If 2019 was all about discovering new superfoods (we’re looking at you hemp seeds) and everyone jumping on each and every health trend (can I hear mindfulness, conscious amen?), we’re predicting that 2020 will be about looking back. Way back. We can safely say that herbal medicine will be the next big thing (again…) and with good reason. Now before you dismiss this notion as quickly as assuming you know the name of our current PM (who is it again…?) and think there’s no truthful/scientific evidence in it, well pour yourself a (herbal) cuppa my friend – we recommend Little Wilding Co I Am A Goddess. Let us give you a quick history lesson!
The History Of Herbal Medicine For Beauty Purposes
Aspirin was derived from willow bark and used before 1500BC as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. Fast forward to 1828 and Joseph Buchner, a professor of pharmacy at Munich University, Germany, succeeds in extracting the active ingredient from willow. They produced bitter-tasting yellow crystals that he names salicin. Salicin is also found in the meadowsweet flower by Swiss pharmacist Johann Pagenstecher and later by German researcher Karl Jacob Löwig. Fast forward a hundred years or so and a bunch of added ingredients and voila, you have Aspirin – sure, it may look a little different to what it was back then but you get our point.
Where We See Herbal Medicine Now
While we’re currently witnessing an uptrend of herbal medicine in complementarity health care to take care of things like hormone disruptions and stress, it’s also having its time in the spotlight in some of our fave beauty blends. And with active ingredients that boasts nourishing enriching properties its no wonder why. In fact, they’re most likely hiding in some of your favorites without you even knowing. Go on, turn over that ingredient list and have a look.
As you know, our skin is our largest organ and 60% of anything you put on it topically, it absorbs. Directly into your system, directly into your bloodstream and within as little as 30 seconds too.
It makes you think twice about what you put on your skin right? About what you eat and drink. That skin irritation, hormone issues, and breakouts? Could be those chemicals in your cream or food/drinks you’re consuming.
The takeaway? We don’t expect you to throw away everything in your kitchen cupboard for 100% organic products with added herbal ingredients. We do however encourage you to start slow and you never know, you might (ok will) be pleasantly surprised.
While you’re here, check out our coverage of They Call Her Alfie Love Gel launch.
