Natural Healing: Bitter is Better Befriending the Bitter Herbs

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Sources: Langmead, L., et al. “Antioxidant Effects of Herbal Therapies Used by Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.” Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 2002 16(2): 197–205.

Walker A. F., et al. “Artichoke Leaf Extract Reduces Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in a Post-marketing Surveillance Study.” Phytotherapy Research 2001, 15(1): 58–61.

Antioxidant herbs

Antioxidant herbs reduce free radical production, which results in less destruction of cells. They are also suspected of slowing down the aging process. Even using small amounts of these herbs seems to have beneficial results. Because the essential oils found in many herbs tend be antioxidants, researchers at the University of California at Davis conducted two independent assays to evaluate them. Of the plants they tested, the most potent antioxidants were from thyme (Thymus vulgaris), basil (Ocimum basilicum), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), chamomile (Matricaria recutita), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), and cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), in that order. Thyme and basil were so strong that they inhibited oxidation for forty days. A previous study at the University of Illinois, Chicago, found that thyme contains forty different antioxidants and that basil contains more than thirty! Thyme’s potency was comparable to the common food preservative BHT and vitamin E. Rosemary’s antioxidant properties help heal stomach ulcers, apparently by increasing protective mucus in the digestive tract lining and lowering levels of substances that produce inflammation. Rosemary was investigated for use as a natural food preservative and now researchers in Italy think it could be a good addition to skin creams or lotions. They found it protects the complexion from cellular damage by minimizing free radical damage to skin cells and may even help cells tolerate stress from oxidation and slow deterioration of their DNA.

Selected sources: Lee, K. G. and T. Shibamoto. “Determination of Antioxidant Potential of Volatile Extracts Isolated from Various Herbs and Spices.” Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry 2002, 50(17): 4947–4952.

Calabrese, V., et al. “Biochemical Studies of a Natural Antioxidant Isolated from Rosemary and its Application in Cosmetic Dermatology.” International Journal of Tissue Reactions 2000, 22(1): 5–13.

Springtime Beauty Tips - Recipes

Laurel Vukovic

Spring is the perfect time for revitalizing your body-care routines. Try these fresh, easy-to-make herbal recipes to smooth your skin, condition your hair, and rejuvenate your entire body.

Baths
PURIFYING LAVENDER-CITRUS BATH
MOISTURIZING CHAMOMILE MILK BATH

Body scrubs and polishes
STRAWBERRY-LAVENDER BODY SCRUB
AROMATHERAPY BODY POLISH

Hands and feet
LEMON-ALMOND HAND PACK
AROMATHERAPY CUTICLE TREATMENT
PEPPERMINT FOOT SCRUB

Hair care
ROSEMARY CLARIFYING RINSE
AVOCADO MOISTURIZING HAIR PACK

Facial skin care
ROSE PETAL-YOGURT SCRUB
FRUIT ENZYME MASK
ELDER FLOWER-ROSE TONER

Eye and lip care
CHAMOMILE EYE SOOTHER
ORANGE-MINT LIP BALM 

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