Herbs and flower preparations have been used for centuries for both men’s and women’s facial care, to help treat skin problems, improve skin quality and enhance the skin’s appearance.
Specific herbs and their uses have developed regionally over time based on locally available plants. You will often find that different cultures use herbs for skin care in many different ways. Although scientific evidence and study have been limited, many cultures have well documented anecdotal results.
Herbal skin care is extremely personal. You are unique and so is your facial skin. Depending on your genetics, age, climate and environmental conditions, the best herbs to use for skin care will vary greatly.
The following chart gives an overview of some of the great facial herbs available — a starting point to help you choose the best for your skin.
7 Herbs That Can Save Your Skin
Many people spend a lot of time looking for the miracle cure that will help their skin look great and keep them looking younger. While there are a variety of beauty products on the market today, the most effective skin care products may be found in numerous herbs found naturally. These herbs can reduce the risk of blemishes, diminish wrinkles, re-hydrate the skin, provide a glowing effect on the skin, and so much more. Best of all, these herbs are all-natural, which greatly reduces the risk of side effects.
Below is a look at the top seven herbs that can save your skin and help you keep your youthful appearance.
1. Chamomile
Chamomile is one of the most beneficial herbs for skin care. It includes a powerful chemical, called alpha-biologist, which can improve the healing process. This allows skin irritations, such as acne, burns, and scratches, to heal faster. Chamomile is most effective when made into a tea and either ingested or used as a standard face wash.
2. Green Tea
Protecting your skin from the dangerous rays of the sun can prevent future skin damage and even skin cancer. When used as an ointment, green tea is a very effective natural sunscreen. It should be applied at least 30 minutes prior to going out in the sun. Green tea also has high levels of catechins, which work as an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant. It can even prevent aging skin, by thickening the epidermis.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has been referred to as the “plant of immorality” by the ancient Egyptians and it has been used for centuries to treat blemishes on the skin, including cuts, scratches, acne, and wrinkles. As an anti-inflammatory, Aloe Vera helps to speed up the healing process and even rehydrates the skin while using. Leaves from the aloe Vera plant can be split opened and applied directly to the skin, but this herb is also sold as ointments, gels, powders, and juices.
4. Cinnamon
If you want glowing skin, then a just a half of a teaspoon of cinnamon added to your coffee or tea every morning may just do the trick. Cinnamon is packed full of antioxidants, which help to neutralize free radicals in the cells. These unruly radicals can cause skin damage and even premature aging of the skin. Keeping these radicals under controls keeps the skin looking and feeling healthy.
5. Red Clover
Red clover has been used extensively to help promote healthy skin. It is very beneficial at soothing red and itchy patches of skin, as well as, eczema. Red clover ointments can be applied directly to the skin for faster results. This herb can also be taken with tea. When ingested, the herb has the ability to remove toxins from the blood, which can prevent future outbreaks.
6. Witch Hazel
If you are looking for an herb to help battle unwanted pimples on your skin, witch hazel may be your best options. This powerful herb includes natural anti-inflammatory properties that help to fight blemish quickly. Unlike some other anti-inflammatory herbs, witch hazel is able to fight acne without drying out the skin. It also helps to tighten the skin tissues, which can reduce the look of dark circles under the eye.
7. Turmeric
This beneficial herb has been used throughout India for thousands of years and has been known to help create beautiful skin. It works as both an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant. This powerful combination helps to keep the skin clear and prevents blemishes. Its high levels of curcumin is believed to help fight against melanoma.
Many of these herbs are already used in a large number of beauty products on the market. However, each herb, individually, does a fine job on its own at saving your skin. These herbs can be grown naturally, or you can purchase supplements and ointments over-the-counter. While each person will react to these herbs differently, you will start to notice an improvement in the look of your skin over just a short time. When applying an ointment to the skin, it is always a suggested to test the products on a small patch of skin first, to check for allergies.
