Taste the word. You can almost smell it. Herba means herb, and herbarium means a collection of dried, pressed plants or plant parts. In Lucia Care's herbarium, we shed light on the history of medicinal plants. Here, you can read about the active ingredients of classic strengthening medicinal herbs and their use in Lucia Care's holistic skincare line.
Rosemary
Rosemary
Rosemary has been used as a medicinal plant since ancient times. It has been cultivated in Denmark since the 16th century. Historically, it has been used in decoctions for colds and headaches. Rosemary is an evergreen shrub belonging to the mint family. Its narrow aromatic leaves can resemble pine needles. The taste is strong and bitter with a camphor and pine-like aroma.
Active ingredients
Rosemary's broad range of applications is due to its chemical composition. It contains over 20 antioxidants that cleanse and protect against free radicals. The plant's leaves, shoots, and flowers are rich in essential oils, which include 1,8-cineole, that crosses the blood-brain barrier and has a proven enhancing effect on concentration and memory.
In Lucia Care's skincare line, rosemary contributes to:
- Strengthen the skin's immune system
- Protect with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
- Rejuvenate both body and mind with regenerative properties
Lucia Care products containing Rosemary
Electric ray
Horsetail
Horsetail is an ancient plant that dates back to the Carboniferous period. It is said that horsetail cries because it excretes water through its stems, which then results in the characteristic droplets on them. Throughout history, it has been used as a diuretic. Horsetail has strong roots and can grow as large as a small tree. As an herbal tea, it is known for its distinctive taste.
Active ingredients
Horsetail is a highly active medicinal plant that contains many minerals and up to 70% silica. Silicic acid promotes the absorption and metabolism of calcium and protects against fatty deposits in the arteries. The high silica content also inhibits the increased division and growth of skin cells that can occur with dry and flaky skin.
Lucia Care's skincare line uses horsetail to:
- Stimulate the skin's natural production of collagen
- Strengthen skin, hair, and nails
Lucia Care products containing horsetail
Marigold
Calendula officinalis
Marigold is one of the oldest known medicinal plants. It is mentioned in ancient papyri as a wound-healing and anti-inflammatory plant. The orange or egg-yolk yellow marigold grows wild in the Mediterranean countries. The plant has been cultivated in Denmark since the Middle Ages, where it is known as one of the most common summer flowers.
Active ingredients
Marigold contains natural oils, saponins, carotenoids, and flavonoids. Saponins stimulate the skin's collagen production and contribute to even and elastic skin. Deep-acting antioxidants protect the skin and cells from free radicals, which can originate from pollution, bacteria, and damage from the sun's rays, among other things.
In Lucia Care's skincare line, calendula contributes to:
- Strengthen the skin's firmness and elasticity, thereby preventing signs of aging
- Reduce skin redness and act anti-inflammatory
- Protect the skin and cells from oxidative stress
Lucia Care products containing calendula
Chamomile
Roman chamomile
As a medicinal plant, chamomile is somewhat of an all-rounder. The dried small white flower with the yellow center is frequently used as a health-promoting tea drink. The medicinal plant has had cultural and medical significance for more than 2000 years, and its name can be traced back to the 14th century. The plant has a widely known and pleasant spicy scent.
Active ingredients
Chamomile is rich in beneficial essential oils for the skin. The dried plant contains vitamins A, B, and C. It is a natural source of minerals such as silicon and sulfur, which have warming and antispasmodic properties. Throughout history, chamomile has been used as a calming agent for insomnia, colds, and stomach pains.
In Lucia Care's skincare line, chamomile contributes to:
- Strengthen the skin's immune defense with anti-inflammatory properties
- Preventing signs of aging and acting as a wound cleanser
- Close to the skin with a vitamin boost
- Soothe the nervous sensory system
Lucia Care products containing Chamomile
Myrrh
Commiphora Myrrha
In ancient times, myrrh was used as a disinfectant ingredient in embalming. For more than three millennia, myrrh has been known and used for its health benefits. Throughout history, myrrh has been used to treat wounds, fractures, pain, and infections in both the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. The essential oil from the fragrant dried resin is extracted from the *Commiphora myrrha* tree, which is a small thorny tree.
Active ingredients
Myrrh contains essential minerals like magnesium and calcium. The essential oil is rich in terpenoids and sesquiterpenes, both of which have anti-inflammatory effects. Both are powerful antioxidants that counteract the damage free radicals do to the skin. Sesquiterpenes have a soothing and calming effect on sensitive skin.
