Herbs and other natural supplements have been in use by people all over the world since ancient times. Encompassing kitchen applications, they are widely known for their healing and reparative properties. They are incorporated in many natural supplements, soaps and teas. Because of their potency and safety, it is no wonder that they are also used to develop herbal skin care products that revitalize, moisturize and heal the skin.
Here are some of the most common medicinal herbs for skin application.
- Lavender
Lavender is a natural moisturizer that promotes skin hydration and locks in the skin's natural moisture. It also possesses soothing properties that work against inflammation. Safe for use in dry and sensitive skin, it is a popular ingredient in massage oils and other aromatherapy products. - Chamomile
Chamomile has been used for a variety of skin conditions since ancient times. It possesses antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties and helps reduce wound healing and inflammation. - Calendula
Like chamomile, calendula is an effective antiviral and antibacterial agent, capable of fighting off infection, irritation and wounds that go as deep as the tissues. It is used in a variety of herbal skin care products including tinctures, creams and ointments. - Extrapone Nutgrass Root
One of the main ingredients of XtendLife's Whitening Day Cream, nutgrass root is an effective whitening agent sourced from Indian forests. Originally formulated to help ease skin irritation, its roots are used by many Oriental and Ayurvedic alternative therapy practitioners. As a skin whitener, it works by preventing melanin production (up to 40 percent according to clinical experiments), the pigment responsible for the dark color of the skin. - Aloe Vera
This gentle translucent gel works wonders for wounds, burns or irritation of the skin and tissues, thus making it a usual staple in all-natural healing ointments as well as herbal skin care products like soaps, lotions, whitening creams and shampoo. It is capable of seeping deep into several skin layers, where it repairs and encourages production of new and healthy cells. - Goldenrod
A proven antiseptic for centuries, goldenrod was used by Native Indian Americans for treating wounds and combatting infection. Today, apart from serving as an antiseptic, it is also used to treat a wide range of skin diseases and drank as a tea. - Sea Buckthorn
Endowed with nourishing and healing properties plus Vitamin E, the oil that is extracted from Sea Buckthorn helps speed up the healing process of burns, wounds and sunburns, and restores the skin's natural form by replenishing lost moisture and collagen. As such, they are also used in some anti-aging creams and lotions, where they help counter dryness and premature aging. Sea Buckthorns are also traditional medicinal herbs for skin conditions including eczema, and are sometimes used in post-surgical and radiation therapy treatment. - Echinacea
For over 400 years, this wonder herb has been one of those run-to herbs for wound treatment, thanks to its discovery by Native Americans who used the crushed leaves for application on wounded or infected skin. Because of its anti-inflammatory qualities - which help treat skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema - it is used in many herbal skin care products including topical creams, capsules and tea.
