Grape Seed Extract: Conditioner Extraordinaire

Stephanie of NaturallyCurly.com writes:

Have you seen grape seed extract mentioned in ingredient lists and wondered why? Turns out this ingredient is great for skin and hair!

Grape seed extract is derived from vitis vinifera, and as it sounds, it is extracted from the seed and sometimes the skin of grapes. Grapes are native to Asia near the Caspian Sea. They were brought to Europe and North America sometime in the 1600s. Grapes have been recognized for their medical value and nutritional properties since early times. Ancient Egyptian art shows Egyptians consuming grapes approximately 6,000 years ago. Ancient Greek philosophers reported the health value of grapes, especially consumed as wine. European herbalists made ointment from the sap of grapevines and used it for the treatment of skin and eye ailments. Healers used unripe grapes to treat sore throat, whereas raisins were used to ease constipation and to quench the thirst. Grapes were traditionally used to treat certain cancers, small pox, skin disorders, kidney and liver diseases, eye infections and nausea.