Herbs that can help clear skin and rebalance hormones
Dandelion (root)
Taraxacum offcinale Dandelion is a common meadow herb of the
Asteraceae or sunflower family that has general detoxifying
qualities, making it effective in the treatment of skin
blemishes. This common yard plant contains much that is
beneficial to our bodies: bitter compounds, choline, inulin,
minerals such as calcium, sodium, silicic acid, sulfur, and a
high concentration of potassium and in the fresh leaves. In skin
care and cosmetics, it helps clear up acne, eczema, and other
skin eruptions.
Burdock (root)
Arctium lappa Burdock is a thistled plant native to the Northern
USA, Europe and Asia. The roots and leaves of this plant have
been used for centuries as a remedy against skin cancer, acne,
eczema, and other skin ailments and diseases. It is mildly
antibiotic and can help restore smoothness to the skin.
Yellow Dock (root)
Rumex crispus Yellow dock, a general systemic toner, when
combined with sarsaparilla, provides a treatment for chronic
skin disorders. Its active ingredients such as the astringent
tannis and the antimicrobial properties of the purgative
anthraquinones combine to make decoctions of the plant useful in
treating skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema, as well as
skin rashes.
Sarsaparilla (root)
Smiilax offcinalls Sarsaparilla is a perennial trailing vine
with prickly stems indigenous to tropical America and the West
Indies. Generally classified as a blood purifier, sarsaparilla
is combined with yellow dock to correct chronic skin ailments,
especially psoriasis. Individuals suffering from psoriasis have
been found to have high levels of endotoxins (cell wall
fragments of normal gut bacteria) circulating in the
bloodstream. Sarsaponin, one of sarsaparilla's main steroids was
found to bind to these endotoxins and remove them, thus
relieving the afflicted person from psoriasis. Other health
conditions associated with high endotoxin levels include eczema,
arthritis, and ulcerative colitis, and can be alleviated also
with the use of sarsaparilla.
Purple Coneflower (powder)
Echinacea Purpurea
Echinacea acts as a stimulant to the immune system by increasing
the production of specific types of white blood cells and
strengthening human cell walls so bacteria and viruses have a
harder time getting into cells. Using this herb can protect one
against inflammatory conditions of the skin. These wildflowers
originally grew wild on the plains of the United States and
Canada, but they are now being cultivated in Europe and parts of
Asia, as well as in North America. They are taken orally to
enhance immune system response and to lessen the duration and
symptoms of colds and flu. When applied to the skin, they can
relieve conditions such as eczema, insect bites, and psoriasis.
Purple Coneflower can also inhibit bacteria and the formation of
pus.
Red Clover (blossom)
Trifolium Pratense
Traditionally used to expel toxins from the bloodstream, red
clover is prized for being an effective treatment of skin
problems because of its high dosage of vitamin B-complex. In
folk medicine, fresh red clover flowers have been chopped or
mashed and applied directly to skin inflammations such as insect
bites. More recently, creams, lotions, or ointments containing
red clover extract have been under observation for treating
psoriasis and other skin conditions.
Licorice (root)
Glycyrrhiza glaba
The ingestion of licorice in the proper quantities reduces
inflammation and redness of the skin. It has also been used in
poultices for treatment of dermatitis and skin infections.
Licorice is used in combination with other cleansing and healing
herbs as an emollient also used a cosmetic skin lightener.
Atlantic Kelp (powder)
Ascophyllum nodosum
Atlantic Kelp is rich in compounds that have specific use in the
cosmetic industry, such as polygalactosides, fucose polymers and
ursolic acid. These compounds contain abundant non-essential and
essential amino acids such as proline, glycine and lycine -- all
of which are also found in the elastic fibers of the skin -- and
maintain and improve skin elasticity by improving hydration.
This unique seaweed grows exclusively on the North Atlantic
coast of North America and Europe and is highly valued as a
detoxifier and blood purifier. Its anti-inflammatory properties
also benefit blemishes of the skin.
Cayenne (40 HU)
Capsicum Fructescens The hot and spicy taste of cayenne pepper
is primarily due to an ingredient known as capsaicin which when
applied topically to the skin can relieve pain and itching by
acting on sensory nerves. This same dulling property can reduce
itching and inflammation associated with psoriasis. Cayenne
functions as a carrier agent that can stimulate and assist the
movement of the other ingredients to the sebaceous glands and
pores of the skin.