7 Amazing Benefits Of Angostura For Skin, Hair And Health
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The Amazon rainforest is a treasure trove of medicinal herbs and plants. Even today, researchers are discovering new plants that can aid human health and longevity. One such medicinal shrub is the Angostura. Many people believe that the Angostura Bitters is named after this plant, but that is not the case. The drink was named after Angostura, a town in Venezuela, where it was first made. The shrub is a different matter altogether, as it has many health benefits.
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Angostura and the Natives of South America
As the Angostura plant is native to tropical South America, namely the Caroni region in Venezuela and the northern part of Brazil, it was used by the natives there to treat a number of health conditions. Basically the bark was used to treat fevers and diarrhea.
It is quite amazing to note that the shrub is not cultivated. It grows in the wild, and the bark is removed and dried. Once it dries, the bark is then used to make liquid extracts, powders and infusions. Don’t worry about the white tubular flowers that the shrub has. They have a terrible odor. The leaves, on the other hand, are different. When crushed, they release a smell like that of tobacco.
Health Benefits of Angostura
1. If you are one for following alternative medicine, you will definitely love Angostura. It has many health benefits, thanks to its antispasmodic properties. If you have a weak digestive system (IBS/Crohn’s disease) you may want to speak to your healthcare practitioner about taking Angostura. It can help in digestion and also cause you to have regular bowel movements.
2. The Angostura bark is reported to have a positive effect on the spinal nerves. Hence, it is used to help people with certain paralytic conditions.
3. If you are suffering from diarrhea and dysentery, you will feel weak, miserable and dehydrated. While you can try the BRAT diet, you may also want to take some Angostura. It is used in South America as a cure for diarrhea and dysentery.
4. Angostura is also known to stimulate blood circulation but outward blood circulation.
5. It also works as a diuretic by increasing urination and perspiration. So, maybe, it can facilitate weight loss and be of great help for women, who often complain of water retention.
Other Benefits of Angostura Include
- Controlling high fevers
- Preventing the return of malaria
- Controlling spasms
Hair Benefits of Angostura
You will not find much information about the benefits of Angostura for your hair as at the moment there doesn’t seem to be any.
6. This said, Angostura may be able to stimulate your hair health, as it promotes outward circulation. This means that blood flow to the scalp will increase. With increased blood flow, more nutrients reach your hair follicles, making your hair strong and healthy.
Skin Benefits of Angostura
7. The appearance of your skin has a profound effect on your self-esteem. If you are plagued with acne and pimples, you will be shy to meet new people and be present in social settings. Thankfully, with Angostura, you will enjoy good skin.
Of course, you will not read or hear about Angostura helping your skin, but just think about the health benefits it possesses. It helps increase perspiration; evacuates your bowel regularly. Speak to an alternative health care practitioner and they will tell you that irregular bowel movements cause toxins and harmful pathogens to build up in your body. These can cause acne and pimples. When you perspire and have regular and healthy bowel movements, you are flushing out the toxins and pathogens from your body. Now, do you get the connection?
So obviously Angostura has an indirect effect on helping you get that smooth, flawless skin you always wanted.
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