Nardostachys jatamansi is a flowering plant of the valerian family that grows in the Himalayas. It is a source of a type of intensely aromatic amber-colored essential oil, spikenard. The oil has, since ancient times, been used as a perfume, as a traditional medicine, and in religious ceremonies. It is also called spikenard, nard, nardin, or muskroot. It is considered endangered due to overharvesting for folk medicine, overgrazing, loss of habitats, and forest degradation.

nardostachys jatamansi

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Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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"Beauty from the inside is evident from the outside" - how true this statement is when it comes to the skin.

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Our lifestyle, habits, the food we eat have a direct impact on our skin.

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In the article "<a href="/p/13_nachina_da_priedotvratitie_sstariavanieto_na_kozhata_f73bcd9c_5647_4b13_8a51_0b90f2ef84e2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">13 ways to prevent aging skin</a>" we gave you practical advice on maintaining&nbsp;the youth of the skin, which are completely achievable. At the end of the article, we also examined the natural remedies and herbs-helpers in the fight against aging of the skin: honey, turmeric, ginseng, aloe vera, licorice, amla, Indian nard (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nardostachys_jatamansi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nardostachys jatamansi</a>), and arjuna.

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But aging is not the only misfortune that can befall our skin.

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Act against acne;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Help heal wounds and burns;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">They have a calming and anti-inflammatory effect.</li>
</ul>

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The plants we will talk about are easily accessible and familiar, which will allow readers to prepare&nbsp;creams, balms, and other homemade ointments from them. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Botanicals_in_dermatology_an_evidence_based_review_20509719" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]

Herbs-against-acne

Herbs against acne

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Calendula, Common comfrey, echinacea, and aloe vera are among the medicinal plants that can help us cope with acne and skin imperfections.

Thyme-(Thymus-vulgaris)

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Thyme-(Thymus-vulgaris)_0_0

There is evidence that thyme essential oil can destroy the bacterium responsible for the appearance of acne - Propionibacterium acnes, faster than the substance used as an active ingredient of acne cosmetics&nbsp;- benzoyl peroxide. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Activities_of_ten_essential_oils_towards_Propionibacterium_acnes_and_PC_3_A_549_and_MCF_7_cancer_cells_20657472" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>, <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120327215951.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.4</a>]

Green-tea-(Camelliasinensis)

Green tea (Camelliasinensis)

Green-tea-(Camelliasinensis)_0_0

Green tea has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, and its application as a tonic can soothe acne skin. In addition to suppressing the viability of P. acnes, the active substance in green teaepigalomatechin-3 galate (EGCG) causes apoptosis (programmed cell death) in the cells that produce sebum. This means that the substance practically suppresses the two main factors for the appearance of acne - sebum and bacterium. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Epigallocatechin_3_gallate_improves_acne_in_humans_by_modulating_intracellular_molecular_targets_and_inhibiting_P_acnes_23096708" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.6</a>]

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Lavender-(Lavandula-angustifolia)

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender-(Lavandula-angustifolia)_0_0

A tonic of lavender colors can be prepared - fresh or dried. It helps heal wounds, has an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Activities_of_ten_essential_oils_towards_Propionibacterium_acnes_and_PC_3_A_549_and_MCF_7_cancer_cells_20657472" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>]

Tea-tree-(Melaleuca-alternifolia)

Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Tea-tree-(Melaleuca-alternifolia)_0_0

Tea tree essential oil is applied topically to each bud. It has a strong antibacterial effect comparable to that of benzoyl peroxide, but with fewer or no side effects. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/A_comparative_study_of_tea_tree_oil_versus_benzoylperoxide_in_the_treatment_of_acne_2145499" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.5</a>]

Herbs-for-wound-healing-and-burns

Herbs for wound healing and burns

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Some medicinal plants have the property to accelerate the recovery and healing of skin injuries.

