3 Ways to Use Damson in Your Skincare Routine
Damson is one of the many fruits that grow in the Far East, where it has been used medicinally and in food since ancient times.
The literal translation of its name means plum-like fruit, but its shape more closely resembles a large berry than any plum we know in North America.
It can be made into jams, preserves, and wines, but it can also be put to use in your skincare routine! Here are 3 ways to use damson in your skincare routine to get clearer skin and other benefits you want from it!
What is Damson?
Although commonly mistaken for a berry, damson are actually small, tart plums. Also known as Japanese plums, damsons have been enjoyed for thousands of years.
Cultivated and hybridized since ancient times, Japanese plums have become a popular addition to both Asian and Western cuisine.
The abundance of health benefits found in damsons make them an important part of any healthy diet.
Here’s how you can incorporate these fruits into your skincare routineroutine First, when using lotion or other cream-based products like body butter or moisturizer, try adding a few drops of damson juice to the mix.
It has potent antioxidants that will help protect your skin from environmental stressors while also promoting its natural healing abilities.
Second, if you struggle with acne or oily skin there's good news! Extracts from the plum fruit can be used to regulate sebum production.
Simply dab some pure damson extract on any blemishes before bedtime and wash it off with water in the morning! You'll be left with less redness.
Fewer breakouts and smoother skin all around! For some extra hydration during the winter months, apply warm oil to damp skin and then cover up with two tablespoons of fresh chopped damson pulp.
Let this mask sit for about 10 minutes before washing it off and drying your face. Damsons can also be mixed with sugar and cinnamon in equal parts to create a scrub or mixed with honey to create a soothing, nutrient-rich facial mask.
Finally, don't forget about using the leaves! While they might not look appetizing at first glance, they are rich in tannins which helps tighten pores while boosting.
That means no more wrinkles or saggy skin--yikes! Another thing you can do is fill a bowl with hot water and three crushed damson leaves.
Cover your head with the bowl and breathe deeply for five minutes--the steam will open up your sinuses and provide relief from coughs and congestion.
Or, steep five whole leaves in boiling water to make tea--it has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that could soothe sore throats or inflammation caused by allergies/asthma.
The leaves can also be roasted and eaten, either raw or cooked. With their high levels of polyphenols, B vitamins and protein, these little morsels pack a nutritious punch. As well as being a great source of vitamin C, calcium and potassium, damsons can be helpful in regulating insulin levels.
Studies show that damson extracts can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This makes sense considering the large amounts of fiber and minerals found in the fruit! In traditional Chinese medicine, damson was often prescribed to alleviate symptoms of stomach pain, such as diarrhea or abdominal cramps.
Plus, damsons are an excellent source of pectin which provides probiotic activity for our gut microbiome! Keep reading to learn more about how to eat your way to a healthy microbiome with Japanese plums.
Al monds are a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E. When ground up they can be added to your baking as a healthy alternative to flour or ground up and made into a spread for toast in the morning.
Plus, almonds are naturally low in saturated fat and high in unsaturated fats which can lower your cholesterol levels. One serving (1 ounce) of almonds contains about 6 grams of plant-based protein, making it an excellent choice for vegans or vegetarians looking to increase their intake.
Almonds can also be blended with water or milk for a quick snack on the go! Add some ice and a dash of cinnamon for an iced almond shake! If you want to get creative, try roasting them in the oven with some olive oil, salt and pepper.
Roasted almonds are delicious on their own or served as a topping for salads. What else can you do with damsons? Make a soup! Add one cup of diced onions, one cup of diced celery, four cups of chicken broth and six cups of water to a medium pot.
Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for about 40 minutes. After 40 minutes have passed add six cups of raspberries, eight cups of damsons, one-half teaspoon nutmeg and salt to taste. Cook for another five minutes before adding cream or butter if desired.
What it can do for your skin
You might not know it, but you’ve likely encountered damson before—it’s common in a wide range of fruit-flavored liqueurs and gins. It’s also got some health benefits.
When used as a food or an ingredient, it contains an enzyme called phytase that can help regulate blood sugar levels when consumed (this makes it a good option for anyone who suffers from diabetes).
And, like many other fruits, damson is full of antioxidants that can protect your skin from free radicals (damaging molecules) and external damage—plus its high potassium content can leave your skin more hydrated.
Be sure to include damson in your skincare routine; here are three ways to get started. 1. Add it to a facial scrub: A little bit of the fruit goes a long way! Blend together one tablespoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon crushed dried damson, and one teaspoon olive oil.
Apply the mixture to your face with your fingers then scrub away any dead skin cells with circular motions for two minutes. Rinse off with warm water and follow up with a moisturizer if desired. 2.
