Plants for beauty

Iwas in Sri Lanka earlier this week, and had the chance to visit a farm where different plants with healing properties are grown. Not to sound too hippie or anything, but relying on these plants makes perfect sense as they are completely free of chemicals and have been in use for at least a few hundred years in Ayurvedic medicine. A local doctor explained to us the following:

Vanilla We love how it smells in body care products and how it adds flavor to cakes and pastries without using sugar. The world’s second most expensive spice (after saffron) contains powerful antioxidants that counter free radicals. Used as an essential oil, vanilla helps counter anxiety and promote sleep.

Sandalwood

Last year on a trip to Myanmar, we saw that nearly all the locals, men and women alike, wore sandalwood cream on their faces. They said it was a beauty cream to be used as sunblock and help prevent pimples and wrinkles. Our Sri Lankan doctor confirmed that a mix of sandalwood powder and sandalwood oil will help reduce pores, clear up pigmentation, and even fade dark undereye circles. I purchased both the powder and the oil, so I’ll get back to you in a few weeks if it worked for me.

Jasmine As a perfume, just a drop of the oil rubbed on the skin or mixed with plain lotion leaves such a potent but not overpowering scent. It can be worn on its own or you can layer complementary perfumes on top to create your own unique fragrance. As skin care, jasmine oil rejuvenates and moisturizes skin without clogging pores.

Turmeric Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties are thought to help relieve joint pain and improve liver function. Used topically, its anti-inflammatory compounds can help psoriasis or acne.