Herbal Skin Healers

Herbs have been used in beauty treatments and for healing skin disorders for thousands of years and are regaining popularity amongst those who are looking to use more natural products and remedies on their body. There are many herbs that have been scientifically studied to be useful in the treatment of skin health and vitality. Here are my top 7 herbs for all things skin.

Calendula

Gloriously golden calendula (Calendula officinalis) is beautifully soothing for sensitive, dry and irritated skin. It contains volatile oils, natural resins, saponins and antioxidant flavonoids that help to fight inflammation. It is also has mild antiseptic properties helping to prevent infection. It is a great choice for cuts and dermatitis and the gorgeous golden flowers can be made into ointments, salves, tinctures or infusions for poultices.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is found in many beauty products because of its many beneficial effects on the skin. It keeps the skin plump, hydrated and moisturised, has antimicrobial properties beneficial to acne treatments, anti-inflammatory properties for skin soothing effects on burns, rashes and wounds. Aloe vera is a common easy to grow plant and the gel is obtained by simply cutting open the leaves and scooping it out. The fresh gel can by applied directly to dry skin or sun burn. Aloe vera juice can be used in making cleansers, moisturisers and toners.

Tea Tree

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is great for skin first aid. It has antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial properties and can be used in the treatment of cuts, scrapes, bruises and fungal infections. Tea tree oil can be purchased from most health food stores and used in making salves and ointments.

Rosehips

Many parts of the beautiful rose (Rosa damascene) are used in skin care. The uplifting scent of the essential oil gathered from the petals is used in a lot of beauty products. The rose hips that are harvested in Autumn are also beneficial in skin care being high in vitamin C. Rosehip seeds and seed oil also contain anti-inflammatory omega-3 and omega-6 which help in regenerating the skins cellular membrane and provides vitamin A in the form of trans-retinoic acid. It is great for broken capillaries, redness, scars, stretch marks and sun damage.

Chamomile

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, astringent actions. It has been used for repair and soothing of irritated skin, rashes, burns and bruises. An infusion of chamomile can be used as a pore cleansing treatment, applied to the face with cotton wool. The essential oil can be used in making creams or ointments and can be soothing to allergies and sensitive skin. Squeezed out chamomile tea bags are great to put over tired, puffy eyes. Chamomile is a known allergen so avoid use if you have allergies to Compositae plants.

Cleavers

Cleavers (Galium aparine) is a spring time weed with long, sticky stems. My kids love these plants picking them and sticking them to their T-shirts, pretending to be trees. They are also used a cleansing tonic, being potent cleansers of both the lymph and blood and are beneficial in skin care, aiding the body to remove toxins. The sticky stems can be juiced, cooked in soups, or used as an infusion to make the most of the detoxifying properties.

Lemon balm

The divine smelling lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) conditions and soothes skin especially when stress is a contributing factor. It is helpful in reducing irritation and redness from insect bites. The essential oil is high in antioxidants which can help with free radical damage and premature skin aging. The oil also has antiviral and antiseptic properties making it useful in the treatment of acne. An uplifting tea can be made from fresh or dried leaves and aids in combating stress which for some can lead to breakouts.

If you would like to know more about natural skin care and formulating your own skin care products get in contact with us at Vital Living Natural Health and Nutrition.