For hundreds of years Thai herbs have constituted a great part of Thai traditional medicine a natural means of health and beauty care. This knowledge has been passed on from generation to generation so that now, in our modern times, everyone can benefit from the wisdom of Thai herbs in todays natural cosmetics and beauty care.
In the next few paragraphs, you will discover the benefits of some of the more common Thai herbs currently being used in cosmetics and beauty care products.
Tamarind
Tamarind seed extract contains high levels of AHA which is of great benefit in skin care. Studies have shown that tamarind seed extract significantly improves skin elasticity, hydration and smoothness.
This extract is water soluble and is recommended for facial toners, moisturizers, serums, gels, masks. It is particularly useful in anti-aging formulas.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass has been traditionally used in Thai cooking, but has been more recently discovered that the essential oils found in this fragrant herb can be used in cosmetics and beauty products. Lemongrass essential oil has antibacterial properties and can also be rubbed on the hands to kill everyday bacteria or used under the armpits as a deodorant. In addition, lemongrass oil has great astringent properties, which helps clear up excessive oily skin that can cause acne outbreaks. Furthermore, lemongrass is effective as a skin toner because it naturally dilates the blood vessels, tightening pores and minimizing wrinkles. Lemongrass oils have also been used for many years in Thailand as a natural way to repel insects such as fleas, lice, ticks and mosquitoes and offer an added benefit of relieving muscle pain.
Turmeric
Turmeric has been used for centuries in Thailand as a natural cleanser and is a wonderful body scrub. It leaves your skin soft, smooth and glowing. Turmeric in cosmetics has also been found to help remove blackheads and whiteheads from the skin. This Thai herb is also wonderful in reducing fats, thus purifying the blood and improving blood circulation in the body. One other great property of turmeric is that it can slow down the growth of body hair, essential for that nice, glowing skin women like.
Kaffir Lime
Kaffir Lime is a well known herbal remedy in Thailand used to help with hair and scalp problems. Its mild acidic property reduces oiliness in the hair while moisturizing the scalp. After rinsing with clean water, the hair will be shiny with the great smell of citrus. Kaffir lime is also a popular ingredient used in herbal compresses and is excellent for aromatherapy.
Southern Marine Seaweed
Southern Marine Seaweed has long been used by the Thais for food and healing and becoming increasingly popular in spas and cosmetic use. Southern Marine Seaweed provides numerous vitamins and minerals including, vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, C, niacin, iodine, iron, zinc calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium and trace amounts of B12. This seaweed also helps promote healthy skin and hair. Tests have shown Southern Marine Seaweed can control excess sebum and is excellent in delivering essential moisture to areas most needed – balancing the skin. Southern Marine Seaweed can also be found in many forms of Thai acne care creams as it has great detoxifying properties.
So now you can see that Thailand is ready to bring the ancient wisdoms of Thai herbs to the global market so they can share their traditions with you.