Sunday, August 23, 2009

Legends of the Baobab 2


In Madagascar, the Grandidier's baobab (Adansonia grandidieri), the most statuesque of the Malagasy species, is believed to be the dwelling place of spirits. Offerings are placed at its base to ensure fertility, a fine harvest, and good fortune.

At Dakfao Niger, there is a baobab sacred to the Imannen Tururag, high up the trunk are incantations, symbols and sacred texts.

Throughout Africa the baobab is venerated or regarded with awe, the absence of regeneration has led some communities to believe that it appeared by magic overnight, others believe the trees possess souls and ancient sprits, they can move during the night but must stay imobil during the day.

Along the Zambezi, the tribes believe that when the world was young the Baobabs were upright and proud. However for some unknown reason, they lorded over the lesser growths. The gods became angry and uprooted the Baobabs , thrusting them back into the ground, root upwards. Evil spirits now haunt the sweet white flowers and anyone who picks one will be killed by a lion.

One gigantic baobab in Zambia is said to be haunted by a ghostly python. Before the white man came, a large python lived in the hollow trunk and was worshipped by the local natives. When they prayed for rain, fine crops and good hunting , the python answered their prayers. The first white hunter shot the python and this event led to disastrous consequences. On still nights the natives claim to hear a continuous hissing sound from the old tree.

In the Kafue National Park in Zambia, one of the largest Baobabs is known as "Kondanamwali" - the tree that eats maidens. This enormous tree fell in love with the four beautiful girls who lived in its shade. When they reached puberty, they sought husbands and made the tree jealous. One night, during a raging thunderstorm, the tree opened its trunk and took the maidens inside. A rest house had been built in the branches of the tree. On stormy nights, it is the crying of the imprisoned maidens that make people inside tremble - not the sounds of the wild animals.

Friday, August 21, 2009

History Of The Baobab Tree


The Latin name for Baobab, Adansonia digitata, is in honour of the French botanist, Michel Adanson, who concluded that out of all the trees he had studied, the Baobab, ‘is probably the most useful tree in all’.

Although the tree is not native to Egypt, the fruit was known in the herb and spice markets of Cairo as early as 2500 BC. It was known as ‘bu hobab’, probably derived from the Arabic words ‘bu hibab’, which means ‘fruit with many seeds’.

The medicinal uses of the Baobab fruit were first officially praised by the Venetian herbalist and physician Prospero Alpini, in 1592, who noted that the ancient Egyptians used it for treating fevers, dysentery and bloody wounds. Known as the "Upside-down tree", the "Bottle tree" for its ability to hold water, or simply as the "Tree of life".

The baobab normally lives for about 500 years, but it is believed some are up to 6,000 years old and carries its own mystical identity and history that is traditionally accorded to age in Africa.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Baobab Mud Mask
by RAIN Created for Living

Mud, packed with nutrients, is the healing balm of Africa's wild animals. They wallow in natural mud baths to reduce infections, soothe skin irritations and to heal wounds.

Taking a leaf from nature's book, our human ancestors used a variety of different muds and clays for the same purpose as well as to protect their skin from the harsh sun and wind. Our mud contains capsicum to help stimulate blood circulation.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Baobab Shells


Baobab Half Shell


Baobab Fruit Half-Pod Cleaned Interiorly & Exteriorly.

For Gifts or Packaging

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Fortifying "Baobab" Skin Therapy


For Men to combat skin aging
Oil-Free Moisture Treatment
Helps improve skin firmness
Diminishes the look of facial lines
Evens out skin tone
Refreshes & hydrates skin
Not tested on animals

Baobab Tree Extract
bau-bab trE ik-strakt
Sourced from the Baobab tree, this extract is believed to be a superior moisture agent and skin-strengthener. The Baobab tree, indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa and known as the “Tree of Life,” is reputed to live for thousands of years and is notable for its unique vital force and ability to store vast amounts of water in its trunk.

This unique, oil-free moisture treatment addresses some of the most serious signs of men's skin aging - loss of firmness and the depth of facial lines. Our formula is enriched with an unusual, replenishing extract from the Baobab tree, indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa, and known as "The Tree of Life" for its vitality and longevity. With this rare extract, our men's skin therapy is a superior, fortifying moisturizer and skin strengthener which helps boost the elastic quality of the skin.

Apply to a clean face morning and night or as needed.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Baobab Soap

Cioccolatina is a fine range of handmade, organic and paraben-free natural toiletries with emphasis on skin deep formulations.

I have used my passion for products that moisturise the skin as a catalyst to formulate toiletries using only premium ingredients such as pure unrefined sheabutter from Ghana. Natural/organic ingredients are selected for their specific qualities to nourish and pamper the skin & hair.

