Introduction

 

Welcome to the February Newsletter.

The new year has certainly started with a bang. Here at Wildcrafted Herbal Products we have lots of projects which are about to be released to you, including our brand new range of totally Natural Hair Care Products, which we will announce during February. So keep an eye on your in-box for announcement of the launch of these exiting products.

We hope you'll enjoy the articles in this month's Newsletter and remember, we always welcome feedback, questions and comments from you.

Happy reading and shopping

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Dry Skin - Prevent Dry Skin by Adopting The Right Skin Care Regime.

Introduction

Dry skin, also referred to as Xerosis, is a common problem for many people. Skin care for dry skin requires moisture in order to maintain the skin's smoothness and suppleness and especially during winter, this can be particularly difficult. In addition, adequate moisture in the skin is important in maintaining the pH balance of your skin.

During winter, people prone to dry skin, need to be particularly alert and aware of the factors that contribute to drying of their skin. For example, in our attempt to keep warm, we use central heating in the home, heat the car and of course the office. This all contributes to drying out of the skin and the potential to develop skin problems such as eczema or dermatitis.

Similarly, during summer we employ fans and air conditioning to keep cool. These evaporate moisture from the skin's surface and also lead to dry, de-hydrated skin.

To counter act dry skin, adequate fluid intake becomes very important as the dehydrating effect of heating and cooling needs to be over come and loss of moisture needs to be replaced.

The Problem

Simple daily routines, such as bathing, showering and towel drying, may actually promote dry skin. This is because the heat from the shower/bath will open the pores of the skin and thus lead to loss of moisture.

To some extent, bathing provides the skin temporary moisture, but it removes the skin's ‘Acid Mantel’ (protective layer), opens the pores of your skin and in the long run, causes more moisture loss than gain. Particularly if you use commercially manufactured soap, which by nature has a drying effect on the skin.

If you do want to use soap, make sure it has a pH that is close to neutral (pH of around 7), as your skin is slightly acid and soaps that are very alkaline (more than 8) will disturb the pH balance.

Now, in order to get a soap that foams, the pH will need to be slightly on the alkaline side of Neutral, unless there are ingredients such as SLS's which make soap foam. SLS's are considered harmful to our health however, so make sure you avoid those types of ingredients. You are better served with a totally natural soap that is slightly alkaline, because applying a good, natural moisturising cream will help to restore the Acid Mantel and thus the skin's natural pH. Our All-Over Body Moisturising Range will do the trick nicely.

The Solution: How to Prevent and Re-hydrate Dry Skin

Caring for dry skin requires the use of a correct skin care regime and the application of natural skin care products to counteract the drying of your skin. By following the suggestions below, you will reduce the dryness of your skin and promote a healthy vibrant complexion, all over:

Step 1: As explained above, do not wash using commercially available soap, it dries out your skin! (You can of course use our Heavenly Hand and Body Wash on your body's skin) – On your face however, use an exfoliant, such as the ‘Skin Renewal Gel’ from Wildcrafted Herbal Products, followed by Wildcrafted’s Hydrating Cleanser on your face to keep your skin from drying out unnecessarily and remove the layers of dead skin cells.

The Skin Renewal Gel uses finely ground pumice, grains, Yellow Clay, finely ground Oatmeal and Tea Tree Powder to gently remove superficial dead skin cells and surface impurities. The combination of essential oils of Neroli and Chamomile, soothe the skin, leaving it clean, smooth and feeling fresh and invigorated. You can also use this product on your body's skin too.

The Hydrating Cleanser is formulated for Normal to Dry, Mature and Sensitive skin types. Wildcrafted’s Hydrating Cleanser contains essential oils of Rose, Chamomile and Geranium with Glycerine and oils of Coconut, Almond and Shea Nut Butter to cleanse, soothe and hydrate the skin. Rose and Chamomile are soothing and calming to the skin, while Geranium tones and improves the general appearance of the skin. The combined actions of glycerine and coconut, palm and almond oils have a hydrating effect on the skin and maintain moisture in the skin, preventing dryness.

