Nature's way of caring for the skin

Natural remedies are an excellent tool against illnesses and for improving the skin's appearance on both the face and body. The essential oils (referred to in the Essential oils from A to Z box) are also prepared with herbs, giving the benefits of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is especially useful for treating skin problems because the oils are applied topically.

+ The following medicinal plants are recommended for skin care and to relieve and prevent the most common skin problems. Some plants maybe easier to find than others depending on where the plants are cultivated. You may find some as fresh plants or dried, and others in liquid form, tinctures, tablets or powder form.

Basil

(Ocimun basilicum)

1. • Parts used The leaves and stalks, fresh.
2. • Native to India, this plant was introduced to Europe in the 16th century.
3. • Over the centuries this plant developed a number of symbolisms: some cultures relate basil with hate and others with love. In Ayurvedic medicine basil is considered sacred and is used as a tonic.
4. • Has a particular aroma, somewhere between sweet, spicy and slightly bitter. It has many properties. It's used to treat many skin problems: insect bites, itchiness, slight irritation and as a general tonic. It also has antidepressant and antiseptic powers, might reduce glucose in blood and lower blood pressure, among other curative properties.
5. • Warning. This essential oil shouldn't be used during pregnancy, neither externally nor internally.

Aloe

(Aloe vera)

1. • Parts used. The leaves, especially the transparent gelatinous liquid extracted from the leaves.

It's recommended to use the leaves at the base of the plant.

1. • Aloe is a perennial succulent native to East and South Africa. Today, aloe is grown as a houseplant throughout the world. This plant gained popularity in the 1950's, when the medical field proved its curative properties against scars and burns. Thanks to this species many of the burn victims of the Chernobyl disaster in Russia found some cure or relief from their skin injuries.
2. • It is used as a moisturizer and an emollient. When applied externally, aloe vera restores skin tissues and may aid the healing of burns and sores. It can also be used on blemishes and dandruff. It is also used to treat scabies and varicose ulcers. Used cosmetically, aloe vera softens the skin and hair.
3. • Warning. Do not ingest or apply the yellow bitter juice extracted from the leaves’ base on the skin.

Oatmeal

(Avena sativa)

1. • Parts used The entire plant.
2. • Traditional crop in Northern Europe. This grain is eaten hot and sweet, ideal for cold weather. The grains have similar properties to the entire plant. The grain is milled at the end of the summer to make oat flour and oatmeal.
3. • Because of it's high content of vitamins B and E and carotenes, it's a nutrient rich food for the skin.
4. • To prepare oats medicinally, the entire plant is used as a decoction, dried to add to lotions or to curative baths for skin problems. Typical oatmeal available in the supermarket can be used in recipes to treat eczema, herpes and sores.
5. • Warning. Use caution when using an oat poultice on a person who has allergic reactions to gluten. It's essential to first allow the sediment to settle and then only use the clear liquid decanted.

Burdock

(Arctium lappa)

1. • Parts used The leaves, fruit (that contains the seeds) and roots are used as medicinal herbs.
2. • Native to Asia and Europe. Traditionally used by ancient cultures as a natural remedy for gout, fever and kidney stones. Today, this plant is grown throughout the world.
3. • The roots and seeds help the body to release waste, including toxins that are related to chronic skin problems. Because of its diuretic and antibiotic action it helps to relieve skin problems, especially when toxins and bacteria are determining factors. Used for cases of white heads, acne (used as ointment or lotions), localized infections (for example, fungus infections such as athletes foot and ringworm). In general, this herb is not used alone, but with other herbs such as dandelion.
4. • Warning. It's not recommended using this herb during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Do not use for children under 6 years old, unless indicated by your doctor.

Marigold

(Caléndula officinalis)

1. • Parts used. The petals and flower heads are used fresh or dried (petals that are a deep orange indicate a high level of active ingredients).
2. • Native to Southern Europe, it is currently cultivated in mild climates worldwide. It's one of the most widely used herbs for its anti-inflammatory properties.

1. • It's used specifically to treat skin problems, from inflamed skin to wounds. Its antiseptic and curative properties help to stop infections. It also helps to purify the skin. In tinctures and infusions it can be used to treat any type of chronic infection. It's recommended for most slight skin problems: inflammations, scratches, cuts and burns, including sunburns. It's famous for treating acne, sores and certain types of mycosis. It's also very effective to help sooth diaper rash and irritated nipples during breast-feeding.

Milk thistle

(Silybum marianusm)

1. • Parts used. Flowers, leaves and seeds. The leaves can be eaten fresh or prepared as an infusion.
2. • It's also known as Holy thistle or St. Mary's thistle, in ancient times it was used to stimulate breast milk production.
3. • It's widely used to prevent and relieve skin affections. It has important antioxidant properties and is a hepatic detoxicant (today it's considered one of the most important liver restorers and tonics), its action is related to cleansing the skin. It is also used to treat herpes.
4. • It can be taken as a tincture (take between 20-50 drops diluted with water to help relieve hepatic and gallbladder ailments). An infusion of fresh leaves may help to prevent aging of the skin.
5. • Warning. Although it doesn't present any side effects, it's not recommended for people who suffer from high blood pressure.

Tea tree

(Melaleuca alternifolia)

1. • Parts used The leaves. When they are ground they release an intense aroma.
2. • Native to Australia, this plant is used in traditional aboriginal medicine as a natural antiseptic. Western scientists began to study this plant's therapeutic properties in the 1920's. Today, it is widely used in Europe and in the US. The English name tea tree has been adopted as this plant's name in many parts of the world.
3. • It's useful for relieving burns, wounds and other infections. It's widely used to treat skin infections, calluses, warts, acne, whiteheads and other skin problems.
4. • Warning. It shouldn't be used if you suffer from epilepsy or other neurological illnesses.

