Subject: Ingredient Spotlight: Lus Nan Laogh ✨
Preview: A centuries-old Hebridean remedy for calm, radiant, healthy skin
At ishga, our organic, results-driven skincare is inspired by the healing power of the ocean and the land that surrounds us. In this ingredient spotlight, we explore Lus Nan Laogh, also known as bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata), a powerful botanical rooted in Hebridean tradition and celebrated for its ability to support healthy, glowing skin.
A thousand years of Hebridean heritage
Known in Gaelic as Lus Nan Laogh (Lus-Na-Loy), this remarkable plant has been used in traditional medicine across the Highlands & Islands for over a thousand years. It was commonly prepared as a healing tonic, helping to keep generations of Hebrideans healthy. The name Menyanthes comes from Greek, combining words meaning "month" and "flower," while trifoliata refers to the plant’s distinctive three-part leaves.
Where nature thrives
Lus Nan Laogh is most commonly found in peaty lochs, where it flourishes either floating freely or anchored by thick roots. The plant flowers between May and July, creating a short and precious harvesting window. This means our team must carefully calculate what is needed for the year ahead.
Traditional uses
Lus Nan Laogh has long been valued for its wide-ranging therapeutic properties. Traditionally infused into Hebridean spring water, it created a powerful tonic used to treat a variety of ailments.
Historically, it was used for:
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Supporting inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis
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Blood cleansing and detoxification
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Relieving stomach pains
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Easing arthritis symptoms
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Supporting urinary health
A results-driven skincare ingredient
Lus Nan Laogh is rich in bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. When incorporated into our seaweed skincare, this ingredient helps to:
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Calm and soothe irritated skin
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Protect against environmental stressors
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Support the skin’s natural healing process
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Promote a clearer, more radiant complexion
Experience Lus Nan Laogh with ishga
At ishga, we incorporate this natural, healing ingredient into two of our formulations:
Hydrating Hand Cream – to nourish, hydrate, and protect your skin. The cream is light and quickly-absorbed, use regularly throughout the day, and watch your hands become visibly smoother and healthier.
Hydra+ Marine Cream – to deeply hydrate and support radiant, healthy skin. Lus Nan Laogh is included for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Discover the difference of skincare inspired by the ocean, enriched by tradition, and designed to leave your skin feeling nourished, hydrated, and healthy.
