Herbs That Stimulate Collagen

Collagen accounts for approximately one-quarter of the protein found in your body. It is the main protein of all connective tissues and plays a role in the strength of your cartilage, tendons and ligaments, and the elasticity of your skin. Collagen is also a component of the cornea of your eyes. As you age, collagen production decreases and the collagen bonds in your skin loosen and cause wrinkling of your skin. Collagen also plays an integral part in wound healing and the formation of scars. There are a plethora of products, including herbal supplements, on the market aimed at replenishing collagen naturally, but discuss their use with your physician as they can produce some side effects.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is an herb that has been used for care of the skin dating back to the times of Cleopatra. The fleshy leaves of the aloe plant produce a clear gel well known for its promotion of wound healing, especially for burns. Aloe vera gel is found in a number of skin care products as a moisturizer, but it also appears to stimulate collagen production. Although more clinical studies are needed, the University of Colorado-Denver reports topical application of aloe vera gel may enhance collagen production in wounds by 93 percent. Use aloe vera gel under your doctor's supervision and don't use it on irritated or broken skin.

Calendula

Calendula is the popular ornamental plant known as the pot marigold, but it's not the same species as the marigold flower popular with many gardeners. Calendula flowers are used in herbal remedies. Calendula is found in many skin creams because it stimulates the production of collagen in the skin, which helps fill-in fine wrinkles. Calendula provides some antibacterial and moisturizing benefits for the skin as well, acting to heal infections and injured skin to rejuvenate. Talk to your healthcare provider about using calendula and don't use it if you are pregnant or allergic to plants in the daisy family.

Bilberry

Bilberry is a wild-growing shrub related to the blueberry. It produces small, dark berries that are used as an herbal medicine and also made into jams and preserves. Bilberry is most often used for diarrhea and stomach problems, but it is high in anthocyanosides, the antioxidants responsible for their deep color. AltMD states anthocyanosides are beneficial for strengthening collagen, particularly the collagen found in your eye. Bilberry is used for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, but only take it under the direct supervision of your physician.

Hawthorn

Hawthorn is a thorny shrub, related to the rosebush, whose berries, flowers and leaves are used to make herbal medicines. Hawthorn has been used to treat heart problems for centuries, but it has some other benefits as well. Hawthorn can be used to treat cartilage damage from arthritis. In her book "Prescription for Herbal Healing," Phyllis A. Balch explains hawthorn berries are rich in certain antioxidants, anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins, which stimulate and stabilize collagen in cartilage and bone. Large doses of hawthorn can cause sedation and low blood pressure, so only take it as directed by your doctor.