Herbs for Skin Care

Women in early civilization may have relied on the benefit of herbs and healing oils to keep their skin soft and supple. *Ancient records show that aloe vera has been known to mankind for centuries and it may have been the herb that enhanced the beauty of Cleopatra.

The early American natives used herbs for the health of their tribal members and to keep their skin and hair clean. It is unfortunate that much of the knowledge and use of herbs has faded away with the loss of our ancestors.

Early American and pioneer women had a keen knowledge and importance of the use of herbs. They planted herbs in special gardens and used them to spice up meals, to heal the sick and to protect the condition and beauty of their skin.

Herbals are free of side effects making them the safest and the most effective for beautiful, clean and healthy skin. You can make herbal skincare creams and lotions in the kitchen of your home, using fresh herbs and oils. Look for herbal skincare recipes in books or on the Internet.

Healing Herbs

Aloe vera, is the most familiar herbal skin care product, that can be grown in pots in the kitchen window. Freshly extracted aloe vera is a natural hydrant that reduces wrinkles and softens the skin.

Aloe vera is an herb that is beneficial for internal and external health. Keep aloe vera gel in the refrigerator to make it extra soothing for burns, cuts and abrasions.

Cleansing Herbs

Excellent sources of cleansing herbs are: Dandelion, chamomile, lime flowers and rosemary. These herbal skin care properties become more powerful when they are combined with herbal teas.

Antiseptic Herbs

Antiseptics are an important part of herbal skin care. Lavender, marigold, thyme, and fennel are good examples of herbs that are known to possess antiseptic properties. Lavender water and rose water, and witch hazel are excellent skin toners.

Oils

Tea tree oil, lavender oil, borage oil and primrose oil are popular oils used in herbal skin care. Flaxseed oil and primrose oil have been know to be helpful for the treatment of eczema. Both chamomile and licorice extracts make excellent topical treatments for eczema and psoriasis.

If you have allergies or if your skin disorder is not responding well to herbal treatments you may need to be clinically treated and you should seek advice from a dermatologist.

Sources: *Answers@yahoo.com