Tepezcohuite (Mimosa tenuiflora) is a true beauty power ingredient. At Viva Maia we use 100% organically grown Tepezcohuite. Here you will find everything about the effects, origin, cultivation and history of Tepezcohuite:
Active compounds:
Tepezcohuite is a true power beauty ingredient. Originally used by the Maya to soothe burns and ease their healing, today it is known above all for its positive properties for the appearance of our skin. Tepezcohuite reduces fine lines, refines the look of the skin and minimises blackheads and large pores. Here are some of the most important active compounds in Tepezcohuite:
- Tannin: tannin has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to firm and soothe the skin. Tepezcohuite is particularly rich in tannin and therefore has particularly many benefits for the skin.
- Saponins: saponins have cleansing properties and can help to refine the pores and remove excess oil and dirt from the skin.
- Flavonoids: flavonoids are strong antioxidants that help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. They can also contribute to stimulating collagen production and firming the skin.
- Alkaloids: alkaloids have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can help to soothe irritated or inflamed skin.
- Zinc: zinc is an important component of collagen and elastin, the two proteins responsible for the firmness and elasticity of the skin. Zinc also helps with wound healing and can combat acne.
In summary, the active compounds in natural Tepezcohuite can help to firm, cleanse and soothe the skin, protect it against antioxidative damage, stimulate collagen production and promote wound healing.
Viva Maia Tepezcohuite
The raw material Tepezcohuite (Mimosa tenuiflora) is 100% natural and grows in the dry regions of Mexico. At Viva Maia we source high-quality Tepezcohuite, which we use in our beauty products for its numerous skin-caring and regenerating properties. In doing so, we take care to protect the environment and we support the indigenous population. The export of Tepezcohuite is restricted by the Mexican government. That is why the number of our Tepezcohuite products is limited as well.
The origin of Tepezcohuite: a Maya secret
The bark of the Tepezcohuite tree has been applied to the skin for centuries by the indigenous peoples of this region for its healing properties, and it is a real beauty insider tip.
Tepezcohuite belongs to the legume family and grows in the dry regions of Mexico. The tree can reach a height of up to 10 metres and has a dense crown of branches and small leaves. The bark of the Tepezcohuite tree has been cultivated and harvested for centuries by the indigenous peoples of this region for its medicinal properties and its ability to regenerate the skin.
A tragic history behind the effects of Tepezcohuite
In Mexico, Tepezcohuite carries the nickname "skin tree" or "healing tree of the Maya". Because the miraculous effect of Tepezcohuite has been known since the time of the Maya.
During colonisation, Mexican natural medicine, which was based on the knowledge of the indigenous population and cultures such as the Maya and the Aztecs, faded into the background. Only in 1984 and 1985, after Mexico was struck by an explosion and an earthquake, did the extremely positive effects of Tepezcohuite return to collective memory.
Faced with the lack of suitable medication for burn victims, some doctors who knew about the effects of Tepezcohuite used the powder to treat them. This led to an exemplary demonstration of the spectacular effect of Tepezcohuite in the hospitals of Tlalnepantla, which ultimately earned Tepezcohuite the name "miracle tree".
In fact, the bark has a pain-relieving effect immediately after application and accelerates the healing of the skin. The result of this treatment was visible after just a few weeks: the burn victims treated with Tepezcohuite recorded a faster healing process for their wounds and, after a few months, had significantly fewer scars than the patients who were not treated with the miracle tree.
Studies on Tepezcohuite
Alongside the findings from the tragic events of 1985, there are also already several studies that have investigated the effects of Tepezcohuite.
Some studies have shown that Tepezcohuite extracts can display antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that could help in the treatment of skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. Some studies have also shown that Tepezcohuite extracts can promote collagen production and support the regeneration of skin cells.*
The superstars' anti-ageing secret
Viva Maia is not the only one aware of the positive properties of Tepezcohuite for our skin. Superstars such as Salma Hayek also swear by the ingredient. The Mexican actress has used a Tepezcohuite ointment for decades to care for her skin and to prevent wrinkles. And with success! The actress is regularly envied by the press for her youthful, healthy complexion and asked about her beauty secrets. Now we know. Tepezcohuite is the natural anti-ageing remedy from Mexico**
Studies on Tepezcohuite:
*1. Rodriguez-Luna, A., et al. "Healing effect of the bark of the tepezcohuite tree (Mimosa tenuiflora) on skin lesions in rats." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 141, no. 1, 2012, pp. 419-424.
2. Therapeutic effectiveness of a Mimosa tenuiflora cortex extract in venous leg ulceration treatment: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17088036/
3. Anti-inflammatory effect of Mimosa tenuiflora extract in human keratinocytes. Janina Zippel, Alexandra Deters, Andreas Hensel: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874109003407
4. A Comprehensive Review of the Ethnotraditional Uses and Biological and Pharmacological Potential of the Genus Mimosa: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8307580/
5. Medicinal plants used in rural communities from the municipality of Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Mexico
6. Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of South America, Brazil. Ulysses Paulino Albuquerque, Umesh Patil, Ákos Máthé
**(Source: https://www.byrdie.com/tepezcohuite)
