The many benefits of Centella Asiatica or Tiger Grass

This pretty plant from Asia is a wonderful cosmetic ingredient, both anti-aging, regenerating and healing. IT CONTAINS natural bioactive substances: saponins, triterpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpene steroids, amino acids, sugars

 Few medicinal plants have been the subject of so many scientific publications. It is the triterpene glycoside that gives Centella asiatica its effectiveness in dermatology (bedsores, varicose ulcers, surgical wounds) but also in cosmetics (stretch marks, cellulite). A study showed that pregnant women using a cream containing Centella asiatica extract had fewer stretch marks than those who applied a placebo cream. Ayurvedic medicine attributes to it a regenerative action on nerve cells and uses it as an anti-varicose vein.

It is nicknamed “tiger grass”, because tigers roll in it when they are injured, making it a powerful healing agent. Among other things

 

  1. Stimulating and anti-aging properties

The qualities of Centella asiatica make it a particularly interesting active ingredient, especially for dry and/or sensitive skin. it has an anti-wrinkle and firming action thanks to two of its components, asiaticoside and madecassoside. They stimulate the cells of the dermis and certain collagens.

In addition, Centella asiatica stem cells have powerful antioxidant properties. They also allow the amount of hyaluronic acid in the skin to remain stable.

Finally, it is thought to be able to boost the activity of skin stem cells, thus acting directly at the source of skin aging.

 

  1. Healing properties

Centella asiatica is also a powerful anti-inflammatory, antiradical and improves healing. This is why it is used in treatments for sensitive skin. Or even after-sun because it promotes skin repair in the epidermis and dermis.

In addition, madecassoside, again, has antibacterial qualities that limit the attachment of microorganisms to the epidermis. This extract is present in healing creams, which are used both on irritated skin and after cosmetic or surgical procedures. It is also found in anti-hair loss cures because madecassoside acts on the micro-inflammation of the bulb at the origin of hair loss.

 

  1. Moisturizing properties

The main purified compound of Centella asiatica, madecassoside promotes skin hydration. Therefore many cosmetic brands include this ingredient in the composition of their moisturizing products for dry, dehydrated or sensitive skin.

On the one hand, it stimulates the aquaporins, these small channels that allow the transport of water in the skin. On the other hand, it has an action on the proteins of the stratum corneum. Thus, it allows to have a good quality skin barrier and a better maintenance of water in the skin.

  1. Studies have reported that this plant active ingredient stimulates micro-circulation, thus promoting hair growth and giving it more strength and shine. At the same time, madecassoside, a molecule present in Centella asiatica, acts in depth and stimulates the blood vessels, limiting hair loss.

Centella Asiatica can be bought in pharmacies, whatever the form, and can be used in different ways:

Here is a simple infusion recipe you can prepare daily:

1 tablespoon of dried Centella Asiatica / 50 cl (2 to 3 cups maximum / day), to infuse for 10 minutes,  ENJOY! In the traditional Indian pharmacopoeia, centella is considered “a magic plant”.

A Sri Lankan proverb states that “two leaves of centella asiatica a day scare away old age”, probably because the plant is also particularly appreciated by elephants who live very old.