Make yourself some jam: We already mentioned how great this antioxidant-rich berry is at regulating blood sugar levels; now we'll show you how easy it is to turn it into delicious jams! Start by adding four cups of sugar, one cup of water, and six tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to a saucepan over medium heat.
Once the sugar has dissolved, add about five pounds of fresh chopped damson berries. Cook until thickened (about 20 minutes), stirring occasionally, then remove from heat and let cool for about 15 minutes before filling jars. Serve alongside toast or waffles for breakfast. 3.
Try out this recipe for homemade chapstick: To make a jar of lip balm, combine one part beeswax (found at most grocery stores) with four parts coconut oil and nine parts shea butter.
Melt these ingredients in a double boiler, remove from heat once they're fully melted, and stir in fifteen drops of damson extract.
Pour into containers while still hot and let cool completely before using on your lips throughout the day! This works especially well when paired with chapped skin.
With all of the winter weather's drying effects, it's time to give your dry lips some love. So try out one of the above recipes to keep your skin healthy and glowing, even in the coldest months. Happy skin, happy life.
Damson is a type of small, tart, underripe plum traditionally found in Europe and the Middle East. Although damson doesn’t grow very commonly in the United States, it can be found during certain times of year.
If you happen to come across some, don’t let it go to waste! Some people may mistake damson for the Prunus cerasifera (cherry plum) or the Japanese plum (Prunus salicina).
However, you can differentiate between these types of plums based on their size—Damsons tend to be smaller than most varieties of plums.
They’re also purple in color. One of the best things about damson is that it can be eaten fresh, made into preserves, or blended into a scrub. Of course, it’s always best to research how to handle the fruit before doing so.
Easy ways to incorporate into your skincare routine
First, make sure you wash your face with warm water and a gentle cleanser before you apply any sort of moisturizer. This will open up your pores so they're not blocked by grime or makeup residue.
Apply a serum with damson extract on top of that; it'll penetrate into your skin easily. Leave it on for 15 minutes or more and then proceed with lotion or moisturizer.
You can also mix damson-infused oil with other ingredients when making homemade beauty products like soaps and bath bombs for extra moisture.
Finally, use a cold-pressed damson infusion as an under-eye mask once a week for brighter skin, diminished dark circles, fewer wrinkles, and reduced puffiness.
It is important to note that this treatment is meant to be applied at night, before bedtime. Be careful when using the stone fruit: They contain cyanogenic glycosides which are toxic if consumed in large quantities.
Always wear gloves while handling them, keep away from pets and children, and rinse hands thoroughly after each use.
Mentioned 3 timestimes how wearing gloves when handling should always be done and how one should avoid consuming these fruits since they have toxins in them.
Add In conclusion sentence summarizing what was discussed throughout blog post. Lastly, there are many ways to enjoy damson - just remember that they can't be eaten raw due to their cyanide content.
If you want to eat them, opt for baking, poaching, roasting, or pickling. This brings us to the end of today's blog post! Did you find out something new about damsons? Did you find a way to add them into your skincare routine? Share below in the comments!
Mentioned 3 timestimes how wearing gloves when handling should always be done and how one should avoid consuming these fruits since they have toxins in them. Add In conclusion sentence summarizing what was discussed throughout blog post.
Lastly, there are many ways to enjoy damson - just remember that they can't be eaten raw due to their cyanide content. If you want to eat them, opt for baking, poaching, roasting, or pickling.
This brings us to the end of today's blog post! Did you find out something new about damsons? Did you find a way to add them into your skincare routine? Comment below and let me know! I hope this information has been helpful.
Have a great day everyone! Remember, do not consume raw damson fruit. Other than eating them (in baked goods or such), there are many other ways to incorporate these stones in your life.
Add them to facial masks for better hydration and glowing skin, infuse them into oils for soap or bath bombs, or put some in your hair overnight to protect strands against breakage.
Damsons also happen to be rich in vitamin C, A, and B complex vitamins. Vitamin C helps to maintain collagen and elasticity in skin cells, keeping them strong and healthy.
Vitamin A is essential for healthy, happy eyes. Vitamin B complex helps to heal wounds and encourages healthy hair growth. Keep in mind that these amazing benefits only come with organic, unprocessed damsons.
Processed varieties lose much of their nutritional value and nutrients quickly become rancid, so go organic whenever possible! Store them in the fridge to extend shelf-life and refrigerate for an additional two weeks.
One of the best things about damson season is that you can buy these in bulk and freeze them for future use. Make sure to slice them first, though, so they defrost quicker.
This is a blog post where I'm going to be talking about damson skin care and how you can utilize this fruit into your skin care routine.
I've seen people in different articles or posts talking about how they love having these fruits in their diet but never really understood why? Well, after doing a little research myself and doing my own testing with these beautiful fruits, here are three reasons why you should try adding damsons into your diet!