These 7 Herbs and Spices Can Save Your Skin
Solve Your Skin Problems With Food
Spices may play an essential role in your favorite recipes (or maybe they just make you think of a certain favorite girl group), but these natural wonders can also be secret ingredients in your skin care regimen. Many spices contain high levels of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and nutrients your skin and hair need to look healthy.
Read on to learn how herbs and spices can fight wrinkles, soothe redness, and keep your skin glowing.
Chamomile to Calm Beard Burn
Few of us can resist a man with sexy five o’clock shadow, but a steamy make-out session can leave you with beard burn — patches of redness, flaking, itching, and general irritation around the mouth, chin, and cheeks that resemble sunburn. Fortunately, nature’s most soothing herbal leaf can heal distressed skin quickly. “Chamomile is a natural anti-inflammatory, with the power to reduce redness, itchiness, and swelling, and it’s a great alternative to cortisone,” says Jessica Wu, MD, a clinical associate professor of dermatology at the University of Southern California medical school.
To treat beard burn, steep a chamomile tea bag in boiling water for two to three minutes to release the anti-inflammatory enzymes, then place the tea bag in a small container in your fridge. Once the tea bag is cold, apply it directly to red, irritated patches on your face for instant relief.
Cinnamon for a Glowing Complexion
Cinnamon adds a kick to cookies and hot drinks, but it’s also packed with antioxidants — substances that fight skin damage. “Cinnamon has more antioxidant value than half a cup of blueberries,” says nutritionist Keri Glass-man, the author of The O2 Diet. For an easy antioxidant boost, sprinkle half a teaspoon of cinnamon on your coffee grounds before brewing.
To ensure you’re using the most potent spices, says Glass-man, discard bottles that are more than two years old; also, store spices in a dark cupboard, because heat from the stove and sunlight will decrease their potency.
Garlic for Healthy Hair
While garlic may be killer for your breath, it’s a lifesaver for thin hair. Your hair follicle needs nutrients to produce thick, healthy hair. When you aren’t eating the right ones, your hair pays the price. Foods that are high in cysteine, an amino acid found in garlic, can help reinvigorate your follicles, says Dr. Wu. “Cysteine molecules are linked together in a strong sequence of disulfide bonds,” she explains, “which gives your hair its strength.”
Green Tea for Sun Protection
Here’s one more reason to go green: Green tea has a high concentration of catechist, which have strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging effects on skin. Says Wu, “Topical green tea can also help thicken the epidermis, speed the healing of wounds, and inhibit an enzyme in your skin that causes uneven pigmentation, which means fewer sun spots.”
Studies have shown that using a lotion or serum containing green tea 30 minutes before going out in the sun can reduce DNA damage and the risk of sunburn. “If you’re going to be outside for several hours and won’t be able to reapply sunscreen as diligently as you’d like,” says Wu, “then applying green tea on top of your sunscreen before you go out is a great idea.”
Hot Peppers to Fight Wrinkles
Hot peppers like chili, paprika, cayenne, and jalapeño do more than put your taste buds on alert — they also defend your skin. “Vitamins A and C in peppers help combat free radicals, preventing the breakdown of collagen to maintain the integrity of our skin,” says Marti Wolf-son, the culinary director at Blum Center for Health in Rye Brook, N.Y. The colorful peppers also contain capsaicin, which acts like a sunscreen to shield skin from damage caused by UV rays.
You have to ingest peppers to enjoy their regenerative powers, though, as the capsaicin that works wonders for skin internally will burn if applied topically. Says Wolf son, “Hot peppers are so easy to add to any dish: Try jalapeño or cayenne in guacamole, and chili peppers in curry sauce. You can also make a rub for fish or chicken with paprika.”
Red Clover to Ease Eczema
Medicinal herbalists have long used red clover to help soothe the red, scaly, and maddeningly itchy patches of skin that plague eczema sufferers. “Herbs like red clover help eliminate toxins in the bloodstream that appear to trigger inflammation,” says Liz Earle, a holistic skin expert who herself suffers from eczema.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center’s health reference library, red clover can be ingested as a tea or applied topically. If you’re going to drink the tea, steep one to two teaspoons of dried flowers in hot water for half an hour, and sip two to three cups daily to reap the benefits. If you want to take red clover as a supplement, 40 to 160 mg per day is recommended. Ointments are also available that contain 10 to 15 percent red clover flower.
