Skin Treatment
Skin Care and Skin Treatment
The skin is one of the largest organs of elimination in our body, but the skin really relies on the other primary elimination systems to do their jobs first. Only when our kidneys, bladder and colon are working well, will the skin function optimally and remain clear and free of rashes and inflammation.
Skin rash is a common term that describes an outbreak of red lumps on the body that changes the texture of the skin. A skin rash can be the result of many different conditions, ranging from allergies to infections. Liver toxicity can also be the cause of certain skin rashes. It may be beneficial to do a liver cleanse. Herbs that help to detoxify the liver are turmeric, milk thistle, and dandelion.
Natural and holistic treatments have been found to be extremely beneficial for maintaining healthy skin and supporting the natural healing and regenerative processes of the skin. Treatments such as herbal and homeopathic remedies are a safe and gentle alternative without the harmful side effects of synthetic chemicals often found in over-the-counter products and prescription medication.
Important For Younger Looking Skin:
Increase Water Intake - You can dramatically change how you look and feel by drinking enough clean water. Water cleanses the skin and the body, which equates to clean healthy skin that can even make you appear years younger than you actually are.
Increase Healthy Fats - Omega fatty acids or essential fatty acids are simply fats your body cannot live without. They are required to make cell membranes, hormones, and other body chemicals. They are also particularly important to people with inflammatory conditions such as eczema and acne, and also for people with dry skin. Essential fats are thought to keep your heart healthy, fight inflammation, and possibly prevent cancer.
Decrease Excess Sugar - Most people do not realize that excess sugar is considered one of the main causes of premature aging. The more sugar we eat, the more sugar we have entering our bloodstream. Over time, this can result in a process known as glycation, which is when a glucose (sugar) molecule damages a protein molecule by sticking to it. The new molecules formed are called Advanced Glycation End-products, or AGEs. AGEs damage collagen, cartilage, and ligaments and promote a loss of elasticity causing wrinkles to form and skin to sag.
Apricots or Amygdalin
Apricot [Prunus armeniaca] is a species of Prunus, classified with the plum in the subgenus Prunus. The native range is somewhat uncertain due to its extensive prehistoric cultivation. The fruit, rich in vitamins is used to produce the pleasant smelling Apricot Kernel Oil. Apricot Kernel Oil is very mild natural oil, often used in baby products because of its fine gentle nature.
Amygdalin is a glycoside [Sugar Derivative] found in certain plants including apricot pits, apple seeds, bitter almonds and flax seeds. It may be taken orally, by injection or intravenously. Amygdalin is also referred to as vitamin B17.
Rich in essential fatty acids like oleic and linoleic acid, apricot kernel oil is high in vitamin A. Since it easily penetrates the skin, it is good oil for prematurely aged, dry or irritated skin. The excellent softening and moisturizing properties is great for face, hands and hair. Massaging the face with apricot kernel oil moisturizes the skin and slows down the aging process. The apricot kernel oil helps skin retain elasticity, clarity, and suppleness. It also helps calm the inflammation or irritation of eczema and dermatitis. Crushed Apricot Kernels are commonly used as a facial mask to soften the skin. Vitamins A & C are good for mature dry or sensitive skin.
The health benefits of apricots were first recognized by an ancient tribe called the Hunzas, who lived high in the Himalayas and were known to have exceptionally long lives. The Hunza tribe are fascinating and renowned for being some of the healthiest people in the world. Serious health issues are extremely rare and their people often live well into their 90s and 100s in perfectly good health!
Please Be Aware:
When eaten in excess, apricot kernels can cause symptoms of cyanide poisoning, such as dizziness, headache, hypertension, nausea, vomiting, cyanosis, and coma.
Paw Paw or Papaya Skin Care
Papaya [Paw Paw or Papaw] is of course known as a delicious fruit picked from the Carica Papaya Tree. The trees themselves are fast growing and fruit can be harvested from them after just twelve months. Papaya trees are now commonly found in most tropical and sub tropical regions.
Because of its high antioxidant content, papaya can prevent cholesterol oxidation and can be useful in preventative treatments against atherosclerosis, strokes, heart attacks and diabetic heart disease, cataract formation, and due to the high vitamin A content, it lowers the risk of emphysema in smokers and passive smokers. Vitamins A & C are good for mature dry or sensitive skin.
Papaya Ointment uses fresh fermented fruit and its medicinal benefits are well documented. Papaya contains important elements that help fight the free radicals in the body, helping keep the skin free from premature aging and other skin problems. Therefore, if you don't want your face reflecting your age through wrinkles and age spots, then you can use papaya for keeping your skin naturally youthful and radiant.
