African Star Apple (flesh and skin)- Agbalumo
The African Star Apple is a fruit native to West Africa and is particularly prolific in Nigeria, Republic of Benin, Togo, and Ghana.
The African Star Apple is a bright orange fruit that has got 4 to 6 seeds within it. The seeds lie side-by-side within the fruit, such that when the fruit is cut on a cross-section, the seeds are arranged in a star formation, hence the name of the fruit. The African Star Apple tree and fruit secretes a whitish sap which gives the flesh of the fruit a chewing gum-like texture. The African star apple is a rich source of calcium, it also contains vitamins A and C and it’s quite rich in iron.
Basil Leaf
Basil, also called great basil, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae. Basil is native to tropical regions from central Africa to Southeast Asia. It has powerful anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that are used for both skin and hair.
Benefits
The effective anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory property of basil helps in controlling the outbreak of acne and pimples. It works as a natural cleanser to unclog pores and remove excess oil, dirt and impurities from the skin.
The anti-inflammatory property of basil soothes the inflammation, swelling and pain associated with pimples. It can also be used for treating insect bites and skin conditions like psoriasis.
Basil leaves are loaded with potent anti-itch compounds called camphene and thymol that relieves skin irritations, itching and infections.The essential oils present in basil leaves have powerful antibiotic, antibacterial, disinfectant and antifungal properties that treats various kinds of skin diseases, ringworms and itchiness caused by psoriasis, sunburn, insect bites and allergies.
The camphene in basil also has a cooling effect on the skin that soothes prickly heat.
The natural oils and antioxidants present in basil makes it an effective remedy for naturally glowing skin. Urusolic acid helps in toning the skin, closing the open pores and cleaning excess oil, dirt and dead skin cells from the skin surface to give it a brighter, cleaner and fairer appearance.
It also helps in moisturizing and nourishing skin to give it a flawless and smooth texture.
Ursolic acid present in basil acts as an anti-septic and helps in soothing the itching, inflammation and redness caused by eczema. It also reduces the risk of skin cancer.
Basil being a rich source of flavonoids and antioxidants, acts as an effective anti-aging agent that tightens skin, fights free radical damage and oxidative stress and prevents the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and age spots on the skin.
It helps in cell regeneration and increases the growth of skin cells to provide a soft, supple and fresh appearance to it.
The effective anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of basil make it a perfect remedy for getting rid of stubborn black and whiteheads.
Camphene present in basil works as a natural toner to remove excess oil, dead cells and impurities that otherwise clogs the follicles and result in formation of blackheads.
The benefits of basil and not limited to skin care only, it is an effective natural remedy for hair fall and dandruff as well. The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal property of basil leaves for hair helps in treating scalp irritations, itchiness, flaking and dandruff.
Basil oil for hair reduces excessive dryness of the scalp and removes impurities and dead cells accumulation from the scalp. Basil oil for hair also promotes hair growth and reduces hair fall by improving blood circulation through scalp.
Basil Seeds
They’re similar in size to chia seeds, and also become gelatinous when wet-though they still retain their crunchy interior.
Benefits
Basil seeds work well as an anti-inflammatory agent that helps to provide healing from pains, aches, and swelling.
Basil seeds are packed with antioxidants and flavonoids that help in improving the health of the skin and stimulate the growth of new cells. It helps in treating several skin infections like eczema and psoriasis.
The antioxidants in basil seeds help stimulate the production of hair and prevent premature hair loss. They also help in preventing inflammation and oxidative stress on the scalp, which can often lead to hair loss.
Beetroot Powder
Beetroot is a vibrant and beautiful-looking veggie that is known for its distinctive taste and nutritional value. It contains folate, potassium, vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Its antibacterial properties help fight against bacteria. Other than this, it helps replenish the dead skin cells, fights against free radicals in the body, exfoliate the dead cells, and helps in getting rid of pigmentation. It also helps in getting rid of dark circles.
Brown Mustard Seed
Brown mustard seeds come from the Brassica juncea plant. There are different varieties of brown mustard seeds, ranging from those with a dark brown seed coat to others that are dark yellow. Mustard seeds are rich in a nutrient called selenium, known for its high anti-inflammatory effects.
Benefits
Mustard seeds are a natural scrub. It exfoliates dead skin. It also hydrates the skin by removing all impurities from your face and then nourishes it from within.
Mustard seeds make for a great source of carotene and lutein. It is also a great power house of vitamin A, C and K. Together these nutrients make for an excellent antioxidant which helps to slow ageing. It also has anti-fungal properties which help to ward of skin infections.
Mustard seed is a great stimulant which leads to faster hair growth. It also contains protein, calcium, vitamin A and E, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. All of these together help to strengthen your hair from within.
Calendula Flower
Calendula flower is an herbaceous plant in the daisy family Asteraceae that are often known as marigold.
