A different miracle cure for aging is created in a lab somewhere, or a celebrity reveals the secret of their youthful appearance. Much of the time, these products can help to a degree, but some of them can be expensive, and even painful.
Deep chemical peels can take time, be painful, and have unpleasant side effects, such as light sensitivity and redness. In severe cases, they can even cause scarring, which is surely the opposite of what was hoped to be achieved.
However, occasionally something new comes along that isn’t so modern after all. Something natural that has been used for centuries as a remedy but has somehow either been forgotten or ignored in modern times.
Now though, Mimosa Hostilis is starting to be recognized more and more for the regenerative abilities it has for skin and healing wounds, and for general skincare.
Here is everything you need to know about Mimosa hostilis, and what it can be used for, and any side effects it may have.
What is Mimosa hostilis?
Mimosa hostilis is a synonym given to the tree, Mimosa tenuiflora. The tree’s trunk and roots have been used by indigenous Amazonians and Mayans in ancient times for its healing and health properties.
There are many names for Mimosa tenuiflora, and these are, tepezcohuite as it is known in Mexico. Mimosa nigra in Brazil, Mimosa cabrera in Colombia, and also jurema, carbonal, calumbi, and binho de jurema, to name a few. The tree grows from the northeastern parts of Brazil to southern Mexico.
Although the healing properties of the tree’s bark have been used for centuries, it was only fairly recently that they came to light once again.
Why is Mimosa hostilis in the limelight now?
Well, it was perhaps another celebrity recommendation that brought Mimosa hostilis to the forefront again. Salma Hayek gave an interview to Elle Magazine, where she discussed her beauty routines, as many celebrities do in these positions.
Hayek made a point of saying that she rejected the use of botox and peels to follow a more natural beauty regime that involved something from her Mexican heritage. Tepezcohuite is the name given to Mimosa Tenuiflora in Mexico, and it is also known as ‘skin tree’ for its ability to improve the appearance of skin.
While Salma Hayek’s endorsement of products using Tepezcohuite has certainly elevated awareness of the plant, it was two disasters in Mexico that really brought attention to its skin regenerating abilities.
The Red Cross used Tepezcohuite to treat victims of two disasters
Although celebrity endorsements can be taken with a pinch of salt these days, with the world full of influencers recommending products everywhere you look, the Red Cross is a bit different.
In 1984, and 1985, Mexico suffered two disasters. Firstly there was a gas explosion that killed 500 and left 5,000 more with terrible burns. Then there was an earthquake that caused further fires and burns to victims.
The Red Cross decided that because they were overwhelmed, that they would turn to a remedy used by the ancient Mayans many years before. Tepezcohuite was used to help treat these burn victims, thus bringing back to the present a natural remedy for healing wounds.
What can Mimosa hostilis be used for?
When it comes to the uses of Mimosa hostilis, it isn’t just limited to skincare, but it is a good place to start before delving into other areas.
Mimosa hostilis can be used for the following skin treatments:
- Reduce scarring
- Reduce stretch marks
- Treat acne and pimples
- Reduce wrinkles and as an anti-aging treatment
- Help fight infections
- Treat burns and wounds
It is also noted that it can be used on different skin conditions such as psoriasis and leg ulcers. It is not just limited to humans either and can be used to treat superficial wounds on animals too.
It also has uses to treat abrasions within the mouth by gargling, and can help to keep hair looking healthy and vibrant.
Where do you obtain Mimosa hostilis, and is it even legal?
If you are keen on knowing how to maintain healthy skin, you may want to know where you can get Mimosa hostilis after reading some of the benefits. The good news is that it is legal in the USA and many other countries.
You can buy ground or shredded bark online, or beauty products containing Tepezcohuite such as creams, oils, and soaps.
Where the law becomes less friendly is due to the bark being used for other purposes years ago. In the past, the bark was also used in ceremonies, as the plant has hallucinogenic properties.
The bark contains a drug known as DMT. This drug can purportedly help with mental health issues, including PTSD, the effects of trauma, and depression. However, extracting DMT from Mimosa bark is illegal in the USA and other regions.
Mimosa hostilis itself is illegal in France, so before making any orders it would be wise to check your local laws and regulations.
What side effects are there from using Mimosa hostilis?
So far there have been no real clinical trials on the bark or products using Tepezcohuite, therefore anyone who has concerns such as a woman who is nursing or expecting should consult a medical health professional.
However, there are many health benefits for the skin, and these have been used for centuries. When it comes to serious side effects with Mimosa hostilis, they nearly all concern the use of the bark for DMT. This is not recommended and can lead to seizures, psychosis, and confusion.
As a skincare product though, it has a huge range of benefits including having antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Does Mimosa hostilis have any other uses?
The benefits and uses of the tree and its roots, do not stop at beauty and skincare. Nor does it only help wounds and burns, Mimosa hostilis can be used in other ways too.
The plant is very high in tannin, this means that it is a great natural blood coagulant. One of the reasons is that it helps wounds of course, but it doesn’t only help visible wounds. It can also be used to cure stomach problems, and extracts can be used in mental wellness – through prescription drugs and medical professionals.
The bark can also be used as a natural dye. The colors that are achievable through the use of the bark as a dye, range from reds to purples to browns. In this day of fast fashion and overuse of chemicals, natural dyeing techniques should be applauded.
Summary
When it comes to new creams and lotions, natural beauty products should always be preferred to artificial ones. Mimosa hostilis is the latest in a long line of treatments that promise to make skin look young and beautiful for longer, and reduce wrinkles and scarring.
However, one main difference between Mimosa and other products, is that this one has centuries of use behind it. And perhaps more interesting is that it has medical uses and has been used to help regenerate skin after serious burns brought on by more than one disaster.
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