Herbal skincare cosmetics—products that use raw plants and their extracts—are like food for the skin. Different plants have unique benefits (some can help control acne, others fight wrinkles), but in general, they provide useful nutrients and minerals without the side effects and irritation that come from products formulated with chemicals. Women are reaching for them more frequently in their personal care routines, and you can even find plant-based cosmetics like lipsticks, eye shadows, and blush. Herbal and Botanical Based Products Herbal skincare and botanical-based products are free from ..read more

The 50 Fundamental Herbs of Traditional Chinese Medicine  Developed over 3,000 years ago, Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, incorporates a holistic approach to healing and health. The practice goes beyond a mindset of just simply treating a list of symptoms. It goes deeper than even the underlying disease processes and looks to the heart of the matter: the balance, ebb, and flow of energy through the body’s natural pathways.  Through the course of treatment, practitioners incorporate diet, cupping, qigong, herbs, and acupuncture to bring things into alignment, naturally treating and preven ..read more

Gotu Kola (also known as Centella Asiatica) is a type of leafy plant that is indigenous to the tropical wetlands of Southeast Asia and has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This plant is believed by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine to have antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and memory-enhancing properties. It is widely sold as a dietary supplement in capsule, powder, tincture, and topical formulations. “Studies show that Gotu kola promotes cerebral circulation, which helps with focus, concentration, and memory,” Ro Giuliano, an her ..read more

Rice (and rice water in particular) has long been believed to have tons of benefits for our hair and skin. In fact, the earliest known use of it was in Japan over 1,000 years ago!  And lately many online forums and beauty editors have been raving about using rice water as a skin treatment. Those who use it swear by its skin-soothing and toning abilities and believe that it can improve your overall skin health. And what’s even better? Not only is rice water something you can easily make at home, but it is also easily accessible and affordable.  But rice water isn’t the only way to get the benef ..read more

Herbs are used to treat just about everything in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Very rarely is one herb used to treat an illness, but rather a combination is used, and more often than not, consumed as a tea. Unless you are a practitioner of TCM you most likely will not know what the right combination of herbs is to treat your ailment. This can be frustrating and overwhelming for those who are at the end of their ropes and just want to feel better! So we put together a list of 5 helpful, accessible, and popular Chinese herbs to add to your routine! Ginseng  Ginseng has been used in Traditional ..read more

Dealing with troubled skin can be a frustrating experience. Aside from your disdain and discomfort, sufferers also often question whether they’re on the right path of treatment or not. Or, looking for a better way, many people turn to holistic practices such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Having been around for centuries, Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, has been gaining more favor among Western medicine believers recently. So what can you expect from a visit to a TCM practitioner when you’re complaining of dry, itchy, rashy skin?  A Different Sort of Examination When you ..read more

4 Benefits of Jojoba Oil Jojoba (pronounced hoh-hoh-bah) comes from the seed of the jojoba plant (Simmondsia chinensis.) The wax that this plant produces is a liquid wax that closely resembles the natural oils (or sebum) that are found in our skin. The jojoba plant grows in hot arid areas of the U.S. like southern California and Arizona, and some parts of Northern Mexico. According to the Jojoba Company, jojoba oil has a very rich history. “Native Americans discovered the importance and versatility of jojoba. During the early Eighteenth Century, Jesuit missionaries in Baja observed them heatin ..read more

What is Qi?  “Qi” (pronounced “chi”) is one of the most important concepts in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Qi is the source of Universal life, without it, there is no animating life force. Everything has Qi, and different types of Qi belong to different substances. When the energy in our bodies is low or out of sync, we take Qi from other places and transform it into useable energy for our own bodies. Qi is at the heart of TCM and understanding its function in the human body makes it profoundly effective for healing. Here is your crash course on all things Qi: Different Types of Qi While Qi ..read more

Benefits of Shea Butter Shea Butter has been used for centuries. It’s an ancient ingredient known for its ability to hydrate and moisturize the skin. It’s been used by the liked of Cleopatra and travelers to Africa used to write letters home about shea butter’s importance in the local culture’s daily life. And since then, shea butter has been said to be a cure-all for everything from skin inflammation to anti-aging. But what does it actually do? What is it that makes shea butter so special and how does it benefit the skin? Let’s take a look. What is Shea Butter? Shea butter is actually the fa ..read more

Why Aloe is so Great for Sensitive Skin Aloe Vera has been used by various cultures for centuries due to its many benefits for the skin.  “When people think of aloe, they think pure, organic, soothing, calming, healthy,” says Lisamarie Jaconi, esthetics educator for Naturopathica. “Aloe contains a message of healing.” And one of the best parts about aloe? It’s great for those with sensitive skin as negative effects or allergic reactions are rare! Where Does Aloe Come From? Aloe Vera is a succulent plant that grows in subtropical and tropical locations. As we mentioned earlier, it has been use ..read more