A botanical is a plant or an extract from a plant that has been chosen for its health giving properties, its flavor or its scent. Lets take these three aspects of botanicals in turn and dig a little deeper.
1. Botanicals to improve health and well-being
Also referred to as herbal medicines, herbal remedies or phytomedicines – these botanicals are most commonly available as dietary supplements (although a few are classified as pharmaceutical drugs by the FDA in the US). The field of botanical medicine, considered a complementary form of therapy, is growing rapidly. Here are some examples of botanicals used to maintain and improve health:
- Echinacea is used to strengthen immune functions
- Green tea is thought to help improve cardiovascular health, protect against certain forms of cancer and slow down aging. Other forms of herbal teas or tisane are often defined as being “botanical”
- St John’s word is recommended by alternative health practitioners as a treatment for depression, anxiety and insomnia. See other herbal supplements for anxiety.
- Ginger has been linked to improvements in gastrointestinal problems.
2. Botanicals used in cosmetics and personal care
Botanicals are incredibly used as ingredients in personal care products instead of artificial smells and colorings as the trend towards pure and natural ingredients gains momentum. Barefoot botanicals for example focus on 100% natural products that are light, gentle and aromatic. Minasota based Purple Prairie Botanicals take organic ingredients and combine they with herbal infusions and essential oils ensuring that they are petroleum free and environmentally safe.
3. Botanicals in the home
Again the marketing catchphrase used for botanical products is that they are “natural” and “gentle.” Brands such as Archipelago botanicals bring botanicals to the home in the form of natural soy candles and scented diffusers. Banyan botanicals focuses on the kitchen supplying a range of certified organic herbs. (They are also sustainably sourced and fairly traded).