None of the products contain any artificial colouring or synthetic fragrances. We enhance our products which are subtly scented with essential oils or left fragrance free with the unique properties of herbs.
A moisturising bar with fair trade/community traded baobab, unrefined cocoa butter, unrefined shea butter with aloe vera and the subtle scent of vertivert. Ideal for all skin types.
BAOBAB OIL: Native to Africa, this community traded rich moisturising oil is obtained from the seeds of the baobab tree aka "the upside down tree" or monkey-bread. A fantastic oil for dry itchy sensitive skin, baobab oil is rich in vitamin c and helps improve skin elasticity. Baobab oil is easily absorbed.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Baobab Probiotic



Baobab is both Prebiotic and Probiotic


The Definitive Guide to Safe, Natural Health Solutions Using Probiotic and Prebiotic Foods and Supplements

by Gary B. Huffnagle, Ph.D. and Sarah Wernick

If the thought of bacteria conjures images of germs that should be avoided at all costs—and certainly not ingested—think again! Some friendly bacteria, called probiotics, are not only beneficial to your health, they’re essential. Now an internationally recognized scientist at a top U.S. medical school—one of the leading researchers in the field—sheds light on the extraordinary benefits of these natural health superstars.
Thanks to an explosion of research in recent years, one thing is clear: probiotics, the healthy bacteria that inhabit the digestive tract, are the body’s silent partners for good health, optimizing the power of the immune system to fight disease and the “bad” germs we fear.
But how do they work? And in the face of factors like stress and poor diet, which decrease their numbers, how do you keep your supply well stocked? Here is an up-to-the-minute, highly accessible guide to probiotics and the foods and supplements that contain and support them—many of which may be in your diet already.
Discover:
The key role of probiotics and prebiotics in restoring healthy balance to our bodies, improving immune system functioning, and curbing inflammation
How to use probiotic foods and supplements to prevent and relieve allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, yeast infections, and the negative side effects of antibiotic use
New evidence that probiotics may help fight asthma, cardiovascular disease, breast and colon cancer, autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia—and even obesity
Natural sources of prebiotics, the nutrients that help make the digestive tract more hospitable for probiotic bacteria
The Probiotics Revolution also includes a step-by-step plan for incorporating the many food sources of probiotics and prebiotics into your diet, a complete buyer’s guide to probiotic supplements, and how to introduce probiotics to your family and children.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Baobab Beauty Oil


What is Baobab Oil made from?

Baobab Oil is made from the seeds of the baobab tree. The seeds are cold pressed and filtered. Cold pressing ensures that the valuable properties in the oil are not destroyed as could happen in a heated press.

Baobab Oil contains:

Vitamin D. Palmitic acid, Oleic Acid, Linoleic Acid. Omega 3, Omega 6 & Omega 9 Fatty Acids.
Why is Baobab Oil good for our skin?Baobab Oil contains Ω-3 (Omega 3), Ω-6 (Omega 6) and Ω-9 (Omega 9) Fatty Acids. Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9 Fatty Acids are Essential Fatty Acids which are necessary for the maintenance of healthy skin. Liquid cold pressed oil from Flaxseed or Baobab are rich sources of Ω-3, Ω-6 and Ω-9 Fatty Acids.

What is an Essential Fatty Acid?

Essential fatty acids are a group of fatty acids which are required by the body. Like vitamins and minerals the body is unable to manufacture them. Thus they must be obtained through diet and by topical application to the skin. Fatty Acids can be depleted from the skin from over exposure to UV rays, poor health, poor immune systems and natural ageing. Certain drugs, such as steroids, can also deplete the skin layers of natural fats.

How can Essential Fatty Acids help our skin?

Essential Fatty Aids have the following functions in our skin:
They are important for cell membranes: Their molecules (metabolites) are one of the requirement for the structure of cell membranes.

They are important for regulating cell function: They form part of the process of producing postaglandins (a hormone like substance), which helps regulate cell function.
They help 'water-proof' the skin: They help maintain the impermeability barrier of the skin and stop toxic substances from entering cells. Topical application can help alleviate various skin disorders such as chronic dry skin, thin skin, chronic brusing and sun spots. It can be used for people suffering from eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, skin cancer, scaly skin disorder and non-healing wounds, such as diabetic ulcers.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Rosa Graf Baobab Skin Care Products







Baobab Ampoules 5x2ml



This concentrate contains Baobab Extract and vitamins. The formula produces cosmetic benefit that improves skins elasticity and visibly firms the skin.

This is a highly effective concentrate containing pure Baobab Extract. Natural fruit acids noticeably enhance the regeneration of skin and leave the complexion looking flawless.


Monday, August 3, 2009

Baobab Tree Extract


Concept: Moistfull contains Baobab Tree extract to smoothe and moisturize dry skin for a replenished look.

Part of a balanced skincare line.
Description:
Gel toner clears skin and moisturizes