Pot-marigold-(Calendula-officinalis)

Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis)

Pot-marigold-(Calendula-officinalis)_1_0

The calendula definitely deserves the first place here. Aqueous or oil&nbsp;extract from its orange petals is an effective means of rapid wound healing [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Determination_of_the_wound_healing_effect_of_Calendula_extracts_using_the_scratch_assay_with_3T3_fibroblasts_19781615" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.9</a>], for sun and thermal burns, acne, irritated skin, eczema.

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Tincture (spirit extract) of neven can be used to suppress individual pimples in acne, but not to smear the entire skin, since alcohol will dry it.

Pot-marigold-(Calendula-officinalis)_1_2

Common-comfrey-(Symphytum-officinale)

Common comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

Common-comfrey-(Symphytum-officinale)_1_0

Aqueous extract (infusion) <a href="/p/psoriazis_i_psoriatichien_artrit_sshchnost_prichini_i_liechieniie_646d5c4e_2d56_4246_894b_bd4b98ec5d3c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a>from common comfrey blossoms&nbsp;and leaves can be applied externally to eczema, acne, psoriasis, in the form of a tonic or&nbsp;lotion. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/In_vivo_wound_healing_effects_of_Symphytum_officinale_L_leaves_extract_in_different_topical_formulations_22570943" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.8</a>]

Common-comfrey-(Symphytum-officinale)_1_1

Attention, attention! The plant is poisonous and should not be swallowed!

St.-John's-wort-(Hypericum-perforatum)

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)

St.-John's-wort-(Hypericum-perforatum)_1_0

St. John's wort significantly accelerates the wound healing process. This effect can be strengthened by its combination with propolis. [<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00238-019-01538-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>]

St.-John's-wort-(Hypericum-perforatum)_1_1

Extract of cut blossoms, stems, and leaves of St. John's wort in olive oil helps with thermal and sunburns of the skin.

Echinacea-(Echinacea-purpurea,-Echinacea-pallida)

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea pallida)

Echinacea-(Echinacea-purpurea,-Echinacea-pallida)_1_0

Well known for its immunostimulating properties, echinacea is also used for skin problems - for faster wound healing, acne, and anti-inflammatory agent.

Echinacea-(Echinacea-purpurea,-Echinacea-pallida)_1_1

Echinacea-(Echinacea-purpurea,-Echinacea-pallida)_1_2

But Echinacea pallida root extract has been found to have a significantly stronger healing effect [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Anti_inflammatory_and_cicatrizing_activity_of_Echinacea_pallida_Nutt_root_extract_11801391" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.7</a>].

Herbs-and-medicinal-plants-that-have-a-soothing-and-anti-inflammatory-effect

Herbs and medicinal plants that have a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect

Herbs-and-medicinal-plants-that-have-a-soothing-and-anti-inflammatory-effect_2_0

The skin may turn out to be inflamed, reddened, or puffy for a number of reasons, including due to an allergic reaction (in this case, we need to remove the allergen as quickly as possible and seek medical attention if necessary). To soothe the skin, we can use any of the following herbs.

Chamomile-(Matricaria-recutita)

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

Chamomile-(Matricaria-recutita)_2_0

Aqueous or oily chamomile extract soothes irritated or dry skin. From these extracts can be made cream, balm, or tonic.

Chickweed-(Stellaria-media)

Chickweed (Stellaria media)

Chickweed-(Stellaria-media)_2_0

This inconspicuous plant is ubiquitous, its stems become entangled and form a carpet, the colors are quite tiny, white, asterisks-like.

Chickweed-(Stellaria-media)_2_1

The plant has an anti-inflammatory effect and aqueous or oil extract of it can be applied externally to soothe itching and irritated skin. [<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844020309944" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.10</a>]

Chickweed-(Stellaria-media)_2_2

Germander-speedwell-(Veronica-chamaedrys)

Germander speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys)

Germander-speedwell-(Veronica-chamaedrys)_2_0

In Europe, the germander speedwell, bird's-eye speedwell, or cat's eyes&nbsp;is found all over the country in forests, shrubs, and meadows. It is a herbaceous plant with gentle blue flowers.

Germander-speedwell-(Veronica-chamaedrys)_2_1

Tea from leaves and blossoms is used externally to soothe redness and itching, in eczema.

