German Chamomile and Chamomilum nobile (Roman Chamomile) are the two varieties of chamomile, one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to mankind. Traditional uses of chamomile as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and astringent are well known. In the form of an aqueous extract or as herbal tea, it was used as a mild sedative and as an…
Commonly known as Rosemary, this is a woody, perennial herb with fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves and white, pink, purple or blue flowers, native to the Mediterranean region. A member of the mint family, rosemary is used as a decorative plant in gardens and has many culinary and medical uses. The leaves are used to flavour various…
Aloe vera (Liliaceae) Related species are grown in several parts of the world for the purgative juice and the mucilaginous gel their leaves contain. The mucilage from the leaves is collected after it has been drained of the aloetic juice. Cosmetic use The gel popularly called Aloe vera gel is extensively used as an external application…
Commonly called fenugreek or methi, it is cultivated worldwide as a semi-arid crop and is a common ingredient in dishes from Pakistan and the Indian subcontinent. India is the largest producer of fenugreek with Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Argentina, Egypt, France, Spain, Turkey, Morocco and China being the other major producing countries. Cosmetic use The crushed…
Sapindus is a genus of about 12 species of shrubs and small trees in the Sapindaceae (soapberry family). Also known as soap-nut tree, its fruits are called Reetha, soap nut, soap berry and wash nut. It is one of the most important trees of the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. Soapnuts from the Sapindus mukorossi tree have…
Acacia concinnia DC (Mimosacea) Commonly called Shikakai or soap pod, this is a climbing shrub native to Asia, common in the warm plains of central and south India. The fruit is known in India as shikakai ‘fruit for hair’ referring to its use as a traditional shampoo. Cosmetic use In order to prepare the traditional shampoo, the fruit pods…
Cosmetics for hair care are numerous ranging from shampoos, gels, sprays, conditioners, massage oils, colourants, wave setters etc. Shampoos are the largest group of hair care cosmetics. There are a range of products available for different types of hair. Shampoos are hair care products used for the removal of oils, dirt, skin particles, dandruff, environmental…
Recent extensive research on the physiological effects of herbal extracts and isolates aided by in vivo and in vitro experimentation on the level of the ultra structure of the skin and the hair shaft are unravelling their specific activities. This is not only adding more and more numbers of tested herbs being used as cosmetics, but is also expanding…
Categories of cosmetics available range from skin-care creams, lotions, powders, perfumes, lipsticks, finger nail and toe nail polish, eye and facial make-up, towelettes, permanent wave setters, hair colours, hair sprays, gels, deodorants, sanitizers, baby products, bath oils, bubble baths, bath salts, butters etc. Make-up is a subset of cosmetics referring primarily to coloured products intended…
The appropriateness of the use of herbs in cosmetics is well reinforced by the following facts: