Content
- Edelweiss: effect as a medicinal plant?
- Edelweiss in folk medicine
- Edelweiss in natural medicine
- Edelweiss in cosmetics
- Do edelweiss cosmetics keep what you promise?
- Tips & Tricks
The edelweiss is used both in naturopathy and in cosmetics
Edelweiss: effect as a medicinal plant?
The beautiful edelweiss has been a symbol of the Alps since the 19th century - as well as a sign of courage and love, because picking plants that thrive only in very high and difficult to reach locations once served young boys as proof of courage as well as a special gift for the beloved. In addition, the plant is said to have a number of healing effects.
Edelweiss in folk medicine
For centuries not only the inhabitants of the Alps, but also the inhabitants of the Himalayas - there are also about 40 different species of edelweiss - know the little Blümelein in folk medicine. In the Alps, the edelweiss is known as "Bauchwehblümelein" and was once used for gastrointestinal complaints. In Asia, on the other hand, it is mainly intended to help against diseases of the respiratory tract, which is why, for example, in Mongolia pillows are filled with dried edelweiss. The plant also has its firm place in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Edelweiss in natural medicine
Also in modern naturopathy Edelweiss is mainly used for respiratory diseases and diarrhea. Some Edelweiss own ingredients (such as dyes) should have an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect, which is why mainly the flowers such as leaves of the plant against convulsions, acute and chronic inflammation and for vascular protection are used.
Edelweiss in cosmetics
The edelweiss also bears the nickname "Eternal Flower" - extremely pas for a plant, which has found its way into anti-aging purposes in cosmetics. Since the plant grows in high, very exposed altitudes, it must protect itself explicitly against UV rays. The edelweiss acid ("Leoligin") binds free radicals and acts cell protecting. The industry uses the antioxidants derived from edelweiss for skin protection and strengthening connective tissue.
Do edelweiss cosmetics keep what you promise?
However, said creams and lotions are likely to have little - if any - effect, because legally speaking, skin care products should be superficial, but never in depth. For this reason, edelweiss cosmetics contain very few effective ingredients - otherwise they would have to be treated as medical devices and undergo the appropriate research.
Tips & Tricks
If you like to go hiking in the mountains, do not pick edelweiss - if you can find it at all. The plant is threatened with extinction and is therefore since 1886 under strict conservation. In fact, the edelweiss was the first plant ever to be protected.