Written by: Jasmine Biju
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant species that is used for its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. Native Americans used aloe vera gel to speed up the wound healing process and keep the skin hydrated. Today, it is an ingredient in many cosmetic products such as moisturizers.
Prickly Pear
Prickly Pear is a flowering plant in the cactus family. The leaves of this plant are used to synthesize a moisturizer that helps improve skin appearance. Additionally, it is used as an anti-inflammatory agent. It is rich in amino acids, the building blocks of protein, which helps to stimulate collagen. Collagen is a key component in contributing to the strength of the skin. Additionally, the fruit's oil helps defend against free radicals, promote skin elasticity, and regenerate skin.
Yucca Root
Yucca Root Plant is native to the Americas, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It contains compounds called saponins, which create a soap-like foam when in a water solution. For this reason, Native communities use this substance as a natural shampoo. It helps to increase blood circulation to the scalp and promotes hair growth.
Fireweed
Fireweed is a flowering plant that is known to be in North America. It is anti-inflammatory which is suitable for skin prone to acne, dryness, and irritation. To derive the fireweed skin product, Native Americans dried the inner stem of the root to create a powder. Fireweed was most commonly used to help soothe sores, swellings, and stings.
Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto is a tree with leaves arranged in that of a fan. It is native to the southeast United States and grows in sandy soil. The plant provides fatty acids which are suitable for a wide variety of skin types. It has anti-inflammatory effects.
Bearberry
Bearberry is a flowering evergreen shrub that is distributed in the Northern hemisphere. Bearberry is known to be a powerful antioxidant that can fight unstable atoms that attack collagen cells. Additionally, it has a skin-brightening effect. Bearberry was used not only for the skin but by Native Americans and Europeans for medicinal purposes such as herbal tea to heal the urinary tract.
Wild Rose Bush
The Wild Rose Bush is a small-leaved shrub spotted with roses. It is found throughout the pacific coast of the U.S. Native communities used rose hips to soothe the skin. Today, it is used in oils and lotions to aid with skin irritation, improve skin hydration, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It is inflammatory and is a good source of antioxidants.
The Native approach to skincare can help cosmetic chemists and skin enthusiasts understand how different communities have used the resources available to them to guide their health choices.
References:
“Native American Ethnobotany.” Wikipedia, 4 Oct. 2022,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_American_ethnobotany
“Aloe Vera: A short Review.” National Library of Medicine,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/
Murphy, H. “Prickly Pear Cactus.” American Indian Health and Diet Project,
https://aihd.ku.edu/foods/prickly_pear_cactus.html
“Ancestral Pueblo Native Plant Use.” National Park Service,
https://www.nps.gov/band/learn/historyculture/native-plant use.htm#:~:text=numerous%20other%20uses.-,Y ucca,used%20for%20soap%20or%20shampoo.
“Native Species Spotlight - Fireweed.” West Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District, https://wmswcd.org/projects/native-species-spotlight-fireweed/
“Saw Palmetto.” Mount Sinai,
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/saw-palmetto#:~:text=Saw%20palmetto%20
“Bearberry.” Medicinalherbinfo,
http://medicinalherbinfo.org/000Herbs2016/1herbs/bearberry/
Krohn, E. “Medicine of Wild Rose.” Traditionalroots, 2017,
https://traditionalroots.org/wp-content/uploads/Krohn-Wild-Rose-NOTES-1.pdf
Disclaimer: This organization's content is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided on this website is for informational and educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this website should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional.
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