Skin Care Follow-up
Medicinal
Applications of Herbs:
Many times
the skin is the manifestation of a
systemic illness.
Alteratives-
herbs that gradually restore normal functioning to the body and improve overall
health and vitality.
While their
mode of action is not clearly understood their effect is undisputed.
They seem to
alter the body’s metabolism to improve the tissue’s ability to deal with a
range of body functions.
Many of the
herbs with this action help the body eliminate waste through the kidneys,
liver, lungs and skin.
Alteratives
can be used safely as supportive therapy in many conditions. And should be
considered first for cases of chronic inflammation and degenerative diseases.
This includes skin diseases and
different types of arthritis.
Primary
Alterative Herbs:
Garlic Allium sativum
Burdock Arctium lappa
Black
cohosh Cimicifuga racemose
Echinacea Echinacea spp.
Cleavers Galium aparine
Pasqueflower Pulsatilla vulgaris
Yellow
Dock Rumex crispus
Red
Clover Trifolium pratense
Nettle Urtica dioica
For skin care
the list could include all of the herbs listed.
This is the system that alteratives are most used for.
Remember that
in holistic herbalism aiding and supporting the whole body in its return to
health is always more important than applying a specific remedy.
Herbs for
elimination:
Kidney/diuretic Cleavers, Red Clover, Nettle
Liver Burdock and Yellow dock.
Herbs for
Topical Application
These can be
divided into two broad groups.
1. Actions that exert specific actions on
areas of the skin to which they are applied and include: anti-inflammatory,
antimicrobial, antipruritic, astringent,
emollient, rubefacient and vulnerary.
2. Actions intended for internal effect
but enter the body by absorption through the skin include all herbal actions.
Herbs and
Actions for Topical Use
Antipruritic—Calendula,
Witch Hazel, St. Johnswort and Chickweed
Anti-inflammatory-
Calendula, St. Johnswort, Chamomile and Plantain
Emollient-
Marshmallow, Comfrey, Slippery Elm
Astringents-
Witch hazel, Yarrow, Cranesbill Geranium
Vulnerary-
Comfrey
Antimicrobial-
Garlic, Goldenseal, strongly antimicrobial essential oils including Thyme,
Eucalyptus and Tea Tree.
Topical
Applications
Baths
Fomentations
and Compresses
Poultices-
Made with the herb in some solid form cut,
mashed or whole leaf applied to skin and held in place with a cloth.
Lotions-
Usually have a cooling effect due to
evaporation and absorption.
Creams-
Are suspensions of oils in water. Can be
greasy or non greasy. Primarily emollient and protective. Advantage is they do
not insulate the skin too much so will not cause an increase in skin
temperature. Overheating can aggravate itching.
Salves/
Ointments are semi=solid lipid based . Because
they are fat based they extract plant constituents very well. The fats soften
at skin temperature and make the extracted material available to the skin. Like creams they are emollient but they
remain on the skin longer and confer a warming effect.
Pastes
are a mixture
of powder in an ointment base. Rarely used these days. Good for when the goal
is to keep the effects of the herbs on the skin for an extended period of
time. Good for psoriasis to remove
scales.
Powders
are finely
powdered herbs or minerals such as oatmeal, corn starch and clays. Primary benefit is that they absorb moisture.
Simple
skin eruptions can be easily and safely treated by you.
Mosquito
bites, bee stings, scrapes, minor burns etc.
Then
with ongoing problems it is best to discuss these with an herbal practitioner
to formulate an individual plan. Not all things are for all people.
Basically
for the same reason that you can’t call the Dr.s office and get a prescription
for an ongoing problem over the phone.
Your
history is your’s and your’s alone.
Herbs for Health and Beauty
There are so
many things you can do from the herbs in your garden to enhance your skin
care. It is a good way to say good bye
to most of the store bought preparations that say they contain herbs and
essential oils and they probably do. But
be sure to read the rest of the content list to see what other goodies they
have put in there to extend shelf life and keep the substance intact. Also fragrances as opposed to real essential
oils are a whole different substance.
Fragrance
oils are chemically synthesized in a lab. There is nothing natural about them.
