My 5 Favorite Herbs for Skin
Herbs are magical. I enjoy growing them and creating fresh one-of-a-kind treatments for clients. I get those who love the fresh approach, and sometimes I get those who have tried everything else and can’t get results. Some people think plants are not medicine. In my garden, plants are the first ones I call on to help me feel better and be better in my daily life. I love them all. It’s hard to choose a favorite, but if I had to pick, I would go with these top 5:
Helichrysum Italicum
Why? This was one of the first herbs I fell in love with. I do grow it, but not to use in products. Helichrysum is best in higher elevations and arid climates. It is an amazing wound healer. I consider a wound on the face to be a compromised skin barrier, a breakout, or redness. I myself am a “red-faced” gal, so I guess that’s why I attract so many people who are also “red”. Helichrysium acts like a steroid in the way that it calms skin and reduces redness. It has a great earthy fragrance, and when I started working with it was a bit less used. There are very old studies that show it worked great as a steroid-type product. Of course, a plant can’t make the wheels of the medical world spin at the same speed as a synthetic drug, so now we have steroids. The steroids used to calm skin have negative impacts on collagen. Helichrysium helps develop collagen. When I started looking for products with a certain percentage of helichysium to the total overall product, there was nothing available, so I started on my journey of the apothecary and products. So I had to give the number one spot to the one who brought me to the dance.
Resurrection Fern
Why? I mean, this plant comes back from the dead with water. How cool is that? You can’t beat the fact that this amazing plant helps to regulate moisture in the skin better than anything else I’ve personally used. It grows in live oak trees and becomes dessicated without water. The minute it rains and it becomes wet, resurrection. It’s awesome to watch and I LOVE seeing it. Combine the fact that this plant has been shot into space to be studied, has been studied for its antioxidant properties, antifungal properties, AND has also been used in some cancer research. I mean, this little guy is amazing. The one I use grows in my backyard garden, and his name is Lazarus. I use resurrection fern on every client. If I am working with someone who has lots of concerns, someone who is allergic to everything, or if I am performing microcurrent, I use this herb. The moisture regulation helps to promote good microcurrent treatments. You will find this in serums and in masks at the studio. I love Lazarus. xo
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Why? It is such a strong healer. Not just of skin but of humans in general. The female power of this plant, as it relates to menstruation, is the calming but not sedating effect when taken internally, along with the fragrance and smell. It is like a magic spell. I like to drink Holy Basil tea to help me release the day and calm my mind without being sedated. It is not uncommon to see me heading out to the garden to grab some in the late afternoons. I also dry and store leaves all season to get me through the winter. I also nurse one plant inside, though she isn’t very happy to be there. I just can’t bear to be without her all winter. You just fall in love with it. xo
Holy basil also has great antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. I like to use this with acne clients topically. It is not harsh and is really effective in calming and clearing skin. It is great for teen clients as well as adults. I like to use this in masks and in serums to provide those benefits.
Mulberry
Mulberry leaves are amazing antioxidant-loaded little gems. I have a tree at home and one outside the studio door that I love in all seasons. The leaves make an amazing tea that is loaded with antioxidants and has a mild flavor. The health benefits are awesome with controlling blood sugar spikes and managing the way your body manages “bad” cholesterol. There are usually Mulberry tea bags in the lobby of the studio for clients; it’s that tasty.
Topically, I use this beauty for her ability to maintain the health of skin. In my mind, it is like the building block for any preventive or corrective measures when I’m working on something to maintain or to support a client’s skin while we are trying to make changes. Mulberry is extremely high in vitamin C. I know spring is really here when the berries start forming and the leaves are abundant on the trees.
Plantain
Plantain is usually considered a weed. At my house, it has a dedicated spot and also grows in a pot during winter. This useful little darling is my go-to for anything inflamed or “stuck”. It is great for any type of bite or sting. It will help calm even the most angry bug bite. When it comes to the face, it is an awesome “mover” of things. It could be acne that’s cold and sitting or (stuck), it could be sluggish lymphatic fluid, or it can be great for “hot” things like a sunburn. This plant contains allantoin and tannins, which help skin heal.
Great survival tip, if you are out somewhere and have a problem, chew some and put it on a bite or wound. Plantain is loaded with fiber and has a mild taste. I use it in dishes as a substitute or addition to spinach or kale. It’s great for digestion.
Wow, it was really hard to pick just 5. I could go on all day about my garden plants and how I love to use them in the treatment room. If you have a question about these herbs and how I use them in treatment, I’d love to chat.
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