 |
| Sunny beach |
The dog days of summer are upon us. That hot sun not only
dries out our skin causing premature wrinkles, but is can also increase the
risk for skin cancer. Herbs can help skin in a number of ways, including
cleansing, cooling, and protecting.
Make an infusion or strong tea from herbs that can
be applied to the skin or put in the bath. Also try herbs as a steam facial by
putting them in a bowl and pouring boiling water over them. Lower your face
into the steam being careful not to burn yourself. Feel your pores open and your worries drift away. Yet another way to use herbs for your skin is to
make a tall glass of iced herbal tea to relax with. These are some common plants for summer skin care:
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) – Some call it a weed, but it is
a very good source of vitamin A which is important for maintenance of the
skin’s epithelial layer. Vitamin A is also found in stinging nettles, parsley and
violets.
Rose Hips (Rosa spp.)– After the rose flower fades you still have the
hips, which are high in vitamin C. This vitamin is essential for making
collagen, the foundation upon which the skin rests. Rose flowers also make a
good face cleanser and are considered hydrating for the skin. Parsley and
strawberry leaves are also high in vitamin C.
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) –The phytoestrogens in red clover can help
diminish wrinkles, giving your skin that plump youthful look. It has also been used
to treat several skin conditions including eczema. Since it is a legume, it can
also feed your soil!
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)– It's anti-inflammatory properties can be soothing to the skin, especially after a sunburn. It is also antiseptic
which can help prevent infection of minor scrapes.
Mint (Mentha spp) – The cooling properties of the mint family are
refreshing on a hot afternoon. Make a tea to drink as well as to apply to the
skin in a mister or with a cotton swab. Mint can also help relieve dry cracked
skin.
Green Tea (Camillia sinensis) – Although you probably don’t have this one in
your garden it is an important one for summer skin care. Many animal studies
have shown that green tea can prevent skin cancers when applied topically. Try
making a strong infusion to put in the bathtub, or apply it directly to moles on
the skin. It also provides beneficial properties as a drink. Better safe than
sorry.
Calendula (Calendual officinalis) – This orange flower is great for dry skin and can hasten
the healing of cracked hands or abrasions of the skin. It is also antiseptic
and anti-inflammatory and has been used to treat eczema.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) – This herb can bring
relief from sunburn and has also been used as an insect repellent and to treat
skin allergies and rashes.
Recipe
Rose water toner
2 c rose petals
1 cup water
2/3 cup witch hazel
2 tsp honey
Bring water to a boil and add rose petals. Remove from the
heat and steep for one hour. Strain out the petals. Add the second cup of rose
petals to the water and again heat to just boiling, steep for one hour and
strain. Mix in witch hazel and honey. Keep this refrigerated and use within
three days.
You can find a good green tea herbal bath mix from Colorado Aromatics to use after exposure to sun here.
