The lavender plant, which is native to the Old World and is characterized by its beautiful hues and invigorating fragrance, has been used for more than 2,500 years as a cosmetic aid. The ancient Egyptians and Phoenicians, for instance, would use lavender as a natural perfume. The Romans loved to use lavender to scent their baths (in fact, “lavender” is derived from the Latin “lavare,” which means “to wash”), while the people of Medieval and…
The oil of the peppermint plant has remained a central component of many medicine cabinets for centuries, and for good reasons. Aside from being a proven anagesic, expectorant and carminative, this intense and aromatic oil is a potent anti-inflammatory that is well-known for treating gastrointestinal conditions, such as indigestion and stomach spasms, in a gentle and natural manner. Emerging evidence also suggests that it can even treat irritable bowel syndrome. Though it is widely used…
Since the beginning of recorded history, apple cider vinegar has been used as an effective medicine to remedy a wide variety of ailments. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, for instance, was known to treat his patients with apple cider vinegar and honey for serious digestive conditions. Christopher Columbus would store barrels of apple cider vinegar aboard his vessels to guard his sailors from scurvy. Even the feared samurai warriors of Japan often relied upon apple…
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a small palm native to the southeastern United States that is characterized by its sprawling trunk and large, spear-like leaves. The plant bears dark red, olive-sized berries that have a long history of use as both a food and medicine. The American Indians particularly revered saw palmetto berries for their significant healing properties. Though saw palmetto has been used throughout history to treat coughs and colds, asthma, migraines, bronchitis, and…
Virtually all cultures in the world view thick, lustrous hair as a symbol of vitality, youthfulness, and healthfulness. Consequently, hair improvement products in all forms (shampoos, conditioners, hair loss creams, etc.) are international, billion-dollar industries. Some of these products receive good reviews, while others receive bad reviews. Regardless of their efficacy, however, few if any of them could be described as “natural.” Their ingredients list usually reads like a chemistry set, and health-conscious individuals are…
