Edelweiss in folk medicine
For centuries, not only the people of the Alps have known, but also the people of the Himalayas - there are also around 40 different ones Edelweiss species - the little flower in folk medicine. In the Alps, edelweiss is known as “bellyache” and was once used for gastrointestinal complaints. In Asia, on the other hand, it is said to help primarily against diseases of the respiratory tract, which is why pillows are filled with dried edelweiss in Mongolia, for example. The plant also has a permanent place in traditional Chinese medicine.
also read
- Hibernate edelweiss properly
- Cut edelweiss
- Edelweiss prefers a sunny location
Edelweiss in naturopathy
Edelweiss is also used in modern naturopathy, especially for respiratory diseases and diarrhea. Some of the edelweiss own ingredients (e.g. B. Dyes) are said to have an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect, which is why especially the flowers how leaves of the plant are used against cramps, acute and chronic inflammation and for vascular protection.
Edelweiss in cosmetics
The edelweiss also wears that Nickname "Eternal Flower" - extremely suitable for a plant that has found its way into cosmetics, especially for anti-aging purposes. Since the plant grows at high, very exposed altitudes, it must explicitly protect itself against UV rays. Edelweiss acid ("Leoligin") binds free radicals and protects cells. The industry uses the antioxidants obtained from edelweiss to protect the skin and strengthen the connective tissue.
Do edelweiss cosmetics keep their promises?
However, said creams and lotions are likely to have little effect - if at all - because From a legal point of view, skin care products are only allowed to have a superficial effect, but by no means in depth walk. For this reason, edelweiss cosmetics contain very few effective ingredients - otherwise they would have to be treated as medical products and undergo appropriate research.
Tips & Tricks
If you enjoy hiking in the mountains, do not pick any edelweiss - if you can find any at all. The plant is threatened with extinction and has therefore been under strict nature protection since 1886. In general, the edelweiss was the first plant that was ever placed under nature protection.
