Shea butter, aloe vera, jojoba, chamomile… at one point, all of these seemed like exotic miracles to keep your skin soft and smooth.
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Now everyone knows what they are, so there’s no mystery anymore.
Especially aloe vera. You’ve seen it in all kinds of products for years.
But today I want to talk to you about a plant that is not aloe vera. It’s a rare and potent form of aloe that even looks different from the aloe vera plants you probably know.
It’s called aloe saponaria.
That’s important because aloe vera is restricted to being used mostly as a moisturizer.
But not only can you use aloe saponaria on your skin, you can also take it internally, and it has many gastrointestinal benefits.
And like many of the plants I found in Africa, this South Africa
n aloe kills cancer.Not just one kind of cancer, but it’s been shown to completely wipe out many kinds of cancer cells. Especially lymphoma cells. Lymphoma is cancer of the T-lymphocytes, which are some of your strongest immune cells. And aloe saponaria kills off several types of lymphoma cells, and stops other types from growing at all.1
Some of this is because of a component called mannan. In studies, mannan from aloe saponaria has a dual effect, obliterating cancer cells and improving the function of normal ones.2
Aloe saponaria is a potent antioxidant, and reduces inflammation in clinical trials, which makes it an ideal treatment for many skin irritations and problems.
Hardly anyone in the West knows about this type of aloe, but in Africa, it’s very common.
In fact, the locals call it “soap aloe” because when you put the sap from this aloe in water, it makes a kind of sudsy foam you can use as a soap that cleans, but is also soothing and moisturizing.
There are many plants like aloe saponaria that are excellent for your skin, but little-known in the West. Traditional healers and local herbalists use them to reduce redness, even out skin tone, smooth out wrinkles, heal dry skin and even relieve itching and irritation.
Let me tell you about a few of these truly exotic oils they use in Africa…
Baobab oil is derived from seeds of the baobab tree native to eastern and southern Africa. Baobab oil has been used in African skin care for centuries as a rub to relieve aches and rheumatism. In Zambia, Africa, they use an infusion of the roots to bathe babies to promote smooth skin.
It’s a moisturizing ingredient used in local formulas for skin and hair. Studies show it improves elasticity and encourages regeneration of skin cells. It doesn’t clog pores, which makes it excellent for treating skin ailments like eczema and psoriasis.
Andiroba oil comes from a very tall tree related to mahogany, and sometimes called “royal mahogany.” It produces nuts, leaves, bark and pulpwood that are all medicinally valuable, especially for your skin.
The oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making it anti-inflammatory. It’s used in Africa as a treatment for rheumatism and arthritis because it penetrates deeply, absorbs completely and relieves pain.3 Andiroba also soothes skin irritations because of compounds called limonoids. It is antimicrobial when you apply it to your skin, and it improves skin strength and speeds your body’s own skin healing process.4
Tamanu oil is made from crushing the dried nuts of the tamanu tree (Calophyllum inophyllum). Traditional healers in Africa have used it to heal wounds and strengthen skin for centuries. The oil soothes skin, relieves irritations including sunburn, inflammation and rashes. It is hydrating and helps regenerate skin cells.5 You can use it undiluted as a treatment for eczema and psoriasis, and everyday cuts and wounds. Sometimes lip balms and lotions contain a small percentage of tamanu because it’s so good for your skin.
Argan oil comes from the fruit of the argan tree, native to North Africa. It’s sometimes called “Morroccan Liquid Gold” because the oil is so prized. It’s rubbed on babies, brushed into women’s hair and even sprinkled on couscous because the oil is so healthy. Studies show it can improve markers for both diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
For your skin, you can use it to reduce blemishes, reduce scars left by acne, prevent stretch marks, moisturize and relieve chapped and dry skin. It’s also used to protect skin elasticity and promote healthy skin and hair.
Marula oil has a high content of palmitic acid, which creates a protective coating on the skin. It’s great for dry skin since it absorbs quickly and hydrates and heals the skin. It reduces trans-epidermal water loss, a problem that causes moisture loss in black skin. It’s also said to reduce redness and improves skin texture.
My staff and I are investigating all of these oils and researching ways to put them in exotic new formulations for Pure Radiance. If you haven’t checked out my other new Pure Radiance products, you can learn more by clicking here.
1. Sampedro M, Artola R, Murature M, Murature D, Ditamo Y, Roth G, Kivatinitz S. “Mannan from Aloe saponaria inhibits tumoral cell activation and proliferation.” Int Immunopharmacol. 2004 Mar;4(3):411-8.
2. Sampedro M, Artola R, Murature M, Murature D, Ditamo Y, Roth G, Kivatinitz S. “Mannan from Aloe saponaria inhibits tumoral cell activation and proliferation.” Int Immunopharmacol. 2004 Mar;4(3):411-8.
3. Penido C, Conte F, Chagas M, Rodrigues C, Pereira J, Henriques M. “Antiinflammatory effects of natural tetranortriterpenoids isolated from Carapa guianensis Aublet on zymosan-induced arthritis in mice.” Inflamm Res. 2006 Nov;55(11):457-64.
4. Nayak B, Kanhai J, Milne D, Swanston W, Mayers S, Eversley M, Rao A. “Investigation of the wound healing activity of Carapa guianensis L. (Meliaceae) bark extract in rats using excision, incision, and dead space wound models.” J Med Food. 2010 Oct;13(5):1141-6.
5. Dweck A, Meadows T. “Tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum) – the African, Asian, Polynesian and Pacific Panacea.” Int J Cosmet Sci. 2002 Dec;24(6):341-8.