LIST OF SOME HERBAL INGREDIENTS THAT ARE BENEFICIAL FOR YOUR HAIR AND SKIN

Eunice Rabino
Mar 21, 2018
8 min read

I went to a Derma Event in Dubai UAE and learned some of the natural and herbal ingredients that is beneficial to the skin.

I hope this list would help so next time when you see some of these at your skincare ingredients, you'll have an idea what does it do for you.

DISCLAIMER: #notsponsored. Some of the links may contain skincare products from different brands. I just want to show you the beneficial properties of the following ingredients but that does not mean I'm promoting the brands that is in some of the links.

ABYSSINIAN (CRAMBE ABYSSINICA L.)

The seeds of the abyssinian plant are approx. 3mm in size and have an oil content of 30%. They contain valuable active ingredients such as unsaturated fatty acids (especially erucic acid), linoleic acid and oleic acid. The oil nourishes hair and imparts suppleness and shine. It also have anti-inflammatory, cell-communicating and skin-conditioning properties.

ALOE VERA (ALOE VERA L.)

Aloe vera has excellent moisture retaining and moisturizing properties. It protects hair from becoming brittle. It is also has an antioxidant and antibacterial properties. This member of the succulent family was already revered by the ancient Greeks as a medical plant.

AMARANTH (AMARANTHUS CAUDATUS L.)

The Amaranth plant is indigenous to Mexico, Central and South America. It grows to three metres in height and oil is extracted from the seeds. The valuable active ingredients protect and have an anti-oxidative effect, thanks to unsaturated fatty acids.

ANDIROBA (CARAPA GUIANENSIS L.)

The andiroba tree grows in the Brazilian Amazon area. The oil from the nuts is regarded as a medicine in South America and is particularly rich in fatty acids and bitter substances. It has anti-inflammatory and insect repelling properties.

ARGAN (ARGANIA SPINOSA L.)

The argan tree is also known as the "tree of life". The almond-shaped nuts contain about 50% oil with 80% pure unsaturated fatty acids, especially omega-6 and vitamin E. Argan oil gives hair elasticity and protection from the heat.

ARONIA (ARONIA MELANOCARPA L.)

The aronia berries, or black chokeberries, originated in NA and are now cultivated across Europe. Thanks to their high polyphenol and vitamin C content aronia is a very good anti-oxidant.

AVOCADO (PERSEA GRATISSIMA L.)

Rich in Vitamins A, E and D and minerals. Avocado oil protects hair from drying out and gives it natural suppleness. It moisturizes skin, helps collagen production and treats skin conditions.

BIRCH (BETULA ALBA L.)

Birch leaves and sap have a mild antiseptic effect and support the functions of the scalp. Birches have very modest soil requirements. In Europe and North America they thrive in sparse forests and sandy, poor soil. It prevents bacterial and fungal infections because of Salicylic Acid and Methyl Salicylate, two well-known germicides and bactericides in the world of medicine. Birch also acts as skin toner. Regular external application (in low dosages) effectively reduces wrinkles and sagging of the skin and muscles. Its astringent property strengthens gums, hair, and tightens muscles. Thus it makes you look younger and may help you get back into a more youthful lifestyle, even when you are well into your forties or fifties.

BURDOCK ROOT (ARCTIUM LAPPA L.)

Burdock root contains valuable, mildly antiseptic active ingredients such as mucilages and essential oils. The bacteriostatic and fungicidal properties of the burdock root are particularly suited to long-term treatment of flaky scalps. Scientific studies have even shown that burdock extract can even improve the clinical signs of aging skin! One 2008 study showed that topical treatment with a natural burdock extract significantly improved the metabolism of the dermal extracellular matrix and led to a visible wrinkle reduction. (6) For good reason, we’re likely to see burdock root being used more and more in skin care products, especially for mature and dry skin.

TRUE CHAMOMILE (CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA L.)

Chamomile has been widely used in folk medicine for centuries and is one of the most applied and best-known medical plants. Thanks to its valuable active ingredients, chamomile has a calming, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect. It provides gentle, rebalancing care for the scalp, alleviates redness and prevents irritations. They also diminish the scars, marks, and spots on the skin and on the face, making them a cicatrizant. They also protect wounds, cuts, and bruises from becoming infected, therefore also serving as a vulnerary.

COCONUT (COCOS NUCIFERA L.)

