There are many ways to incorporate herbal vegetables into the body, either through the diet or topically on the skin, to help maintain and support healthy, fair and smooth skin. The herbs can be eaten, juiced, made into topical creams, used in facial steam baths or in massage therapy. The use of herbal vegetables for healing, anti-aging and skin health has been practiced for many years in Ayurveda therapies. Aruveydic medicine is an alternative therapy used commonly in India and is becoming popular in the United States.
Step 1
Make a face mask from herbal vegetables or use the essence oils extract from the herbs in a steam facial or relaxing bath or sauna. Akhrot oil, papaya juice and orange extract are some of the ingredients to use as a face mask for dry skin. Herbs can help skin rejuvenation, maintain even skin tone and increase the glow. Turmeric, rose extract and sandalwood can be used in a facial steam bath or face mask to open clogged pores and improve blood circulation.
Step 2
Apply herbal creams for improving the smoothness, moisture and firmness of the skin. Herbs such as, pomegranate, cinnamon, aloe vera, gotu kola and betelnut palm are some herbs that contain anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, which support the vitality and integrity of the skin cells and matrix. An article on the American Botanical Council website cited research by M. Ahshawat et al at Ravishankar Shukla University in India. The study showed significant increases in hydration and skin elasticity in subjects using a herbal vegetable cream formulation.
Step 3
Eat more herbal vegetables, especially the herbs that possess high antioxidant content and phytochemicals to decrease the onset of aging and to help maintain a youthful fair, smooth skin texture. A study posted on the SENS Foundation website reported that increasing dietary intake of phytochemicals in herbal vegetables such as the North American ginseng, Panax quinquefolium, can help fight off signs of aging and decrease wrinkles and fine lines.
Step 4
Drink herbal teas and beverages to maintain healthy skin. Herbal teas are commonly used in Ayurveda therapies to help keep smooth skin. The herbs used in the teas are known to have properties that can detoxify and rejuvenate skin cells, resulting in increased fairness of the skin. Juicing herbal vegetables is a quick natural way to enjoy the vegetables and reap the benefits. The FDA does not regulate herbal therapies
Tips and Warnings
- Drink plenty of alkaline water each day to help eliminate toxins from the body. Decrease the amount of alcohol, salt and junk food in your diet. Exercise on a daily basis. Take meditation and yoga classes to calm the mind and reduce stress. Encourage your children and teenagers to learn about facial and skin health and hygiene.
- Always consult your medical doctor before starting alternative or herbal treatments or therapies. Consult a licensed herbalist and dietitian before changing your diet or adding herbal foods if you are taking prescription medications.
Things You'll Need
- Turmeric
- Essence oils
- Papaya juice
- Akhrot oil
- Orange extract
- Rose extract
- Sandalwood
- Pomegranate
- Cinnamon
- Aloe vera
- Gotu kola
- Betelnut palm
- Face steamer
- Ginseng
- Alkaline water
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Ayurvedic Medicine: An Introduction; July 2009
- American Botanical Council; Herbal Creams Improve Hydration and Viscoelasticity of Skin; International Journal of Cosmetic Science; Ahshawat M et al; June 2008
- SENS Foundation; Aging, Exercise and Photochemicals: Promises and Pitfalls; L.L. Ji ; Biodynamics Laboratory; 2010
Member Comments