Skin is our protective layer against the barrages of the outside world, and we need to take care of it. Our skin is under fire every day, and shows the world a clear look at the state of our health. In most cases simply cleansing and moisturizing our skin is enough to combat the elements and keep it healthy. However, sometimes our inner health and seasonal changes impact our skin severely, and we need to give our skin some extra attention. A combination of internal and external care can restore and maintain healthy skin. Here are some of the key herbs for skin health, and a basic idea on how to make the most of their beneficial properties.
Burdock root (Arctium lappa) is a cleansing herb that can be used to treat many chronic skin conditions. A decoction or a tincture can be made from the root – you can combine with dandelion leaf to treat psoriasis, acne, eczema, ulcers, persistent boils, and other skin conditions.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a gentle, soothing herb that can help stimulate skin’s natural healing ability. This herb can be used in skin creams or as a macerated oil in order to relive rashes, eczema, or sore skin. An infusion made with calendula, or a diluted tincture, can be used to treat abrasions, ulcers, and shallow wounds. It can also be used as a mouthwash.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is an anti-inflammatory and soothing herb. A tea can be made and used, after cooling, to relieve skin that is inflamed or uncomfortable. Conditions this includes are sunburn, rashes, hives, and so on. Drinking the tea can help treat skin rashes, eczema, and other conditions from the inside out.
Chickweed (Stelleria media) is often considered a lawn weed, but it also has soothing properties. Applying a poultice, made from mashed chickweed added to boiling water and cooled, can relieve the irritation caused by hives, eczema, skin ulcers, and psoriasis.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale ) leaf has tremendous cleansing properties. An infusion made from dandelion leaf, red clover and burdock can be used to fight acne or sooth eczema, psoriasis, and other skin issues.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a versatile herb with antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. The pleasant scent and appearance also make it great to grow in your own garden. Lavender essential oil, or a cooled infusion, can be used to sooth eczema, rashes, thrush, sunburn, and much more.
Nettle (Urtica dioica) is an anti-inflammatory and can have an anti-allergenic action. A nettle infusion can be taken internally to reduce inflammation. Combining nettle with chamomile can provide relief from hives and other itchy rashes. A cooled infusion can be used as a hair rinse, after your normal washing and conditioning routine, treat dandruff or psoriasis on the scalp.
Oats (Avena sativa) , including those you can buy in the breakfast isle of the grocery store, are cleansing and soothing. Oats can make a gentle alternative to regulars soaps for those with the most sensitive or irritated skin. Ground oats can be added to bath water for a cleansing and soothing soak. Ground oats can also be added with a little oil or water for use as a cleanser or mask.
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a common, cleansing herb that can help promote your skin’s natural ability to heal itself. Infusions or tinctures that combine red clover with dandelion leaf and burdock root can help treat eczema, boils, psoriasis, and other chronic skin conditions.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is an herb with anti-fungal and antiseptic properties. Thyme essential oil should be diluted in a carrier oil for topical treatment of fungal infections like ringworm, athlete’s foot, and thrush. A strong infusion made with thyme can be used like a lotion to prevent infection in shallow wounds and ulcers, including gum disease.
I strongly suggest taking slow steps and diligent research when moving forward into herbal remedies. If you are growing and harvesting your own plants, make sure that you properly identify each plant prior to using. If you are buying roots or herbs for use, make sure that you are using a reputable source and that you buy something acceptable for internal use.
Make sure you know what you are treating, how your body will react to what you are using, and the exact ingredients you are using. Beautiful skin can be achieved and maintained, but an allergic reaction or misidentified plant can do more harm than just leaving things alone. If you create your own combinations or routine, or plan to experiment to find the best one for you, then I highly suggest keeping a notebook. Be sure to test for allergies as you go, and record what works best for you and how you mixed and used it. Finding your perfect lotion or tincture is wonderful, but less so if you cannot recreate it.
