Ginseng is a unique product widely used for cosmetic purposes. Learn about the features of this plant, how to prepare products with ginseng in the composition and where to buy ready-made options. Ginseng, whose homeland is considered to be China, Primorsky Krai and Korea, many years ago began to bear the name "root of life" and has been used in the world of medicine for several millennia.
Feature of ginseng root
If we compare ginseng with other plants, it has a staggering longevity, some specimens may even be three hundred years old. If we take into account the weight, then the indicator of the usual "root of life" is 20 grams, but there are options whose weight reaches half a kilogram. If you knew all the unique properties of this plant, this figure would pleasantly surprise you. By the way, ginseng is now artificially cultivated in China, Japan, USA, Canada, etc., but also, although this is not an easy occupation, you can “get” the roots in the wild, in coniferous and deciduous forests. The plant, which can reach up to 50 cm in height, does not tolerate direct sunlight, for this reason it grows only in areas closed by trees.
Finding ginseng is not easy as it can be easily confused with other plants. A distinctive feature that will help you dig up a valuable treasure is the presence of an inflorescence of small red berries, as well as five finger-like complex elliptical leaves.
The chemical composition of the product allows the rhizome to be used in various branches of medicine and cosmetology, and ginseng is also used in cooking. The root contains saponins, traces of essential oil (0.05-0.25%), fatty oils (up to 20%), sucrose (approximately 4%), pectin substances, B vitamins, various mineral elements, including potassium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus and manganese.
Ginseng in cosmetology
Companies that produce products for cosmetic purposes use only the root part of the plant, the commercial maturity of which occurs after about 5-8 years, when the weight of the product takes 40-60 g. after digging (in September), keep over steam at high temperatures (up to 80 ° C) for an hour and dry in a dark place for more than a month, they are called "red", become hard, light brown in color and sweet-bitter in taste. Such roots are stored for many years.
In many online stores selling natural ingredients for making do-it-yourself cosmetics, you can find ginseng extract. This ingredient is actively used by leading manufacturers of anti-aging products, it is found in creams, shampoos, gels.
Using ginseng in skin care: recipes
Before we start making products at home or buying ready-made products, let's figure out what exactly are the benefits of using ginseng root for the skin:
- Blood circulation improves, thereby saturating the cells of the stratum corneum with oxygen.
- Rapid cell regeneration occurs, and the healing process is accelerated.
- Ginseng helps to achieve the correct moisture balance in the skin by toning the skin, making it velvety to the touch.
- Containing substances such as saponins, the root has foaming properties.
- Together with other components, the plant helps to protect the stratum corneum from exposure to sunlight, thereby slowing down the aging process of the skin.
- Helps to reduce signs of irritation by minimizing ongoing inflammation.
- The production of collagen, the basis of connective tissue, is stimulated.
- Saturates the cover with nutrients, improves metabolism.
- Has a bactericidal effect.
With ginseng extract, you can prepare products with a wide spectrum of action, including:
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Eye contour gel:
- Cornflower hydrolat - 47%.
- Distilled water - 43, 97%.
- Guar gum - 2.5%
- Royal jelly powder - 4.1%.
- Apple extract, powder - 0.7%.
- Ginseng extract - 1%.
- Grapefruit seed extract - 0.6%.
- Soda - 0.13%.
Transfer the hydrolate and distilled water and guar gum to a container. In this case, it is worth strictly observing the specified proportion, otherwise the product can be thrown away. Mix both phases with a whisk or other device until a homogeneous emulsion is obtained, this will take about 2 minutes. Start adding the rest of the ingredients. For better dissolution of ginseng extract and apple powder, pre-soak royal jelly with a little water. Grapefruit seed extract plays the role of a preservative here. Pour the finished product into a clean container, protect it from light and heat. Use the prepared gel for the skin around the eyes, hammering it in with gentle movements until it is completely absorbed.
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Cream for mature skin:
- Jojoba vegetable oil - 17%.
- Emulsifier Sucragel - 8%.
- Damask rose hydrolat (or any other for skin type) - 35%.
- Distilled water - 37.5%.
- Ginseng extract - 0.5%.
- Xanthan gum - 0.5%.
- The active substance is Hyaluronic acid - 0.3%.
- Rosemary essential oil - 0.3%.
- Lavender essential oil - 0.3%.
- Cosgard preservative - 0.6%.
Transfer Sucragel to one container and jojoba oil to the second. Gradually pour the oil into the emulsifier, while actively stirring the formed emulsion with a cappuccino maker, mini-whisk or other device. Phase A is ready. Now add xanthan gum to a container with hydrolate, distilled water and ginseng extract, stir for a couple of seconds and let the mixture brew for about 5 minutes to transform into a gel form, in phase B. After the time has passed, gradually combine phase B with A, stirring the product vigorously until uniformity. Finally, move on to adding hyaluronic acid, esters, and preservative. The prepared product fights against aging factors, and also perfectly moisturizes the skin, bringing it a feeling of freshness and tenderness.
