Natural Cosmetics (Part 1)
Natural Cosmetics is based on craft production of creams and beauty products and herbal extracts of plant origin. Among others we find the following: Avocado, Alga Fucus, Laminaria digitata, algae, Aloe, Bardana, boxwood, Cactus, Cactus, Calendula.
Avocado (Persea gratisima)
Feeds and beautifies the skin and hair.
Avocado pulp contains from 15% to 25% lipid (fat), consisting of oleic acid (moninsaturado), linoleic (polyunsaturated) and palmitic (saturated), in addition to carbohydrates, proteins, mineral salts and vitamins. Its high content of iron, vitamin B6 and E is great, in addition to the presence of folic acid.
Avocado oil is an excellent remedy for disorders of the skin: eczema, chemical or mechanical irritation, dry skin or cracked, etc. Applied on the skin of the abdomen, avoids streaks of pregnant women, eliminates dandruff, stops the progression of baldness, strengthens and smooths hair, relieves rheumatic in pains, joint and muscle.
In 100 grams of avocado approximately 4 grams protein, 2 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 22 grams of fat can be found.
Algae (Fucus vesiculosus)
Fr its content, fucosterol, alginic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids, it will give emollient properties, protective, tonic and strengthening the film hydrolipid.
It is a large alga that belongs to the family of brown algae. It is common in the Atlantic Ocean, and sometimes also found in the Mediterranean Sea. In the stem is highly concentrated organic sludge, which has the ability to mobilize the fluid retained in the localized areas of the body.
Algae (Laminaria digitata)
For its content in laminarin, marine mud, and alginic acid, it gives slimming properties, normalizing and rebalancing the skin.
Belongs to the family of brown algae or neophytes and grows mainly in rocks.
This alga contains mucilages other components that make its emollient properties. It should be borne in mind that also contains large amounts of iodine which is suitable for inclusion in slimming preparations and reducers.
Seaweed (Polysaccharides mucilaginous)
Algin, or laminarin; polyphenols. Trace elements and minerals: abundant iodine (in the form of salts and proteins and fats together), potassium, bromine, chlorine, magnesium, calcium, iron, silica. Mannitol, bitter principles. And pro-vitamins A and D. Lipids (glucosildiacilglicéridos).
Algae: Hypothyroidism, obesity, localized adiposity, bulimia, gastric ulcers, hyperlipidemia, constipation, diarrhea. Topical use in wounds, epistaxis, dermal ulcers, dental bleeding.
Aloe (Aloe barbadensis)
Smooths skin, heals wounds, tones. Aloe belongs to the group of xeroides characterized as closed stomata of the leaves after any cut or wound. This prevents water loss. From the leaves of aloe , these products are obtained: the ACIB and aloe gel. It has a favorable action in cases of psoriasis and eczema on the skin, as well as acne and fungal skin. It revitalizes giving greater smoothness, strength and beauty. Improving the unaesthetic appearance of scars and stretch marks, also serves to hair and nails, stimulates the defenses.
Bardana (Viscum album)
It purifies skin. The root and leaves contain different active ingredients to justify their properties:
Antibiotics: The arctiopicrina contained mainly in the root, is a glycosidic antibiotic plant type, which has proved particularly effective against Staphylococcus, germ causing many skin infections.
Because of its essential oil content and rich in minerals potassium, it is an excellent and sudorific depurative. It facilitates the removal of waste substances through the skin. In this way the skin is clean and free of impurities.
Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)
Boxwood was used in the past to combat malarial fevers, as a substitute for quinine. The whole plant, but especially the leaves and root bark, contains four steroidal alkaloids, from which auxin is the most active. Moreover, it is rich in essential oil, resin, tannins and vitamin C.
Sudorific properties. Applied as a lotion on the scalp, in some cases is able to grow hair.
Cactus (Opuntia Opuntia Fiscus-Indica coccinellifera)
The cactus contains abundant mucilage and cellulose, which makes it emollient. Used in poultice to heal wounds, bruises and skin irritations.
Marigold (Calendula officinalis)
The calendula flowers contain carotenoids (provitamin A), a bitter principle (calendina), flavonoids, saponins, resins, essential oils, and small amounts of acid salicylic. These substances combine to make this flower a beautiful choice. Its most important properties are:
Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and healing: It is one of the plants that stand out for its property, i.e. healing of wounds and bruises. Applied locally significantly accelerates the healing of wounds, including those infected, as well as skin ulcers, burns, boils and eczema.
Emollient (skin softener): Calendula oil softens and moisturizes the skin. Very suitable for dry or sensitive skin, and for children. The oil and calendula ointment give very good results in treating burns and eczema.
Source: Cosmetic Harmony