Savour the word. You can almost smell it. A herbarium is a collection of dried pressed plants or parts of plants. In Lucia Care’s herbarium we shed light on the history of medicinal plants. Here you can read about the active ingredients of the classic invigorating medicinal products and their use in Lucia Care’s holistic skincare line.
Rosmary
Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosemary has been used as a medicinal plant since ancient times. It has been grown in Denmark since the 16th century. Historically, a decoction was used to treat colds and headaches. Rosemary is an evergreen shrub belonging to the lamiaceae family. Its narrow aromatic leaves can resemble pine needles. The taste is powerful and bitter, with a camphor and pine-like flavour.
Active ingredients
The wide range of uses for rosemary is due to its chemical composition. It contains more than 20 antioxidants that act as a cleanser and protect against free radicals. The plant leaves, shoots and flowers are rich in essential oils, including 1,8 cineole, which easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and has a proven positive effect on concentration and memory.
In Lucia Care’s skincare line, rosemary helps to:
- Boost the immune system in the skin
- Protect with its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
- Revitalise body and mind with its regenerative properties
Lucia Care products containing Rosemary
Horsetail
Equisetum
Horsetail is an ancient plant that dates back to the Carboniferous period. Horsetail is said to be crying because it excretes water through its stems, which is why they typically have droplets of water on them. It has traditionally been used as a diuretic. Horsetail has strong roots and can grow as big as a small tree. As a herbal tea, it is known for its distinctive taste.
Active ingredients
Horsetail is a high-potency medicinal plant containing many minerals and as much as 70% silica. Silicic acid promotes the absorption and metabolising of calcium and protects the arteries from fatty deposits. The high silica content also inhibits the proliferation of skin cells that can occur with dry and scaly skin.
In Lucia Care’s skincare line, horsetail helps to:
- Stimulate the skin’s natural collagen production
- Strengthen skin, hair and nails
Marigold
Calendula officinalis
Marigold is one of the oldest known medicinal plants. It is mentioned in ancient papyrus as a wound-healing, anti-inflammatory plant. The orange or egg-yolk yellow marigold grows wild in the Mediterranean countries. The plant has been grown in Denmark since medieval times, 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 uniform, 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, for example.
In Lucia Care’s skincare line, marigold helps to:
- Boost the springiness and elasticity of the skin, thus preventing signs of ageing
- Reduce skin redness, with an anti-inflammatory effect
- Protect the skin and cells from oxidative stress
Chamomile
Anthemis Nobilis
As a medicinal plant, chamomile is something of a panacea. The little white flowers with the yellow centre are often used dried to make a curative tea. This medicinal plant has been of cultural and medical significance for more than 2000 years, and its name can be traced back to the 14th century. The pleasant, spicy aroma of the plant is widely recognised.
Active ingredients
Chamomile is rich in beneficial essential oils for your skin. The dried plant contains Vitamins A, B and C. It is a natural source of minerals such as silica and sulphur, which have warming and antispasmodic properties. Chamomile has traditionally been used as a mild sedative for the relief of insomnia, colds and stomach aches.
In Lucia Care’s skincare line, chamomile helps to:
- Boost the skin’s immune response with its anti-inflammatory properties
- Prevent signs of ageing and cleanse wounds
- Give your skin a nourishing vitamin boost
- Calm your nerve-sense system
Myrrh
Commiphora Myrrha
In ancient times, myrrh was used as a disinfectant ingredient for embalming. Myrrh has been known and used for its health benefits for more than three millennia. Throughout history, myrrh has been used to treat wounds, fractures, pain and infections of both the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. The essential oil from the fragrant dried resin is extracted from the Commiphora myrrha tree, a small thorny tree.
Active ingredients
Myrrh contains essential minerals such as magnesium and calcium. The essential oil has a high content of terpenoids and sesquiterpenes, both of which have anti-inflammatory effects. Both are powerful antioxidants that counteract the damage caused by free radicals. Sesquiterpenes soothe and calm sensitive skin.
