Regardless of how we treat our bodies, we all wish to maintain the glow and elasticity of youth. Unfortunately, as we get older, our skin is a mirror for how we live our lives. If our bodies are toxic, it is inevitable that the signs will show on our faces. We can treat these symptoms topically or get to their root by cleansing our organs in order to rid the body of obstructions. Using herbal treatments is a time-honored way to help regulate the internal functioning of the body and hence the skin. Most herbs are easy to find, easy to use, less expensive and just as effective as many medications you may find in your local pharmacy.
Eliminating Toxins
If you want a shining, healthy complexion, the first place to focus is on the inside of your body. If you are sporting eruptions, if your skin looks dull and dry, or if your sebaceous glands are working overtime, chances are you need to do a detoxifying regime to get the organs working optimally so that they can clean away unnecessary debris. Making teas out of healthful herbs is a good way to prevent toxic buildup while eliminating elements that prevent the liver, kidneys, and skin from cleansing the body efficiently.
Herbal Skin Boosters
• Sarsaparilla is an excellent herb for ridding the body of excess toxins while purifying the bloodstream. According to Joseph Pizzorno and Michael Murray, the authors of "A Textbook of Natural Medicine," sarsaparilla is a strong herbal choice for treating a myriad of skin problems.
• Milk thistle directly affects the liver by providing a powerful cleansing action to the organ.
• Licorice and chamomile help to reduce the inflammation that goes hand in hand with many skin problems.
• Goldenseal is an excellent herb for activating digestive enzymes and fighting skin infections, as it has strong antibacterial properties inherent in its makeup.
• Kelp is full of iron and iodine, helping to fight bacteria while regulating the thyroid gland, which is often key in maintaining healthful skin.
• Alfalfa helps to boost the immune system and is loaded with iron, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, which help to keep the organs in top working order.
• Parsley is high in vitamins C, A and B, which are essential in keeping organs in shape so that they can better eliminate toxic buildup.
Keeping Inflammation Down
• Barberry soothes inflammation, making it a good choice when treating psoriasis or other skin eruptions.
• Gotu kola is widely used as an application for wounds, as it heals broken skin and boosts the immune system.
• Evening primrose oil is an excellent choice for reducing redness and itching and can be applied topically as well as taken internally.
• Calendula and comfrey also sooth the skin when applied directly to an irritated or reddened area, providing moisture and healing components that help reduce inflammation.
• Tea tree oil is a powerful antibacterial and immune system booster that penetrates the skin on a cellular level. It can be applied to the skin in pure form, or added to any neutral cream or moisturizer.
• Aloe vera is extremely effective when applied to skin that has difficulty retaining moisture, whether from temperature changes, too much heat, allergic reactions or sensitivity to the environment. It also helps to remove dead skin cells, whereby new and fresh skin can be revealed.
India's Ancient Healing Skin Herb
Neem is one of the oldest known treatments for the skin. It has been written about in ancient Indian texts as one of the most effective herbs for creating beautiful complexions. Because it blocks the growth of viruses along with its high content of vitamin E and essential fatty acids, neem is able to heal and restore elasticity to abused, tired or poorly functioning skin.
Healing Herb Teas and Facial Saunas
Chamomile, dandelion, lavender and peppermint are excellent choices for teas or facial saunas. Drink them individually or combine them to make a delicious and healthful infusion for the complexion. Add them to a pot of boiled water and let your face bask in the steam that rises. By putting a towel over your head, you will get the most benefit from the herbal steam that penetrates the pores. Do not get too close to the water so as not to burn the skin.
Member Comments