       Cocoa

Dark and fragrant, cocoa beans provide the world with two of the most scrumptious and indulgent ingredients: Cocoa butter and chocolate. Don’t let that fool you into thinking that chocolate is bad for you, however. When consumed in moderation, this amazing treat will turn into a great anti-aging defender. Research from the Harvard Medical School suggests that the right type of cocoa promotes vascular health, lowers cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Dark chocolate is best because it contains angitensin-converting enzymes, which help regulate your blood pressure. Cocoa butter is extracted from cocoa beans which has a smooth, velvet-like texture and a slight aroma of chocolate.  Because of the number of antioxidants it possesses, cocoa butter makes some of most moisturizing body butter for chapped and damaged skin. 

5.       Clays

Unlike the materials you use for pottery making, French clay and Kaolin clay, are two organically absorbent clays containing essential minerals, some of which you cannot get in any other cosmetic ingredients. Both clays contain useful minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium and silica. French clay disinfects and smooths blemished and combination skin while Kaolin clay on the other hands is suitable for any skin types as it draws out impurities from pores without removing oil from your skin. Both earthy and natural, healing clays remove toxins and improve blood circulation effectively.

6.       Lavender

In the 19^th century, Queen Victoria was a genuine admirer of the ravishing flower and she loved using pillows and soaps which were filled and infused with dried lavender. Egyptians, Greeks and Romans also used lavender; lavender was highly valued as a perfume by Egyptians and Greeks to scent their hair, while the Romans used lavender oils for bathing and medicinal purposes. In 77 AD, Nero, then a Greek military physician under the roman emperor, wrote in his book, De Materia Medica, translated as ‘On Medicinal Substances’, that lavender could be used to relieve indigestion, headaches, insomnia, depression, sore throats, as well as treating wounds and skin disorders. To this date, lavender has remained to be one of the most popular and widely used ingredients in aromatherapy. 

7.       Milk

It was said that, Cleopatra, the Queen of the Nile, also a legendary beauty, took baths daily with goat’s milk and honey. She always had soft, shiny skin as smooth as silk because of the nourishing formula: milk and honey. Greeks, Romans and Egyptians in ancient societies consumed the very same formula to stay young and healthy. Quite often, we see the combination of both honey and milk used together in beauty products; the reason is that both of them contain antimicrobial and cleansing properties.

More recently, research from the University of Maryland Medical Center, confirmed that because milk has high levels of vitamin A and calcium, it can help fights acne and has anti-aging benefits.

8.       Oatmeal

This insoluble fiber-rich grain plant contains high levels of vitamin B, beta-glucan and complex carbohydrates, which is why a daily consumption of oatmeal decreases cholesterol and stabilizes the blood-glucose levels for diabetics.  Oatmeal also protects against any development of colon cancer cells. However, oatmeal is not just for your regular breakfast; oatmeal is also an effective, yet gentle, scrubbing agent.  It removes dead skin cells and regenerates new ones, giving your skin a healthier glow. Its gentleness makes oatmeal an ideal scrubbing alternative for eczema conditions and acne.

9.       Yogurt

Did you know that yogurt was discovered by a Turkish merchant 2000 years ago? He went on a journey with pockets of milk which were made from sheep’s intestine. Because of the weather change from day to night, the milk turned into a surprisingly refreshing and delicious solid clot. Since then, the little accidental discovery became yogurt and made its name to breakfast menus all over the world. The Dairy Council of California suggests that lactic acid, an alpha hydroxyl acid, which is found in yogurt, helps boost our digestive and immune system. It also has been found to reduce eczema conditions in babies. Because of its super hydrating and antibacterial properties, lactic acid has become one of the major components in beauty products, which boosts rejuvenation and fights against anti-aging. Since macrobiotic yogurt has powerful yeast, it is a natural soother for yeast infections and discomforts.

With increasing pollution, it is crucial that we clean and look after our skin daily.  Why not try these natural nourishment at home and enjoy the benefits of having soft and radiant skin? Let them beautify you and enjoy the blessings from nature!