Age-old remedies, including white tea, witch hazel and essence of rose may be used to treat a wide range of serious medical issues as well as keep skin smoother and younger looking, say scientists at London’s Kingston University. In a collaboration between the school and Neal’s Yard Remedies, a British beauty brand, researchers found that these natural substances may help block the progression of inflammation. (In case you hadn’t heard, inflammation is the new buzzword for most of what ails you. It’s been credited with a major role in the development of diseases including cancers, arthritis, cardiovascular disease and neuro-degenerative conditions. It’s also been implicated in the aging process.) “Inflammation is a secret killer — helping arrest its development, or being able to stop it happening at all, would clearly be of benefit,” says researcher Professor Declan Naughton, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University.
For the study, researchers tested 21 plant extracts to learn their efficacy in fighting cancer and aging. Of the 21, white tea, rose and witch hazel, showed the most potential.
Using human skin cells as their model, researchers added different concentrations of white tea, witch hazel and rose extract to learn the effect these substances might have on reducing or preventing inflammation. They were astonished at the results. “Indeed it appeared that drinking a simple cup of white tea might well help reduce an individual’s risk of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis or even just age-associated wrinkles,” says Professor Naughton.
When I was a teenager, I received a bottle of rose water and glycerin body lotion as a gift. I loved the way it smelled, its icy pink color, and I used it judiciously, on only the most special of occasions. It lasted quite some time, but alas, I used it up eventually and, back in the days before the internet, was unable to replace it. Many manufacturers of beauty and anti-aging products already incorporate rose water or rose essence and, with this study, I’d bet there will be a lot more making their way to market.
Witch hazel is a staple in my house – although I’m not sure why I keep it around since I never use it. It’s one of those products I’m afraid not to have on hand and now I’m going to employ it occasionally as an astringent.
As for the white tea, well, you heard the professor. I’m stocking up. Join me in a cuppa, won’t you?
