naturalBEAUTY/
PURE INGREDIENTS FOR SKIN & BODY
Native American Beauty Secrets Harness the wisdom and power of indigenous ingredients for healthier hair and skin /// BY SHERRIE STRAUSFOGEL Native Americans were experts at using what nature provided for their medicine cabinet and personal care. No matter where they roamed, they sought out indigenous plants with healing and beauty benefits. The tribes that inhabited the area that is now Sedona, Ariz., were particularly adept at using aloe, agave, juniper, prickly pear, and yucca to care for their skin and hair.
Aloe Desert-dwelling Native Americans used aloe vera gel to expedite wound healing, soothe sunburn, and hydrate skin. Cooling aloe is antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and it contains antioxidants. Aloe also has phytosterols that help soothe itches and irritation. The bioactive compounds
in the plant are rich in vitamins A, B, C, D, and E as well as magnesium, potassium, and zinc that aid healing.
Agave Best known as the tequila plant, many species of agave thrive throughout the Southwestern desert. Agave nectar is antimicrobial and was mixed with salt by
Did You Know?
The natural compounds that keep desert plants hydrated can work the same wonders on your skin and hair.
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• JULY 2019
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