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Herbs for skin care

A healthy skin does not have just cosmetic value, but is also necessary so that your skin functions well. You could choose from among chamomile, fennel, and lavender, lemon balm, pot marigold, red clover, rose, sage and thyme. Besides, they are also easy to grow and are easily available at health food stores.

If you use a herbal toner, it will soften your skin, promote circulation and restore the skin’s naturally acidic, protective mantle. You could try these herbs for specific results:

• Chamomile: Soothes and moisturizes, works as an astringent
• Chervil: Works well on fair skin
• Comfrey: Firms and soothes the skin
• Elder: Has an astringent function
• Eyebright: Astringent
• Lavender: Does a lot for blemishes and oily skin
• Parsley: Freshens the skin and reduces large pores
• Rose hips and petals: Moisturizes and softens the skin
• Sage: Cleanses oily or combination skin
• Yarrow: Works as a cleanser and astringent

If you make a strong tea of the appropriate herbs, you will get a good skin toner. To increase the astringent effect, add a little white or apple cider vinegar to the mixture, refrigerate the toner, and replace with a fresh mix after a few days. After washing, spray toner on the skin with a mister, or apply with a piece of cotton.

• How to take herbs: You could either take herbs for health in tea form after a hectic day or in capsule form to support your immune system or in a salve, poultice or bath to soothe any bruises.
• Herbal teas: Make an infusion by steeping the hot stems, leaves and flowers of herbs. Roots, woods, barks and seeds must be boiled and steeped, for best results. To make a cold extract, soak the herbs in cold water. You will have to decide the steeping time depending on the plant chosen and the required potency.
• Syrups: Mix together honey, vegetable glycerine or maple syrup and make a sweet, thick medicine. This is good for coughs and sore throats.
• Herbal oils: These are both inexpensive and easy to make. Infuse dried or fresh herbs in high-quality vegetable, seed or nut oils and massage over stiff joints or use as an ointment or salve.
• Salves, ointments and balms: Combine herbal oils, beeswax and herbs to make a salve or ointment for natural remedies.
• Tinctures: Steep herbs in alcohol, glycerine or vinegar and either take the extract directly or add to warm water or juice. They are absorbed immediately into wounds and act as tincture.
• Poultices: Crush herbs to extract their potency and then apply topically over a warm or cool piece of cotton fabric.
• Herbal baths: For a relaxing soak in the tub, add herbal decoctions or infusions to your bath tub.

With the right choice of herbs used in the right way, you can get relief for any infection, sickness or malady.