Gentle Skin Herbs
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) has incredible healing abilities assisting with healing and regenerating skin tissue. Apply the infused flower oil to cuts, scrapes, bruises, diaper rashes, and insect bites, this will quickly speed the healing process. The anti-inflammatory properties of the oil in addition to the unique antioxidant compounds found in this miraculous plant protect against infections keeping wounds and scrapes safe, allowing them to heal rapidly. This is such a versatile oil for healthy skin.
Calendula oil is a great moisturizer for dry, severely chapped or split skin, it helps soothe the area and reduce pain. It has anti-inflammatory properties and works well on sprained muscles or bruises helping lessen swelling from injury. Calendula oil helps treat spider veins, varicose veins, leg ulcers, and chilblains. The oil can be applied topically to eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and other skin problems. The anti-fungal action is useful for treating athlete’s foot, ringworm and jock itch.
Aloe (Aloe vera) gel is well known for its ability to repair damaged skin and heal wounds. It contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants that work wonders for the skin. Aloe heals sunburn acting like a protective layer on the skin and replenishing its moisture. Because of aloe’s nutritional qualities and antioxidant properties, the skin heals quicker.
Aloe gel is a natural remedy for acne and acne scarring. The antimicrobial properties of aloe vera help to prevent acne and reduce the redness and inflammation acne causes. Aloe is rich in vitamin C, E and beta carotene giving it its nourishing and anti-aging qualities. This natural moisturizer keeps the skin hydrated, enhances elasticity and supplies oxygen to the skin, this strengthens skin tissues and maintains healthy skin. Aloe releases natural enzymes and essential vitamins on the skin to yield a deep moisturizing effect that helps restore pH balance.
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) oil has strong antiviral, antiseptic and styptic properties. It is used to treat skin inflammations, burns, cuts, scrapes, skin ulcers, sores, and many other skin eruptions by boosting blood flow to the affected areas.
Creams and salves help keep open wounds clean by killing microorganisms. Topical application of St. John’s Wort cream hydrates skin with its natural oils. Consistent application will firm up the skin reducing the appearance of fine lines.
To use St. John’s Wort oil to heal skin, wash the area clean, then gently rub into the area. Do this three to four times a day. Use the oil or salve until the skin has healed. I have this oil for sale in my shop.
Peppermint salve acts as a pain killer when massaged into your skin. Rub it into a specific spot to reduce soreness. Apply daily for optimum effect.
Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is not just for drinking. Green tea extract can also be applied to the skin to reduce skin redness, protect and rejuvenate skin and refresh skin after a long day in the sun.
Green tea contains potent antioxidants called catechins which help fight damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals form in your skin for a variety of reasons including exposure to toxins. The most common cause of free radicals in skin cells is UV radiation from sunlight which causes up to 90% of all signs of premature aging.
This tea improves your complexion, skin elasticity and keeps your skin healthy. It helps flush out toxins, heals blemishes and scars and reduces inflammation. Green tea has anti-aging and antioxidant benefits that can help delay signs of aging such as sagging skin, sun damage, age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) oil is beneficial for skin repair, it contains the compound linalool that soothes the skin and prevents tissue degeneration. The oil keeps your skin firm and taut acting as an excellent anti-aging agent while promoting the regeneration of new cells. It promotes faster healing of wounds, cuts, scar tissue, inflammation, irritation, psoriasis, sunburns, eczema, acne, and other skin disorders.
Lavender has antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-toxic, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.
This oil has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties relieving itching and reducing symptoms of eczema. The oil decongests the irritated areas on the skin by adding moisture, accelerating the healing process.
Always dilute any essential oil in a carrier oil such as olive oil or grapeseed oil.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) also known as knitbone because of its ability to mend broken bones. Comfrey’s allantoin content plays a vital role in protecting the skin as well as in promoting skin cell regeneration. When applied to the skin as a poultice, comfrey has the potential to heal abrasions and lacerations. Comfrey ointments are used to heal bruises, pulled muscles, and ligaments.
Caution should be taken when it comes to deep wounds. The oil can help heal skin so quickly that new tissue may cover the wound before deep healing occurs inside, resulting in an abscess or skin infection. Comfrey infused oil or comfrey cream is useful for treating shallow skin cuts and the oil can be applied to inflamed areas to relieve inflammation. I sell comfrey salve and other herbals in my online Shopify shop.
Licorice Root Oil
Ingredients
- A handful of cut & sifted licorice root
- Olive oil, enough to cover the roots
- Jar with lid
Directions
Add licorice root to a clean jar and top with olive oil. Shake once a week for 6 weeks storing in a dark cabinet. That’s it, you now have an infused oil!
Fast Method
Directions
- Heat ingredients in a pot on very low on the stove for 1 day or longer.
- Turn on the stove any time you are in the kitchen and can watch it.
- Do not let it boil, this is a very low heat to infuse the root properties into the oil.
- Once done, strain the roots out and bottle your oil for use.
Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil is known for its antiviral, antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. These properties make it beneficial for treating various skin conditions and ailments including skin blemishes, acne, scabies and is very useful in treating fungal nail and athlete’s foot infection. Tea tree has antiseptic agents used to heal cuts, wounds, boils, burns and other skin disorders. Dilute the essential oil in water or carrier oil and apply over affected areas. It soothes your skin as well as reduces itching and redness.