Cucumber-(Cucumis-sativus)

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

Cucumber-(Cucumis-sativus)_2_0

We are not used to treating cucumber as an herb, but everyone knows about its refreshing, astringent and soothing effect on the skin. It is rich in antioxidants, which makes it suitable for use on sunburns, since they are essentially not similar to thermal burns, but are an inflammatory reaction of the skin against free radicals formed under the action of UV rays.

Aloe-vera

Aloe vera

Aloe-vera_2_0

It is good to keep in mind that the daily use of the gel from the inside of the leaves of aloe vera can have a drying effect. Therefore, it is good in this case to use it in the form&nbsp;of (homemade) lotions.

Aloe-vera_2_1

Aloe vera is suitable for burning and soothing inflamed skin.

Aloe-vera_2_2

Aloe-vera_2_3

In the next part of the article, we will focus on the medicinal plants that tone the skin, moisturize it, and are suitable for refreshing mature skin.

Medicinal plants for beautiful amd healthy skin. Part 1

https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/84c6806b-5775-42a6-bbe7-db55ce350762_middle.jpg

 Medicinal plants for beautiful amd healthy skin. Part 1

Rositsa Tashkova-Kacharova

There are many reasons for the aging of both the skin and the whole body. We can't particularly influence some of them - these are the <a href="/p/kak_ghienitie_opriedieliat_prilikata_s_roditielitie_ni_2256bb0a_9ee8_4d00_8f3e_7ca44b90aa45" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">genetic</a> reasons. It can be said that they are innate to us. But there is another set of factors that are under our control - lifestyle and environmental factors.

In essence, the molecular mechanisms of both types of skin aging (external and internal) are similar, such as telomere shortening, mitochondrial DNA mutations, oxidative stress, genetic mutations, and decreased levels of many hormones.

In the article "<a href="/p/10_liubopitni_fakta_za_starieienieto_i_kak_da_gho_zabavim_359c758c_61cf_45c5_9da2_e588e3e54d79" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">10 interesting facts about aging and how to slow it down</a>" we looked at the essence of this process, affecting our whole body and ways to resist it. But here we will focus on practical tips for maintaining youthful skin in particular, which are completely achievable. :)

Sweat-is-not-just-a-source-of-unpleasant-smell

1. Sweat is not just a source of unpleasant smell

Sweat-is-not-just-a-source-of-unpleasant-smell_0_0

Sweat-is-not-just-a-source-of-unpleasant-smell_0_1

This is particularly relevant in the coming summer months, as hats- which protect ourselves from the sun - often lead to sweating on the forehead and at the base of the hair. Sweat causes skin irritation, which is also complemented by the sticky powder when walking outside.

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Therefore, it is necessary to gently wash our face and décolleté twice a day - in the morning and when we get home from a walk outside. This will also reduce the risk of acne or other rashes on the face and décolleté.

Less-unnecessary-facial-expressions---less-wrinkles

2. Less unnecessary facial expressions - less wrinkles

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A person can make more than 20 different expressions designed to convey a certain message to others or interlocutors. This is possible because of the muscles that are located under our skin and are attached to it, in a way that enables us to do some mimicry.

Less-unnecessary-facial-expressions---less-wrinkles_1_1

People differ in their propensity to make more or less the number of expressions in their daily lives and communication with others. The tendency of our skin to form wrinkles in the folds formed in the process is also different.

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Therefore, dermatologists recommend, if possible, to reduce the number of mimics we do every day, especially when they are redundant. This, ofcourse, does not mean standing with a stretched face like mummies all the time - so there are unlikely to be many people left in our lives to admire the youth of our skin.

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Such is the curiosity case of <a href="https://www.boredpanda.com/woman-never-smiles-prevent-wrinkles-tess-christian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tess Christian</a> [ref. 6]who claims to have not smiled for 40 years (she is currently 50) to prevent wrinkles from appearing. She didn't smile even when she gave birth to her daughter.

Burning-or-itchy-cosmetics?-Throw-it-out!

