Skincare Active Ingredients

Yaupon Holly for skin

August 6, 2021 /

lex vomitoria commonly known as yaupon holly, is a species of holly that is native to southeastern North America. t’s the only caffeinated plant native to the U.S.

What are the benefits of using Yaupon holly?

  • Polyphenols (antioxidant and potential health benefits): yaupon holly contains 8 polyphenols such as mono-caffeoylquinic acids, di-caffeoylquinic acids, and two flavonol glycosides (quercetin 3-rutinosides and kaempferol 3-rutinoside), where the mono- and di-caffeoylquinic acids comprised 70% of the total polyphenolics.
  • 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid (chlorogenic acid), quercetin 3-rutinoside (rutin), 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (neochlorogenic acid), and 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid (cryptochlorogenic acid) were the main phenolic compounds found in yaupon holly.
  • Saponin: saponin is a bitter compound so that gives a unique bitterness to natural beverages like teas. It has a lot of health benefits such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, cancer chemopreventive, and therapeutic effects.
  • Alkaloids: yaupon holly contains alkaloids such as theobromine (may improve focus and brain function), theophylline, and caffeine.
  • Antioxidant: yaupon holly is an antioxidant which can prevent DNA oxidative damage induced by ultraviolet radiation.
  • Anti-inflammatory: yaupon holly can soothe irritated skin and redness.
  • Other great properties of yaupon holly: yaupon holly also shows anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, neuro-protective activity, anti-obese activity (drinking yaupon holly along with excersising may help lose weight), anti-cancer activity, and cardiovascular-protective activity.

Yaupon holly for skin:

Yaupon holly is also used in moisturizers, cleansers, and serums. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin and skin of colour, mainly because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Yaupon tea:

Yaupon tea can be used as a substitute for coffee or other types of tea.

How to make Yaupon tea?

  • Wash and dry the yaupon leaves.
  • Spread the leaves on a tray and roast them in the oven for 15–20 minutes at 350°F (177°C).
  • Add 1 teaspoon of toasted yaupon leaves to 1 cup of boiling water.
  • Steep the leaves for 5–10 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. Brewing tea for a longer amount of time results in a stronger flavor, while steeping for shorter periods gives the tea a mild taste.
  • the last step is straining the yaupon leaves from the tea.