Herbal care. What herbs have to offer for the skin and hair?

Hey! For thousands of years, people have relied on medicine and care based only on plants. It means that the herbs are really effective!

Herbs contain many valuable properties and you can successfully use them in your skin and hair care. Of course, there is one condition – they must be used in the proper way. Only then, they will have a positive effect on the skin. We must be aware that inadequately prepared herbal infusions or the use of plants without their knowledge are a short route to problems. Herbs can cause some troubles if we use them without the minimum knowledge of indications and contraindications.

HERBS IN SKIN AND HAIR CARE

At least once a week, we should plan a bath with herbs! Or include herbal care products in the form of creams, balms or homemade cosmetics.

Herbal baths

Herbal baths are a great way to strengthen the body, but also moisturize, regenerate and make our skin more elastic. It is recommended to do them regularly (it’s also a great way to relax after a long day at work). The healing substances found in herbs penetrate our bloodstream very quickly (through the sweat and sebaceous glands) and start working their wonders instantly. They don’t only improve the condition, but also purify, bring relief and heal.

Cosmetics with herbs

In fact, today we can find herbs in many ready-made cosmetics, such as creams, balms, shampoos and even eyeshadows! It is difficult to find a product that does not contain at least one plant extract. That’s all, thanks to the natural origin of the herbs and the fact that they are perfectly absorbed by the skin, hair and nails. Herbs contain many valuable nutrients and luckily, the cosmetic producers know very well how to use them.

DIY Herbal cosmetics

People who take pleasure in preparing their own cosmetics and love the idea of mixing, combining and producing will definitely fall in love with this method. Herbs are easily available, so you can successfully use them to make your very own DIY cosmetics. If you only have time for this, try it out yourself because homemade cosmetics work just as effectively as the ones bought in the drugstore. Their advantage is that they are completely natural, have no preservatives and do not harm.

PROPERTIES OF HERBS 

Herbs contain flavonoids and saponins, of which the properties can be very valuable, especially if we plan to introduce herbal care into everyday rituals. Flavonoids and saponins:

• they are a natural sunscreen,
• provide anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effects,
• they prolong the effect of vitamin C,
• strengthen and relax the blood vessels,
• they play an important role in sweeping free radicals away from the body.

Essential oils, which are extracted from herbs, are of particular importance when it comes to natural care. The only difference that distinguishes them from regular oils is the method of extraction. Essential oils are not cold-pressed but distilled. By the way, it is worth remembering to be very cautious when dealing with essential oils as they can irritate the skin. Nevertheless, used if used regularly, essential oils will:

• accelerate skin regeneration processes,
• provide bactericidal activities, disinfect and anti-inflammatory,
• they improve blood circulation of the skin and shrink the blood vessels.

HERBS IN COSMETICS – OVERVIEW

Which herbs should be used in skin care? I decided to create a short review of what to look for in cosmetics. Of course, the following herbs have a great effect not only when they are a component of a cosmetic, but also used on their own. It is sometimes worth making a brew, infusion or macerate as an alternative to other cosmetics.

Herbs that offer valuable cosmetic properties:

1. Aloe Vera – perfectly moisturizes, strengthens, nourishes, regenerates and tones the skin, but above all, it brings relief. It works perfectly as a remedy for conditions such as psoriasis, acne, burns or dermatitis (also AD).
2. Horsetail – it is most often recommended for hair care, because it strengthens and nourishes the hair well. In addition, you have to know, that he is a very rich source of flavonoids, and therefore has anti-inflammatory effects and strengthens blood vessels (ideal for capillary skin).
3. Nettle – replenishes nutrient deficiencies, supports moisturizing and proper hair growth. It is irreplaceable when it comes to hair, skin and even nail care. It prevents them from breaking and regenerates thoroughly.
4. Chamomile – probably everyone knows this inconspicuous herb, but most often we use it in the form of tea for various types of health problems. Chamomile in care is equally popular because it is a herb that accelerates healing, regenerating and toning the skin.
5. Lavender – every woman would like to have the smell of Provence lavender fields in her home. Additionally, the plant scares off the moth! Furthermore, lavender also has a great effect on the skin: it regenerates, tones, soothes irritations and reduces acne.
6. Marigold – my mother used to buy a marigold ointment at the pharmacy, which she used like crazy for any skin problem. I was surprised back then and yet today I know that calendula has anti-inflammatory properties, brings relief and adds softness to the skin.
7. Arnica – for the first time I encountered it in some cream for capillary skin. Only later did I read more about it and it turned out that arnica strengthens and improves the elasticity of the blood vessels, preventing them from breaking.

And you? Do you have your favourite herb? 🙂