This special formulation makes Wildcrafted Hydrating Cleanser perfectly suited for dry, mature and sensitive skin types and should be used before toning and moisturising as part of a daily skin care regime.

Step 2: Apply a toner to prevent loss of moisture from your skin – Many people often neglect this step, yet it is a very important, especially if you have dry skin. Toning lotions, such as Wildcrafted’s ‘Milk of Roses Toner’ provides essential oils and herbal extract that help to close the opened pores and prevents loss of moisture.

Milk of Roses Toner calms, hydrates and tones your skin, without drying or irritating effects, through the actions of Rose, Calendula, Glycerine, Witch hazel and Aloe Vera. Wildcrafted’s Milk of Roses Toner should be used after cleansing and prior to moisturising the skin, to remove any remaining cleanser and prepare the skin for the moisturising phase of your daily skin care regime.

Step 3: Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise. – This cannot be stressed strongly enough. Moisturising will not only nourish your skin, but it will help to reduce loss of moisture even further, thus preventing dry skin, as well as repair damaged skin.

Wildcrafted’s Papaya Day Crème, for example is a good illustration of using essential oils and herbal extracts to re-hydrate the depleted skin and nourish it to help protect is from loss of moisture.

Wildcrafted’s Papaya Day Crème is a creamy moisturiser for dry and mature skin types. Papaya fruit and Mango Butter are blended with Vitamin E, Wheat germ, Sesame and Coconut oils to restore and hydrate the skin while essential oils of Frankincense, Patchouli and Neroli soothe and calm dry, sensitive skin. Wildcrafted Papaya Day Crème should be applied daily, after cleansing and toning for best results.

Dry Skin can lead to more complex problems if not managed properly

Dry skin can also be itchy and become very sensitive, often resulting in eczema and dermatitis. This is definitely to be avoided. The prevention of excessive loss of moisture to prevent dry skin is imperative to prevent further complications of dry skin.

Symptoms such as itching, flaking of the skin, cracking and scaly skin, all point to you having very dry skin and this requires attention. You will seriously need to look at the amount of water you are not drinking, as this is beyond just using a good skin care regime, although it does help.

Water needs to be consumed at 3 litres per day, no less, because that is what the body uses to maintain proper metabolism. So whether you are physically active or not, you will need to provide the body with at least 8-10 glasses (250ml per glass) of water every day to just to maintain the status quo and prevent your skin from drying out. More is required if you suffer from dry skin and want to reverse this.

Of course if you are physically active, you will need to considerably increase this amount to replace the water loss through sweating. Making sure you have sufficient mineral salts in your diet can also help to prevent dry skin. I am not referring to Table Salt, but the salts present in celery and other vegetables. There is a great product called Herbamare (Made by Dr hc A Vogel, Bioforce AG, Switzerland) which is available from health food stores and some supermarkets. It is a vegetable salt and tastes great.

As you probably know, sweat is slightly salty and these are the salts you need to replace. Celery, for example, is a vegetable high in mineral salts and should be included in your salads and sandwiches.

In conclusion, combining a high quality natural skin care regime with an adequate water intake and a diet high in vegetables, which contain mineral salts and trace elements will help you to combat your dry skin.

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Ingredients of Major Concern Being used in Most Major Brands of Cosmetics

Chemicals you do not want on your skin

This is a 'short-list' of some of the more hazardous and toxic chemicals you will often find in your skin and personal care products. Take a very close look at the labels of your skin and personal care products, including your hair shampoo and conditioner, and see if any of these potentially toxic chemicals described here are listed on the liable.

If they are there, you should seriously consider finding an alternative that does not contain any of these chemicals and toss the old products out. They are not good for your families health.

Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and/or Ethyl Paraben
Used as preservatives to extend the shelf life of skin and personal care products. Parabens have been reported to have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Studies have shown that they are weakly estrogenic and can be absorbed by the body through the skin. Widely used even though they are potentially toxic. (See Scientific Literature).

Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA)
DEA and TEA are often used in cosmetics and shampoos as emulsifiers and/or foaming agents. They can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation and dryness of hair and skin. DEA and TEA are "amines" (ammonia compounds) and can form cancer-causing nitrosamines when they come in contact with nitrates. They are toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time. (See Scientific Literature).

Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea
These are widely used preservatives. The American Academy of Dermatology has found them to be a primary cause of contact dermatitis. Two trade names for these chemicals are Germall II and Germall 115. Neither of the Germall chemicals contains a good anti-fungal agent, and they must be combined with other preservatives. Both these chemicals release formaldehyde, which can be toxic. (See Scientific Literature).

Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (SLS)
A cheap, harsh detergent used in shampoos, bubble baths, hand and body wash products for its cleansing and foam-building properties. Often derived from petroleum, it is frequently disguised in pseudo-natural cosmetics with the phrase "comes from coconuts." It causes eye irritation, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, skin rashes and other allergic reactions. Avoid at all cost. (See Scientific Literature).

Methylisothiazoline (MIT)
Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) is a biocide widely used in industrial and cosmetic products and has been shown to pose a potential risk to unborn babies. It is widely used in shampoos and there very well could be neuro-developmental consequences from MIT. It is of particularly concerned to women with occupational exposure to MIT during pregnancy as there is a possibility of risk to the foetus. Avoid at all cost. (See Scientific Literature).

Petrolatum
Also known as petroleum jelly, this mineral oil derivative is used for its emollient properties in cosmetics. It has no nutrient value for the skin and can interfere with the body's own natural moisturizing mechanism, leading to dryness and chapping. It often creates the very conditions it claims to alleviate. Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap. Most Petro-chemicals are carcinogens and are to be avoided. (See Scientific Literature).

Propylene Glycol
Ideally this is a vegetable glycerin mixed with grain alcohol, both of which are natural. Usually it is a synthetic petrochemical mix used as a humectant. It has been known to cause allergic reactions, hives and eczema. When you see PEG (polyethylene glycol) or PPG (polypropylene glycol) on labels, beware—these are related synthetics. The natural versions are fine and perfectly safe, not so their synthetic counter parts.

PVP/VA Copolymer
A petroleum-derived chemical used in hair sprays, styling aids and other cosmetics. It can be considered toxic, since inhaled particles can damage the lungs of sensitive persons. Most Petro-chemicals are carcinogens.

Stearalkonium Chloride
A plant-derived ingredient, it reduces static electricity by neutralizing electrical charges on hair, and is a good conditioning agent. It is a quaternary ammonium compound also used in hair conditioners and creams. Developed by the fabric industry as a fabric softener, it is a lot cheaper and easier to use in hair conditioning formulas than proteins or herbals, which are beneficial to the hair. Causes allergic reactions. Potentially toxic.

Synthetic Colours
Used to make cosmetics "pretty," synthetic colours, along with synthetic hair dyes, should be avoided at all costs. They will be labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a colour and a number. Example: FD&C Red No. 3 / D&C Green No. 6. Many synthetic colours can be carcinogenic. If a cosmetic contains them, don't use it. (See Scientific Literature).

Synthetic Fragrances
The synthetic fragrances used in cosmetics can have as many as 200 ingredients. There is no way to know what the chemicals are, since on the label it will simply read "fragrance." Some problems caused by these chemicals include headaches, dizziness, rash, hyperpigmentation, violent coughing, vomiting, skin irritation—the list goes on. Synthetic fragrances should be avoided. Be careful when looking at these because often the liable may say "fragrance of Lavender", or fragrance of "Rose" or similarly popular essential oils. Fragrance of = Synthetic, NOT the real essential oil.

 

There are thousands more chemicals and it is not the intention of this article to bore you to tears, but rather to alert you to some of the most commonly used chemicals which are found in most brands on your department store and supermarket shelves.

