Most of us have been worried about our skin at one time or another. It will please you to know that there are many herbs that can be used internally and externally to address skin conditions and help to improve skin health and tone.
Below is a list of herbs for skin health and healing. Some of these herbs are great for addressing common skin problems such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and so much more.
Herb/Plant |
Scientific Name |
Part Used for Skin |
Effects/Uses |
Aloe |
Aloe vera |
leaf, gel |
Stim. cell repair, Emolliment |
Arnica |
Arnica |
oil |
Bruise, Swelling |
Black Walnut |
Juglans nigra |
inner hull |
Fungus, Ringworm, Skin Eruptions |
Boneset |
Eupatorium perfoliatum |
herb |
Diaphoretic |
Burdock |
Arctium lappa |
root |
Chronic Skin Disorder, Acne, Eczema |
Cayenne |
Capsicum annum |
fruit |
Diaphoretic |
Chickweed |
Stellaria media |
herb |
Itching, Irritations |
Flax |
Linum usitatissimum |
seed, oil |
Emollient |
Ginger |
Zingiber officinallis |
rhizome |
Diaphoretic |
Jewel Weed |
Impatiens capensis |
leaf, juice |
Poison Ivy |
Jojoba |
Olea europa |
oil (ester) |
Sunscreen, Emollient |
Lavender |
Lavandula |
herb, oil |
Emollient |
Marigold |
Calendula officionale |
flower |
Emollient |
Marshmallow |
Althea officinale |
root |
Emollient |
Mullein |
Verbascum thapsus |
leaf |
Plant irritation |
Nettle |
Urtica dioica |
leaf |
Nourishing, Diuretic |
Nopal Cactus (Prickley Pear) |
Opuntia cacti |
cactus, juice |
Stimulate cell repair, Emollient |
Olive |
Olea europaea |
oil |
Emollient |
Plantain |
Plantago major |
leaf, juice |
Itching, Irritation, Wounds |
Poke |
Phytolacca decandra |
root |
All skin problems |
Slippery Elm |
Ulmus rubra |
inner bark |
Emollient |
St. Johnswort |
Hypericum perforatum |
flower, oil |
Emollient, repair |
Tea Tree |
Melaleuca alternifolia |
oil |
Fungus, Ringworm, Candida |
Yarrow |
Achillea millefolium |
flower |
Diaphoretic |
Yerba de Mansa |
Anemopsis californica |
root |
Chapped, Bruised Skin |
Yellowdock |
Rumex crispus |
root |
Chronic Skin Disorder, Acne, Eczema |
Terms
Emollient – Soften/moisten the skin.
Diaphoretic – Increase sweating (thus enabling the release of toxins through the skin).
Herbal Skin Healing Recipes
Dock Combo
Ingredients
1 part Yellowdock Root
1 part Burdock Root
Capsules: Combine powder (ground herb) to make capsules.
Teas/Tonics: Soak overnight in distilled or filtered water. Boil on medium heat for 20 minutes, then low heat for 10 minutes. Let it cool and drink at least 1 cup, three times per day until skin condition clears.
Skin Irritation Recipe
Get a few plantain leaves, bruise and secure over affected area, with cotton flannel or natural fibre. Continue to add plantain leaves and secure until healed.
Herbal Skin Salve Recipe
Ingredients
8 oz herbal infused oil(s) of your choice**
1 oz Carnauba Wax
10-15 drops essential oil of choice (eg. lavender, tea tree etc.)
Glass jars
Direction
Warm and melt wax and oil in the sun or over double boiler. Take away from heat and add the essential oil(s). Pour into jars and allow it to cool to room temperature. Use more wax for a firmer salve and less wax for softer salve.
**Infused oil
To make infused oil: Coarsely or finely chop herbs. Place in a sterilised jar. Pour olive oil or another carrier oil of preference to cover the herbs. Place in the warm sun and allow to infuse for 2 to 3 weeks. At the end of the period strain with fine sieve or cheese cloth.
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