Turmeric to Reduce Inflammation
Turmeric has been used in India for thousands of years; the herb has powerful anti-inflammatory benefits because of its high concentration of the antioxidant curcumin. Research has shown that curcumin may also help fight melanoma when the affected skin is treated topically with turmeric. “Cur cumin inhibits iatrogenesis, which is the growth of blood vessels,” explains Susan Blum, MD, an integrative medical practitioner at Blum Center for Health. “A lot of cancer research is focused on ‘starving’ the cancer cells, and curcumin appears to be a potent inhibitor of tumor activity in animal studies.”
Add turmeric to deviled eggs, pasta, and potato salads, as well as hearty savory soups, chili, and brown rice. Mixed with ginger, it also makes a tasty tea.
kin diseases are numerous and a frequently occurring health problem affecting all ages from the neonates to the elderly and cause harm in number of ways. Maintaining healthy skin is important for a healthy body. Many people may develop skin diseases that affect the skin, including cancer, herpes and cellulitis. Some wild plants and their parts are frequently used to treat these diseases. The use of plants is as old as the mankind. Natural treatment is cheap and claimed to be safe. It is also suitable raw material for production of new synthetic agents. A review of some plants for the treatment of skin diseases is provided that summarizes the recent technical advancements that have taken place in this area during the past 17 years.
Super-food for skin, 11 best herbs for skin care
Would like to learn more about herbs in cosmetics. What herbs do you prefer for your skin and hair? If you want to pamper your skin with super-food, read about the 11 best herbs for skin care.
For thousands of years, natural herbs have been healing humans, but they have also treated our beauty. The same herbs ancient Egyptians used for beauty care, do still exist. Because we make our own cosmetics by our self, we can always choose the best herbs for our skin.
Many herbs have real magic power in skin care. Some are gentle and soothing plants that soothe the skin. Read more how herbs can help your skin and choose the right plants for your skin.
Next, you can learn what plants are in the nature’s own cosmetic power pack, the 11 best herbs for skin care.
All of these herbs can also be used internally. It is worth of investigating more about the internal use of herbs.
11 best herbs for skin care
The order is coincidental. All the herbs I am presenting are unique. You can also use some of them together in the same product. According to my experience, 1-3 of them is maximum you can use in same product. Plants do contain complex compounds which may irritate the skin when used as big quantities. Use herbs only reasonably in order to save your skin.
I have added some products to the description of the herb that contain the herb in question. You can feel comfortable to click the links, I am not getting any single penny out of your click. And I do not get anything else either from the businesses in question. These links are just to give you ideas about the products available. In case you do not want to create your own cosmetics you can try these products.
Nettle
Nettle is a very mineral herb. It rises early in the spring and boosts both the dining table and the skin after a long winter. Of course, the stinging nettle should not be used fresh on the skin. Make a braised herbal tea-like infusion.
Because the nettle is a mineral-rich herb, it is especially suitable for hair. Silicon in the nettle treats your hair and supports their growth. If your hair is dark, nettle rinse is absolutely essential for your hair. You can replace vinegar rinsing with nettle rinse. Look here to get the how-to do infusion. It is naturally acidic.
Nettle is also suitable for internal use.
Natural Cosmetics containing nettle
Mádara has introduced a complete set of cosmetics containing nettle.
Benefices shampoo has nettle and Melissa
I think the nettle is at its best in hair care products.
Calendula (Marigold)
The calendula is a very mild herb. If your skin is irritated or otherwise sensitive, try to add a calendula to cosmetics. The scent of calendula is refined and aromatic but not strong. Therefore, it is advisable to use calendula in products in which you want natural, not perfume scent.
Only use flowers of calendula for skin care. Leaves and stem have no value in cosmetics. Flowers should be dried for the winter. Dried calendula petals remain at least two years in usable condition. If the color fades, just use a little more petal as they get milder when fading.
