What are the benefits of Australian native botanicals?
First, let’s understand the Australian landscape. Australia is the oldest continental landmass on Earth. It formed 100 million years ago when it broke away from Gondwana (the ancient supercontinent). Its size gives it a wide variety of landscapes and climates, with deserts in the centre, tropical rainforests in the east, and mountains to the south. Throughout the continent, many native plants evolved, adapted and flourished. As a result, over 24,000 unique botanicals emerged through some of the hottest, driest and most severe climates.
Indigenous Australians understood early on the benefits of Australian native botanicals. Their lives and cultural identity interwove with the natural landscape. For example, aboriginal cultures traditionally used ‘bush medicine’ as part of a holistic approach to healing and wellness and all aspects of tradition tied to the land and its rich and diverse native species.
How does the Australian landscape make native botanicals so special?
Australian native species adapted to the most demanding environments. Because of this, they contain more antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals than other typical flora and fauna and are becoming sought after for their skin and hair care benefits.
How can we use these botanicals for hair care?
The plant compounds found in Australian native species could provide rich nutrients to feed the hair and help it fight against dehydration, high temperatures, UV exposure and more.
According to Native Extracts, a leader in Australian native cellular extraction, has identified key Australian botanicals with “powerful Phyto-compounds that could promote and lengthen the hair growth cycle.”
The hair growth cycle is comprised of different stages. According to Native Extracts, “External aggravators such as excessive heat and UV radiation, as well as internal processes derived from oxidative stress, hormones or genetics, interfere with the natural cycle…Phyto-compounds hold potential to reverse these damages leading to prolonged growth periods associated with increased density, length and diameter of scalp hair”.
According to Native Extracts, these specific compounds are Quercetin, Kaempferol, Procyanidins and Epigallocatechin-3-gallate [EGCG].
And they could support the following:
Quercetin: Activates hair cells.
Kaempferol: Supports development and maintenance of hair cells, counteracts thinning/weakening.
Procyanidins: Improves hair density and diameter.
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate [EGCG]: Protects hair cells against environmental toxins.
So, where can I find these Phyto-compounds in hair care products?
More and more hair care companies are adding Australian native botanicals into their formulas, and for good reason. For companies that want to avoid synthetic ingredients and seek natural compounds beneficial for the hair, Australian native botanicals are essential. This year Pure Earth launched its first hydrating shampoo and conditioner duo enriched with Lemon Myrtle and Emu Apple, which combined deliver the four Phyto-compounds needed to create the optimum environment for robust and healthy hair. You can view Pure Earth’s Hydrating Lemon Myrtle and Emu Apple hair care duo here.