Herbal skin treatments are all the rage at spas. Unlike chemical-laden cosmetics, healing with Nature’s medicine is most “green” and has lovely, noticeable side effects. Herbal skin treatments are safe and easy to do at home. They are great for relieving stress and aligning the mind, body, and spirit. In addition, many herbs for skin have truly amazing properties that will leave your skin feeling soft, supple, and purely cleansed. Here we take a look at five herbs commonly used for skin. 1. Lavender: This aromatic plant is used the world over to heal skin. It is gentle, calming, and soothes dry, chapped, or burned skin. Little purple flowers are fragrant and when used in skin treatments, soften skin. Herbalists and estheticians treat chronic skin problems like eczema, acne, and infections with lavender flowers. It promotes circulation and calms irritated rashes. Breathing lavender induces a state of peace. The flowers and essential oil is used in aromatherapy to address nervous system issues. Lavender flowers impart grace, elegance, and refinement when used with that intention. 2. Plantain: This green leafy wonder of the herbal world ranks up there with lavender, especially in the healing of burns. Plantain grows wild and is commonly available. The fresh plant is crushed up and applied to insect bites, bites from snakes and scorpians, and minor wounds “in the field”. It is also a major ingredient in many herbal salves, balms, and ointments for skin. Plantain stops itching. Period. It is one of the most effective anti-itching herbal remedies available, which makes it great for easing the discomfort of poison ivy. Plantain moisturizes skin and “draws” infection. Use it to ease bee stings and remove splinters. 3. Chamomile: This dainty little white and golden flower calms and purifies. It is soothing and used in baths to calm babies and often applied to irritations of the skin. Compresses of chamomile are used to treat diaper rash, bedsores, and eczema. It is often an ingredient in skin care products. Like plantain, chamomile often grows wild and is readily available for wildcrafting. Taking chamomile tea internally is calming and sedative. A strong chamomile tea will induce sleep. 4. Calendula: Also known as pot marigold, this golden yellow orange flower is one of the best herbs for skin. Used to treat dry skin, diaper rash, burns, cuts, scrapes, rashes, and wounds, this plant is powerful and soothing. Calendula has been used for thousands of years by cultures around the world as a medicinal plant for skin. It draws out infection, releases powerful astringent compounds, and is one of the most anti-aging herbs. Use calendula in steams, baths, poultices, facials, and foot soaks. It revives tired skin and detoxifies. 5. St. John’s Wort: Named after Saint John, because this plant flowers during his Midsummer birthday, this plant is well known as an herbal aid for mild depression. It elevates mood and counters the effects of seasonal affective disorder. As an herb for skin it helps with inflammation caused by bruises but is not recommended for open wounds. St. John’s Wort alleviates pain and tenderness.
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