The benefits of ‘superfoods’ are one of our main inspirations here at The Cabin.
Having really sensitive skin myself I have always been a keen advocate of using natural products to help improve skin and health. So we all know that we can eat superfoods to improve our health but they can be equally impressive if used topically.
Manuka honey is produced by bees which visit the flowers of the manuka plant (or tree). My introduction to its fantastic effects came after my Father developed a particularly deep leg ulcer. The traditional method of binding and dressing was just not working for him and causing him such terrible pain that in desperation I sought an alternative solution. After extensive research we decided to try manuka honey dressings, where high grade manuka is weaved into a medical dressing that also contains calcium alginate (derived from seaweed).
The antibacterial properties of the high-grade honey means it reduces the chance of infection and gives the wound the perfect moist environment to heal. The results were amazing, it took several months but eventually his legs healed completely and he is able to walk again as normal. Since then I have been the biggest evangelist on the subject as I have seen first hand not only how it works on leg ulcers, but have also seen incredible results with clients suffering from skin irritations, cuts or sores.
A slightly different variant is organic manuka honey water, which is an extract from the essential oil process. Not only is it great to calm irritated skin but being water-based, it is easy to apply, making it particularly suited to treating animals. The water can work better than the actual honey as the pet doesn’t have the temptation to lick it off the wound!
Another remarkable superfood is one that surrounds us here on the Island, seaweed – one of the oldest life forms on earth. The health benefits of seaweed have been known for a long time, mariners dubbed it the ‘Sailors Cure’ for its detoxifying and restorative qualities whilst ancient Polynesians used it on wounds and swellings. In China certain species have been used to treat cancer, whilst in Japan, farmers have for decades been growing seaweed known as Phytessence Wakame that has been used extensively in both food and skincare.
In our seaweed treatments we apply actual strips of organic seaweed on the face and body. Laminaria Digitata (Tangleweed) has a high level of antioxidants and therefore is ideal for the skin; while Fucus Vesiculosus (Bladderwrack) is better suited to ease arthritic and rheumatic pains. Seaweed is rich in nutrients which it absorbs from the sea around it, so it is vital that the plant is always harvested from the cleanest waters.
In my experience, I have found seaweed to be excellent to reduce, and in some cases even cure psoriasis. It can also be used to improve acne-prone skin, in fact it seems to help improve any inflammatory skin condition. For older women it is of particular benefit as the iodine in the seaweed helps to regulate the thyroid gland, which can be a leading factor of dry skin. Seaweed has a strong detoxifying effect encouraging toxins from the body through the lymphatic system. So if you have been overdoing it at Christmas, it’s a great way to give your body a kick start for the New Year.
For more information on our honey or seaweed based products and treatments, visit our website or come in and see us.
The Cabin, Ventnor Esplanade, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 1JX
t: 01983 629179