In Lucia Care's skincare line, myrrh contributes to:
- Contracting and firming for the skin
- Protect the skin with antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties
- Support the skin's natural regeneration processes
Lucia Care products containing Myrrh
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera
Few medicinal herbs have been used as diligently as aloe vera, which has been known since antiquity. Aloe vera belongs to the lily family and originally comes from Africa. The plant's active leaf gel has been especially used externally for treating burns. Aloe vera is a succulent with a tufted growth habit that absorbs water into its thick leaves, which are beautifully formed like a rosette.
Active ingredients
Aloe vera contains a whole series of vitamins: A, C, E, and several B vitamins, as well as folic acid. The medicinal plant is also rich in important minerals such as zinc, magnesium, and calcium. Out of our total of 22 essential amino acids, aloe vera contains between 18 and 20 – including the eight essential amino acids. Aloe vera is also a source of important and beneficial fatty acids that, among other things, stimulate digestion.
In Lucia Cares skincare line, aloe vera contributes to:
- Inhibit redness and inflammation
- Alleviate external stress on the skin, e.g., from sun damage
- Regenerate with moisturizing and humectant properties
- Prevent wrinkles and reduce signs of aging
Lucia Care products containing Aloe Vera
Sea buckthorn
Sea buckthorn
Seaberry is a thorny shrub that grows wild along coasts and salt marshes. The hardy plant, which thrives in nutrient-poor, sandy soil, tolerates harsh, salty winds. Despite the challenges of the maritime climate, it manages to store energy and nutrients in its radiant, bright orange berries. The seaberry is one of our most unusual local fruits. Historically, seaberry has been used to reduce fever and skin inflammation, and as a remedy for stomach ulcers, colds, and coughs.
Active ingredients
Sea buckthorn oil has an impressively high content of vitamins C and E, and flavonoids and carotenoids (provitamin A). These are all powerful antioxidants that protect the skin against free radicals, environmental influences from sun and wind, and premature aging. Vitamin C plays an essential role in regenerating connective tissue and stimulates collagen production. The fruit also contains a unique and balanced combination of essential fatty acids. In addition, it has a high level of the rare omega-7, which has regenerating and skin-improving properties.
In Lucia Care's skincare line, sea buckthorn contributes to:
- Stimulate skin cell renewal and reduce fine lines and wrinkles
- Smooth skin texture and give renewed radiance
- Strengthen the skin's protective barrier and improve moisture balance
Lucia Care products containing sea buckthorn:
Saltwort
Salicornia Herbacea
As a medicinal herb, Salicornia Herbecea has a long and rich history. Glasswort, as it is known in Danish, contains a range of diuretic and toxin-eliminating nutrients that have traditionally been used to dissolve kidney stones and relieve digestive problems. As glasswort also cares for and improves the condition of the skin, it is a prized medicinal plant in the beauty industry. Glasswort is a small plant that only grows between 5 and 30 cm tall. It thrives particularly on salt marshes and shallow coastlines throughout Europe. Glasswort loves soil with a high salt content, which makes it a halophyte.
Active ingredients
Sea aster is rich in antioxidants and minerals such as silicon. It contains vitamins A, C, and D, and several amino acids, including betaine, which helps balance the water content of cells. The plant has extraordinary adaptability and can survive in highly saline soil without becoming dehydrated. With its unique ability to regulate water transport and control water evaporation, it can protect itself against dehydration.
In Lucia Care's skincare line, sea beans contribute to:
- Increase the moisture level in the skin, as it improves the skin's ability to retain moisture.
- Improve blood circulation in the skin and stimulate skin regeneration.
- Strengthen the skin's protective barrier
Lucia Care products containing samphire
Bergamot
Bergamot orange
Bergamot oil is extracted from the peel of the bergamot citrus fruit. A pure essential oil is pressed from the fruit’s peel; it is yellow or green and has a citrusy scent. Many people will recognize the flavor from Earl Grey tea. Bergamot is primarily grown in southern Italy, and the oil is extracted through cold pressing. Historically, bergamot oil has been used to treat inflammation.
Active ingredients
As a citrus fruit, bergamot is a natural source of vitamin C. Vitamin C, in particular, is one of our strongest antioxidants that binds toxins and viruses in the body, which are then broken down by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. There is no documentation for the healing properties of bergamot oil, but it is especially popular as a scent provider and in aromatherapy.
In Lucia Care's skincare line, Bergamot contributes to:
- Soothe skin and contract mucous membranes
- Awakens the nervous system with the fresh scent of citrus
Lucia Care products containing Bergamot
Cedarwood
Atlas cedar
The ethereal oil from the cedar tree has a long medicinal history, where it has been used to calm the mind. Throughout millennia, cedarwood oil has been used for embalming, medicine, cosmetics, and perfume. Cedarwood oil, which originates from coniferous trees related to the thuja, has an almost warm, masculine, and earthy aroma with a deep scent of pine and a hint of fresh citrus.
