. >> reporter: before bedau joined his patrol, they had already been monitoring the edelweiss from 1935. the division has kept an eye on the flowers every day since then during the blossoming months of july and august. years of conservation activities led to a recovery of edelweiss numbers in the alps. about ten years ago, researchers began studying artificial cultivation. but growing the flowers was difficult outside the natural mountain conditions. researchers finally found a way. >> translator: i can now grow the ideal edelweiss through artificial cultivation. >> reporter: many products use the flower as an ingredient, now that it can be mass-produced. this cosmetic product uses edelweiss extract. some studies have found that the flower has whitening and anti-aging properties. 35,000 of the cosmetic products have been produced since it went on sale last year. >> translator: i didn't know there were cosmetics made from edelweiss but it seems like a good idea and worth trying. >> reporter: edelweiss is starting to draw attention for its medicinal properties too. researchers say the flo