Herbal treatments for healthy skin have been around for centuries and have been finding their way into commercial skin care products for the last decade or so. Herbalists have a multitude of different herbs to promote good skin, but few scientific studies have been conducted on most of them. While anecdotal evidence has shown the efficacy of some herbs, you should take care when trying any herbal treatment. Always consult your health care provider before taking any herbal medicine.
Aloe Vera
Many skin care products contain this plant, which contains a gel that tones skin while fighting inflammation. Aloe also has antibiotic and antifungal properties that make it ideal for use on open skin conditions like minor burns, eczema, or hives. Aloe may cause allergic reactions among some people, writes Andrew Chevallier in "Herbal Remedies." If conditions do not improve over time, consult your health-care provider.
Burdock Root
Frequently found in sushi and Indian cuisine, burdock root is an anti-inflammatory that is used as an herbal acne remedy. It has antiseptic properties that also help fight the bacteria that cause pimples and blemishes, and is a diuretic that helps to rid pores of oil and dirt. Although burdock is a food staple for millions, there has not been much scientific research on it, Chevallier reports.
Calendula
Calendula, more commonly known as marigold, has antiseptic and antifungal properties. Chevallier also reports that calendula is sometimes used to treat varicose veins and hemorrhoids, and is particularly useful for bug bites. The only known danger is allergic reaction.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a staple of herbal teas and can be used internally and externally on skin blemishes such as pimples. It is also an anti-inflammatory, which helps reduce the redness and swelling of acne, and also reportedly has anti-allergenic properties that make it a useful treatment for hives or minor skin irritants such as poison ivy. Chamomile is a relative of ragweed, so allergy sufferers may want to avoid it. It is best to use pure chamomile from the herbal aisle rather than the commercial teas to ensure freshness and purity.
Echinacea
Commonly thought of as a treatment to ward off the common cold, echinacea has been used by herbalists to treat skin ailments such as acne, boils, fungal infections and herpes sores. It is considered an antibacterial and antiviral herb, and is thought to enhance the immune system. Normally taken in tablet form, echinacea should not be taken by people using prescription medicines without approval from their health-care providers. People allergic to ragweed and other members of the aster family may be allergic to echinacea, warn Dr. Linda White and Steven Foster in "The Herbal Drug Store."
Witch Hazel
An anti-inflammatory that is the active ingredient in most hemorrhoid creams, witch hazel has been used as a skin treatment for centuries. It is particularly effective against "weepy" rashes such as those created by poison ivy, oak, and sumac. There are no known side-effects or dangers associated with witch hazel, White and Foster write.
References
- "Skin Health and Skin Diseases"; National Institutes for Health; 2008
- "The Merck Manual 18th edition"; Robert S. Porter, MD editor-in-chief; 2004
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, MD and Steven Foster; 2000
- "Herbal Remedies"; Andrew Chevallier; 2007
Member Comments