Dandelion

(Taraxacum officinale)

1. • Parts used. Leaves and roots.
2. • Although this plant currently grows in most parts of the world, it is native to Europe and Asia where it grew abundantly in the wild.
3. • This plant's therapeutic properties were discovered in the Orient to treat hepatic ailments, reddening and swollen eyes and against hepatitis.

Its detoxifying properties help to relieve the effects of pollution on the body. This herb is used to remove waste and toxins from the body, in particular the skin, making it appear clearer.

1. • The leaves are rich in potassium that naturally balances this plant's diuretic actions. The roots are used as a tonic to remove toxins from the liver and to attack skin problems such as eczema and acne.
2. • It's used fresh in salads and soups or in tonic spirits (one small glass per day) or as an infusion. The leaves are also used as a tincture.
3. • Warning. Because it stimulates digestion, in cases of acid reflux or ulcers you should use this plant after meals.

Mallow

(Malva sylvestris)

1. • Parts used The leaves, flowers and roots.
2. • Widely used by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who ate this plant mixed with other vegetables.
3. • As an infusion, it helps to treat digestive affections and constipation. It can also be used to treat inflammations in the urinary tract.
4. • Used externally this plant can be added to lotions and compresses to relieve skin problems such as whiteheads, sores and other lesions. In baths it can be used to relieve hemorrhoids.
5. • This plant is rich in vitamins A, B, C and E. Because of its emollient properties it's widely used in cosmetics to treat the skin.

Roman camomile

(Chamaemelum nobile)

1. • Parts used. The flowers.
2. • Ancient Egyptians used this plant; historians say that Cleopatra used camomile as a secret beauty treatment.
3. • There are two types of camomile, Roman and common (that has a bitter taste) and German camomile that is somewhat similar. Both varieties are found in Europe and have been introduced to the Americas.
4. • It is used topically as an emollient, it can also be used in cream or salve form to treat certain problems such as dry and irritated skin. It is also used as a compress for wounds, to help prevent scarring, and as an eye bath to relieve tired eyes. It's hypoallergenic and is used to effectively treat eczema. As an infusion camomile can be used for children and adults.
5. • Warning. It shouldn't be used during pregnancy, neither externally nor internally. For symptoms of tiredness you can use cold tea bags of camomile, marigold or mallow. Apply to the skin for 15 minutes.

Lemon balm

(Melissa officinalis)

1. • Parts used. The leaves are used, fresh and dry, to make infusions.
2. • Native to Southern Europe, Western Asia and North Africa. Currently, lemon balm is grown in many parts of the world.
3. • In ancient times this fragrant herb was famous for its sedative properties. New studies have shown that this plant has properties which can treat a number of skin problems such as cold sores.

Polyphenols found in the plant act against viruses, and are used to fight cold sores. As a relaxing tonic, it can help to neutralize states of anxiety, slight restlessness, desperation and irritability.

Evening primrose

(Oenothera biennis)

1. • Parts used. The seeds are used to make infusions and essential oils.
2. • Native Americans used this plant and its seeds for many centuries as an infusion with hot water to treat wounds, skin problems and asthma.
3. • This plant has essential fatty acids that play a fundamental role in the metabolism and cellular structure (lack of fatty acids causes the skin to dry and become inflamed, amongst other things). Used topically or orally this plant is used to stimulate blood circulation to the skin and to renew old skin cells, it's used to keep the skin firm and healthy. To treat eczema, it can be mixed with a neutral oil to massage onto the legs and arms.
4. • Warning. Shouldn't be used in cases of epilepsy or applied to very sensitive skin because sometimes it can make the skin react with rashes.

Sage

(Salvia officinalis)

1. • Parts used. The leaves and flowers, in particular the leaves are used fresh or dry. They have antiseptic, astringent, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
2. • Native to the Mediterranean, but today sage is cultivated in most parts of the world, especially in sunny climates. There are over 500 species, in which the purple garden sage is the best for medicinal use.
3. • This herb is multi-use. For the skin it is useful for treating inflamed skin. Fresh leaves can be used to immediately treat insect bites. As a cream it can be used to treat rashes. As an infusion it's good for treating dandruff.
4. • Warning. It's not recommended using sage therapeutically during pregnancy or for epileptics.

Bouncing bet

(Saponaria officinalis)

1. • Parts used. the leaves, flowers and roots are used to make decoctions.
2. • Native to coastal areas in the Mediterranean. It grows in moist places, sand or land rich in humus.
3. • This plant has been cultivated since ancient times. When mashed it can be used as a substitute for soap. It is also used to prepare tinctures and syrups. As a decoction, fresh or dried, it is a purifying treatment. The roots, cut into pieces, can be prepared as a decoction to fight against coughs. The dried rhizome works to wash away oil in the hair. It can also be used to treat over active oil glands and acne.
4. • Warning. In excess this herb can be toxic.

Tea

(Camellia sinensis)

1. • Parts used. The leaves are used to make infusions.
2. • Native to southern China, it is one of the fundamental herbs in traditional medicine. This herb, through a diverse process of fermentation, is prepared as black or as green tea. It is also considered a lucky, miracle cure, and studies have shown that it helps to fight cancer. It also has important stimulant, digestive, circulatory, antibacterial and astringent properties. It's a diuretic herb that is beneficial for the skin. It has antioxidant properties that are good for fighting against premature aging.
3. • Applied topically it's used to treat inflammations caused by bug bites and on the eyes to treat conjunctivitis and tired eyes.
4. • Warning. It's advised to use tea with precaution during pregnancy and breastfeeding.