- Rejuvenating mask:
- Dry chopped ginseng root - 2 tbsp. spoons.
- Water
This recipe is very simple. Grind the dry ginseng root using an appropriate kitchen technique and pour a certain amount of the resulting mass with hot water until it is mushy. Stir the product well and heat it in a water bath to 70 ° C. Before use, be sure to cool the mask to room temperature, apply to clean face skin, cover with napkins and wash it off with warm water after 15-20 minutes.
Using ginseng in hair care: recipes
The beneficial properties of ginseng root are obvious, but the full potential of this plant has not yet been fully disclosed. Now the product is included in the formulations of hair products by various manufacturers, and the preparation of cosmetic products with ginseng at home is becoming more and more interesting for people who prefer safe cosmetics.
By making or buying a product that contains ginseng, you can get the following Benefits:
- Getting rid of dandruff and itching of the scalp.
- Reducing hair loss.
- Hair growth stimulation.
- Strengthening and nourishing the bulbs.
- Ease of combing.
To make the changes in the hair faster, you can undergo complex therapy, which would include shampoo with ginseng in the composition, as well as a hair mask with the same ingredient, for example. In the period of strengthening the strands, it is not recommended to use products with aggressive components.
Tincture for growth can be prepared at home, the easiest way to do this is in autumn, when the ginseng is harvested. Peel the plant and let it dry a little, then cut into small pieces or use kitchen appliances to grind. Add alcohol (vodka is also suitable) in a ratio of 1:10, mix and pour into a clean container, preferably from dark glass. Store the resulting product in a dark place, shaking the product periodically.
For people with sensitive skin type, another recipe that does not include alcohol is suitable. Keep in mind that such a remedy does not have a long lifespan, it should be done immediately before use. Prepare a powder from the dried root and pour boiling water over it for a couple of hours. The product can be rubbed into the scalp or can be used as a hair rinse.
If you want to enrich the product with the properties of ginseng - pay attention to the following recipes:
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Hair loss mask:
- Ayurvedic powder Nagarmotha - 4.5 g.
- Amla powder - 5, 4 g.
- Ayurvedic powder Bringaraj - 4, 8 g.
- Water - 43 g.
- Ginseng extract - 0.6 g.
- Essential oil of ginger - 0.1 g.
Start by mixing the powders, gradually adding water until smooth. At the end of cooking add ginseng extract and ginger essential oil, stir well again. The mask should be taken after shampooing, the procedure takes 10-15 minutes, after which the hair should be rinsed with clean water.
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Hair growth mask:
- Grape juice - half a glass.
- Alcohol tincture of ginseng - 6 drops.
Mix the two ingredients well until gruel and massage into the scalp. Put a plastic bag or film on top, wrap your head with a towel for better results. After an hour, the mask must be washed off with clean water.
If there are wounds on the surface of the head, first it is better to cope with the existing problems, and only then use products based on ginseng. It is worth noting that the root of the plant will benefit the hair only if the correct dosage is observed.
Purchased ginseng products
To transfer the effect of the miraculous properties of ginseng root to the skin or hair, it is not at all necessary to make products at home, buying ingredients from online creamer stores, because some companies have taken care of their customers' satisfaction by releasing products that can cope with various defects. including:
- Eye mask "Shary" - the product nourishes the delicate skin well, controlling the water-fat balance, and also reduces the appearance of wrinkles. In order to avoid the occurrence of negative reactions, you need to cleanse the skin before the procedure. Weight - 90 g, price - 728 rubles.
- Shampoo "Anti-age", Derbe - contains argan oil, ceramides, ginseng root. Due to the presence of useful substances, the product not only washes hair well, but also nourishes the surface of the head, strands from the inside, while not violating the integrity of the hydrolipid mantle. Volume - 200 ml, cost - 1080 rubles.
- Day cream for mature skin, Erborian - suitable for women who want to correct facial contours with cosmetics. The product contains ginseng extract, shea butter, almond oil, biloba leaf extract, linalol and other components useful for the skin. Volume - 50 ml, price - 5040 rubles.
- BB cream, Erborian - is aimed at smoothing the tone of the face, natural masking of skin imperfections, mattifying the skin, as well as reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The cream does not clog pores and remains on the face for 12 hours. Volume - 15 ml, price - 1350 rubles.
- Ginseng hydrolat (tonic), DNC - suitable for all skin types, can be used as an anti-aging agent that moisturizes the skin, reduces redness and accelerates the healing of minor lesions. Volume - 55 ml, price - 280 rubles.
