Natural Cosmetics (1st part)

The Natural cosmetics is based on craft production of creams and beauty products herbal and plant extracts. Among others we can find the following: Avocado, Fucus Algae, Laminaria digitata algae, Aloe vera, Burdock , Boxwood, Cactus-Nopal, Calendula .

Avocado (Persea gratuitoima)

It feeds, and beautifies the skin and hair.

The avocado pulp contains 15% to 25% lipids (fat) , consisting of oleic acid (moninsaturated), linoleic (polyunsaturated) and palmitic (saturated), as well as carbohydrates, proteins, mineral salts and vitamins. Its high content of iron, vitamin B6 and E stands out . In addition to the presence of folic acid .

The avocado oil is an excellent remedy for skin conditions: eczema, chemical or mechanical irritation, dry or cracked skin, etc. Applied on the belly skin, it prevents the stretch marks of pregnant women; eliminates dandruff, stops the progression of baldness, strengthens and softens hair; relieves rheumatic, joint and muscular pain.

In 100 grams of avocado you can find approximately 4 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, and 22 grams of fats.

Alga (Fucus vesiculosus)

Because of its content in fucane , fucosterol, alginic acid and polyunsaturated fattyacids are given emollient, protective, tonic and reinforcing properties of the hydrolipidic film.

It is a large algae that belongs to the family of fucáceas (brown seaweed). It is frequent in the Atlantic Ocean and sometimes it is also found in the Mediterranean Sea. In its stem is organic mud in high concentration, which has the ability to mobilize the fluid retained in localized areas of the body.

Algae (Laminaria digitata)

Due to its content in laminarine, sea mud, fucusterol and alginic acid, it is given a slimming, sebostatic, normalizing and rebalancing properties of the epidermis.

Pertence to the family of brown or neophyte algae and grows mainly in the underwater rocks of the Atlantic.

This alga contains, among other components, the mucilages that give emollient and tensor properties and therefore reafiramantes. It must be borne in mind that it also contains a large amount of iodine, which is why it is indicated for inclusion in slimming and reducing preparations.

Seaweed (Algae)

Algae: mucilaginous polysaccharides: algin, fucoidin, lamirano or laminarin; polyphenols . Trace elements and mineral salts: abundant iodine (in the form of salts and bound to proteins and lipids), potassium, bromine, chlorine, magnesium, calcium, iron, silica. Mannitol, bitter principles. Vitamins and pro - vitamins A and D . Lipids (glucosildiacilglicéridos).

The abundance of mineral salts makes the fucus a remineralizing plant. The iodine confers a thyroid stimulating action, favoring the catabolic processes, so it is used as a coadjuvant in the treatment of overweight. Potassium salts are diuretic. The high swelling capacity of the algin, which is not absorbed intestinally, induces a feeling of gastric repletion. Due to the high adhesion capacity and the coating power of colloidal solutions of alginates, it acts as a protector of the digestive mucous membranes. It is mild laxative and, because of its absorbent power, antidiarrheal. The calcium alginateIt is used as a local fast-acting hemostatic. Laminarin exerts a hypolipidemic, hypocholesterolemic action.

What are they used for:

Hypothyroidism, obesity, localized adiposities, bulimia , gastroduodenal ulcers, hyperlipidemias, constipation, diarrhea. In topical use wounds, epistaxis, skin ulcerations, dental hemorrhages.

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) 

Softens the skin, heals wounds, tones . Aloe belongs to the group of xeroid plants , characterized because they close the stomata of their leaves after any cut or wound in them. In this way they avoid the loss of water. From aloe leaves two main products are obtained: the acíbar and the aloe gel. It has a favorable action in cases of psoriasis and eczema on the skin, as well as acne, fungi and herpes.Revitalizes the skin giving it a greater smoothness, strength and beauty. Improves the appearance of unsightly scars and stretch marks, also serves for hair and nails, stimulates the defenses.

Bardana (Viscum album)

Depurative and sudorific. The root and leaves contain different active ingredients that justify their properties:

Antibiotic: The arctiopicrina contained mainly in the root, is a vegetable antibiotic of glycosidic type, which has been shown especially effective against staphylococcus, the germ that causes many skin infections.

Due to its content of essential oil and mineral salts rich in potassium, burdock is an excellent sudorific and depurative. It facilitates the elimination of waste substances through the skin. In this way, the skin is clean and free of impurities.

Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens )

The powerful but toxic febrifuge.

The boxwood was used in the past to combat ague , as a substitute for quinine. The whole plant, but in particular the leaves and root bark, contains four steroidal alkaloids, of which auxin is the most active. Furthermore boxwood is rich in essential oils, resins, tannin and vitamin C .

It has sudorific, febrifugal and slightly cholagogue properties . Applied as a lotion on the scalp, in some cases it is able to grow hair.

Cactus- Nopal (Opuntia coccinellifera- Opuntia Fiscus Indica) 

The blades contain abundant mucilage and cellulose, which makes them emollients . They are used in poultice to heal wounds, bruises and skin irritations.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

The marigold flowers contain carotenoids (provitamin A), a bitter principle (calendin), flavonoids, saponins, resins, essential oils and small amounts of salicylic acid. All these substances combine to make this flower a precious remedy. Its most outstanding properties are:

Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and healing : It is one of the plants that stand out for its vulnerary property, that is, healing of wounds and contusions. Applied locally, it notably accelerates the healing of wounds, including infected wounds, as well as skin ulcers, burns, boils and eczema . Applied on the joints has an antirheumatic action.

Emollients (skin softener): The calendula oil softens and moisturizes the skin. Very suitable for dry or delicate skin, and for children. The oil and calendula ointment give very good results in the treatment of burns and eczema .