Your skin is the largest organ in your body. It isn’t an impermeable shield, but rather a living breathing part of you. Skin is capable of absorbing everything you put on it and come in contact with each day. In addition, the skin often manifests signs of health, or lack of it, through its appearance. If you suffer from frequent rashes or other skin problems consider your diet, make sure you are drinking enough water, exercising and not exposing yourself to environmental contaminants. Some commercial cosmetics and skin care products actually contain ingredients that are harmful to your body and your skin. Herbs are a wonderful base for skin care products because they smell good and are healing to your skin.
Chickweed for Skin Care
Chickweed is an herb that can be used in making herbal lotions, creams, oils and poultices to be used to treat skin rashes. Chickweed is commonly considered a weed and is found in lawns throughout the US. It has an amazing ability to treat itchy or weeping skin rashes.
Lavender for Skin Care
Lavender is found in perfumes and lotions for its inviting aroma. Lavender is commonly used for treating skin conditions in children, as it is very mild. Lavender is also known for treating a wide variety of skin ailments such as rashes, burns, bites, and abrasions, making it an all-purpose skin care product. Lavender infused in oil has a wonderful aroma and will find many uses in your home!
Calendula for Skin Care
Calendula is a wonderful skin softener. This herb is often prepared as a skin lotion or salve for healing dry skin.
Eucalyptus for Skin Care
Eucalyptus is an herb that can be used as a “rub” to treat colds and congestion. Similar to Vicks Vaporub, eucalyptus clears sinuses and helps you breath.
Rosemary for Skin Care
Rosemary is an herb that is often added to perfumes and bath water, due to its aroma. Like mint it has an invigorating effect. It is well known for reducing dandruff when applied to the scalp. Rosemary has a slight lightening effect on skin and hair.
Comfrey for Skin Care
Similar to calendula, comfrey is an herb that softens skin. It is often used to prepare skin lotions and salves. It is generally considered more effective than calendula, however, it is suspected to be carcinogenic, or cancer causing, in large doses. Use comfrey sparingly. Comfrey is also known to stop bleeding and promote healing of wounds.
Peppermint for Skin Care
Peppermint is recommended for normal skin types. It has a stimulating sensation when applied to the skin and is used in herbal baths, toothpastes, and skin care products to invigorate and add a minty taste or sensation.
Fennel for Skin Care
Crushed fennel seed is often used in herbal skin masks to exfoliate dead skin cells. The fennel herb is recommended for normal skin types.
Black Walnut Hulls for Skin Care
Black walnut hulls are very effective in treating skin conditions caused by fungus, such as yeast infections and athlete’s foot. Black walnut hulls have natural anti-fungal properties that rival tea tree essential oil. Black walnut hulls are also readily available in most areas of the US. One of the drawbacks of black walnut hulls for use on skin, however, is its ability to turn skin dark brown wherever it is applied. Black walnut hulls were traditionally used for staining wood and making ink also. Before applying black walnut hull treatments to the skin be advised that it will temporarily stain your skin.
Detoxing with Herbs for Overall Skin Health
Herbs that are known for detoxifying the body and contributing to overall skin health include red clover, dandelion, and nettle. If you have a prolonged skin condition that is not responding well to external treatment, consider detoxing your body with a tea made from one of these herbs.
Sources:
Miranda Smith, Your Backyard Herb Garden, Rodale Gardening, Emmaus, PA, 1997
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