Explaining Silk: The Benefits and Properties of Nature's Hidden Secret
The History of Silk
According to Confucius - a Chinese philosopher - it was in 2640 BC that the Chinese princess Xi Ling Shi was the first to reel a cocoon of silk. After watching a silkworm spin its cocoon, it fell into her cup of tea. The long filaments started to loosen in the hot water and she succeeded in unravelling a continuous strand that was several metres long.
The Chinese were so grateful for her discovery that they named the princess a goddess and patron deity of weaving. From that historic moment, the Chinese discovered the life cycle of the silkworm and for the next 3000 years were to keep their monopoly of silk.
How is Silk Made?
Silk is made by the silkworm as it builds its cocoon. Although some animal hair can grow to considerable length, silk is the only natural fibre that is hundreds of feet long. It is extruded, or pushed out, by the worm in one continuous strand as it builds its cocoon. Once the silk threads are harvested, the long strands are woven tightly together to make the silk fabric.
Mulberry Silk
For thousands of years, mulberry leaves have been utilised in the production of silk. Silkworm larvae are fed on a diet of mulberry leaves and closely monitored as they weave silk fibres. Due to the strict care given to the environment and diet of these larvae, the threads produced are light, uniform and strong while remaining smooth to the touch.
Charmeuse Silk
Unlike Mulberry silk, Charmeuse silk refers to how the silk threads created by the silkworm larvae are woven together. Charmeuse silk is often the chosen weave for silk bedding as it provides a lustrous satin finish on the surface. These properties make it the perfect fabric choice for pillowcases and duvets as the reflective, smooth surface will face outwards while the more matte side will be hidden.
Benefits of Silk
On Your Skin
The tightly woven silk fibres help to lock in moisture, allowing your skin to remain hydrated all while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Jasmine Silk offers an array of different products, such as silk eye masks that both protect your eyes from unwanted light and keep them wrinkle-free.
For Your Hair
As a well known remedy to dry skin, silk is a great option for your hair too. Silk can give you that ‘silky smooth’ look you have always dreamed of. Gone are the days of sleeping on cotton which makes your hair static and tangled. Sleeping on silk keeps your hair soft and moisturised, reducing the appearance of frizz. Shop the range of silk pillowcases at Jasmine Silk for smooth looking hair now.
Silk Properties
Long-Lasting
Not only is silk long lasting, but it drapes beautifully and feels luxuriously soft wash after wash. Mulberry Silk duvets will last up to 20 years. Its also helps to repel dirt and dust mites.
Hypoallergenic
Silk is a natural fibre that has hypoallergenic properties, which helps deter dust mites that can often trigger allergic reactions. It also works to prevent irritation as silk helps to retain your skin’s natural moisture, whilst feeling soft.
Durable
Silk is one of the strongest natural fibres when dry, though it does tend to become weaker when wet. Thanks to this, it often lasts longer than other materials, withstanding the test of time.
Temperature Regulating
Silk helps to regulate your body's temperature as the material is breathable and airy. Silk works to allow heat to escape through its grid-like design, preventing your body from overheating.
Uses of Silk
As such a luxurious material, you should only ever look to buy silk from a trusted retailer. Jasmine Silk was founded in 1982, and is a world leader in finest quality silk. Our parent company is based in the Hangzhou region of China, on the Yangtze River delta. As well as being one of the most beautiful parts of China with stunning scenery and ancient buildings, it is also where the best silkworms are found.
Silk is ideal for a wide range of products, including:
Browse the range of silk products on Jasmine Silk and feel the difference for yourself.
With hundreds of 5* reviews and plenty of products to choose from, we ensure that you slumber in good health and comfort.