15 Of The Best Kept Secrets For Naturally Beautiful Skin

Body care

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Your skin is more than just the largest organ your body has, but it is certainly the most visible one. You don’t have to look at your liver or your kidneys, and no one will know about their condition, but you need to present your face to the world every day, so it only makes sense that you keep that skin healthy, clear, beautiful, and lovely looking for as long as possible.

When your skin is healthy and glowing on the outside, then it’s safe to assume that your body is healthy and beautiful on the inside. You don’t need to spend a small fortune on commercially made and chemical filled skin care products when there are dozens of natural herbal remedies that can give your skin plenty of nourishment and fight free radical damage at the same time for pennies a day.

Even if you have skin problems such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, burns, scars, scrapes, cuts, or even skin cancer, there is a remedy that will help you look your best, no matter the shape of the skin you are in.

Keep reading. We are going to let you in on the top secret herbs that can have super benefits for your skin and make you look younger and more beautiful than ever before.

 

1. Burdock Root

One of the greatest things about burdock root is that it is super high in antioxidants. Anti-oxidants kill the free radicals that are floating around your body all the time that can cause damage to us on a cellular level and cause premature aging signs such as wrinkles and dry skin. Burdock is often thought of as a weed in North America but it can produce great results when it comes to those suffering from eczema, acne, and psoriasis. Burdock root is a known anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial. This plant contains quercetin, luteolin, and phenolic acid, all of which are potent antioxidants. You can use burdock root as a blood purifier and often to treat skin problems such as dermatitis, bruises, dandruff, cysts, and boils.

 

2. Calendula

Sometimes called marigold, calendula is known to both heal and regenerate skin tissue. In studies done with humans, calendula has been found to improve the hydration levels and the firmness of skin. Calendula oil used in a cream form has been shown to be effective in fighting UVB radiation induced alterations of the skin.

 

3. Nettle

Nettle, when added to cleansers, really deep cleans the pores. There are more than 500 species of nettle grown throughout the world. While it is widely considered just a weed to many people, this plant actually has powerful medicinal and healing compounds. Nettle is super rich in minerals including chlorine, sulphur, magnesium, calcium, potassium, copper, and silica, which are vital to the rejuvenation of cells. Nettle is also an astringent herb, which can help to balance out oily skin. When added to cleansers, it can help to deep clean pores and stop infections. Added to shampoos, it can quickly clear up dry scalp problems and dandruff.

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Photo credit: bigstock.com

Photo credit: bigstock.com

4. Aloe Vera

The gel of aloe vera plants is known worldwide for its ability to repair burns, minor skin wounds, and damaged skin. You will frequently find aloe vera as an added ingredient in many commercially made skin care products. One study discovered that creams containing aloe vera gel are more effective than topical steroids when it comes to reducing skin itching and inflammation. Other studies have shown that aloe vera can offer relief from burns, psoriasis, frostbite, and dermatitis.

 

5. Gotu Kola

This is a super anti-aging herb that stimulates the production of collagen. This perennial plant is native to India, China, Japan, and South Africa, and is a member of the parsley family. Unlike parsley, however, it has no smell or taste. One legend has it that a Chinese herbalist lived for 200 years because he consumed gotu kola daily. This is a popular treatment in the US and Europe for the varicose veins, psoriasis, stretch marks, and burns. Gotu kola has been found to inhibit the formation of scars, smooth out cellulite and repair connective tissues.

 

6. St. John’s Wort

When applied topically as a cream or ointment, St. John’s Wort has been found to have super calming effects on minor skin irritations. One study has discovered that the oil extract of St. John’s Wort, oleum hyperici, can be used for the topical treatment of bruises, burns, nerve injury, cuts, and even hemorrhoids. Due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial compounds, oil extracts from St. John’s Wort can fight against common microorganisms found on the skin.

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Peppermint

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7. Lemongrass

Besides smelling fantastic, lemongrass is a terrific addition to any skincare product that is designed to treat oily skin or acne. Lemongrass is an astringent herb, which temporarily constricts the skin, minimizes pores, and limits the secretion of oil/ Lemongrass also has anti-bacterial and anti-microbial compounds, which can help to prevent skin infections. You can infuse lemongrass leaves by adding them to boiling water and making a steam for your face, which will open the pores, remove blackheads, and clear up acne.

