Tepezcohuite, An Ancient Mayan Skin Secret

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Tepezcohuite (pronounced “Te-pez-co-whee-tay”)(or mimosa) is a long held beauty secret by the Mayans that is derived from Mexico’s “skin tree”.

Tepezchohuite is a perennial evergreen tree or shrub native to the northeastern region of Brazil and found as far north as southern Mexico. 

Actor Salma Hayek considers it her and her families' beauty secret and has added this healing bark to her beauty line, Nuance. She is quoted as saying, “because my grandmother, who was a beauty, she died at 96 with no wrinkles. And you should see my mother! We have some family secrets. . . Have you heard of Tepezcohuite?"

The bark has a mysterious regenerative effect on skin and tissue. 
Vital components found in its complex chemical makeup actually repair and protect skin cells (as shown in it's use in 5,000 burn victims in Mexico) - giving it the amazing ability to heal a wide range of skin problems especially acne and burns, and to promote younger-looking, healthy skin.

 It has the ability to promote the growth rate of human cells in culture and has been shown to stimulate dermal fibroblast activity. Tepezcohuite inhibits hyaluronidase, an act that protects hyaluronic acid in the skin. Powder from the bark has a 2-3 hour pain killing effect on the skin. Bark powder causes skin to regenerate fully in a matter of weeks.

Studies show that at a 10% concentration, tepezcohuite can treat eczema and skin inflammation.Extensive research has been performed in labs throughout the world. They have found that Tepezcohuite (Tepescohuite in English) is non-toxic, a cellular regenerator, an anti-bacterial 300% more effective than streptomycin, and a powerful fungicide.

It reduces the appearance of pigmentation imbalances, age spots, stretch marks, scars, cellulite and enlarged pores and also is:

• An all natural skin rejuvenator.
• Removes all makeup, dirt, oils and grime that clog the pores. 
• Exfoliates the skin to leave it soft and radiant, removing dead cells and dry skin.
• Renews fresh skin tone for a more youthful look.
• Minimizes wrinkles and fine age lines.
• Guards against the signs of aging
• Promote the creation of new skin cells
• Stimulate the production of collagen and elastin to improve skin's elasticity
• Regenerate deep soft tissue and hair follicles
• Heal serious burns and skin blemishes
• Treat Psoriasis and Herpes I & II
• Minimize scarring
• Relieve the pain of sore, cracked or damaged skin
• Alleviate the discomfort of pressure sores 
• Defend against bacteria, fungi and viral infections and germs

Powdered tepezcohuite bark contains large amounts (16%) of tannins, which act as an astringent, making the skin stop bleeding. This helps protect the body from infection, while the skin builds new protective tissue. It also contains three kinds of steroid, which have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Tannins in the bark diminish capillary permeability. It contains antioxidants flavonoids.

The bark is known to be rich in tannins, saponins, alkaloids, lipids, phytosterols, glucosides, xylose, rhamnose, arabinose, lupeol, methoxychalcones and kukulkanins.

Research 

Extensive research has been performed in labs in Mexico, Canada and the United Kingdom. It is now used in commercial hair and skin products for rejuvenating skin.

Tepezcohuite proved vital in the treatment of some of the 5,000 burn victims in the aftermath of a series of liquid petroleum gas explosions near Mexico City in San Juan, November 19, 1984. The Red Cross successfully treated victims by dusting their wounds with Tepezcohuite powder. It was also used to treat victims of a large 1985 earthquake in Mexico. 

Powder from the bark has a 2-3 hour pain killing effect on the skin. Bark powder causes skin to regenerate fully in a matter of weeks. The results and some mechanisms thereof have been confirmed in the laboratory. Tepezcohuite is used to treat acne, psoriasis and herpes.  

In vitro studies have shown three times more bacteriocidal activity on bacterial cultures than streptomycin, and it works to some degree in vivo.

In his study, Pharmaceutical preparation containing Mimosa Tenuiflora extract with skin-regenerating properties, Tellez is able to demonstrate the effectiveness of topically applying Tepezcohuite to treat eczema. In this study, tepezcohuite was topically applied, in a 10% concentration, on participants with eczema. Results not only showed an improvement in eczema, but also a significant decrease in inflammation. This study demonstrated the natural healing effects of Tepezcohuite, and also showed its healing effect on eczema.

In vitro studies have shown three times more bacteriocidal activity on bacterial cultures than streptomycin.

Tepezcohuite has been found to help heal, treat and improve:
eczema, burns, acne, scars, wrinkles, psoriasis, rosacea, herpes, dry skin, stretch marks, and many other skin issues.

BURNS:

· Stops the loss of liquid plasma (blood) · Is an analgesic · Protects burns from the environment · Prevents the formation of cheloidal scars. · Regenerates hair follicles · Is very effective in treating first- and second-degree burns. · Does not have harmful side effects. From research at the BIOGIR Lab., Paris France.

TRAUMATOLOGY

· Protects exposed bone (first and second degree) – Muller. · Regenerates deep soft tissue · Is antiseptic and germ-killing. From research by BIOGIR Lab., Paris, France

INFECTOLOGY :

· External local application on abscesses · Diabetic foot as a result of damp gangrene. Information from the CRUZ AZUL HOSPITAL

DERMATOLOGY :

· Prevention facial expression lines and acne. · Treatment of psoriasis. · Treatment of Herpes I and Herpes II. · Treatment of chicken-pox scars. Information from the CRUZ AZUL HOSPITAL, Oaxaca, Mexico

COSMETOLOGY :

· Regenerates hair follicles. · Is an analgesic · Is an anti-bacterial · Is a fungicide · Protects "hyaluronic" acid · Protects and stimulates the generation of collagen and "elastina." · Is an astringent · Protects Vitamin P (a cellular regenerator). Information from the CRUZ AZUL HOSPITAL, Oaxaca, Mexico.

Where to Find Tepezcohuite

Salma Hayek has a line of skin and hair products called Nuance containing tepezcohuite. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of her line because I like purer ingredients, but her line is worth a mention.

There is much praise for a tepezcohuite cream called Pomade Arbol De Vida, but I'm not a fan of the first ingredients, petroleum jelly. Other than that, the ingredients are pure, just tepezcohuite, wheat germ oil and rose.

What I do highly recommend is just pure Tepezcohuite powder (also here) which can be made into a skin paste or added to creams or skin washes. This is the most natural way to go.

I did find a few fabulous, homemade tepezochute products on Etsy here. 

Thanks for reading! What do you think?

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