Medicinal Plants for Skin Care Routine

Overview

Could the solution to your skincare problems be right in your backyard? Plants and flowers have been used for their medicinal and beauty benefits for centuries. Whether you have plants on your windowsill or growing outside, they can help with various skin issues and give you that beautiful, glowing complexion. Try growing one of these plants at home and see the difference it makes in your skin.

Medicinal plants for skin care 

Various herbs are frequently utilised in skincare routines. They offer numerous advantages, such as promoting a radiant and healthy complexion. When applied to the face, these herbs possess antibacterial properties that help clear up acne and repair skin tissues damaged by the sun and other external factors.

The finest skincare herbs combat signs of ageing and provide smooth skin that is difficult to achieve with most other products.

Additionally, there is an herbal oil specifically designed for skincare. This oil can be seamlessly incorporated into any skincare regimen, giving your skin a glowing appearance. Moreover, you will also enjoy these medicinal properties that the herb-infused oil offers.

Check out these 12 medicinal plant herbs for some amazing skincare routines:

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is well-known for its soothing properties. It contains compounds that can calm inflammation, deeply hydrate your skin, and support its natural healing processes. It's great for conditions like burns, minor wounds, and irritated or sensitive skin.

Tea tree

Another plant to consider is the Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). Tea tree oil has powerful antibacterial and antiseptic qualities, making it a great ally for acne-prone skin. It fights harmful bacteria and helps reduce excess oil production, clearing blemishes and preventing future breakouts.

Try this tea tree face mask for great skin. The ingredients include one tablespoon of green tea (steeped), one tablespoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of honey. 

• Start by taking one tablespoon of steeped green tea.
• Add one tablespoon of honey and baking soda to the green tea.
• Mix all the ingredients until you have a smooth paste. Apply the paste evenly on your face.
• Massage your skin gently in circular motions. Leave the mask on for about 10-15 minutes. Finally, rinse off the mask with warm water.

Oat Straw

Oat straw comes from the stems of oat plants. The stem produces a milky sap with beneficial properties like calcium and silica. It's great for making a natural face wash and can be used alone or combined with essential oils as an herbal oil for the skin.

Using oat straw can help with various skin conditions and also help balance blood sugar levels. Consider adding this herb to your tea or extracting its goodness and incorporating it into your food.

Try this recipe for a natural skincare routine. Take 500g of oat straw and add it to the water. 

• Let it boil for about 30 minutes.
• Once it's ready, mix it with your bath water. 
• Now, all you have to do is soak in the bath for as long as you want. Enjoy!

Calendula

The orange parts of the calendula flower have anti-inflammatory, calming, and healing properties. It's one of the gentlest options on this list, perfect for treating acne and dry or damaged skin.

Calendula is an excellent herbal oil for the skin, as it contains antibacterial and antifungal properties that can address common skin issues. 

It's also effective in healing bruises, cuts, scars, and sores. The best part is that it's safe for all skin types, even those with extremely dry or sensitive skin. Try the recipe for a glowing skincare 

• Set aside some calendula petals to dry under the sun.
• Fill a jar up to 75% with these dried petals.
• Pour in either olive oil or almond oil.
• Seal the jar tightly with a lid and place it in a warm spot.
• Give the jar a good shake every few days for 2-3 weeks.
• After the designated time, strain the mixture using a fine sieve to separate the flower and oil. Now you have your homemade calendula oil. 
• Apply this oil to the affected area as a moisturiser or use it for a relaxing massage.

Alfalfa

The seeds and leaves of the alfalfa plant are packed with nutrients and beneficial properties. It contains carotene, a vitamin A source, an antioxidant that promotes healthy hair, skin, and nails.

Alfalfa also provides amino acids, vitamin K, chlorophyll, and trace amounts of other minerals. Notably, these properties are typically found in organic alfalfa, not genetically modified ones.

