We are a family of Floridians, my father loved the Everglades. My dad always wanted to take us to the woods or the glades. The Everglades is where he found peace, sometimes we would just go to the woods, grass, or swamp and just sit and watch in silence. We might have been in a boat, airboat or buggy but nature did not care, and always gave us a show. In general we love nature and being in the woods. We always want to know about the plants, fish, birds, reptiles and animals that surround us.

I always knew how to identify the Red Mangrove tree but there were other trees like the Black Mangrove and the White Mangrove and Buttonwood. The mangrove forests are dense and the trees very similar so I wanted to know exactly what I was looking at.

A simple search to identify the trees of the Mangrove Forest in Everglades National Park, turned into a deeper rabbit hole. The deeper I got the more amazing information I found about the red mangrove specifically(Rhizophora Mangle).

I found scientific studies on the red mangrove tannins possess antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Red Mangrove extract helps combat free radicals that contribute to skin aging, supports skin repair and improves hydration. Red Mangrove extract is a focus of ongoing research exploring anti-cancer properties in laboratory studies. Compounds from mangrove may serve as natural pesticide or fungicides in agriculture. There is much more information about the benefits too much to list here. It is my belief that many remedies and cures for humans will come from the plants and natural substances of the earth.  The Red Mangrove is a protected species as it should be, and our mission is to preserve and to protect the mangrove forest. 

Mangrove Monkey All Natural Soap base is a glycerin base and it's great for the skin. Mangrove Neem Spritz is a spray that uses the power of Neem oil along with the Red Mangrove extract that repels naturally. I believe that many of the plants that we walk by or drive past, contain many natural beneficial compounds.

Red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) has been studied for its potential benefits in skin care and as a mosquito repellent and much more.

Skin Care Benefits:

• Antioxidant Properties: Dr. Oscar Hevia, a cosmetic dermatologist, conducted research indicating that red mangrove extract exhibits potent antioxidant activity, surpassing that of vitamin C. This suggests its potential in protecting the skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage.
• Traditional Uses: The bark and leaves of red mangrove, rich in tannins and other compounds, have been utilized in traditional remedies for ailments such as dysentery and skin ulcers, highlighting its historical application in skin health.

Mosquito Repellent Properties:

Larvicidal and Repellent Activity: A study published in the journal Parasitology Research investigated the acetone extract of Rhizophora mucronata (a species of red mangrove) leaves. The findings demonstrated significant larvicidal activity against mosquito larvae and notable repellent effects against adult mosquitoes, suggesting its potential as an eco-friendly mosquito control agent.