The beautiful edelweiss has been a symbol of the Alps since the 19th century - and also a sign of courage and love, because picking the plant, which only blooms in very high and difficult-to-access areas, once served as proof to young boys Courage and as a special gift for the beloved. In addition, the plant is said to have a number of healing effects.
What effects does the edelweiss have?
Edelweiss has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects in natural medicine, which are mainly used for respiratory diseases and diarrhea. In cosmetics, antioxidants from edelweiss are used to protect the skin and strengthen connective tissue.
Edelweiss in folk medicine
For centuries, not only the inhabitants of the Alps, but also the inhabitants of the Himalayas - there are around 40 different species of edelweiss there too - have known the little flower in folk medicine. In the Alps, the edelweiss is known as the “tummy ache flower” and was once used for gastrointestinal complaints. In Asia, on the other hand, it is said to help against respiratory diseases, which is why in Mongolia, for example, pillows are filled with dried edelweiss. The plant also has a firm place in traditional Chinese medicine.
Edelweiss in naturopathy
Edelweiss is also used in modern naturopathy, especially for respiratory diseases and diarrhea. Some of the ingredients inherent in edelweiss (e.g. dyes) are said to have an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect, which is why the flowers and leaves of the plant in particular are used against cramps, acute and chronic inflammation and for vascular protection.
Edelweiss in cosmetics
The edelweiss also has the nickname “eternal flower” - extremely appropriate for a plant that has found its way into cosmetics, especially for anti-aging purposes. Since the plant grows at high, very exposed altitudes, it must explicitly protect itself against UV rays. Edelweiss acid (“Leoligin”) binds free radicals and has a cell-protecting effect. The industry uses the antioxidants obtained from edelweiss to protect the skin and strengthen connective tissue.
Do Edelweiss cosmetics keep their promises?
However, the creams and lotions in question are likely to have little effect - if any at all - because, legally speaking, skin care products are only allowed to have a superficial effect and are not allowed to have a profound effect. For this reason, Edelweiss cosmetics contain very few effective ingredients - otherwise they would have to be treated as medical products and undergo the appropriate research.
Tips & Tricks
If you like hiking in the mountains, definitely don't pick edelweiss - if you can find any at all. The plant is threatened with extinction and has therefore been under strict conservation protection since 1886. In fact, the edelweiss was the first plant ever to be protected.