At Wildcrafted Herbal Products, we regularly research the latest scientific reports on ingredients used by the skin care and cosmetics industry to maintain an up-to-date knowledge base on the potentially toxic chemicals and their impacts on human health. To illustrate this point, this scientific study on the effects of hair dyes is a real eye-opener. Download this article and have a look at the serious health problems some hair dyes can cause. (Download) Below, I've included the first paragraph of the introduction...

The first paragraph of this paper states the following:
Epidemiologic studies have revealed an association between occupational exposure to hair dyes and incidence of cancers. Several cohort and case-control studies have shown increased risk of bladder cancer among hairdressers and barbers who are occupationally exposed to hair dyes. It has been reported that there is a statistically significant and a dose-dependent association between hair dyeing and risk of ovarian cancer. Women with prolonged used of dark, particularly black, hair dyes may have increased risk of fatal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma and.

If that does not put you off ever using permanent hair dyes again, nothing will.

There are many alternatives around such as Henna and others, which do not have these dangers associated with them - they may be a bit more work intensive, but compared to the risks involved...

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1. Look for the Padlock symbol at the bottom right hand corner of your browser window. If the look is closed, this indicates that the page you are on is secured to some extent.

2. Look for 'Hacker Safe' and similar logos on the payment page. For example, if you purchase products from us, once you've completed the selection of products you wish to purchase and provided a shipping address, you'll click, 'continue', then you're given another opportunity to make sure your shipping details are correct.

Once you've clicked 'continue' you are taken to our secure checkout service that will process your payment details. You are not asked for any payment details prior to this.

Here, on this page (on the right), you will see yet another confirmation of the details you have provided so far with respect to where you want your order sent to.

Remember also that until you've provided your credit card details and have followed subsequent prompts, you will not have finalised your purchase and can close the browser window, which has the effect of canceling your order. I often go through the checkout process first to see if a potential supplier does have the security in place I look for, before I make an actual purchase.

The different logos on the left hand side (in the picture above) are different forms of security provided by, in our case, 2CO (2checkout.com), which is a company from Columbus, Ohio, US that provides secure credit card processing for companies all over the world. You can click on the logos/symbols when you get to this page to see what each of these services provide you with in terms of security.

If you see these types of logos, and the closed Pad-lock at the bottom of the screen, you can be quite sure that you're on a safe web site and are not likely to experience credit card fraud.

I am not suggesting you go through each of these steps each and every time you buy some thing, but if you have doubts or your not sure about the security of a potential supplier, it may well be worth your while to go through these steps and check out the business you are about to purchase products from.

Once you have satisfied yourself that the business is a legitimate business, you don't need to go through these steps again to buy more goods from that business.

When you really do need to be careful

These days, more credit card fraud occurs in Restaurants and other, similar businesses, where you hand your card over to a staff member that then goes away and processes your bill. When they are no longer within sight of you they can get all the information off your card and subsequently use this information to make purchases, over the phone or on-line. You should never let your card out of your sight.

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About An Interesting Herb: Milk Thistle (St. Mary's Thistle)

 

Biological Name:
Silybum marianum

Family:
Compositae

Other Names: 
Holy thistle, marythisle, St. Mary's thistle, Marian Thistle, Milk Thistle

Parts Used: seeds, leaves

Description
A stout, annual or biennial plant found in dry, rocky soils in southern and western Europe and in some parts of the US. The branched, shining brown stem grows 1 to 3 feet high and bears alternate, dark green, shiny leaves with spiny, scalloped edges and white spots along the veins. The upper leaves clasp the stem. Large solitary, purple flower heads subtended by spiny bracts appear from June to August.

Active Compounds 
Most preparations are standardized to contain 70% to 80% of flavonolignans (silibinin, silychristin, and silydianin), collectively known as silymarin. This constituent is responsible for the medical benefits of the plant. Silymarin is made up of three parts: silibinin, silidianin, and silicristin. Silibinin is the most active and is largely responsible for the benefits attributed to silymarin.

