Safflower
(Honghua, Flos Carthami)
Safflower is a common herb used by both Eastern and Western
herbal medicine. As a natural pigment,
it has long been used as a coloring agent in cosmetics and textile
products. Sallower is packed with
antioxidant and is often used to promote blood circulation and strengthen
cardiovascular system. In addition,
safflower contains monosaturated fatty acid (oleic acid) and polyunsatturated
fatty acid (linoleic acid), which are known to be anti-inflammatory.
For skin care, modern research shows that Safflower and
safflower oil are effective for dark spots removal, especially when combined
with Radix Angelicae Dahuricae (Baizhi) and Fructus Psoraleae (Buguzhi). Flos Carthami made into message oil or
skincare serum can make the skin delicate and rosy, relax muscles, active blood
circulation, and relieve fatigue. The red
pigment can be used for cosmetics purpose (ointment, creams, lotions, and
lipsticks).
For hair care, the herb can be mixed with Radix et
Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhizae (Danshen), Radix Paeoniae Rubra (Chishao) and
Rhizoma Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong) for treating alopeca, hair loss especially
sebaceous type.
Aloe
(Luhui, Aloe Vera)
Similar to Safflower, Aloe is also a common herb used by
both Eastern and Western medicine. Aloe is often used as a remedy for skin conditions including burns,
sunburn, frostbite, psoriasis, and cold sores. Some people also use aloe gel to
help surgical wounds and bedsores heal faster. There is some science supporting
these uses. Some chemicals in aloe gel seem to be able to increase circulation
in the tiny blood vessels in the skin, as well as kill bacteria. Together,
these effects suggest that aloe gel might be effective in speeding wound
healing. But it’s too early to come to that conclusion.
Chinese medicines general believes that Aloe is effective
in treating ace and can be used as an additive into sun block cream or lotion
for anti-UV radiation. In addition, Aloe
is often used to prevent solar dermatitis.
Baizhi
(Radix Angelicae Dahuricae)
Fragrant in smell, Angelica is an old and classic
skincare herb in Chinese medicine. The
herb has long been used in making facial cream since the Qin and Han Dynasties
(2000+ years ago). Modern researches show that the herb promotes human cells
microcirculation and skin metabolism, which accelerate pigment decomposition
and remove or lighten flecks. The herb has a special effect on treating acne,
blackhead, and pimples too. In addition,
the herb has the effect of countering UV radiation and
prevents sunburn.
Angelica powder can be bought on online or from Chinese
herbal store. The powder can be mixed
with other grain powders as a face cleanser or mask. Alternative, you can obtain the herb as dried
herb slices. Stew a few slices in hot water,
drain and cool the water, and use as a toner.
Thanks for reading!
Connie
www.cherruby.com
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