Your skin is ready at the slightest touch to absorb a multitude of substances, including herbs. Just as a smear of sap from a poison ivy plant can riddle your skin with a rash, so also can various herbs enhance and boost your skin's health.
Chamomile
Chamomile possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, and can be used for treating mild cuts, abrasions and other skin conditions, including dermatitis and diaper rash, according to Dr. Cindy Jones, author of the book "Herbs for Healthy Skin." Look for chamomile in prepared skin creams or diaper rash ointments, or place several drops of its essential oil in bath water so your skin can soak it up during a leisurely soak.
Rose
The rose, which grows from an herbaceous shrub, produces an aroma that makes it a common ingredient in many perfumes and skin lotions. According to Jones, the rose plant's fruit---called rose hips---contain a hearty dose of vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps maintain your skin's connective tissue. Dab rose water or rose hip tea on your skin or look for concentrated rose hip oil at natural health stores.
Elder Flowers
The elder tree's delicate white flowers account for its ability to promote skin health. According to Kathy Keville, director of the American Herb Association and coauthor of the book "Aromatherapy," elder flowers enhance your skin's overall tone and texture, smoothing and softening dry or chafed skin when necessary. Keville states that elder flowers work best when mixed into an emollient skin cream and spread directly on your skin.
Evening Primrose
Evening primrose is rich in gamma-linolenic acid, a fatty acid that contributes to your skin's production of collagen, and may help your skin regenerate itself, according to Bill Gottlieb, author of the book "Alternative Cures." As a side benefit, the oil of the evening primrose may help with skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Look for evening primrose in the form of capsules or as a liquid oil, which is extracted from the plant's seeds.
References
- "Herbs for Healthy Skin"; Dr. Cindy Jones; 2002
- "Aromatherapy"; Kathi Keville & Mindi Greene; 2008
- "Alternative Cures"; Bill Gottlieb; 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Evening Primrose Oil
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