We’re sure you’ve heard of this crop of flora, commonly incorporated into organic skincare formulations. But did you know these facts about each one?
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Lavender
- Part of the mint family, there are nearly 40 plants that are technically classified as lavender.
- Because lavender grows and spreads so quickly, it’s actually considered a weed in some areas of the world.
- The lavender bud is covered in tiny hairs, which contain the plant’s highly prized essential oils.
Willow Bark
- Most commonly, it is derived from the bark of a white willow tree, which is native to Europe and Central Asia.
- White willow trees have inner and outer barks, which contain different compound concentrations.
- Willow trees are often planted on the borders of streams so their interlacing roots will protect the banks against the water’s erosive effects.
?Aloe Vera
- There are more than 240 aloe vera varietals that grow in arid regions of Africa, Asia, Europe and America.
- Aloe vera contains 18 amino acids.
- Aloe produces two substances, gel and latex. The gel is the ?clear, jelly substance within the leaf; the latex is yellow and comes from directly underneath the plant’s skin. The latter can be deadly if consumed in large quantities.
Sea Buckthorn
- Sea buckthorn—also known as sandthorn, sallowthorn and seaberry—is extremely dense, with stiff, thorny branches.
- The leaves, flowers and fruits of this deciduous shrub are used to produce medicine, skin care, jellies, juices, purees and sauces.
- The plant naturally contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and C.
Stonecrop
- The stonecrop family consists of nearly 600 succulent species.
- Stonecrops are low-growing plants that have tall, spiked Stonecrop blooms, swathed in rich nectar that attracts a variety of bees, moths and butterflies.
- There is only one wild stonecrop plant—all others are cultivated.
Licorice Root
- Most licorice is grown in Greece, Turkey and Asia.
- The plant’s wrinkled, lengthy roots spread horizontally in the ground. They are harvested in the fall, two or three years after the seedling has been planted.
- Licorice plants produce pale blue- purple flowers; the fruits are contained in long pods with several seeds.
Arnica
- Common names for arnica include wolf’s bane, leopard’s bane, mountain snuff, mountain tobacco and sneezewort.
- The plant produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that are dried and used to create medications and skin care; the plant’s root and rhizomes are also utilized.
- Arnica can only be used topically—the plant is poisonous and can cause cardiac arrest and death if consumed.