In Lucia Care’s skincare line, myrrh helps to:
- Firm and tighten the skin
- Protect the skin with its antioxidants and anti-bacterial properties
- Strengthen the skin’s natural regenerative processes
Lucia Care products containing Myrrh
Aloe Vera
Aloe barbadensis
Few medicinal herbs have been used as widely as aloe vera, which has been known since ancient times. Aloe vera belongs to the lily family and originates from Africa. In particular, the active leaf gel of the plant has been used externally to treat burns. Aloe vera is a succulent with tubular growth; it absorbs water in its thick leaves, which are attractively arranged like a rosette.
Active ingredients
Aloe vera contains a full range of vitamins: Vitamins A, C, E and several B Vitamins, as well as folate. This medicinal plant is also rich in important minerals such as zinc, magnesium and calcium. Aloe vera contains between 18 and 20 of the 22 amino acids we require – including the eight essential amino acids. Aloe vera is also a source of important, beneficial fatty acids that stimulate digestion, for example.
In Lucia Care’s skincare line, aloe vera helps to:
- Inhibit redness and inflammation
- Relieve external stress on the skin, e.g. from sun damage
- Regenerate with its moisturising, moisture-retaining properties
- Prevent wrinkles and reduce signs of ageing
Sea buckthorn
Hippophae Rhamnoides
Sea buckthorn is a thorny shrub that grows wild along coasts and salt marshes. This frugal plant, which grows in nutrient-poor and sandy soil, tolerates the harsh and salty wind. Despite the challenges of the seaside climate, the plant is able to store energy and nourishment in its radiant, luminous orange-coloured fruits. The sea buckthorn fruit is one of Denmark’s most unusual local fruits. Historically, sea buckthorn was used to reduce fever and skin inflammation, and as a remedy for ulcers, colds and coughs.
Active ingredients
The oil from sea buckthorn fruit has an impressively high content of Vitamins C and E, as well as flavonoids and carotenoids (provitamin A). All these are powerful antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals, environmental effects of sun and wind, and premature ageing. Vitamin C plays an essential role in regenerating connective tissue, stimulating collagen production. The fruit contains a unique and balanced combination of essential fatty acids including high levels of the rare omega 7 fatty acid, which has regenerative and skin-enhancing properties.
In Lucia Care’s skincare line, sea buckthorn helps to:
- Stimulate skin cell renewal and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Smooth skin texture and restore radiance
Lucia Care products containing Sea buckthorn
Glasswort
Salicornia Herbacea
Salicornia Herbacea has a long and rich history as a medicinal herb. Glasswort, as it is called in English, contains a number of diuretic and toxin-flushing nutrients traditionally used to dissolve kidney stones and relieve difficulties with digestion. Since glasswort also nourishes and improves the skin, it is a highly valued medicinal plant in the beauty industry. Glasswort is a small plant that only grows 5–30 cm tall. It thrives particularly well on salt marshes and by shallow coastal waters all around Europe. As a halophyte, glasswort loves soil with a high salt content.
Active ingredients
Glasswort is rich in antioxidants and minerals such as silica. It contains vitamins A, C and D and several amino acids including betaine, which helps to balance the moisture content of cells. This exceptionally adaptable plant can survive without dehydrating in high salinity soil due to its unique capacity to regulate and control the transportation of water.
In Lucia Care’s skincare line, glasswort helps to:
- Increase the moisture level by improving the skin’s ability to retain moisture
- Improve blood circulation in the skin and stimulate skin regeneration
Lucia Care products containing Glasswort
Bergamot
Citrus bergamia
Bergamot oil is extracted from the peel of bergamot, a citrus fruit. A pure essential yellow or green oil with a citrus scent is extracted from the fruit peel. Many will be familiar with the taste from Earl Grey tea. Bergamot is grown mainly in southern Italy and the actual extraction process uses cold pressing. Historically, bergamot oil has been used to reduce inflammation.
Active ingredients
As a citrus fruit, bergamot is a natural source of Vitamin C. Vitamin C in particular is one of our most powerful antioxidants that binds toxins and viruses in the body, to be broken down into the liver and excreted through the kidneys. There is no evidence of healing properties in bergamot oil, but it is particularly popular as a fragrance and in aromatherapy.