The oil from the fruit of the tropical coconut contains glycerides, lauric and myristic acid. It suffocates head lice and simultaneously acts as a natural lipid-replenishing agent for the sensitive scalp. I sometimes use coconut oil as an oil-based makeup remover.

COLTSFOOT (TUSSILAGO FARFARA L.)

Coltsfoot contains mild mucilages and sulfur, which have light antiseptic, anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties, and which support the gentle regulation of the functions of the scalp.

DRAGON FRUIT (HYLOCEREUS UNDATUS L.)

The cactus fruit has the largest flower in the plant kingdom and it flowers for only one night in the rainy season. Dragon fruit contains more than 90% water and has moisturizing, vitalizing and antioxidant properties. Dragon fruits have a surprising number of phytonutrients. Rich in antioxidants, they contain vitamin C (equivalent to 10 percent of the daily value), polyunsaturated (good) fatty acids, and several B vitamins for carbohydrate metabolism, as well as carotene and protein. Calcium is present for strong bones and teeth, iron and phosphorus for healthy blood and tissue formation. The benefits are realized in a number of ways, from a strengthened immune system and faster healing of bruises and wounds to fewer respiratory problems.Dragon fruits have zero complex carbohydrates, so foods can be more easily broken down in the body, helped by vitamin B1 (thiamin) and other B vitamins. The phytochemical captin, used as a medication to treat heart problems, is present in the fruit itself, and an oil in the seed operates as a mild laxative.

FIG (FICUS CARIA L.)

Fig, also known as Ficus carica, is an Asian species of flowering plant. They possess high concentrations of polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, omega fatty acids and vitamins, including vitamin A, B1, and B2. Figs are most prominently known for their antioxidant effects, which are provided by the polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. These antioxidant properties help to neutralize radicals that are present in the environment. Fig oil for skin care purposes is most commonly administered topically.

The fig originated in the Orient and has refreshing, antioxidant and moisturizing properties. Fig extract imparts smoothness, elasticity and bounce.

GINSENG (PANAX GINSENG L.)

Ginseng root has been used in Asian medicine for 7000 years. It is regarded as the symbol for health and longevity and is the carrier of vital energy, Qi. Ginseng extract tones skin and strengthens hair.

GOLDEN ROOT (RHODIOLA ROSEA L.)

Golden root, or roseroot can be found from Europe to Asia. The rich substances such as phenylpropanoids (rosavin, rosin and rosarin), flavonoids and phenolic acid soothe the scalp and strengthen it with an active natural anti-aging effect (also on skin).

GREEN CLAY (MONTMORILLONITE)

Green clay is rich in minerals including magnesium, calcium, phosphorous and zinc. French green clay is given its color by decomposed plant matter and iron oxide. Montmorillonite is a major constituent of green clay. Their main properties are: absorbent, adsorbent, purifying and calming. It controls oils and firms the skin, nourishes skin cells, and helps in fading blemishes.

GUARANA (PAULLINA CUPANA L.)

The fruit of the guarana plant contains seeds with a particularly high concentration of caffeine. Guarana extract has toning, astringent properties and relaxes vessels. It contains caffeine, saponis and tannins. It is used in skin care and anti-aging products for its toning and astringent properties.

HEARTSEED (CARDIOSPERMUM HALICACABUM L.)

Heartseed owes its name to the dark brown seed pod with the heart-shaped, white marking. It contains valuable active ingredients such as saponins, phytosterols, flavonoids and halicar acid, which can be considered natural cortisone (steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation). The natural active ingredients of Cardiospermum halicacabum L. have an anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effect. Traditionally the plant is used internally by the various tribes in regions where it is indigenous and is attributed with healing respiratory illnesses, rheumatism, digestive and derived urinary problems and menstruation ailments. Balloon vine is mostly used in homeopathy to treat eczematous skin. For this a mother tincture is made from the flowering parts. Its effectiveness in treating itchiness and eczema has been verified in many clinical studies.

HORSETAIL (EQUISETUM ARVENSE L.)

Horsetail is rich in natural silicic acid, which has a positive influence on the connective tissues of the scalp. Horsetail smoothes and regenerates the cuticle layer of the hair shaft. The hair is more resistant, stronger, with more elasticity and natural shine.

HOUSELEEK (SEMPERVIVUM TECTORUM L.)

