Let Your Natural Beauty Blossom by Nicola Jones
Cherry blossom is not just a pretty flower unfurl its ancient secrets to reveal a blooming lovely complexion and a cornucopia of seasonal culinary delights.
The cherry blossom is an extremely breathtaking, beautiful magical tree that holds a special significance in Japanese culture. Hanami is the centuries old Japanese tradition of picnicking under a blooming Sakura tree. These Hanami festival celebrations can last well into the night as the moon illuminates the pink blossoms.
The entire tree can be utilised in various ways. Cherry wood for homeware, baskets made from the bark, extracts of bark used as dye, a medicinal elixir that is claimed to benefit the throat and respiratory system and extracts of the blossoms and leaves used in cosmetics and culinary creations.
Cherry blossoms and leaves are both edible and used as seasonal ingredients in Japan. The blossoms are preserved by pickling in salt and ume vinegar and are used in a cornucopia of delicacies including confectionery, cupcakes, buns, meringues, jellies, rice, salt and tea. The tisanes are an infusion of the cherry blossoms called sakura-cha which magically unfurl when boiling water is added and are served at weddings. Its clear, flawless, fine appearance is symbolic of a desirable marriage. The pastel pink tea makes a fascinating change from green tea. It lends a unique flavour that is both floral and salty, an acquired taste. One can even purchase ice-cream and cherry blossom flavoured Kit-Kats, although these tend to be artificial. The preserved leaves are usually used as an edible wrapping. A recent study suggests that plum vinegar extract of cherry blossom is a rich source of caffeic acid and other phenolic anti-oxidants.
Cherry blossom is known for its rich anti-oxidant levels and soothing properties. Rich in essential fatty acids, it repairs the skins natural barriers to promote a smooth, supple skin. Sakura is Ideal for a mature complexion, therapeutically regenerative it is anti-aging, whitening, and is an anti-glycation agent which promotes collagen formation in the fibroblasts. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can also help to lighten uneven pigmentation, due to sun exposure, by inhibiting the production of melanin. It cleanses the skin of toxins to leave a brightened, healthy skin.
Sakura is an elegant symbol of Japanese beauty, like the rose represents the beauty of the west.
Cherry blossom is related to the rose, rosaceae, the rose family. So stunningly beautiful, the way the blossoms appear almost ethereal, like the delicate pink petals are fashioned from tissue paper confetti, collectively looking like frothy candy floss clouds. They herald the beginning of springtime, the emotion of awakening, renewal, new beginnings, joyfulness and hope and the anticipation of the warmer, brighter, days of summer to come.
Cherry B Moisture Replenisher
Ingredients
50ml cherry blossom hydrolat
50ml cherry blossom glycerine
2 drops 100% natural cherry aroma oil
Method
Decant the hydrolat into a glass bottle
Add the glycerite
Add the drops of cherry oil
Shake to combine the ingredients
Guest author bio: Nicola Jones
Previously employed in the health and nutrition, beauty and travel industries, after working my way up to manager of a health food store to an account manager for prestigious beauty and fragrance houses within high end London department stores and working and traveling the world on luxury cruise liners. I have always had a passionate interest in the natural world. I have a love of flowers, plants and a fascination of all things herbal.
After gaining a credit for my ITEC diploma in Anatomy & Physiology I am continuing my studies in the field of aromatherapy. I am now on an exciting, progressive journey striving towards achieving my own creative, vintage, natural, holistic, aromatherapy beauty business.
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Lorraine Dallmeier is a Biologist, Environmental Scientist and the Director of Formula Botanica, the award-winning online organic cosmetic science school. Read more about Lorraine and the Formula Botanica Team.