In Lucia Care’s skincare line, bergamot helps to:
- Calm the skin and contract mucous membranes
- Invigorate the nerve-sense system with its fresh citrus scent
Cedar
Cedrus atlantica
The essential oil from cedar has a long history of medical use to calm the mind. For millennia, cedar oil has been used in embalming, medicine, cosmetics and perfume. Cedar oil, derived from coniferous trees in the arborvitae genus, has an almost warm, masculine and earthy fragrance with a deep pine scent and a hint of fresh citrus.
Active ingredients
The carefully cold pressed cedar oil contains essential oils. These essential oils are antiseptic, astringent and soothing. Since the aroma of cedar belongs to the group of base notes that focus a fragrance, it is often found in blends for meditation.
In Lucia Care’s skincare line, cedar helps to:
- Soften skin with its anti-bacterial properties
- Calm your body and mind with its fresh, woody, citrus fragrance
- Create a positive and relaxing atmosphere
Pure and active ingredients in Lucia Care
Hyaluronic acid
– The true master of moisture
Hyaluronic acid is a natural part of the body’s connective tissue in e.g. skin, joints and eyes, but with age the body’s level of hyaluronic acid decreases. Hyaluronic acid binds moisture in the intracellular structure of the skin. It is nature’s own anti-ageing agent, and its unsurpassed properties to attract moisture promotes fresher, smoother and softer skin with increased elasticity and reduces wrinkles.
lmond oil
– The vitamin E bomb
Almond oil has a high content of unsaturated fatty acids such as the essential fatty acid linoleic acid (GLA) promoting a deeper absorption of the oil. Almond oil contains vitamins A, B and E, minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Almond oil is softening, moisturising and nourishing for the skin and is widely used in skincare 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 the good unsaturated fatty acids such as linolenic acid (GLA) and contains a group of antioxidants, polyphenols, which have health-promoting effects. The olive oil softens, adds moisture and suppleness and strengthens the skin’s natural elasticity and gives it a radiant glow.
Sunflower oil
– The 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 it nourishing and conditioning for skin and hair. Sunflower oil softens and forms a protective layer on the skin, which helps to retain moisture.
Shea butter
– Spreadable wellbeing
Shea butter is gently extracted from the nuts of the shea tree and has been used in Africa for more than 4000 years as the absolutely essential ingredient in skincare to protect against dehydration, degradation 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, nourishing the skin. Shea butter has a pronounced moisturising and softening effect and is therefore particularly suitable for very dry skin.
Vitamin A
– The beautifying elixir
Vitamin A is a superhero ingredient in skincare, improving skin texture, balancing impure skin, reducing wrinkles and sun damage such as pigment spots. Vitamin A regenerates, revitalises and de-stresses the skin cells by increasing hydration and plumpness and improving the glow of the skin. Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate is a unique formula of vitamin A, which is extremely potent and also significantly more gentle on the skin than other vitamin A formulas.
Vitamin E
– A powerful antioxidant
Vitamin E is a natural and strong antioxidant protecting the skin cells against free radicals that damage and degrade the skin. Vitamin E is important for our fat metabolism and is often found in plants rich in unsaturated fatty acids. Vitamin E helps keep skin elastic and supple.
Frankincense
– skin-healing oil
Frankincense is an essential oil with a aromatic woody and earthy fragrance. The oil is extracted by steam distillation of resin from the Boswellia carterii tree, native to 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 helping to firm and tighten the skin and preventing signs of ageing. At the same time, the oil protects and regenerates healthy skin cells.
Gold, Aurum
Gold is a luxurious but not unheard-of ingredient in skincare. Gold is known for its anti-inflammatory effects, which have been demonstrated scientifically. In fact, gold has been used for decades as injections to help with certain types of arthritis. In anthroposophic medicine, gold is used therapeutically for its balancing and harmonising properties.
When it comes to skincare, 24-carat gold is the purest form, as it consists of 100% pure gold. This precious metal has a brightening effect on the skin. The explanation is that the gold particles reflect light, making the skin shine with a golden glow. This is why gold is used in skincare products to give the skin a radiant appearance. While more research is needed to understand the full potential of gold in skincare, this precious metal’s ability to give skin a radiant glow is a very special ‘carat’-teristic!
