MINI RESEARCH ARTICLES FOR HERBAL SKIN CARE MAKING

Is comfrey safe for topical application? A fascinating trip into the dermal metabolism of pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is one of the more controversial herbs in traditional Western herbalism. Featured in many traditional herbals, comfrey is called upon for injuries of soft tissues (te...

Plantain and plantain extract in natural skin care

Plantain medicine in skin care Plantain (Plangato spp.) is a very versatile and what I would call a foundational medicinal plant. Plantain’s most pronounced herbal action is astringent followed by...

Mountain rocket (Bellendena montana): The most Ancient Tasmanian

Bellendena montana (Mountain Rocket) is the only species of this ancient genus (over 85M years old!). It is considered a “paleoendemic” species. This means it was formerly widespread but grows now ...

Carpobrotus rossii (Native pigface): A versatile succulent

I have been meaning to write up a post about native pigface for a long time. Most Australians will be familiar with this plant because it is abundant all over the country (especially in the South)....

Exocarpos cupressiformis (Native cherry): Tasmanian bush nibble

Tasmanian Summer is in full swing and that means abundance of Summer berries. Who would not love to nibble on a little bush snack? There is a number of naturalized European “berry-plants” such as b...

Epilobium angustifolium (Fireweed): Yukon’s famous remedy

Earlier this year, I set off on a round-the-world trip, exploring the flora of three continents. I spent a couple of weeks traveling in the beautiful British Columbia (BC) – one of Canada’s provinc...

Centaurium erythrea (Gentianaceae): Untouched by wallabies

One of the most essential things for a Tasmanian gardener is… a fence. Indeed, try not to guard your veggies and fruit, and instead of filling your belly, you can be sure you will satiate all the w...