Malaysia is truly a treasure trove for nature lovers. Appreciate the cool escape offered from our highland townships. Blaze a trail down past towering trees in a wet jungle teeming with life and sound. This is Malaysia in all its natural beauty and splendor.
Malaysia rainforests contain an amazing abundance of plant life in over half of the planet’s vegetation. For centuries, tribal shamans have successfully used these botanicals as remedies for various health disorders. Now, scientists have begun to uncover the medicinal qualities of these plants, which offer new approaches to health and healing.
VNI SCIENTIFIC exclusive formulations include natural actives derived from traditional herbal extracts – treasures from the Rainforest supported by scientific research. To start off, five botanicals will be used in VNI products from nourishing serums to spa-effect facial masks. They are as follows:
Neem
Neem is a tropical evergreen tree native to the Malaysia Rainforest. This tree has a history of growing up to 50 ft. high and has been used for many different purposes for more than 4500 years. The earliest documentation revealed usage of various parts of the Neem tree like fruit, leaves, seed oil, roots and bark for the many benefits to animals and human beings due to its medicinal properties.
Its leaves and extract are well documented as medicine for skin diseases and as the best available tonic for the skin and external subcutaneous tissues. As scientists searched in dangerous rainforests and inaccessible areas of the world looking for useful plants, this tree was growing in front yards of houses in every town, city and village of South Asia.
Different parts of Neem tree are being used extensively in the manufacturing of soaps, skin creams, lotions, shampoos, toothpaste, beauty aids and toiletries. Neem twigs are more commonly being used as antiseptic toothbrushes. In most cases Neem extract is being used for making cosmetics like soaps and toothpaste.
Daun Kesum
Daun kesum or persicaria odoratahas, has been widely used in many fields such as cooking, medicines and culture. Young leaves are used raw or cooked as a flavoring. Daun kesum leaves are used extensively in cooking to flavor soups, stews, and salads. The leaves have a coriander-like smell and a spicy, pungent, hot peppery flavor. Kesum is best when consumed young and fresh as older leaves can develop a tough texture and bitter flavor. In Southeast Asian cooking, Kesum is often used interchangeably with mint and cilantro. Juice prepared from the crushed leaves was at one time taken as an antidote for treating poisonous snake bites.
Unsurprisingly, Kesum is also great for skin care. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antidotal effects, this plant is an excellent natural option for the removal of pimples as well as tightening pores.
Mangosteen
Mangosteen is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia said to offer a number of health benefits. Often touted for its antioxidant effects, mangosteen is sometimes referred to as a “superfruit.” The fruit tastes slightly sweet and tart.
In Malaysia, mangosteen rind has been used for medicinal purposes for generations. Proponents claim that mangosteen can also help conditions including acne, arthritis, cancer, and diabetes. Studies have also suggested that mangosteen may promote healthy skin as it contains phytonutrients like xanthones and anthanycin.
Mangosteen is a powerhouse of an antioxidant called catechin, which is also present in green tea. This molecule protects healthy cells in the skin from deterioration and promotes the flow of blood and nutrients to the skin cells. Mangosteen also combats bacterial skin infections, thereby guaranteeing a youthful, radiant and flawless look.
Moringa
Moringa is also known as “Daun Kelor” is an important food source in some parts of the world. Because it can be grown cheaply and easily, and the leaves retain lots of vitamins and minerals when dried. The immature green pods (drumsticks) are prepared similarly to green beans, while the seeds are removed from more mature pods and cooked like peas or roasted like nuts. The leaves are cooked and used like spinach, and they are also dried and powdered for use as a condiment.
Moringa has many nutrients and is healthy for the skin. It contains vitamin A, which builds collagen – the vital component for skin. Moringa powder extract is very beneficial for slowing down the signs of aging. First and foremost, it rejuvenates your skin if it is dull and dry. As it is packed with antioxidants, it prevents free radical damage. This is extremely important as free radical damage harms your skin tissues, which leads to the formation of wrinkles.
Moringa has vitamin C that helps to repair damaged skin cells. Furthermore, it has phytochemicals called cytokinins that boost cellular growth on your skin and prevent cell destruction. So, by using moringa, you can say goodbye to sagging skin!
The antioxidants in moringa also help in protecting your skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.
Bromelain
Pineapple contains a powerful enzyme called bromelain which can break down and help sweep away dead skin cells. This makes it the ideal ingredient for a face mask. To try it out, simply rub a cube of freshly sliced pineapple on your face and neck, avoiding more sensitive areas. Let the juice sit for about 5 minutes, then rinse. After a few applications, you’ll begin to notice your skin looks younger and brighter.
It’s an overachiever of an ingredient because on top of all that, it’s also a gentle exfoliator. The enzymes found in pineapple can slough away dead skin cells and reduce the appearance of blackheads, which means it’s ideal for anyone struggling with persistent spots.
Speaking of blemishes, pineapple is also a natural anti-inflammatory so when unwanted spots do appear, the fruit will help reduce redness and swelling. Basically, it’s the answer to all our skincare dreams.
Virgin Coconut Oil
Virgin coconut oil (VCO), also known as extra virgin coconut oil, is pure, cold-pressed coconut oil that has not been refined. Unlike coconut oil, the unrefined version is not bleached or deodorized and is non-hydrogenated. It has a light coconut flavor as compared to the strong taste of coconut oil. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is extracted from coconut meat obtained from fresh coconuts. It is done using natural methods like dry processing, fermentation, churning (centrifugal separation), cold compression, and wet-milling; so, no bleaching or deodorizing takes place. This is why this is the most unrefined or pure version of coconut oil, giving it a more pronounced coconut flavor.
The benefits of VCO are varied and may include:
- moisturizing dry skin, including in people with conditions such as eczema
- reducing inflammation, which may result from UVB rays
- promoting wound healing
- antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties
One study found that virgin coconut oil might help prevent and treat rashes, such as atopic dermatitis. Another study showed that virgin coconut oil extract could improve the barrier function of the skin and reduce inflammation due to UVB rays.
We must save the Rainforests Herbs
Rainforests Herbs are disappearing at the same rate as rainforests around the world. The good news is there are a lot of people who want to save rainforests. The bad news is that saving rainforests is not going to be easy. It will take the efforts of many people working together in order to ensure that rainforests and their wildlife will survive for your children to appreciate, enjoy, and benefit from.
Some steps for saving rainforests herbs and, on a broader scale, ecosystems around the world can be abbreviated as TREES:
- Teach others about the importance of the environment and how they can help save rainforests.
- Restore damaged ecosystems by planting trees on land where forests have been cut down.
- Encourage people to live in a way that doesn’t hurt the environment
- Establish parks to protect rainforests and wildlife
- Support companies that operate in ways that minimize damage to the environment
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