3. Burning or itchy cosmetics? Throw it out!

Burning-or-itchy-cosmetics?-Throw-it-out!_2_0

If when applying to the skin of any cosmetics, we feel burning or pinching, this means that our skin is irritated by this product. In the long run, this has an adverseeffect , so it is best to simply part with this cosmetics.

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In some cases, medical cosmetics prescribed by a doctor can also slightly money or pinch. In this case, it is necessary to report this to the doctor and get advice from him on whether to stop using it or whether it is normal for the specific case.

Sad,-but-fact---the-sun-ages-the-skin

4. Sad, but fact - the sun ages the skin

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Under the influence of solar radiation, various biomolecules in our cells are affected and damaged - including DNA, dangerous free radicals are released.

Sad,-but-fact---the-sun-ages-the-skin_3_2

All this leads to premature ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer.

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Tanning beds also emit UV - that's the principle by which they make the skin darken.

What-happens-to-our-genes-as-we-age

5. What happens to our genes as we age

What-happens-to-our-genes-as-we-age_4_0

What-happens-to-our-genes-as-we-age_4_1

Studies on changes <a href="/p/kak_ghienitie_opriedieliat_prilikata_s_roditielitie_ni_2256bb0a_9ee8_4d00_8f3e_7ca44b90aa45" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">in gene expression</a> during skin aging have found that some of the mechanismslikely to accelerate aginginclude [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Genetics_and_skin_aging_23467395" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 5</a>]:

What-happens-to-our-genes-as-we-age_4_2

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">impaired lipid metabolism,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">altered insulin and STAT3 signalling,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">increase in expression of apoptotic genes (responsible for programmed cell death) - partly due to the deregulation of the FOXO1 gene,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">reduction of the expression of members of the jun and fos genetic families,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">differential expression of cytoskeletine <a href="/p/kakva_ie_razlikata_miezhdu_bieltk_i_protiein_b1b6b96e_e340_46d2_9768_ac9fa8cd6adc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">proteins</a> (e.g. keratin 2A, 6A and 16A), components of the extracellular matrix (e.g. pi3, S100A2, A7, A9, SPRR2B) and proteins involved in cell cycle control (e.g. CDK, GOS2).</li>
</ul>

What-happens-to-our-genes-as-we-age_4_3

Mutations in the genes ELN, ATP6V0A2, ATP7A, FBLN4, FBLN5 and PYCR1 are also due to the rare disease cutislaxa sinilis , also called Cutis laxa or sesnial elastosis. With it, the skin relaxes and hangs in very early childhood (when it is inherited, not an acquired disease), which is due to defects in elastic fibers. It also affects internal organs.

What-happens-to-our-genes-as-we-age_4_4

Interesting is the case of The Englishwoman Zara Hartshorn, who suffers from the disease and inherited it from her mother (both women are with Cutis laxa). At the age of 12, people buract the child with a woman in her 40s. At the age of 20, Zaraunderwent a facelift to become more youthful, corresponding to her age. Unfortunately 4 years after the procedure, its effects begin to visibly lose .

Sugar-is-the-enemy-of-beautiful-skin

6. Sugar is the enemy of beautiful skin

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Some research has shown that the consumption of fast carbohydrates, confectionery and highly processed foods (so-called junk food) leads to premature ageing of the skin.

Sugar-is-the-enemy-of-beautiful-skin_5_2

Of particular importance for the skin are vitamins E and C.More about foodsthat contributeto healthier and beautiful skin,you can read at theend of our article "<a href="/p/7_stpki_v_izbora_na_kachiestviena_kozmietika_2b839f29_de72_4e6a_9285_13b57cc8d17a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">8+1 steps in the choice of quality cosmetics</a>".

Sport-also-affects-the-face

7. Sport also affects the face

Sport-also-affects-the-face_6_0

Research has shown that <a href="/p/zashcho_fizichieskitie_uprazhnieniia_sa_vazhni_v_borbata_s_koronavirusa_a0838c14_cb61_466f_9612_3c2261c77854" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">daily exercise</a> improves the functions of the immune system and bloodcirculation , which in turn can also affect the more youthful appearance ofthe skin.

