How can comfrey, a pink or purple flowering herb, nourish and hydrate dry, aging skin? Felicity Mann
Wrinkles are a natural part of aging, but for those who prefer to slow the clock down a bit, the answer to your aging skin care problems may be found in the garden.
Scientists have recently discovered that a compound found in the common comfrey plant helps keep the skin youthful and less susceptible to the formation of wrinkles.
Comfrey is a native of Europe and its growth is largely unnoticed. This purple plant grows in moist, grassy areas near fields, in ditches and on riverbanks. It is not surprising then that comfrey has spread throughout the British Isles.
Surprisingly, this seemingly humble plant can actually do more for your skin than you ever thought any humble plant could.
The comfrey plant contains several beneficial compounds that help rejuvenate tired, aged,
wrinkled skin.
Comfrey, when used regularly on the skin, makes it softer, more supple and elastic. Even skin with large pores can benefit from this… This care is so beneficial for the skin that wrinkles can be prevented from forming at an early age. -
Recent research by the University of Liverpool has confirmed that comfrey contains anti-aging properties which they hope will reveal '
longevity' effects.
These properties are believed to be the result of a compound known as allantoin, which is found within the roots that produce comfrey.
A thick substance produced by all plants.
The Secret Inside Comfrey That Benefits Your Skin
Allantoin is the key to beautiful, youthful-looking skin because of its ability to perform skin care wonders.
Reduces inflammation: The compound allantoin is considered valuable in the medicinal world. It is already used in many creams to help treat painful skin conditions, such as nappy rash, windburn, scrapes and cuts. This is due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Emollients: Allantoin also acts as an emollient. It is a moisturizing treatment that helps create a protective film on skin cells, reducing dehydration.
Acts as a
keratinolytic: In skin care products, allantoin helps to moisturize and soften the skin and acts as a keratinolytic.
Keratinolytics soften
keratin, a tough, elastic protein found in the outer layer of skin. By softening keratin, allantoin allows the skin to retain water better. It makes it moist, soft and better hydrated. Keratinolytics allow the outermost layer of skin cells to be shed more easily, leaving a smooth, hydrated and refined complexion.
Keratinolytics allow the outer layer of skin cells to shed more easily, creating smoother, moisturized and improved
skin texture.
Other beneficial compounds found in the comfrey plant include:
Tannins: They are defensive compounds that protect the plant. They can also protect our skin from bacteria and environmental toxins by drawing out impurities and encouraging healing.
Rosmarinic Acid: Has antioxidant effects and helps protect skin from UV damage.
A Brief History of Comfrey
The comfrey plant has been used for medicinal purposes for over 2000 years. The earliest recorded use of comfrey as a traditional, herbal remedy can be traced back to the ancient Greeks in 400BC.
Comfrey was traditionally used to heal broken bones. In fact, the name comfrey comes from the Latin word Confervere which means 'to join together, to fix or fix'.
Regenerative compounds found in comfrey, such as allantoin, tannis and rosmarinic acid, help stimulate natural cell turnover and encourage new tissue growth.
Ensuring skin is kept hydrated is extremely important when fighting the signs of aging, as hydration helps plump skin and leaves a dewy glow.
Nature Facts About Comfrey
Comfrey is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the borage family.
Flowering time of comfrey is May to June.
Some comfrey species have cold-resistant bacteria, so they can thrive and survive in freezing temperatures.
There are about 25 species of comfrey native to Europe and Asia.
Comfrey cultivation started 2500 years ago.
in short
Overall, comfrey is beneficial for all skin types. It helps to moisturize and soothe dry, irritated skin, promotes rapid growth of skin cells, contributes to skin renewal, protects against
bacteria and other microorganisms, reduces inflammation and Helps to keep healthy.
Use a comfrey moisturizer.
Most skin care creams contain a small amount of allantoin. However, many
cosmetic companies use dried herbs and plants as a cheap way to make skin creams.