The calendula purifies the skin effectively. That’s why it’s the best ingredient for skin cleansing products. For example, calendula is suitable for gentle cleansing lotions and cleansing emulsions. Also use calendula for children’s products. You can also extract a little calendula for cleaning oil. Calendula can also be used in food preparation. It gives a nice colour to rice dishes, for example.
Natural Cosmetic Products Including calendula
Frantsila Bracelet Cream, a multipurpose cream that is suitable for babies You can use it to treat small skin problems. Soothes itchy skin.
Weledan Calendulavoide, an old friend, which I have used a lot. In addition to the calendula, the product also contains skin-protective beeswax. That’s why it’s a good cream for winter use. Weleda products are top quality.
Chamomile
Chamomile belongs to aster plants. It is natural in Finland but quite rare. Therefore, it is advisable to obtain chamomile for cosmetic purposes from sellers of dried herbs. You can of course also cultivate chamomile in your yard. Chamomile has so-called. the weeds of the spades so it grows and blooms in a really sunny place. Use chamomile flowers in cosmetics. Chamomile stalks and leaves cannot be used to make creams and lotions. Chamomile has been used in cosmetics as a fragrance before the spread of perfumes. The luxurious, sophisticated scent is best found in essential oil of chamomile. The essential oil of German chamomile is deep blue in color. It can also color the product in addition to the scent. The main ether compound of German chamomile is terpene called diabolical. Chamomile has antimicrobial. It is therefore recommended for irritated skin. Chamomile has also been found to contain anticonvulsant and soothing compounds. In cosmetics, chamomile can be used as a herb stew, i.e. by brewing chamomile tea with hot water. You can use herbal teas for facial water, hair rinsing (light hair) and as a foundation for creams. You can also extract dried chamomile in glycerol or oil. One very useful way is to grind dry chamomile into dust. You can add such flower dust to, for example, powders and talc. How do You Make Chamomile Strawberries? Visit the recipes page for instructions on braising herbs. Use the chamomile internally as a tea. It calms and gives a restful sleep.
Natural cosmetic products containing chamomile
Argital Chamomile Cream is an Italian natural cosmetic. Cream soothes and refreshes the skin. At least Conjuration sells it. The product is of DEMETER quality.
Franglais natural toothpaste contains chamomile
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has already dealt quite extensively with this blog. I think it’s an absolute herb for beauty care. I prefer aloe Vera gel for hair washing and as a substitute for a conditioner. Aloe Vera Gel is an antimicrobial and caring product. It suits well to form creams and lotions. Aloe Vera is quite gentle on the skin. However, some are very allergic to it, so it is advisable to test the gel before use. An allergic or hypersensitivity reaction may not occur until a few days have passed. That’s why you should test your aloe Vera gel for longer on the skin in an unobtrusive place.
Aloe Vera is also used internally as a juice. Aloe Vera juice, for example, helps with bowel problems. However, before taking the juice, make sure you are not allergic to aloe.
Natural cosmetic products containing Aloe Vera
Eubiona Aloe Vera Night Cream. Eubiona product line is Eco-certified natural cosmetics. The products are made of high-quality raw materials. For example, this night cream has 70% aloe Vera.
Gotu Kola,
I chose the gotu kola for the cosmetics superstars because of its unique properties. Gotu Kola supports the connective tissue of the skin. That’s why it’s absolutely necessary for aging skin. It has been found to be a superior anti-aging herb. Gotu kola can also be used to stimulate the blood circulation of the skin. Gotu kola has skin healing properties. So, you can use gotu kola if your skin is irritated and needs special attention. For example, it is advisable to try gotu kola products to treat acne scars.
In Korean skin care kits, gotu kola is called cica. It is highly appreciated in Korea because of its incredible features.
Gotu kola should not be used regularly on the skin. Already in a week, the treatment makes wonders for the facial skin.
How can you use gotu kola in cosmetics?
Gotu kola is very suitable as an active ingredient of facial masks. Since gotu kola is only suitable for limited period of time, it is advisable to limit the use of face masks a few times a week.