Houseleek is rich in soothing, anti-inflammatory mucilages. Houseleek leaves are crushed and applied as a poultice for treating skin related conditions such as – burns, ulcers, wounds, insect bites, sore nipples, eczema and corns. The herb particularly helps in reducing inflammatory conditions of the skin.House leek is also associated with the following – warts, hemorrhoids, inflammation of mucous membranes, throat inflammation etc. The diluted juice made using the crushed leaves of Houseleek can be used as a gargle for treating mouth ulcers and throat infections.

LEMON BALM (MELISSA OFFICINALIS L.)

Lemon balm is rich in essential oils such as citral and citronellal and has a soothing and gentle effect on flaky, reddened skin.

LINDEN FLOWER (TILIA CORDATA L.)

Linden flowers are rich in mild mucilages and flavonoids. They have a calming and soothing effect. Linden flowers have a sweet scent and are found throughout Europe and NA.

MALLOW (MALVA SYLVESTRIS L.)

Mallow is known for its high levels of valuable, film-forming mucilages. It has an anti-irritation and skin softening effect. It protects and conditions skin.

MILLET (PANICUM MILIACEUM L.)

Millet contains a high percentage of proteins, minerals and vitamins and trace elements, such as silicic acid, which benefits the health of both skin and hair, strengthens and restores its natural elasticity.

NETTLE (URTICA DIOICA L.)

Nettle contains a multitude of active ingredients including vitamins, tannins, mineral salts and valuable amino acids.

PLANTAIN (PLANTAGO LANCEOLATA L.)

The elegant fibrous pointed leaves contain, beside other substances, extremely mild mucilages, silicic acid, tannins, flavonoids and minerals with a high level of zinc and potassium. Plantain has an anti-inflammatory, soothing and strengthening effect on the skin.

QUASSIA (QUASSIA AMARA L.)

When combined with high quality fruit vinegar, the bitter substances in the tropical quassia plant attack the chitin shell of nits, preventing new larvae from hatching and facilitating the removal of nits from the hair.

QUILLAJA BARK (QUILLAJA SAPONARIA L.)

The stately "soap tree" is indigenous to South America. The peeled quillaja bark is rich in saponins. When combined with other valuable agents, this intensely frothy natural substance ensures an especially mild and gentle cleanser.

QUINOA (CHENOPODIUM QUINOA L.)

Quinoa is known as the power plant of the Incas. Its extract is rich in all nine amino acids, Vitamin E and B.

RAPESEED (BRASSICA OLEIFERA L.)

For centuries rapeseed has been cultivated for oil. Because of its high percentage of Omega-3 fatty acids rapeseed oil is not only popular in kitchen; the lipid-replenishing effect on skin and hair is so valued within the cosmetic industry.

SAGE (SALVIA OFFICINALIS L.)

Sage contains valuable essentials oils, tannins and flavonoids. In the right combination it is anti-inflammatory and relaxing.

SEAWEED (FUCUS VESICULOSUS L.)

Seaweed is rich in mineral salts, mucilages, iodine and polyphenols. It has a stimulating and regulating effect on the sebaceous glands and on the metabolism of the scalp.

SUNFLOWER (HELIANTHUS ANNUUS L.)

Cold-pressed sunflower oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid, polyphenols and vitamins. It has a moisturizing effect and makes skin and hair smooth and supple.

THYME (THYMUS VULGARIS L.)

Thanks to its levels of essential oils, especially thymol, thyme has good disinfecting and anti-pruritic properties.

TIGER GRASS (CENTELLA ASIATICA L.)

I've talked about this in my previous blog posts (one of the ingredients of the product I reviewed). Also known as pennywort, has long enjoyed good reputation as a rejuvenating agent and is used in ayurvedic medicine as "Gotu Kola" to counteract premature aging. It has a purifying, detoxifying and skin-cleansing effect. Prevents breakouts and cures blemishes.

Centella asiatica has been used to address a wide range of dry-skin related conditions thanks to its ability to improve skin hydration, and that it’s a suitable ingredient for anti-aging formulations.

WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.)

Wheatgerm extract and wheat bran are rich in proteins and vitamins B and E. They contain natural lipids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. They moisturize, impart suppleness and protect against drying out. Wheatgrass juice contains many anti-aging ingredients such as super oxide dismutase (SOD), vitamins A, B complex, C, and E, chlorophyll, as well as a full spectrum of minerals, enzymes, and amino acids.

WILLOW BARK (SALIX ALBA L.)

Willow bark extract has an anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and toning effect on the skin and scalp. It is also used as a natural exfoliator because of its salicilic acid property. It can also be used as a natural astringent.