Osmanthus fragrans or Gui Hua 桂花 is one of the top 10 popular flowers in China, above all for its inimitable fragrance that won more than one heart. Moreover, traditional Chinese medicine has been using this plant for over 2,000 years for its unique ability to take care of internal and external health.
Gui Hua Health Benefits
The osmanthus flower is considered so precious that in ancient times it was used only in perfumery for the upper classes, thus earning the name Emperor's fragrance. Although its aroma is truly royal, we consider the healing properties of this plant to be a true gem.
Antioxidant Multi-Effect
Studies have proven that osmanthus is rich in natural antioxidants. They are excellent at fighting free radicals that can cause cataracts, cell damage, chronic inflammation, and cardiovascular disease. In addition, the high antioxidant content of osmanthus makes this flower a powerful cleansing agent. It removes harmful toxins from the body, in particular from the kidneys and liver, which has a positive effect on the endocrine system and allows you to feel energized and fresh.
Anti Stress Effect
Osmanthus tea contains niacin or vitamin B 3. B vitamins in turn play the most important role in reducing stress. Thus, the use of osmanthus tea helps you smoothly adapt to stressful situations, relax your mind and keep your spirit calm throughout the day.
Healthy Weight Loss
A study in the Scientific Reports journal said that the aroma of osmanthus reduces the activity of brain chemicals that stimulate appetite. Thus, the feeling of hunger decreases along with the amount of food consumed, which leads to a gradual and healthy weight loss.
Gui Hua Seasonal Skin Benefits
The rich, honey-sweet and fruity scent of osmanthus fragrans provides a natural fragrance for your skin and has been embraced in skin care & treatments for its potent properties. But what really excites us is that this flower can benefit your skin at any time of the year.
Spring
Throughout the gentle days of spring, mother nature reawakens and the weather grows warmer. But with the rapid climate change also comes a change in the balance of our skin, which may become sensitive. With its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, osmanthus help to protect and soothe the skin.
Summer
With summer comes another new season as the subtle warmth of spring transforms into heat. While the radiance of summer brings joyous energy, time in the sun can also inflame our skin and cause hyperpigmentation. Osmanthus flower is cool in nature. In TCM, cool and cold foods and herbs are designed to soothe inflammation. Besides, wildcrafted osmanthus flowers can treat hyperpigmentation resulting from exposure to ultraviolet rays and balance the skin.
Autumn
While there is much to celebrate in this season of harvest, we must also remember to prepare our skin for the colder weather. Autumn is associated with the lungs, and the lungs in turn are connected with the skin, as both of these organs form a protective barrier to the outside world. Osmanthus enters the Lung meridian and one of its main functions in TCM is to maintain the Lungs. Hence, osmanthus brings radiance and softness to your skin taking care of the lungs at this time of the year.
Winter
When the crisp air of winter arrives, the weather becomes colder and we bundle up at home to rest and restore our energy. But with the shorter days and longer nights, our skin can experience seasonal imperfections. Osmanthus oil has long been prescribed by practitioners of Chinese medicine to patients with dry and chapped skin, especially in winter.
At this time of the year, our body also accumulates toxins and waste products that are reflected in the appearance of our skin. Osmanthus flowers, as we already know, perfectly remove toxins from the body due to the high content of antioxidants.
Finally, winter corresponds to the Kidney meridian. When the kidneys wear out, we are faced with dry, tired skin as well as dark circles under the eyes. Osmanthus tonifies and detoxifies the kidneys, which means it helps our skin stay moisturized and illuminated in winter.
The real treasure never lies on the surface. The same applies to the properties of osmanthus fragrans. This plant was originally used in perfumery but careful study has revealed a treasure trove of benefits that it can bring to the health of our body and skin. Let's appreciate and use this treasure to the fullest!