Active ingredients
The gently cold-pressed cedarwood oil contains essential oils. The essential oils have antiseptic, astringent, and soothing properties. As cedarwood aroma belongs to the group of base notes that fix a scent, it is often found in meditation blends.
In Lucia Care's skincare line, Cedarwood contributes to:
- Soften the skin with antibacterial properties
- Soothe body and mind with its fresh scent of wood and citrus.
- Create a positive and relaxing atmosphere
Lucia Care products containing Cedarwood
Pure, active ingredients in Lucia Care
Hyaluronic acid
nature's own moisturizer
Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the body's connective tissue in, among other things, the skin, joints, and eyes, but the body's level of hyaluronic acid decreases with age. Hyaluronic acid binds moisture within the skin's intracellular structure. It is nature's own anti-aging agent, and its unparalleled properties for attracting moisture ensure fresher, smoother, and softer skin with increased elasticity and a reduction in wrinkles.
Almond oil
– an E-vitamin bomb
Almond oil has a high content of unsaturated fatty acids like the essential linoleic acid (GLA), which ensures the oil penetrates deeper into the skin. Almond oil contains vitamins A, B, and E, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Almond oil is nourishing, moisturizing, and softening for the skin and is recognized for sensitive and dry skin due to its gentle skincare properties.
Olive oil
– the golden drops
Olive oil is extracted from the stone fruits of the olive tree and has a naturally high content of good unsaturated fatty acids such as linolenic acid (GLA) and contains a group of antioxidants, polyphenols, which have a beneficial effect on health. The olive oil softens, moisturizes, and adds suppleness, strengthening the skin's natural elasticity and giving the skin a radiant glow.
Sunflower oil
oil of light
Sunflower oil is extracted from the seeds of the sunflower. It is a symbol of warmth and light. The oil has a high content of vitamins A, D, and E and is rich in lecithin and unsaturated fatty acids, making the oil nourishing and conditioning for skin and hair. Sunflower oil softens and forms a protective layer on the skin, which helps retain moisture.
Shea butter
– spreadable well-being
Shea butter is gently extracted from the nuts of the shea tree and has been used for over 4000 years in Africa as the essential ingredient in skincare to protect against dryness, damage, and eczema. Shea butter is a cold-pressed plant-based fat and contains vitamins A, E, and F, as well as a particularly high content of essential unsaturated fatty acids that nourish the skin. Shea butter has a distinctive moisturizing and softening effect and is therefore particularly suitable for very dry skin.
Vitamin A
– beautifying elixir
Vitamin A is a superhero ingredient in skincare, improving skin texture, clearing blemishes, and reducing wrinkles and sun damage such as dark spots. Vitamin A regenerates, revitalizes, and de-stresses skin cells by providing moisture, plumpness, and a fresh glow to the skin. Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate is a unique form of Vitamin A that is highly potent yet significantly gentler on the skin than other Vitamin A formulas.
Vitamin E
a strong antioxidant
Vitamin E is a natural and powerful antioxidant and one of the most important antioxidants for protecting skin cells against free radicals, which damage and break down the skin. Vitamin E plays an important role in our fat metabolism and therefore Vitamin E is often found in plants that are rich in unsaturated fatty acids. Vitamin E helps maintain the skin's elasticity and suppleness.
Frankincense
– cleansing oil
Frankincense is an essential oil with an intense and fragrant, incense-like aroma. The oil is extracted by steam distillation of resin from the Boswellia carterii tree, which grows in North Africa and the Middle East. This essential oil is rich in antioxidants and clinically active terpenoids, also known as boswellic acids. Frankincense oil has a strong anti-inflammatory effect and astringent properties. This means it lifts and tightens, thereby helping the oil to prevent signs of aging. At the same time, the oil protects and regenerates healthy skin cells.
Gold
Gold is a luxurious, yet not uncommon, ingredient in skincare. Gold is known for its anti-inflammatory effects, which have been scientifically illuminated. In fact, gold has been used for decades as injections for certain types of arthritis. Within anthroposophic medicine, gold is used therapeutically for its balancing and harmonizing properties.
When it comes to skincare, 24-karat gold is the purest form, as it consists of 100% pure gold. This precious metal has a brightening effect on the skin. The reason is that gold particles reflect light, causing the skin to glow with a golden radiance. That is why gold is used in skincare products to give the skin a radiant appearance. Although more research is needed to understand gold’s full potential in skincare, the precious metal’s ability to give the skin a radiant glow is truly one of a kind.