Yarrow Flowers-- Yarrow Flowers are used for their astringent, healing and soothing effects on the skin and hair. Strengthens skin tone. Can be used for problem, oily skin, large pores and wrinkles.
Wild Pansys-- Wild Pansy is healing, cleansing and soothing and is used in Compresses, Baths, Steam Baths and in Creams and Ointments for Skin Care. It is especially effective in helping to treat problem skin. When combined with Comfrey, it is supposed to reduce pores and rejuvenate the skin.
Comfry Leaves-- Comfrey Leaves have a high carbohydrate content and considered to rejuvenate the skin and to have healing, soothing and moisture retaining properties. They are good for rough, damaged skin and can, with time, alleviate wrinkling and enable skin tissue to regain its youthful elasticity. Allantoin promotes skin cell regeneration, stimulates the growth of new cells and helps sensitive skin to become more resilient, counteracting dryness and cracking. Should not be used internally because of its pyrrolizidine alkaloid content.
Comfry Root--Comfrey root and young leaf preparations should not be used internally because of its pyrrolizidine alkaloid content. Similar properties as the leaves. ( pyrrolizidine Alkaloid is a poison produced by plants as a defense mechanism against insect herbivores)
Horsetail-- Whole plant. Often called the ‘Beauty Herb’, Horsetail is considered to strengthen connective tissue and skin. Clarifying, astringent, closes the pores and stimulates production of new skin cells. Because of its high Silica content the whole plant is used as an abrasive.
Nettle-- Used as a Compress, in Lotions and Creams for oily skin, it is supposed to be cleansing, clarifying and emollient and soothes sensitive skins with surface blood capillaries. Can have a positive effect on dry and sensitive skins. Used extensively in Hair Care products where it is supposed to counteract hair loss, prevent and cure dandruff, reduce oily secretions and improve the quality of dry, lifeless hair and stimulate the scalp. Best results in hair are achieved through Rinses and Hair Packs (better than Shampoos). Nettles may also be used in Deodorants.
Peppermint-- Peppermint cools, refreshes, stimulates and revitalizes. It is considered to restore elasticity to the skin, to tone tissue, close pores, reduce swellings, counteract bad smells, reduce redness and irritation and clarify the skin. It is good for oily and large pored complexions. It is also commonly used for its cooling and soothing qualities in products like ointments, salves and creams for the feet.
Rose Petals-- Rose Oil, Rose Water and an Infusion made from Rose Petals are used in Skin Care products for tender, dry, sensitive skin and have a cleansing, astringent, toning, moisture retaining, stimulating and soothing effect. When Rose is included in a Cream or Lotion, it stimulates and protects the skin, while moisturizing and hydrating it. It gives a boost to all skin types, and is particularly beneficial to dry, mature and sensitive skin.
Birch Leaves-- Birch leaves disinfect wounds and are considered to alleviate most skin complaints, including cellulite. The leaves are used externally as an astringent and antiseptic (the bark is even more effective) for inflammations of the skin and for strengthening the skin tissue.
Dandelion Leaves-- Dandelion Leaves are used in skin preparations for its astringent and detoxifying properties. A natural diuretic which does not deplete potassium.
Dandelion Root-- Its blood cleansing ability treats rashes.
Hyssop-- Leaves and flowers. Hyssop contains substances which protect the skin against sunburn. Hyssop is an antiperspirant and astringent, like Sage, and can be used in Deodorants.
Sage-- Sage Leaves are used for Oily, spotty skin and for wrinkled, sagging complexions. Sage can be used in facial toners, cleansers, lotions and creams. It cleanses, stimulates blood circulation, closes pores and restores elasticity. Sage Oil inhibits the action of glands like the sweat and saliva glands.
Plantain Leaves-- Plantain is an effective topical treatment for a number of conditions, mainly wounds of all kinds – particularly effective at removing the itch from bites and the sting from cuts and grazes; Good for minor burns including mild sunburn and insect bites.
Echinacea-- Root and aerial parts. Considered to regulate and soothe the skin and to enhance overall immunity. Can be used in ointments, creams and toners for wounds, skin regeneration, skin infections, and inflammatory skin conditions.
Lavender-- Flowers. Lavender is considered to be Beauty product. Lavender has many sedative compounds that can penetrate the skin. Good for normal and dry skin, Lavender is used as a tonic for all types of skin. Can also be used in Deodorant.
Lemon Balm-- Whole plant (leaves). Effective in creams and toners for mildly oily skin, cleanses and closes open pores, has an astringent and soothing effect when used as a Face Toner or Facial Steam for tired, sensitive skin.
Burdock Root-- Is a diuretic, and one of the best blood purifiers. Good for treating skin diseases like eczema & psoriasis. Make as decoction. Also good for treating boils.
Calendula-- Is a flower used for its healing and tissue regenerating properties for all types of skin. Calendula is good to use in all cases where cell regeneration is required such as in cases of sunburn and sores where the skin is red and irritated. Also good as a regular wash for spots and boils.
Chickweed-- Whole above-ground plant. Best known in its use for treating itchy skin, it is also used to treat skin allergies and other skin problems.
Cleavers-- The variety of tannin acids in Cleavers have an astringent and antiseptic effect and this makes the herb good for healing burns and wounds.
Cornflowers-- Used as a Face Toner for its soothing and astringent effect on the skin. It has antibacterial as well as antioxidant properties and is successful when included in Eye products such as Gels, since it has a gentle astringent effect, but also soothes inflamed and irritated skin.
Lady's Mantel-- The leaves and roots are used in Skin Care products for its healing effects. It is supposed to soothe, cleanse and heal dry, sensitive skin. It reduces swellings, is good for chapped and broken skin on the hands and feet, is a good astringent for large pores and can be used in anti-wrinkle creams.
Golden Rod-- An Infusion can be used as a face wash for oily skin and can also be added to a bath to relieve backache. An astringent and anti-fungal herb, it is often used to treat slow healing wounds, insect bites. As a Gargle or Mouth Wash it can be used to relieve laryngitis, a sore throat, oral yeast and other oral inflammatory or fungal conditions.
Rosemary-- The leaves are used as a fragrant additive in soaps and other cosmetics. An infusion can also be used as an invigorating toner and astringent. Rosemary added to a bath strengthens and refreshes, especially when used following an illness. Considered to stimulate blood circulation and to restore elasticity to the skin, Rosemary is also effective for lifeless and oily skin, for blackheads and spots. Note: if you are pregnant you shouldn't use Rosemary..
Witch Hazel-- Is well used in the cosmetic and toiletry industry in Face Toners, Shaving Creams, Face Packs and Aftershave Creams. The steam distillate, infusion or tincture of fresh leaves and twigs of Hamamelis is used because of its astringent and anti-inflammatory effects, and has also been recommended for certain skin conditions, insect bites, bruises, etc. Its high tannin content has a strengthening astringent effect on veins. It can be used as a Facial Toner for oily skin and to control minor pimple formation.
Orris Root-- Considered to have a positive effect on the moisture content and elasticity of the skin and helps the skin to detoxify.
Chamomile-- Chamomile herbs have well known sedative and relaxing properties. Used in skin and hair care for its cleansing and soothing benefit. Good for sensitive and irritated skin. Good also for scalp irritations.
St. Johns Warts-- Soothes irritations of the skin with generally beneficial effects as the herb has calming properties, it also makes the skin photosensitive so the skin should not be exposed to sunlight after it has been applied externally, such as in an ointment or a cream. Even taking it internally may make people more sensitive to the sun.
Well there you have it...
Until next time..