Papaya contains an important enzyme called Papain that helps in natural renewal of skin and is also known to help in skin whitening. In addition, papaya is rich in important nutrients and vitamins that together help your skin remain clear, spot free and naturally soft, supple and beautiful. Along with the above given benefits, papaya also aids in naturally exfoliating and moisturising your skin while hastening the skin's healing process.
Please Be Aware:
Many popular brands of Paw Paw or Papaya Ointment are Petrochemical based (One of the most common petrochemicals found in skin care products is petrolatum, also known as petroleum jelly) and may only contain .3% of actual Papaya. We recommend that you search for 'Pure Paw Paw or Papaya Ointment' that is 100% Petrochemical Free!
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Ancient Skin Care Remedies
Our ancestors were dedicated to looking good and followed strict beautifying routines. The Ancient civilizations left behind a wealth of beauty secrets and many old-fashioned techniques are still used today.
It is said that the women of the Khoikhoi tribe have the most beautiful skin in the world. Young Khoikhoi women have unblemished complexions, and the Khoikhoi elders have very few wrinkles or lines. The Khoikhoi people live in the mountain range north of Cape Town, South Africa. For centuries the Khoikhoi women have used a red herb (also known as ‘red tea’) to treat serious skin conditions and allergies. After noticing the incredible healing power of the red tea extract on their children’s skin, the women of the village began using it on themselves.
Red tea is a member of the legume family Fabaceae (or Leguminosae) and not a true tea. Red tea is packed full of antioxidants, vitamin C, and quercetin (flavonoids). The quercetin and vitamin C soothe and protect the skin whilst increasing collagen and fibronectin bellow the skin surface. The rich combination of antioxidants soak up free radicals, collagen creates a mesh bellow the skin surface and fibronectin binds the collagen hiding imperfections and giving the wrinkle free appearance.
While many of us opt for new treatments such as chemical facial peels and botox, many of us also use skincare products that were inspired by the ancient world. So let’s take a look at some of the best skincare treatments that originate from the ancients:
Salt
Both the Ancient Egyptian and Ancient Greeks understood the importance of exfoliation and used salt to rejuvenate their skin. They used natural products to achieve a youthful look and went out of their way to look beautiful. We have followed in the footsteps of our ancestors and still use abrasives to get rid of dead skin cells. Many exfoliation products are available and you can even buy exfoliating gloves.
Clay
Ancient civilizations were avid users of clay to heal diseased, damaged or irritated skin as they discovered it had many healing properties. Clay was also mixed with oil and ash to make soap. Natural products are still used today, and clay is thought to smooth out fine lines and draw out impurities. Mud wraps are still used in top spas to detox the body while mud masks are used to deeply cleanse the skin of impurities. It’s also thought to be so gentle that it can be used on many skin types without irritation.
Olive Oil
Olive oil has been considered sacred for many years and was used to anoint the kings and athletes of Greece. It was often referred to as “liquid gold” and was used by the Ancient Greeks as a moisturizer and a natural sunscreen. People allergic to harsh chemicals prefer to use more natural products and so olive soaps and hair conditioners are ideal.
Almond Oil
Almond oil was found in many Egyptian products and was used throughout the classes. Both pharaohs and their workers use to rub this natural ingredient into their skin to keep them looking young. The vitamin E found in almonds works to draw out harmful toxins and rid the body of free radicals. These days we can opt for botox or microdermabrasion, however, almond oil is still found in many new cosmetics.
Milk
The natural lactic acid found in milk removes surface dead skin cells, thereby refining skin texture, brightening the complexion and leaving it silky smooth. Today this ritual has been super refined with the actual lactic acid molecule (alpha hydroxy acid) used to specifically beautify the skin and is the most popular ingredient used in anti-aging peels and home care used by Cosmetic Physicians and Beauty Therapists.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is sourced from the fruit of the Cacao Tree (Growing deep in the tropical jungles of the equatorial Americas) and is one of the most stable fats known. Revered by the Mayan and western population, this sensual and rich lotion melts on contact with skin making it the perfect base for moisturisers.
Shea Butter
Sourced from the African Karite tree which can live for up to 300 years, Shea Butter is extracted from the trees nuts via a meticulous and laborious process of crushing, roasting and stirring. Mainly used in lip gloss, moisturisers and hair conditioners, it is also lauded for its medicinal anti-inflammatory, emollient and humectants (Water Retaining) properties.
Willow Bark
Over 2000 years ago, ancient healers found that bark from a willow tree (when steeped in hot water) could alleviate pain associated with fever, toothache and headache. This created salicylic acid, which today is incorporated in a wide range of skin care treatments. As a chemical exfoliate, it helps to maintain clear skin and prevent breakouts.
