Elderberry: SuperFruit of the Season for Natural Face Masks
Well, it seems that autumn is now officially in full swing in southern Oregon. In this part of the world, we are blessed with ample opportunities to get ourselves out into nature, and its the perfect time of year for doing just this... with an added benefit: wild harvesting! As the lushness of summer recedes into the earth, newly revealed treasures are showing up all over the place. The time is ripe to forage for an array of native foods and plant medicines, and recent harvesting adventures have proved quite abundant. This brings us to today’s featured super fruit of the plant world, one that we have been collecting eagerly so that we may enjoy and share its many benefits with you: Elderberry!
elderberry uses in traditional herbal medicine
The values of the Elder are known far and wide, being an extensively used medicinal in many cultures. As a matter of fact, it is said to be the oldest cultivated plant, respected and utilized by humans for thousands of years. It is most notably the berries and flowers that are used in preparations, as there are a myriad of special components contained within these pieces of the plant that are known to promote health and healing inside and out of the body.
power packed elderberry for health and skin beauty
The dark purple berries of the Elder plant are a striking display of beauty against fall’s backdrop. It is the extraordinarily high level of bioflavonoids contained within the fruits that provide this rich palette of color, along with some of elderberry’s most potent benefits. These gorgeous plant pigments are well known in their support of the immune system, and also for the antioxidant protection that they provide us with.
skin benefits of elderberry
The compounds of bioflavonoids are ready, willing, and able to defend your skin against stress, pollution, and even the shift in seasons.
Elderberries provide a number of different flavonoids, including quercetin, rutoside, hesperidin and anthocyanins (five times greater the amount found in blueberries). These natural antioxidant superstars are responsible for assisting in the removal of damaging free radicals from our bodies. They are anti-bacterial (useful for acne), anti-viral (useful for cold sore treatment), anti-allergic (useful for allergic rashes), and anti-inflammatory (take down inflammation). Research suggests that bioflavonoids prevent and reverse wrinkles, fight varicose veins and spider veins, and inhibit the development and reduce the appearance of age spots (thanks to the flavonoid hesperidin). We should also give a little shout out to quercetin at this point, as it is also known in its ability to increase the production of collagen, which is necessary in adequate amounts to achieve timeless skin.
These flavonoids are joined by substantial amounts of Vitamins A, B6, E and C, and along with the additional polyphenols and carotenoids present, elderberry has secured its spot as a healing, anti-aging and nutritional powerhouse. In the concentrated amounts that are present within the berries, these nutrients will deeply protect our cells against damage and delay the skin’s aging process.
If you’re looking to add some deep protection and nourishment to your strategic skin care as the air becomes brisk and dry, Elder is here to help!
the delicate white flowers - elderflower benefits and uses
The ladies of the Victorian era were fond of the pretty things in life, and regularly employed the use of elder flower in their beauty routines. The flower water was used as a highly esteemed emollient, recognized in its ability to gently detoxify the skin. Its ability to maintain the skin’s youthful appearances by keeping it free from age spots and uneven skin tone is being rediscovered now by many lovers of natural beauty. Elder flower is an effective blood purifier and overall detoxifier, and is very well equipped to assist in clearing topical troubles such as acne, spots and rashes. Elder flower can soothe and bring relief to dry skin on the face when applied in the form of a natural face mask, toner, or targeted moisturizer. It has the ability to calm irritation and soften the skin, acts as a topical anti-inflammatory for upset skin conditions, will lighten freckles, and helps heal chapped skin.
an astringent for the skin - elderberry and flower to the rescue!
Both Elderberry and Elderflower have astringent properties, allowing the bioactive ingredients to penetrate through the pores, neutralize excess oils, and clear away impurities. Pore size is dramatically reduced, and the skin is toned. Elder specializes in complexion purification.
natural face masks - elderberry - the perfect ingredient for this season
Autumn is a time to unwind from summer’s buzz and allow the senses to reflect upon and really soak in the beauty of this life. Its a great time for warm cups of tea, cozy sweaters, and just slowing down a little bit. Enjoy the gentleness of these autumn days, and show yourself a little extra self-love and nurturing as your body prepares for the winter months.
I am pleased to be able to offer a special addition to the line, designed to assist and nurture as we embrace this beloved time of year! Natural face masks are an ideal way to experience the many healing properties of elderberry, and applying this potent healing mask in the comfort of your own home couldn't be any more simple!
elderberry beauty mask, a homemade facial: introducing our autumn offering
Our limited edition offering for fall, Elderberry Goddess Mask & Scrub, has been uniquely crafted from local wild-harvested elderberries for cultivating and maintaining radiant skin in the colder months. With the Goddess Mask & Scrub, you will be graciously blessed by Elder's gifts in the form of...
.... fresh Elderberries wild harvested from mountain Elder trees in Ashland Oregon and juiced, wildcrafted Elder Flower, and Wildcrafted Elderberry Extract...
You will also find an abundance of carefully selected synergistic plant companions to complete the magic of this offering, including wildcrafted acai, organic marshmallow root, organic aloe vera, organic green rooibos, organic ashwaganda extract, special plant oils, and much more...click HERE to see all of the product details!
Elderberry Goddess Mask & Scrub is truly a seasonal feast for the senses, inviting you to easily treat yourself to a powerful and rejuvenating homemade facial and exfoliation in the comfort and serenity of your own sanctuary. Cheers to fall and its many wonders, and many blessings of health and radiant beauty now and through the seasons!
