Stevia rebaudiana is an herb in the Chrysanthemum family. It originated in South American in the countries of Paraguay and Brazil as a wild shrub. The first known use of stevia started with the native Indians of the Guarani Tribe in Paraguay more than 1,500 years ago. It was and still is used as a sweetener, for medicinal purposes and to treat skin problems.
Composition
Stevia is made of organic compounds call glycosides that are responsible for the sweetness. It also contains protein, fiber, carbohydrates, phosphorus, iron, calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, rutin (flavonoid), iron, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A, and chlorophyll. If you are using stevia for skin problems, use whole leaf stevia or its by-products.
Types
There are four types of Stevia: whole leaves, a green powder made from the leaves, a not-too-refined white powder---which contains only stevioside, the component that makes stevia sweet---and liquid stevia extract.
Significance
According to a Sun Food article by Barbara Simonsohn, "Stevia is still used today in South America, not only in teas and recipes, but also prescribed and administered as a tonic to improve digestion, harmonize blood pressure, overcome fatigue and tiredness, loose weight, get rid of fungus, and normalize the blood sugar levels of diabetics. Stevia is also used to keep the skin and hair young and beautiful. It is traditionally used in South America to heal wounds [and] treat eczema, acne, dandruff, and other skin conditions. Apparently, the enzymes and chlorophyll are responsible for this healing effect on the skin."
Skin Care Products
Sun Food indicates that in the United States and Japan you can find numerous cosmetics that use stevia in their skin care products. The cosmetic database Skin Deep provides a list of skin care products that use stevia as one of the main ingredients, including face masks, facial moisturizers, baby shampoo, and lip gloss.
Home Remedies
Nutraceutical gives the following suggestions for home remedies for skin problems, gum disease and tooth decay. You may use stevia concentrate in the form of drops directly on sores or blemishes. Stevia tea bags can be placed over the eyes to help with fatigue and to tone the skin. You can apply liquid extracts directly to the skin. Facial masks can be made by adding liquid to the powder and putting it on the face for 30 to 60 minutes to help tighten the skin. Mix stevia drops in toothpaste and use stevia as a mouthwash by diluting in water. It has been shown to inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay. (See References, Neutraceutical.)
Sun Food suggests that a mix of stevia leaves, chrysanthemum leaves, and healing clay diluted with water can help with sunspots, liver spots, insect bites, and wrinkles.
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