 

8. Peppermint

In one study, performed in 2011, scientists found that when peppermint oil was applied to the skin, it left a feeling of freshness and cleanliness behind. Peppermint is known for its cooling and refreshing compounds but not many know that peppermint can rejuvenate the skin, improve skin elasticity, close enlarged pores, reduce swelling, and stimulate the skin while lessening redness and irritation.

 

9. Horsetail

This is an important herb for those who want younger looking skin. This herb has super healing properties and since it is also an astringent, it can firm and tighten the skin. Horsetail is great for the treatment of acne swell since it helps to remove excess oil. This herb has high levels of silica, which is a constituent of collagen. It’s collagen that keeps the skin supple and youthful looking, so this is a super important herb to help loose or rough skin, wrinkles, or premature aging. Horsetail binds blood vessels together, so your skin will have a more even texture.

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Photo credit: bigstock.com

Photo credit: bigstock.com

10. Green Tea

This type of tea is more than just a nice drink in the afternoon. Green tea extract can also be applied to the skin. In fact, one study has found that a 2percent green tea lotion can do a wonderful job as an acne solution. Green tea also has antioxidant flavonoids that protect your skin from the dangers of UV light, which can help skin naturally heal from sunburns, the signs of aging, and even skin cancer.

 

11. Tea Tree Oil

Found only in Australia, the tea tree is known around the world for its antiviral, antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-fungal compounds. Studies show that tea tree oil can be beneficial for treating various skin conditions and skin problems including scabies, acne, and blemishes. Tea tree oil is a natural exfoliate that kills the bacteria that causes acne while it stops skin irritations, itching, and scaling.

 

12. Chamomile

There is no doubt that chamomile is one of the most common herbs used in the world today. Chamomile is an excellent source of alpha bisabolol, which is thought to be super effective in accelerating the healing process of skin while reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Chamomile is a powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, that smells really great at the same time. When chamomile extracts are used in a cream, it can relieve the itching from allergies, eczema, skin rashes, and helps to heal sunburns and other types of minor burns.

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Bunch of lavender flowers

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13. Licorice

This herb is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing compounds. Licorice root is a truly wonderful herb that encourages skin health. It is really beneficial for those who suffer from eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis. When applied topically as a gel, licorice root is very effective at relieving symptoms such as swelling, redness, and itching.

 

SEE ALSO: What is Dry Skin Brushing and Why You Should be Doing It!

 

14. Lavender

Lavender is really beneficial for skin repair. This plant contains a compound called linalool that is known to soothe the skin, prevent the degeneration of tissue, and helps to keep skin firm and taut. The herb is also an excellent anti-aging substance because of its cytophylactic compounds. This compound encourages the regeneration of new skin cells and promotes faster healing of wounds, scar tissue, inflammation, acne, sunburns, psoriasis, and other skin irritations. Lavender has antiseptic, anti-viral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory compounds, all with beautiful flowers and leaves that smell heavenly. You simply can’t go wrong with lavender!

 

15. Comfrey

Very much like chamomile, comfrey is one of the most popular herbs used in skin creams today. Comfrey contains allantoin, which plays an important role in protecting the skin, as well as the stimulation of new skin cells. When comfrey leaves are applied to the skin as a poultice, it can help to heal lacerations and abrasions much more quickly. Comfrey used to be called knitbone, because it was used in the treatment of broken bones and skin wounds. Comfrey should only be used externally as overconsumption can cause liver damage.

There are many, many more herbs that are super for the skin but we couldn’t possibly list them all here. The 15 listed above are the superstars of the bunch and are readily available.

 

References:

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

www.webmd.com

www.mayoclinic.org

www.healthywomen.org

www.artofliving.org

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2 Comments

  1. Sheila Nico

    Aug 14, 2017 at 7:54 pm

    I would have known these herbs if not for you! I really would be going to find these and make my own beauty product to go along with my Solvaderm, Thanks for this, this is is much appreciated!

  2. Stella Smith

    Mar 18, 2018 at 7:51 pm

    I would have known these herbs if not for you! I really would be going
    to find these and make my own beauty product to go along with my
    Solvaderm, Thanks for this, this is is much appreciated!