Basic Course on Spa Tourism

The enormous wealth of natural eco-systems makes our forests a botanical treasure trove. The medicinal qualities of much of its abundant plant life have, for centuries, formed the backbone of health and beauty therapy throughout the world. Such is the potency of nature of the world has found favour in beauty salons everywhere. Here is a list of few commonly used natural ingredients used in spas around the world:

The Hibiscus Leaf: is the sole ingredient of a traditional form of shampoo. When they are crushed and boiled in a little water the leaves' sap forms a sticky, dark-coloured paste that has cleansing properties. The leaf has also traditionally been used as a cleanser in a variety of skin care preparations.

Hibiscus Flowers:  are believed to hold certain supernatural powers which absorb negativity and bad spells. They are used as an emollient in skin care.

Tropical Magnolia / Champak / Michelia Champaca: is renowned for its cooling and healing powers with specific anti-malarial properties. Its petite web of elegant white petals exudes a scent as sweet as syrup. Like most of her sisters, it is used for bathing.

Pandanus Leaf:  its earthy and sweet aroma this practical leaf is a popular base for cakes and is infused into oils for hair and skin care.

Ginger / Zingiber officinale:  is eaten cooked or infused raw into drinks, as a remedy for stomach aches.  Ginger is applied to the body to relieve aching muscles and increase blood circulation.

Aloe Vera: The jellylike substance within the spiky exterior is renowned for its healing properties. It soothes skin irritations caused by insect bites and sunburn, and helps remove skin blemishes.

Lime: Used in Thailand and other parts of south-east Asia as a replacement for the non-available lemon, lime is used in food, medicine and many beauty treatments. Its high vitamin C content and astringency work as a natural blood purifier.

Coconut: Ubiquitous in Samui, the humble coconut has several uses in the health industry, adding to the countless other ways it provides for the community. Many sun lotions are coconut based, and while the thick white milk is used as a hair shampoo, the oil from mature fruits can be massaged into the hair giving it a healthy shine.

Mint: The plants have innumerable uses, and its antiseptic and antibacterial qualities make it a useful aid in purifying the blood too.

Papaya: One of the fastest growing plants in the world, the papaya is packed with vitamins - notably A and C - which help ease stomach complaints. Its natural skin-exfoliating enzymes make it an ideal choice for using to remove age-lines, especially around the eyes. Alternatively, papaya skins can be rubbed over the face to remove dead skin cells.

Lemongrass: A firm favorite cooking ingredient with Asian chefs, this common plant has medicinal abilities too. When consumed, it helps speed up a slow digestive system. And when used as aromatic oil, lemongrass exudes a strong, fresh, lemony fragrance.

Turmeric: Its powerful astringent and cleansing properties made turmeric a popular root in ancient times. And Turmeric is still widely used today in many herbal tonics and body-scrubs.

Candlenut: Used in cooking across the Asian region. In skincare, the nuts soft and oily consistency makes it a wonderful 'scrub' ingredient. It also acts as soap because, when rubbed over the skin, it draws out impurities and, as proof, changes from creamy to dirty in colour.

Cloves: Have analgesic qualities and are traditionally used for pain relief, especially for toothache. They are also antiseptic, increase overall blood circulation and, when chewed, can stop excessive flatulence! Suck a clove when you are tired or stressed or want to give up smoking.

Cucumber: Used extensively in beauty products as a cooling and revitalizing agent, and is especially effective for oily skin types: its juice makes a good skin tonic and tightens the pores. Cucumber slices on the eyes refresh and moisturize and, for those who forgot their SPF, mashed cucumber soothes sun burnt skin. Great for treating oily skin, as it tightens the pores whilst moisturizing.

Natural Sponge: Otherwise known as loofah', is the dried body of the green gambas plant. Its fibrous yet gentle constituency makes it ideal for removing dead skin cells while still softening and refreshing the skin. The loofah body scrub, often combined with sea salt and oil, is popular at Thai spas.

Avocado: Popular in natural beauty practice because the rich consistency of its flesh and oil, high in vitamin E, is a nourishing skin food, especially effective for dry complexions and brittle hair. Avocados were introduced to south- east Asia two centuries ago from America

Rice: Rice is not just a food; it is a culture and a way of life. Used as a base in body scrubs due to its exfoliating properties.

Sandalwood:  Its heavy, sweet and woody aroma is instantly recognized. In beauty, it is the hallmark of oriental perfume, to calm skin irritations, such as eczema and abscesses.

Oils: Essential oils are liquids that have been distilled from the leaves, stems, bark, roots or other parts of a plant. Aromatherapy treatments use these oils to relieve a number of common ailments, and because the oils are highly concentrated, a little bit goes a long way. Below is list of some of some essential oil some properties, aromas and their uses:

Name                        Aroma                                            Properties & Uses

Anise                  Sweet, reminiscent of licorice         Aids muscle aches, respiratory problems

Balsam Peru       Fresh and earthy,                             soothes chapped or chafed skin

Basil                   Sweet, reminiscent of licorice         refreshes & invigorates body & mind, good for tress

Bergamot           Citrus, a little floral                         Relaxes & uplifts, good for depression, oily/blemished skin

Cardamum         Sweet and spicy                               Properties and uses: Refreshes, good for stress

Carrot Seed        Earthy, woody                                tones mature skin

Cedarwood,       Sweet & woody, camphor               Respiratory problems, oily skin, hair products

Chamomile        Sweet and fruity                             Properties and uses: soothing effect on body and mind

Cinnamon          Peppery and spicy                          Stress, rheumatism, arthritis

Clary Sage         Nutty and earthy                             Soothes, relaxes away stress

Clove Bud         Warm but bitter                                Good for tooth aches and respiratory problems

Coriander          Sweet and spicy, a little fruity          Good for muscle aches and arthritis

Cypress             Smoky, reminiscent of evergreens    Natural deodorant, good for treating perspiration

Dill                    Sweet and a little earthy                  Calms, soothes, good for digestive problems

Eucalyptus        Fresh medicinal, slightly earthy       Respiratory problems, immune system boosting, tension reducer

Fennel               Sweet, licorice-like                          Good for cellulite, flatulence

Frankincense     Rich, spicy, woody                          helps respiratory problems, good for caring for mature skin

Geranium          Flowery and very fresh                    good balance for women's hormones, skin care

Ginger               Spicy and earthy                              Excellent for aching muscles and nausea

Grapefruit         Fresh, slightly bitter citrus              Good toning effect on skin, treatment of cellulite

Juniper Berry    Crisp, refreshing, earthy                 good for digestive system, helps with obesity, gout, rheumatism

Lavender           Very floral, sweet                           Relaxing, and also useful in treating wounds, burns, and skin care

Lemon              Fresh and citrusy                            Very uplifting, yet relaxing. Helpful in treating wounds, infections

Peppermint       Minty and fresh                              good for headaches and digestive problems and flatulence

Rose                 Very floral                                      depression, stress, eczema

Rosemary         Herbaceous, sweet, medicinal        Very good for muscle aches and tension

Sandalwood      Woody                                            tension, depression, respiratory problems

We are all aware that there are millions of ways of cleansing and detoxifying your body. Reasonable diets, light exercise correct breathing, massage, meditation, saunas, steam baths, skin brushing, body scrubs, and oxygen therapies are all effective.