You can also add gotu kola extract to the moisturizer and use it as a night cream for about a week. However, first check the suitability of the gotu kola for your skin. It is a very mild herb that is used as a salad and or braised in Asian cuisine. You may still be allergic to gotu kola.
Gotu kola is used in Asian kitchen as raw material for fresh salad as well as in other foods. The taste is bitter and resembles dandelion leaves. We use gotu kola as a herb in the form of extracts. You can grind the pill in the mortar and mix it with the cream. If you do not want to apply a solid substance to the cream, you can use the extract.
Natural cosmetics containing Gotu kola
Anton Lifting Serum This serum contains a lot of naturally occurring ingredients, as well as gotu sprouts or gotu kola.
Liquor-ice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
liquor-ice is a herb that stimulates the skin and stimulates blood circulation. Always use liquor-ice only limited period of time as it is a fairly potent herb. Liquor-ice soothes reddening skin. It also curbs inflammation. That’s why I recommend trying natural liquor-ice powder for acne.
liquor-ice smooths the skin’s pigment and makes your skin’s color even. In Asia, liquor-ice is also used to lighten the skin.
liquor-ice is suitable for internal use. It raises blood pressure, so ask your doctor’s advice on the internal use of liquor-ice. liquor-ice is also not suitable for all drugs.
Natural cosmetics containing liquor ice
HURRAH! liquor-ice Lip balm is 100% natural cosmetics. In this lip balm, the task of liquor ice is to season and sweeten the product with a natural flavour. HURRAH! is from USA.
Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)
Green tea is a very powerful antioxidant. All antioxidants fight against the causes of skin aging. Green tea is also bitter and has tanning. Tannin’s contract pores. Prepare the green tea for a brightening peel on your face. Find recipe here.
Green tea is so versatile. You can create incredible many products using green tea. Use tea leaves by brewing tea or grinding them finely. You can also use Japanese ground green tea, matcha.
How would you feel a foot bath in a green tea or a relaxing, pore-reducing facial spray of green tea and chamomile hydro late or chamomile flower water? You can use minced green tea to peel and masks. It is an unbeatable raw material for hair care. Green tea prevents hair loss and, as an acidic substance, also substitutes for acid rinsing with vinegar.
I always wonder why to use bad smelling vinegar as a hair rinse, when there are so many acidic and good smelling alternatives.
Green tea is also a very good, stimulating and healthy drink.
Bio: Veganism 24-hour Skin-food cream contains genuine green tea and licorice.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a ginger-like plant from Southeast Asia. In addition to its superior health effects, turmeric is a very good raw material for cosmetics.
Turmeric is at its best as a mask. You could not treat your skin better than covering it for 20 minutes with a turmeric-yogurt-honey mask. Although turmeric is intense in co lour, it brightens the skin and soothes acne and other skin irritations. If you do not get all the co-lour of turmeric away from your skin, make an oil purifier. The color of turmeric is oil-soluble and will not remain on the skin if oil is used for cleaning. I very often make turmeric mask on my face.
Turmeric is better known as a spice. It is one of the main ingredients of the Indian curry spice mix and at the same time a very effective antioxidant for the whole body.
Unfortunately, I could not find any natural cosmetic turmeric products that are for sale in Finland. So, it’s a good idea to make a turmeric mask yourself. I will make a separate blog post about turmeric and I will add some recipes as well.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalus)
Rosemary is an aromatic lipstick plant with a wonderful fragrance. The fragrance of rosemary is said to eliminate stress and increase concentration. The effect of rosemary is based on its essential oils. Rosemary is commonly used in skin care when extracted with oil. The essential oil of rosemary can also be used when mixed with a suitable neutral carrier oil. Carrier oil is a neutral, skin-friendly base oil such as sunflower oil or safflower oil.
The use of rosemary-based creams makes the skin elastic. Rosemary effectively improves skin surface blood circulation. Rosemary helps dry skin to retain its moisture. That’s why it’s also a good addition to dry winter skin creams. If your skin is prone to milium, rosemary can bring relief. As an antimicrobial herb, rosemary is also suitable for acne.
