Have you ever struggled with relentless skin irritation or persistent rashes and wondered if there's a natural remedy that can offer immediate relief? Are you tired of commercial deodorants failing you and searching for a natural solution to keep you fresh and dry all day long? Have you ever wished for a versatile kitchen ingredient that not only thickens your sauces to perfection, but also serves as a gentle, effective skin care product? Look no further than arrowroot!

You might need Arrowroot if you...

• Have gluten intolerance or allergy
• Looking for an absorbent powder to stay dry and reduce body odor
• Want a thickening agent
• Already have irritated skin that you need to keep dry
• Have a sensitive digestive system

Benefits of Arrowroot

Absorbs Moisture and Oils: Arrowroot is highly effective at absorbing moisture and oils, making it a popular ingredient in natural deodorants and body powders, helping to keep the skin dry and reduce sweat.

Soothes Skin Irritation: It's fine texture and gentle nature allow arrowroot to soothe irritated skin, reduce inflammation, and promote healing, which is beneficial for conditions like rashes, acne, and minor skin irritations.

Suitable for Sensitive Skin: It is mild and non-irritating, making it suitable for sensitive skin and providing relief without over drying.

Common Ways to use Arrowroot

Thickening agent: It can be used in making personal care products, sauces, soups, gravies, and puddings.

Flour substitute: Arrowroot is a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour.

Tea: Although not a common use, arrowroot can be used made into a tea by using dried or powdered arrowroot to help soothe stomach upset, relieve diarrhea, and reduce inflammation. It has a mild and earthy flavor.

Tincture: While not common, it can be made into a tincture.

Growing and Foraging Information

Foraging for arrowroot is not as common as foraging for some other wild plants or roots. This is because of its limited growing areas in the wild (no frost zones). To forage in the wild would require a large grouping to keep it sustainable, and that just doesn’t occur in the wild without someone cultivating them.

Safety Concerns

Arrowroot is a regular part of many people’s diets and is considered very safe.

Drug Interaction: If you are taking any prescription medications or have any health concerns, it is important to always consult with the prescriber before adding any herbs to your diet.

Breastfeeding and Pregnancy: There are no known contraindications for breastfeeding and pregnancy.

Other Concerns: Like other starchy foods, internally consuming large amounts of arrowroot may cause digestive issues such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea in some individuals. It's best to consume starches such as arrowroot in moderation and pay attention to how your body reacts to it.

Select Studies About Arrowroot

Characterization of arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) starch as a potential starch source for the food industry

This study looked at the properties of arrowroot to see if it could be useful in food production. Arrowroot starch has small, round granules, good gel-forming ability, low protein and fat, and high levels of certain minerals. Perhaps most importantly, they noted it also has excellent swelling power and solubility (absorption) and stores well for a long time.

Formulation And Evaluation Of Face Powder By Arrowroot

Arrowroot powder is a versatile, natural ingredient valued in culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic applications, providing a smooth, silky feel without being chalky. Its ornamental plant features large leaves and small flowers, and the starch is gluten-free, grain-free, vegan, and paleo-friendly. Arrowroot has health benefits like promoting weight loss, calming diarrhea, and boosting the immune system. It's also used in cosmetics due to its fine, absorbent, and skin-nourishing properties, making it suitable for soothing skin irritations and improving skin texture.

Physical and functional properties of arrowroot starch extrudates

Arrowroot starch exhibits superior water and oil absorption properties compared to its native form, making it highly effective in absorbing moisture. This quality, along with its ability to form a soothing gel, makes arrowroot beneficial for skin applications, such as reducing irritation and inflammation. Additionally, its lower digestibility after extrusion suggests potential uses in snack foods that could offer skin benefits through dietary means.