What is the herb of longevity? All about the trendy Korean skincare staple

Moisturizing, and healing, and anti-aging, oh my!Known as “the miracle elixir of life,” one plant’s therapeutic effects have been used in both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.Now, the lily pad-esque botanical is a key ingredient of Korean skincare regimens, promising a bevy of benefits.Nicknamed tiger grass — because tigers have been known to roll around in it to heal wounds — centella asiatica is a medicinal herb that grows in regions of Asia and Africa.It’s even been dubbed the “herb of longevity” for its ability to speed up the healing of wounds and its use for a variety of medical conditions.You don’t have to go into the jungle to reap all the benefits of centella, though, as it’s a beloved star ingredient in Korean skincare routines, thanks to its gentle and soothing qualities.“Centella contains a number of compounds that are considered to be bioactive, many of which have demonstrated both anti-inflammatory and repair properties on the skin,” Dr.Amy Bandy, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, told The Post.In addition to the four active compounds (madecassoside, asiaticoside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid) centella also contains a plethora of skin-boosting ingredients, including fatty acids and antioxidants.And it goes beyond the surface to heal skin, according to Dr.

Olga Bachilo, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa in Houston.“It stimulates fibroblasts, the cells which produce collagen in your skin,” Bachilo said.“Therefore, when you use a product containing centella, your skin is telling it to heal at the cellular level.”Centella’s most significant benefits appear to be its rapid repair and reduction of inflammation.This makes the product especially helpful in “visibly diminishing redness associated with acne, irritation caused by cosmetic procedures and irritation resulting from using harsh actives such as retinoids, sa...