Sport-also-affects-the-face_6_1

<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Differential_effects_of_endurance_interval_and_resistance_training_on_telomerase_activity_and_telomere_length_in_a_randomized_controlled_study_30496493" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> It was found [ref. 1]that aerobic exercise andhigh-intensity interval training (HIIT) increase the activity of the enzyme telomerase, which leads to an extension of telomeres at the ends of chromosomes, and this is associated with better health and youth. Let's not forget that the health inside is evident from the outside. :)

Rough-rubbing-of-the-skin-does-not-make-it-cleaner

8. Rough rubbing of the skin does not make it cleaner

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Rough-rubbing-of-the-skin-does-not-make-it-cleaner_7_1

In an effort to "clean" as bestwe can, some of us often use hot water and erase all layers of our skin until it starts to creak.

Rough-rubbing-of-the-skin-does-not-make-it-cleaner_7_2

Such behavior not only disrupts the natural microflora (<a href="/p/chrievniiat_mikrobiom_i_nashieto_zdravie_62aa84cd_b51a_41ac_a714_087565dd2382" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">microbiome</a>) of our skin, but removes its protection, dries it excessively, makes it vulnerable to external factors <a href="/p/kakva_ie_razlikata_miezhdu_baktieriia_i_virus_i_kakvo_tochno_ie_klietkata_f496ccd4_1ffa_42b5_bd7a_73a56893200d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">and ill-willed</a> microbes, and ages it.

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Therefore, it is advisable that if you take a full-body showerevery day, this should be done with lukewarm water,with minimal or no amount of soap (except on the most polluted areas) and without aggressive friction. [<a href="https://practicaldermatology.com/articles/2020-apr/the-effect-of-cleansers-on-the-skin-microbiome" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 2</a>]

Keep-your-skin-well-hydrated

9. Keep your skin well hydrated

Keep-your-skin-well-hydrated_8_0

The skin is hydrated in two complementary ways – by drinking enough water during the day and using moisturizing productssuch as lotions and creams.

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Especially important is hydration inwinter , when the air is drier (contrary to expectations) and the exposed parts (hands and face) can be dehydrated to such an extent that the skin cracks and small painful and itchywoundsappear .

Keep-your-skin-well-hydrated_8_3

Most moisturizing creams are glycerin-based. Better effect, especially with very dry skin,has medical cosmetics, which is a little more expensive, but the investment is worth it.

How-to-use-anti-aging-cosmetics-correctly

10. How to use anti-aging cosmetics correctly

How-to-use-anti-aging-cosmetics-correctly_9_0

Doctors at the American Academy of Dermatology <a href="https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/maximize-anti-aging-products" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> advise [ref. 3] to start with only one anti-ageing cosmetic product, since the use of several at the same time can inflame the skin and exacerbate its imperfections.

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These cosmetic products are specific and require careful follow of the instructions, so as notto get the opposite effect - clogged pores, dry skin and others.

How-to-use-anti-aging-cosmetics-correctly_9_3

Moreover, they need more timebefore the effect manifests itself - between 6 weeks and3 months. Therefore, we can not expect that thewrinkles will be smoothed immediately - such a rapid effect can be observed only with moisturizing cream, but it is very short-lived.

How-to-use-anti-aging-cosmetics-correctly_9_4

We need to continue to use the product when we see results, because if we stop, the effect will disappear.

DIY---but-not-with-a-laser-purchased-online

11. DIY - but not with a laser purchased online

DIY---but-not-with-a-laser-purchased-online_10_0

The internet offers a wide variety of products that promise to make us younger, including lasers for home use. Just as itsounds, this can be verydangerous. Often such products are mints and put our health at risk!

DIY---but-not-with-a-laser-purchased-online_10_1

Each thing has its price - indeed, the services of a professional require more financial means, but the low monetary value of counterfeit products and devices is offset by a much higher price - that of our own health.

nardostachys jatamansi

13 ways to prevent skin aging