And they may mimic the real thing but they are never the same.
Essential
oils on the other hand are made from the actual plants. Real live plants are cut, mashed etc and then
they are steam distilled and the oil is extracted to provide us with the real
therapeutic thing. The water that is left from the distillation process is also
useful for some preparations. They are
called floral waters and smell lovely and have some of the qualities of the
plant tho not necessarily therapeutic as are the essential oils.
So in
discussing and learning about skin care we will be exploring the essential oils
and what benefits they have for our health.
Many of the
products we use for skin care can be made by you. A lot of the recipes are easy
and if you invest in some of the essential oils that appeal to you or have
properties that you will find useful, you will have a treasure trove of things
to use for yourself and your family.
Herbs for
Skin Care
Calendula- One of the most effective herbs for
dry skin. Is antiviral, and antimicrobial. The carotenoids are great for your
skin. Useful for psoriasis, age spots, dermatitis and rashes.
Thyme
Rosemary
Chamomile- diminishes the development of
wrinkles and aids in healing and decreasing inflammation. Use as a tea and/or a
face wash.
Aloe- Deeply moisturizes , acts as a
protective barrier against environmental damage. Lots of enzymes helps treat blemishes and acne.
Lavender- Cure for acne and eczema. Calming to
the skin and helps to eliminate bacteria. The antioxidants and
antimicrobial properties help curb oxidative harm which can cause premature
ageing of the skin.
Ashwagandha- t is an ayurvedic herb which is very beneficial for the skin. It is full
of antioxidants which help in eradicating the free radicals that can
trigger dark spots, wrinkles,
blemishes, and fine lines. It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and
antibacterial properties that help heal and prevent wounds and other skin
irritants.
Cilantro- This unique herb with a strong aroma is also one of the best herbal
remedies for skin problems, for it is jam-packed with antioxidants, iron,
beta-carotene, and Vitamin C. It can give you soft and supple skin. Its juice
can work like a charm for curing acne and outbreaks. It is an amazing
disinfectant and a detoxifier.
Parsley is a
miraculous herb for it can balance oil production, lessen inflammation and
prevent skin discolouration. This flavoursome herb can fight acne. It can also
help diminish fine lines and wrinkles.
Garlic- This antifungal natural ingredient is used to
treat many skin disorders. This rich spice also comprises of antibacterial
properties which can purify the build-up of cellular waste that is mainly
responsible for skin ailments. It is full of iron, calcium, Vitamins B6 and C,
and manganese which can help thwart oxidative impairment from free radicals that
contribute to premature ageing.
Please note that the following is an excerpt from an herb
article and I have not referenced it.
It’s not a treatment, it’s a relationship—and one of life’s most meaningful
ones at that. It’s a very different approach from isolating a single part or
symptom, and treating it directly (and often aggressively) with a specific
constituent of a plant, without regard for what else might be going in the
body, or for how the symptom arrived in the first place.
Like any other friendship, the ones
we form with the plants require regular communication and attention. You get to
know the plants, the plants get to know you, and before long, you begin
finishing each other’s sentences.
We take herbs regularly so that they
become us: their vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and
other phytochemicals literally become the cells that make up every tissue,
organ, and system of our bodies. Their energetic frequencies merge with those
of our own thoughts and emotions so that the herbs truly help us from a
scientific and spiritual perspective.
These are all herbs that I find bring soothing and beauty into
any moment—and isn't that what we look for when we practice skincare or
self-care? They are also incredibly versatile, as they can be taken internally
as a tea, glycerite, or tincture, or you can infuse them into an oil, butter or
salve.
Start with equal parts of each, and then adjust as the plants
guide you.
Red rose petals (my favorite is Rosa damascena):
Rose tea is known for its physical benefits to the body, for women especially.
It's great for digestion, known to help create beautiful skin from the inside
out because of its astringent properties and Vitamin C content (helps to
promote collagen and elastin production), and is also a powerful ally to our
hormones. However, it's also known to uplift the mood, and balance emotions
both aromatically and energetically. Red roses are also the flower most often
associated with love, and self-love is an important sister practice to
self-care.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): Known to
aid both sleep and digestion, this one's also known to soothe fried nerves, and
adds a bright, sunny feeling and apple-like flavor to your blend. Fresh and
newly dried chamomile flowers often bring a smile even to the crankiest of
faces. It’s also great for irritated, sensitive skin.
Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis):
Marshmallow root is a demulcent herb, meaning it brings soothing moisture into
the skin and body. It also has gentle cooling properties (though I wouldn't
describe it at all as cold), which is excellent for when you feel stressed or
angry, or have breakouts or skin redness, because those symptoms are often accompanied
by heat.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Few
herbs are known for their relaxing properties more than lavender. I never used
to think to drink it, because I always appreciated it first for its aromatic
benefits. But when I first tried it in a tea, I've got to tell you, I felt
fancy and elegant. And I like feeling that way when I'm practicing self-care.
For the skin, lavender is known to help improve just about any skin condition,
and is known to be well-tolerated.
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): This powerful adaptogen is an
excellent way to connect you with the Divine within yourself. It's a plant
that's prayed to, in its native India, and adding it to a tea is a lovely way
to bring whatever your prayer is, into yourself. It also helps your body adjust
energetically, as adaptogens do—meaning if you need more energy, it gently
energizes you, and if you need to rest, it helps you do that, too. I love the
flavor too (the fresh leaves taste like bubble gum with a kick of black pepper,
and the dried leaves still retain that mild sweet spiciness), and love how it
rounds out this particular blend. It’s excellent for blood or
circulation-related skin ailments, and to help flush out toxins from clogged
pores.
My favorite ways to use the infusion of this blend are to drink,
cleanse with, steam, or use as a compress or toner. I also love infusing these
herbs in jojoba oil (absorbs easily into the skin, without contributing to
clogging or leaving a greasy feeling), and then using that either as a
cleansing oil, massage oil, stand-alone moisturizer, or mixing it with shea
butter or beeswax to make a salve.
I hope you’re inspired to expand your relationship with Mother
Nature by inviting her into your daily skincare regimen.
And if you’re new to herbs, or have had trouble sticking with
herbal regimens in the past, let herbal skincare be your gateway into all of
the wonders our bounteous Earth provides.
How
do we decide what herbs to use?
Start
off by asking yourself what you want an herbal skin care preparation to do.
Make
a list. Dry skin? Dark spots?
Wrinkles? Eczema?
My
big thing this year is my all over skin. Dryness and some roughness.
After
identifying what you need, how do you want to use it.
Salve,
tea, wash, salt or sugar scrub, lotion, oil?
Try
and decide on something that will be easy for you to use on a regular
basis. Then it will easily become part
of your daily routine.
Now
you can begin.
Accessing
your herbs.
A
good reason for a local herb collective where you can share or barter of buy
locally and in the process discuss with others what you are planning and share
info and experience.
Some
Recipes to Get You Going
Create,
have fun and experiment with the herbs you have.
Winter
is going to be long this year and maybe a bit lonely.
Make
a skin care recipe and relax and enjoy the time we have.
Cleansing
Grains
Can
be used in place of soap on your face and even on your whole body.
Mix
up a batch and store in the bathroom for easy use.
1
cup finely ground oats
2
cups white clay
¼
cup finely ground almonds
1/8
cup finely ground lavender
1/8
cup finely ground roses
1/8
cup poppy seeds
Combine
all ingredients.
To
use: Mix 1-2 tsp with water. Stir into a
paste and massage onto face. Rinse off with warm water.
Facial
steam
Chamomile,
roses, comfrey leaf, lavender, calendula
Use
skin herbs in the bath. Put dried herbs
in a large teaball and let soak in the tub.
Or you can make a strong tea with your dried herbs and pour this into
the bath water just before getting in to soak up all the goodness of the herbs.
Baths
are often overlooked these days. But the
bath can be very therapeutic. Adding herbs, essential oils, salts and oats can
be used to treat skin disorders, headaches, stress, anxiety and congestion.
When
you bathe the pores of the skin are opened and receptive to the healing herbs you put in the water.
Massage
oils.