Rosemary is most commonly used to treat scalp and hair. It is antimicrobial and thus prevents the spread of bacterial and fungal infections on the scalp. Rosemary oil can also be mixed slightly with tea tree or basil essential oil to enhance the effect. A little bit more power for rosemary oil treatment can be achieved by heating oil carefully.
The braised infusion made by rosemary stimulates hair follicles. Rosemary also prevents hair loss.
A strong extract of rosemary is often used as a preservative for natural cosmetics along with grapefruit extract. Rosemary extract has almost as good preservative properties as grapefruit extract.
Due to its strong and fine aroma, rosemary is one of the most popular herbal flavoring with countless applications.
Natural cosmetics containing rosemary
Bioemsan Rosemary Shampoo is a product worth of trying. It is rich in extracts of various herbs and of course rosemary.
Greater burdock (Arkticum Lappa)
Greater Burdock in the picture is photographed in the spring, so it’s not very big yet. During the summer, the handsome Greater bur docks will even grow up to 2 meters high.
Greater burdock is a friend of dry skin. If your skin needs moisture, it is advisable to prefer cosmetics made from Greater burdock’s leaves. It is not easy to find them from shops. That’s why it is better to make your own greater burdock creams. You can also use the roots of the plant, but you must be sure you are digging on your own land.
There are very few dry skin plants. That’s why I chose the Greater Burdock on this list. Prepare infusions, oil extracts, or glycerides. The Greater burdock can also be fermented. Fermented natural plants are really valuable for the skin.
The Greater burdock contains particularly moisturizing, slimy ingredients. These ingredients deeply moisturize the skin naturally and gently. Greater burdock also contains a lot of flavonoids, important minerals as well as vitamins for skin needs.
Greater burdock is a gentle herb that does not irritate sensitive skin. It does not contain high levels of acids or other skin irritants. Sure, somebody can be allergic to a GB. All new herbs should always be carefully tested on your own skin before you actually start to use them in skin care.
You can also use GB for hair care. It gives dry hair moisture without greasing the hair. Ecotourists greatly appreciate the GB:s in their products. You can read more here.
The Greater burdock is a fully eatable plant. If you happen to find a GB from your own yard, you can dig up its roots. The roots are used as food, such as mustard
Natural cosmetics with greater burdock
Here Finnish handmade herbal cosmetics. Spruce sponge cream also contains GB extract. This ointment dates back to the old times and the Finnish folk tradition.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
In Finland there is no tradition to use basil in cosmetics. It is perceived in Italian cuisine as a tomato friend. However, basil is one of the superheroes of skin care, the king of herbs. The Basilica name comes from the Greek word “Basilius” which means the king. There are many different varieties of basil, but here we are talking about spice basil.
Basil is always best as fresh. When dried, basil loses a lot of power.
Use fresh basil extracted with oil. Most of the active ingredients in the basil are dissolved in oil. You can prepare emulsifying ointment or skin cream based on Basil oil. You can also use basil oil as it is on your skin.
Basil increases the metabolism of skin cells. It is useful in the treatment of aging skin and in case of skin problems. Basil has the ability to reduce skin stress. The skin looks younger and more relaxed after the basil mask.
You can also use basil for dirty skin. Basil prevents the action of harmful bacteria and microorganisms on the skin. It cares for acne and makes the skin to clean itself more effective. With the Basilica you can prevent blackheads on your skin.
Basil brightens the skin and makes the skin glow. It has a lot of flavonoids that have an antioxidant effect.
Natural cosmetics with basil
Flora me Basil Oil is a certified natural cosmetic. Flora-me is a French company producing high quality essential oils at Provence. This oil should always be added to a clean base oil such as sunflower oil or rice bran oil. You can add a few drops Flora-me Basil Oil, for example, to cleansing oil.
Here’s a good selection of herbs that you should definitely try out in cosmetics or finished products. There is a huge number of herbs suitable for cosmetics.