Benefits
Calendula flower has anti-inflammatory properties which help to prevent breakouts, rosacea, eczema, redness and allergies.
Calendula flower has moisturizing properties which is good for dry skin. It helps your skin to look more supple, nourished and smooth.
Calendula flower also has flavonoids which function as a powerful antioxidant which helps protect your skin against free radicals.
The nourishing benefits of calendula flower help to pump the surface of your skin to give you a tighter, firmer skin.
Cinnamon Stick
Cinnamon sticks are made by cutting the stems of cinnamon trees. The inner bark is then extracted and the woody parts removed. When it dries, it forms strips that curl into rolls, called cinnamon sticks. These sticks can be ground to form cinnamon powder.
Benefits
The anti-fungal and anti-bacterial qualities, as well as antioxidant power of cinnamon, make it effective in treating acne and blemishes.
Cinnamon helps to treat dry skin by removing dead skin cells and then restores the shine and softness to your skin.
Cinnamon helps to provide relief from patches of eczema. It also cures ringworm and other skin infections. Being rich in antioxidant, cinnamon softens rough and tired skin of your feet.
Cinnamon stimulates hair growth thereby preventing hair loss. It also helps to cleanse your scalp and keep it nourished.
Coffee Granules
Coffee granules are dried crystals of concentrated brewed coffee. They are carefully freeze-dried brewed coffee and are effective coffee concentrate that can be used anywhere you want a strong coffee flavor without adding liquid.
Benefits
Coffee helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite on the skin.
When applied topically to the skin it helps to reduce the appearance of sun spots, redness and fine lines. Its anti-inflammatory effects help to reduce hyperpigmentation that may have a connection with inflammation. It also helps in the treatment of acne.
Coffee helps to treat stubborn dark circles under the eyes.
Flaxseed
Flax, also known as common flax or linseed, is a flowering plant, Linum usitatissimum, in the family Linaceae. Flaxseeds are the golden yellow to reddish brown seeds of flax. These seeds contain phytoestrogens, which are similar to the hormoneestrogen. The seeds also contain soluble fiber and oil. Flaxseed oil contains the essential omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
Benefits
Flaxseed helps to tighten and lift the skin, it cleanses and purifies the skin, it shrinks large pores, it exfoliates the skin; it also reduces oily skin, prevents and treats acne. It has anti-aging properties which helps to slow fine lines and wrinkles.
Flaxseed helps to strengthen and promote hair growth. It prevents hair loss, keeps your hair conditioned making it smooth and manageable.
Flaxseeds help to soothe itchy or sensitive scalp.
Hibiscus Flower Petals
Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family. Flowers are large and trumpet shaped, with five or more petals. Colors include white, pink, red, orange, purple, or yellow. The extract is most often taken from the red flowers, also known as “roselle.
Benefits
Hibiscus flowers help to remove dead cells, flaky skin on the surface and cleanse pores by making the skin look fresh.
Due to the slightly exfoliating effect of the organic acids found in the plant, hibiscus helps to speed up cell turnover, resulting in a more even skin tone.
Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants, called anthocyanocides. It helps to protect against free radical damage to the skin, they also have slightly astringent properties, which helps to reduce the appearance of large pores for a smoother complexion. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect and can help to soothe inflamed skin, making Hibiscus suitable for those having very sensitive skin.
Lemon Grass Powder
Lemongrass is a grassy plant that has a bright, lemon scent and mild citrus flavor.
Benefits
Lemon grass has an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal property which makes a good skin toner that helps to clean your pores. The antibacterial properties of lemongrass also help to eliminate odor-causing bacteria – it replaces bad smells with a clean, fresh, lemony scent.
Lemon grass has anti-inflammatory properties which help to bring down inflammation, calm and soothe irritated skin.
Lemongrass as a natural astringent, can firm, cleanse and refine dull skin. Lemongrass treats scalp while it keeps your hair clean and fresh, helps to prevent hair loss, adds volume to your hair and shine to dry and damaged hair.
Mango Powder
Mango is a member of the cashew family and is reputed to be extremely high in Vitamin A, C, and Beta Carotine. It is often used in formulations to help prevent the appearance of fine lines and the drying of the skin. By preventing the deterioration of the skin, it helps to maintain the elasticity of the skin.
Benefits
Similar to the pulp of a mango, the antioxidant properties in mango extract help to hydrate the skin and improve skin tone. Mango extract comes from the skin of the mango. The extract is in powder form which you can add to other ingredients to use as a natural skincare product.
Mangoes help to prevent acne breakouts, the alpha hydroxy acids in mangoes are excellent at exfoliating dead skin cells, helping you remove dull skin, it rejuvenates your skin, adds brilliant shine, and serves as a natural moisturizer for dry skin. Mango helps to reduce dark spots. Mango also helps to give your skin a glowing look.