Spirulina is a natural alga (cyanobacteria) which is obtained primarily from two species of cyanobacteria, Arthrospira platensis, and Arthrospira maxima.
It grows as a form of blue, green algae in both fresh and salt water. It also grows in the wild and soil, unlike other plants.
It can be consumed as food or as a dietary supplement by humans. It is used as a food supplement in aquaculture, aquarium and poultry industries.
Spirulina has high contents of proteins and amino acids, due to the presence of proteins it is helpful in boosting immunity.it can be consumed in the form of a tablet, powder and flake form.
Health Benefits Of Spirulina
1. Treatment Of Allergies
Researchers have concluded that it cures allergic rhinitis. Consuming spirulina helps in reducing symptoms like nasal discharge, itching, everyday sneezing, and congestion.
2. Lowering Of Cholesterol Level In Blood
It boosts the absorption of vital minerals. Consuming several grams of every day reduces bad cholesterol and normalizes cholesterol ratio, which plays a great role in the reduction of weight.
3. Beneficial In Diabetics
Taking spirulina as a dietary supplement for 12 weeks reduces the fat blood levels. It also reduces inflammation. It helps in reducing blood pressure and cholesterol which is beneficial for diabetic patients.
4. Prevents Cancer
Studies have proved that spirulina can stop the cancer progression. It improves the immune system. It is rich in phycocyanin, a pigment which strengthens immunity and decreases the excess cell division. It also has properties which can protect oral cancers.
5. Improves Brain/Cognitive Function
Spirulina is rich in nutrients folate and vitamin B-12 which play an important role in brain functioning and the nervous system. This also maintains brain function.
6. Cures Depression
Spirulina is a rich source of folic acid, which provides nourishment to the brain and enables the production of energy and blood cells which is helpful to come out of depression.
7. Healthy Eyes
Spirulina tablets are effective in treating diseases related to the eye like geriatric cataracts, diabetic retinal damage (retinitis), nephritic retinal damage and hardening of retinal blood vessels called as angiosclerosis.
8. Treating Ulcers
Spirulina is good medicine for gastric and duodenal ulcers. The presence of amino acids, cysteine and a high content of high-quality proteins helpful in the treatment and also as it is rich in chlorophyll it is helpful in retaining good digestion.
9. Treatment Of Hepatitis & Cirrhosis
Research studies show that it prevents and cures fatty liver and hepatic cirrhosis. It should be taken continuously for a month to see beneficial results.
10. Promoting Sexual Vitality
The presence of proteins, vitamins, minerals and other enzymes improves the sexual vigor.
11. Dental Health
The presence of phosphorus helps to have strong teeth.
Also Read: Sabja, Sweet Basil Or Tukmaria Seeds & Its Health Benefits, Side Effects
12. Antibacterial Properties
Spirulina keeps the growth of Candida yeast under control, which is responsible for worsening symptoms of various autoimmune diseases by encouraging or leading to the growth of healthy bacteria in the stomach.
13. HIV And AIDS
It cures the after side effects of HIV and AIDS treatment and also it inactivates the virus associated with them.
14. Aids In Weight Loss
Spirulina is rich in beta-carotene, chlorophyll, fatty acid GLA and other nutrients useful for over-weight people. Taking this while fasting will supply to cleanse and heal the system.
Skin Benefits Of Spirulina
Being rich in proteins, nutrients, minerals and fatty acids. It has many skin benefits:
15. Skin Toner
Spirulina has a high content of vitamin A, vitamin B-12, vitamin E, calcium, iron, and phosphorus, all of which are vital for your skin’s health.
Taking on a regular basis works for your skin, making it look toned, youthful and vital and also treats flabby skin by eliminating metabolic waste and strengthens the body as a whole.
16. Treatment Of Dark Circles
It is effective in treating dark circles and dark eye symptoms. The detoxifying effect gives your eyes new energy and power. It also helps in removing dryness.
17. Anti-aging Effects
Spirulina consists of anti-aging nutrients tyrosine, vitamin E or tocopherol, and selenium.Tyrosine stops the aging of cells, antioxidants present in it release radicals which help in skin aging.
How To Use?
Facial mask prevents premature aging of the skin and stops acne.
Apply the spirulina powder mixed with water on your face. Leave it for 20minutes and wash off. The result will be smooth and shining skin and prevents wrinkles.
18. Detoxifies Skin
It releases free radicals and removes toxins from the skin and improves skin metabolism and also prevents Candida growth that causes acne.
19. Healthy Nails
Spirulina has about 70% protein required for the body. Regular use treats fingernail ridges and other problems.
How To Use?
Consuming it without fail for 4 weeks cures nail problems and warts(similar to blisters on the palms and foot).
Also Read: Manjakani Herb Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, Nutrients
Hair Benefits Of Spirulina
It contains amino acids, essential fatty acids,vitamin-A, beta-carotene, which are good for hair. It is helpful in hair growth and controls hair thinning and baldness.
20.Promoting Hair Growth
External use speeds up the growth of hair. It is used as an ingredient in shampoos, and it is also used as a conditioner. It also helps in re-growth.
21.Treatment Of Hair-Loss
Alopecia causes very rapid hair loss. It is not only confined to scalp but also hair loss across the body and face.It acts as alternate medicine to deter further hair loss and facilitate hair renewal.
22.Treatment Of Dandruff
It acts as an antioxidant and taking it continuously for 4 weeks makes hair, dandruff free, strong and gives hair a glossy look.