• You'll need a couple of alfalfa stems and a water bowl. 
  • Here's how to use them: Soak the alfalfa stems in hot water for about 20 minutes. 
• Take a cotton ball and apply the water to your face. 
• After 20 minutes, rinse it off with warm water.

Nettles

Nettles are amazing for treating inflammatory skin conditions, especially in kids. They're also great for healing eczema and skin wounds. 

If you plan to harvest nettles in your garden, wear gloves to avoid getting pricked or stung. You can even enjoy nettles in tea because their hairs are safe to consume and have a neutralising effect.

Comfrey

Comfrey has beneficial properties in its flowers, leaves, and roots. It's great for reducing inflammation and promoting regeneration. 

Comfrey is also perfect for dry skin and can treat bruises, burns, eczema, and wounds. It's incredibly soothing and healing as an astringent.

During the winter, consider using comfrey herbal oil for your skin. It works wonders on skin damaged by the environment and helps activate the healing process. Whether you have dry skin, damaged skin, or dermatitis, comfrey can be a great solution.

Turmeric

Turmeric, which comes from the rhizome of a plant resembling ginger, is another herb with powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

It's effective in treating lesions and other skin injuries. When consumed, turmeric detoxifies the blood system, improving overall health and appearance. You can easily find turmeric at grocery stores or online.

Lavender 

Lavender has amazing benefits for the skin. It helps with collagen production and wound healing, making it great for treating wounds and managing inflammation caused by psoriasis. 

• To use lavender, brew some lavender tea and let it steep. 
• Then, add alcohol-free witch hazel and vitamin E oil to the tea. 
• Store the mixture in a cool place and apply it to your skin like a toner. Remember to shake well before each use.

Sage

Sage is another fantastic ingredient for skincare. It has antioxidants that fight ageing signs and free radicals and can even reduce UV-induced wrinkles.

• If you want to incorporate sage into your skincare routine, brew a cup of green tea and let it chill in the refrigerator. 
• Then, add jojoba oil and sage oil to the tea. 
• Mix it well and apply it to your face as a toner. 
• Enjoy the benefits of sage for oily and acne-prone skin.

Thyme

The potent antiseptic properties of thyme, attributed to its phenolic compounds, make it an excellent alternative to toner. 

By combating infectious bacteria on the skin, thyme can help treat various ailments such as pain, rashes, wounds, acne, and sores. 

To utilise its benefits, follow these steps:

• Take 2-3 thyme stems. Place them in a bowl of hot water and let them soak for 20 minutes.
• Using a cotton ball, apply the thyme-infused water to the affected area.
• Allow it to sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it with warm water.

Horsetail

A combination of horsetail and other plants and seeds has been discovered to inhibit elastase enzymes that break down elastin and collagen. 

This mixture also contains silicon, which can help reduce signs of ageing, such as loss of skin elasticity and wrinkles. Additionally, studies have shown that applying an ointment with horsetail topically can promote wound healing and provide pain relief. 

You will need one cup of water, 2 teaspoons of dried horsetail,¾ cup of almond oil and 2 tablespoons of shaved beeswax. 

• Apply the lotion to your face or the affected area. After 20 minutes, rinse off with warm water. Boil the dried horsetail in the water and let it brew for 10-20 minutes.
• Strain out the horsetail and keep the herbal infusion aside.
• In a cup, mix the beeswax and almond oil, then place it in a saucepan of water.
• Heat it on low flame until the beeswax dissolves. Let the mixture cool for 2 minutes. Blend them on high speed with the lid on.
• Slowly add the beeswax mixture to the herbal infusion, continuing to add until the mixture reaches a consistency.

Summary

Using herbs and spices can work wonders for rejuvenating and moisturising your skin. Incorporating these 12 herbs into your skincare routine can greatly contribute to achieving a healthy complexion, reducing the appearance of ageing, soothing skin irritations, and attaining a radiant glow. 

Before including any new medicinal herbs or spices into your routine, practising a patch test's always a good idea to avoid any potential side effects.

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