History
Pliny, a first century A.D. Roman naturalist, stated that Milk Thistle was "excellent for carrying off bile". In other words, it restores impaired liver functions. Milk thistle supplies an antidote to the death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides), which kills its victims by destroying liver cells.
Ancients believed that the white veins that mottled the leaves of milk thistle represented drops of the Virgin Mary's milk, fallen there when she nursed baby Jesus.

Traditional Applications in Herbal Medicine
    Gallstones
    Liver support
    Psoriasis

Milk thistle is believed to protect the cells of the liver by blocking the entrance of harmful toxins and helping to remove these toxins from the liver cells. As with other bioflavonoids, silymarin is a powerful antioxidant. Milk thistle also regenerates injured liver cells.

The leaves of milk thistle provide a bitter tonic. The seeds are cholagogue. Leaves are used for common stomach problems like lack of appetite and dyspepsia. The seeds are used for liver, gallbladder, and spleen problems, and for jaundice and gallstone colic.

A recent study found that milk thistle may offer some protection against the toxic side effects of the common painkiller acetaminophen.

According to the University of Maryland, Medical Centre

Many professional herbalists recommend milk thistle extract for the prevention and/or treatment of various liver disorders including viral hepatitis, fatty liver associated with long term alcohol use, and liver damage from drugs and industrial toxins such as carbon tetrachloride.

Mushroom Poisoning
Milk thistle has also been used as a preventive and/or antidote to poisoning by deathcap mushroom (Amanita phalloides). Animal studies have found that milk thistle extract completely counteracts the toxic effects of the mushroom when given within 10 minutes of ingestion. If given within 24 hours of ingestion, the herb significantly reduces the risk of liver damage and death.

Liver disease from alcohol
A comprehensive review by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) recently identified 16 scientific studies on the use of milk thistle for the treatment of various forms of liver disease. A European standardized extract of milk thistle was used in most of the trials.

Problems in study design (such as small numbers of participants, variations in the causes of liver disease, and differences in dosing and duration of milk thistle therapy) made it difficult to draw any definitive conclusions. However, five of seven studies evaluating milk thistle for alcoholic liver disease found significant improvements in liver function. Those with the mildest form of the disease appeared to improve the most. Milk thistle was less effective for those with severe liver disease such as cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is characterized by scarring and permanent, non-reversible damage to the liver. It is often referred to as end-stage liver disease.

Viral hepatitis
Despite the fact that milk thistle is widely used in the treatment of hepatitis (particularly hepatitis C), results from four viral hepatitis studies were contradictory. Some found improvements in liver enzyme activity while others failed to detect these benefits. None of the studies compared milk thistle with interferon or other medications for viral hepatitis.

Cancer
Preliminary laboratory studies also suggest that active substances in milk thistle may have anti-cancer effects. One active substance known as silymarin has strong antioxidant properties and has been shown to inhibit the growth of human prostate, breast, and cervical cancer cells in test tubes. Further studies are needed to determine whether milk thistle is safe or effective for people with these forms of cancer.

High cholesterol
One animal study found that silymarin (an active compound in milk thistle) worked as effectively as the cholesterol-lowering drug probucol, with the additional benefit of substantially increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol. Further studies in people are needed.

Safety:
Silymarin stimulate liver and gallbladder activity. Hence, it may have a mild, transient laxative effect in some individuals. This will cease within two to three days.

Other than this, milk thistle extract is virtually devoid of any side reactions. It may be used by a wide range of people, including pregnant and lactating women.

Warning: Under no circumstances should you self-prescribe herbal remedies. Always consult a professional, qualified medical herbalist before taking any medicinal herbs.

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We hope you enjoyed these articles and invite you to send us suggestions of topics you would like to see us cover in the coming months. Your suggestions are always welcome and we endeavour to cover the topics you would like to know more about - so don't be shy, drop us a line or two!

Also there are some great new posts in the forum and we look forward to 'seeing' you there.

In good health

Danny & Susan Siegenthaler