Spirulina For Beauty
It is the best anti-aging “living food.”Add one teaspoon of spirulina to raw fruit juices or fruit smoothies, take out a couple of teaspoons and apply it to face and leave it for 10-20 minutes and then rinse it off and tone & moisturize for the healthy and glowing skin.
Continue this for 4 weeks every day in the early morning after which your skin will be glowing and healthy without wrinkles.
23.Spirulina As A Cleanser
- Natural yogurt 250 g,
- Honey 5g,
- Spirulina powder 3g,
- Essential oils 0.25 ml.
Mix ingredients together, apply on moist skin twice daily and massage gently and then rinse properly with water
24.Spirulina As A Toner
- Cider vinegar 10 ml,
- Spirulina powder 2g,
- rain water 80 ml,
- Essential oils 0.25 ml.
Mix them and shake well before using and just apply as a splash on toner after cleansing.
25.Spirulina As A Moisturiser
- Apricot Oil 30 ml,
- grape seed oil 25 ml,
- vitamin E 1 drop,
- essential oils 0.25 ml,
- Spirulina powder 1g.
Mix these ingredients, shake well as the spirulina,separates from the mixture.Use 5-10 drops of massage oil onto skin twice a day after using toner.
26.Spirulina As A Mask
- Oatmeal fine 60 g,
- corn starch 40 g,
- Spirulina powder 3g,
- essential Oils 0.25 ml.
Mix them together with water properly to form a Soft paste. Apply it with a soft pastry brush and avoid contact with eyes.L eave it for 10 minutes and rinse it off following with a toner. Follow this once every week.
FRESH FRUIT FACIAL:
- Avocado 1/2,
- pure honey 1 tsp,
- Spirulina powder 3g,
- Fresh cream 1 tsp
Mix ingredients together and apply it on your face.
Relax by putting cucumbers on the eyes. Leave it for 15-20minutes and then clean it off with warm water. Then clean with cool water followed by a toner and moisturizer oil.
27.Hair Care Recipes
Spirulina is rich in protein, which is what the hair needs to be fed internally and externally to maintain healthy, shiny and sleek hair.
Protein Suds-Less Shampoo
Shampoo will cleanse and nourish the hair. Can be used for all hair types.
- Whole egg (depending on hair length) 1 or 2,
- Milk 3 tbsps, Spirulina powder 1 1/2g (1/2 tsp.),
- Lavender essential oil 3 drops.
Whisk the ingredients together until thoroughly blended. Wet your hair and use as normal shampoo. Rinse off thoroughly, adding 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar or Kombucha to the final liter of rinsing water.
Protein Hair Pack
This conditioning,hair pack is suitable for dry or for chemically treated hair.
- Whole egg 1,
- Olive oil 25 ml,
- Natural yogurt 150 ml,
- Pure honey 2g,
- Spirulina powder 2g,
- Sandalwood essential oil 10 drops.
Whisk the ingredients together until thoroughly blended. Apply it on dry hair. Cover it with a plastic shower cap. Then wrap in a warm towel and leave it for 20 minutes.
Apply shampoo directly onto the treatment, then rinse. Reapply shampoo and rinse off thoroughly, adding 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar or Kombucha to the final rinse water.
Hair Loss Pack
This hair pack is rich in vitamin E, protein, lecithin and essential fatty acids. It feeds the follicles with nutrients required for healthy hair growth.
- Avocado oil 2 tbsp,
- Wheat germ oil 1 tbsp,
- Whole egg 1,
- Spirulina powder 11/2 g,
- Rosemary essential oil 5 drops.
Mix all the ingredients together. Massage thoroughly and gently into the scalp, put on a shower cap, and wrap the head in a hot towel and leave on for 20 minutes.
Apply shampoo directly to the treatment. Then rinse with warm water. As the hair pack is highly emollient, it may need to be shampooed twice. Use Spirulina shampoo for it is gentle and stimulates growth.
Spirulina Bath will give you a nourishing, luxurious aromatic bath. It will evoke a vision of Cleopatra lolling seductively in her swan-shaped tub.
28.Nourishing Milk Bath
- Spirulina powder 1-2 tsps
- Fresh milk 1-2 cups,
- Sandalwood essential oil 5 drops
- Soothing Oatmeal Bath:
- Oatmeal fine ½ cup,
- Spirulina powder 1-2 tsps,
- Lavender essential oil 5 drops,
- Warm water 2 cups.
Moisturising Oil Bath
- Olive oil 1 tbsp,
- Sesame seed oil ½ tbsp,
- Spirulina powder 1-2 tsps,
- Geranium essential oil 5 drops.
Reviving Salt Bath
- Epsom salts ½ cup,
- sea salt ¼ cup,
- Spirulina Powder 1-2 tsps,
- Pine essential oil 5 drops
Refreshing Vinegar Bath
- Apple cider vinegar,
- 1 cup or Kombucha vinegar,
- Spirulina powder 1-2 tsps,
- Lemon essential oil 5 drops.
For all above bath treats, place all ingredients into a blender, whisk until blended. Fill the bath before adding the mixture. Swish to combine, then luxuriate for at least 15 minutes while your body is being nourished.
Aromatic Herbal Bath
- Lavender dried herbs 1 tbsp,
- Rose petals 1 tbsp,
- Geranium 1 tbsp,
- Boiling water 1 liter,
- Spirulina powder 1-2 tsp
Pour boiling water on to dried herbs, cover and allow to steep for 3 hours.Strain and cool, then add Spirulina and blend before adding to the bath water.