Tea
Tea leaves contain over good 500 chemicals, many with compounds that closely relate to human health. These include flavanoids, amino acids, vitamins and caffeine. Tea drinking has been associated with cell-mediated immune function of the human body and it plays an important role in protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage. These benefits have been utilized in beauty products, especially those found in white and green tea.
Frankincense
Ancient cultures used this aromatic resin to reduce the appearance of unsightly scars. This natural substance was also favoured by Egyptian women who used it to calm angry stretch marks caused by pregnancy. While frankincense might seem like an unusual product to use on your skin its healing properties are still recognised today. This natural remedy is used in many modern products and is thought to be able to clear up sores.
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Herbs & Spices
Black pepper is derived from the fruit of a climbing vine native to southern India and Sri Lanka. White pepper is likewise made from this fruit but is processed differently. By increasing the bioavailability of other anti-tumourigenic spices such as turmeric, black pepper dramatically increases their potency and effectiveness against various types of cancer.
It also counteracts cancer development directly. Its principal phytochemical, piperine, inhibits some of the pro-inflammatory cytokines that are produced by tumour cells."
The flowers, seeds and roots of this herb are medicinally used in the treatment of liver disorders. About 30 to 60 ml of decoction of the flowers, seeds or roots can be used three times daily, with beneficial results, in the treatment of torpidity or sluggishness of the liver, biliary stasis or, stoppage of bile, jaundice and enlargement of spleen.
Endive or chicory juice, in almost any combination, promotes the secretion of bile and is, therefore, very good for both liver and gall bladder dysfunctions."
In addition to their culinary uses, they have mild analgesic properties and oil of clove has long been used in dentistry as a treatment for toothache. Cloves are loaded with many highly effective antioxidants including procyanidin and quercetin that give this spice the distinction of having the highest antioxidant activity of all foods!
There is also evidence that eugenol and acetate inhibit platelet aggregation and thus protect against heart attacks and thrombotic strokes."
In traditional medicine, it has been used to treat a number of conditions including diabetes, sore throats, and in poultices used to treat sores and abscesses. Recent investigations into the medicinal properties of this spice suggest it is important not only as a preventive for chronic diseases such as diabetes, but also for enhancing normal physiological processes, especially with respect to athletic performance.
Another one of its properties is the reduction of platelet aggregation which, in turn, dramatically reduces the risk of abnormal blood clotting associated with heart attacks and strokes."
Garlic, which is the bulb of a plant native to the Himalayas and Siberia, is among the world's most important spices. Used across the globe as pungent food flavouring, in many societies it is employed as an important medicinal spice with an array of traditional uses.
These include its use as an antiseptic, anti-asthmatic, anti-rheumatic and as a treatment for coughs and colds. Over the centuries, it has also been employed against specific disease scourges, notably leprosy, plague and smallpox."
Ginger is one of the most popular of all the spices and is derived from the root of a plant indigenous to Asia which is now cultivated across the globe for use in an enormous variety of foods, drinks and traditional medicines. It is used in folk medicine to treat colds and influenza and is an effective anti-emetic used in the treatment of both motion sickness, and the nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy.
Numerous studies investigating ginger's medicinal properties have also shown it to be effective in the prevention and treatment of many of our more serious chronic degenerative diseases."
Mustard is native to the Mediterranean region is derived from several varieties of mustard plant, each of which produces seeds of a different intensity and flavour. Not only do they help to protect against a variety of malignancies, including cancer of the pancreas, prostate, breast, stomach and colon, but as little as two or three servings per month may be enough for their anticancer properties to take effect.
In addition to being valued internationally as a spice, it has a notable history of use in traditional medicines and has been used to relieve headaches, as an emetic, for colds and flu and to treat arthritis."
Nutmeg is the seed, and mace the aril, of a tree native to Indonesia. It provides several important antioxidants, including eugenol which inhibits platelet aggregation and oleanolic acid which can lower blood lipids and therefore help to prevent cardiovascular disease. Nutmeg also contains limonene which has preventive properties against some cancers, and linalool which has anticancer and antiviral effects.
In high doses it has narcotic effects and can induce hallucinations."
Turmeric's root is ground up to provide the yellow dye and flavoured powder known as haldi in India, and turmeric in the West. Turmeric's main constituent phytochemical, curcumin, is one of the most remarkable and most studied of all the spice compounds. In addition to its other medicinal properties, curcumin is an extremely valuable chemoprotective agent.
Much of the research and interest in curcumin has centred on breast cancer, but it has also been found to have protective effects against cancers of the bladder, stomach, uterus and cervix."