Secret Herbs For Healthy-Looking Skin

Many women spend a fortune on skin care products. There are products on the market for every skin problem out there and most of these products are not cheap. It is easy to become inundated with choices and brand names, but it’s not so easy to make a choice on what to purchase for your particular skin type or skin ailment.
 
We all want healthy looking skin and many of us are concerned about what we are actually putting on our skin. Consider herbs or herbal products for a natural, healthy alternative to pricey treatment products. Make your own skin care products, with home grown herbs or herbs purchased from the health food store. Maintaining healthy skin will ensure proper skin performance and improve your skin’s appearance.

Chamomile

Chamomile grows as a plant and comes in many different varieties.  It is the chamomile flower that is used for medicinal purposes. Traditionally, chamomile is dried and used to brew chamomile tea or in potpourri. Chamomile is considered a safe herb to use on the skin of adults and children. Its anti-inflammatory and contains antimicrobial properties that are excellent in treating inflammatory skin ailments such as eczema, common diaper rash and psoriasis. Chamomile can also be useful in the healing of wounds, as its extracts are thought to hurry the healing process. Chamomile can be used as part of your daily skin regimen as it is soothing and gentle and can inhibit inflammation of the skin and skin infections.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm, once thought of only in the culinary world, has many medicinal uses. Lemon balm leaves are traditionally used to brew teas and drink mixtures. Lemon balm leaves are very aromatic and add wonderful flavor to many culinary dishes. Surprisingly, lemon balm works wonders medicinally as well. Washing cuts or scrapes in a bath of lemon balm tea acts as an antiseptic, while using it on bug bites or skin inflammations can be quite soothing. Additionally, lemon balm has potent anti-bacterial and anti-viral qualities that can be beneficial in the treatment of cold sores and herpes simplex virus.

Red Clover

Red clover has many medicinal uses; the flowers and flower blossoms of red clover are used for medicinal purposes. For skin conditions, red clover is used externally as an ointment or salve. Red clover is useful in treating a variety of skin ailments including: eczema, acne, psoriasis and rashes. Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid red clover because its properties may mimic that of estrogen. Likewise, women with a history of breast cancer should also avoid red clover.

Rose Water

Rose water has long been admired for its natural beauty and skin care benefits. Rose water is frequently used in the treatment of various skin ailments. Rose water is highly regarded as a superb skin toner, as it is a natural astringent. Rose water is also an excellent cleanser due to its anti-inflammatory qualities. Washing with rose water daily can decrease the appearance of clogged pores, which can lead to pimples. Rose water also has the ability to act as a disinfectant, cleansing the skin of bacteria that may lead to skin irritations or infections. Additionally, it is said that rose water, when applied hourly, may prevent sunburn.
 

Sage

Regular use of sage oil or sage itself can have a rejuvenating effect on the skin.  Rubbing sage oil on the skin can help to renew skin cells, thus preventing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, sage can be helpful in the treatment of several skin ailments including acne, eczema, psoriasis and chapped or cracked skin. Traditionally, sage oil is obtained from sage leaves and used in skin care products.  Sage oil can be applied directly to the skin to treat common skin conditions as well as cold sores. In addition, sage can be a successful insect repellent.

Lavender

Lavender plants are traditionally known for their beautiful purple flowers and fragrant smell, but when lavender oil is extracted from the lavender flower it has great skin care benefits. The anti-fungal and antibacterial qualities of lavender work wonders for the healing of cuts and scrapes and by decreasing healing time and reducing the risk of scarring.
 
Lavender oil also boosts the circulatory system and promotes the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to cells, keeping them healthy and renewed, thus becoming a catalyst of the anti-aging process and the prevention of acne. Add lavender oil to your bath to rehydrate dry skin and add a few drops to a steam of boiling water to open up pores. For acne prone skin, apply lavender oil directly to the problem areas.

Calendula

Calendula is derived from the “pot marigold” plant, which is a variety of flower close to that of a daisy, not to be confused with other marigold plants. Calendula is beneficial to the treatment of minor skin irritations including, rashes, eczema, chapped skin or lips, acne, and minimal burns. Calendula can be used as oil, as a component in lotions or creams.

Calendula oil or lotions containing calendula can be applied directly to the skin or problem area. Tinctures made from calendula may be diluted with water and used as a face wash. If you are purchasing calendula product be sure it contains at least 10% calendula extract for optimum results.

Thyme

Thyme has wonderful antiseptic qualities. If you grow thyme at home, you can mash up the thyme and apply it directly to scrapes and cuts as an antiseptic cleanser. In addition, thyme can inhibit the growth of fungus and bacteria, it is believed that thyme can defend your skin against parasites including scabies and lice. Additionally, when applied externally thyme can be beneficial in the treatment of tumors, dental decay, and thrush.

Fennel

Fennel has long been utilized in the kitchen, and it is not only healthy to eat but it can be an effective skin treatment as well. Fennel is loaded with vitamins that are essential in maintaining healthy skin. Fennel contains Vitamin C, which the body utilizes in producing collagen. Collagen is responsible for the appearance of smooth, firm skin. Additionally, drinking fennel tea on a regular basis can be an effective treatment for acne and the antioxidants in fennel can fight dangerous free radicals that can damage skin cells.
 
Eating fennel provides the body with many vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to a healthy skin appearance. In addition, fennel oil can be added to avocado oil and massaged into the skin to fight the effects of aging. You can make your own fennel skin toner by boiling fennel seeds, letting them cool and adding a bit of fennel oil. Apply the mixture to the face and neck area with a cotton ball daily.

Utilizing natural herbs is a wonderful way to maintain beautiful, healthy-looking skin. Generally, herbs are a safe treatment, as they do not have many side effects. When considering the purchase of costly skin care products, it may be better to go out to the garden or local health food store. You can make your own skin care products using nature’s herbs in your kitchen. Herbal skin treatments are a safe, healthy and effective way to ensure clean, gorgeous skin.