Herbs – The Alternative Cure For Acne, Blackheads, Eczema, Blemishes And Many Skin Problems
For those of us who prefer the natural, tried, tested and true to the modern “fast food” way of life, nature has always had the answers to our needs. Since undocumented times, herbs have been used to treat most of the medical and beauty problems we can encounter, and until the end of time, it will continue to be so as long as we take care of our green heritage and preserve our herbal heritage.
The herbs can be used internally (as a drink or fresh) or externally; such as infusions, creams or oils. For the purposes of this article, I have grouped them into their functional categories, for ease of use. I’ve included simple recipes (which apply to all the herbs listed below the recipe), to help you get the job done. Good luck!
External Treatments
on-site treatment
A date looming and Oh No! An ugly place! No problem, try the following:
Squeeze the juice, fresh from the stem, leaf, seed, fruit, or flower, directly onto the spot to kill germs, cool inflammation, and improve blood circulation.
Dandelion (stems)
Nasturtium and evening primrose (petals)
Aloe and Bulbinella (leaf)
Garlic clove)
Lemon juice)
Infusion, facial spray and facial steam. (As a daily cleansing treatment)
Making an “Infusion” The standard recipe is: 1 teaspoon of dried herbs (3 teaspoons of fresh herbs) in 1 cup of boiling water, steep for 5 minutes, strain and allow to cool. Apply to skin with cotton, or as a facial dab or facial steamer.
Lavender and Parsley. The flowers and leaves can be used for facial steams.
Chicory: for inflammation, boils and septic areas.
Patchouli and bergamot: powerful, antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial, regenerates skin cells.
Mask, poultice or compress. (A few times a week or when the problem is really concerning)
Make a face Pac (mask) or paste (poultice) or compress (cotton pad soaked in liquid and placed on the face); the standard method is: the plant is crushed and a little water is added, it is left to act until it dries and then it is washed.
Horseradish – (paste) replace water with milk.
Stinging nettle – (paste) remedy for eczema and acne.
Comfrey and Fenugreek – (paste) use leaves.
Calendula – (paste) (flower petals) cleanses and softens the skin
Aloe – (paste) crush the leaves (no need to add water) heals and prevents scarring.
Basil – (paste) no need to add water, draws out pus.
Chamomile – (compress) reduces inflammation.
Chickweed – (paste) relieves inflammation and causes boils.
Borage – (Face Pac) made from cooked barley and bran.
Astringent (Twice a week or before that big date, to look great.)
Use an astringent to tighten your pores, to prevent sagging, and to reduce the tired look. Make an infusion, the standard amounts are; 1 cup of aromatic herbs per 1 liter of boiling water, let stand until cool. Apply on the face with cotton.
Evening Primrose – Use the leaves for oily, blemished skin, eczema, and rashes.
Chamomile: use petals, tones, brightens, purifies and softens the skin.
Horsetail: lightens tones and purifies the skin.
Scented Geraniums: A mild astringent to cleanse and improve circulation.
Face cream: (Long-term treatment, twice a day with cream)
Make your own face cream. The basic recipe is as follows: Use as a base a combination of honey, lanolin, glycerin and almond oil in equal proportions. Heat slowly in a pan, when melted add the crushed herbs in the ratio of 1/5 herbs to 4/5 base and stir until the mixture is simmering. Simmer for 20 minutes, then strain, whisk the mixture until thick, creamy, and quite cold. For pots and lids.
Bulbinella – relieves all skin problems.
Aloe – Use the sap of the leaf to make a soothing and healing moisturizer.
Myrtle – for blemishes.
Calendula and Comfrey and Salad Burnet for dry skin
Chamomile – for oily skin.
Facial oils: (Long-term treatment, twice a day with oil)
(Do as follows): Dry the grass. Add to a basic oil such as Almond, Jojoba or Sweet oil (ratio is ½ herb to ½ oil) Place in a closed jar, let stand in a warm place (shake daily) Strain after 10 days. Discard the herbs, repeat the process with fresh (dried) herbs until you have the strength you want. This should be around 4-5 weeks. The higher the concentration of herb to oil, the more effective the blend will be.
Calendula – (flower petals) relieves inflammation has antiseptic properties, heals and softens.
Tea Tree – is an antibacterial, soothes irritated skin. Most effective when mixed with Witch Hazel.
Pink: lightens tones and purifies the skin.
Evening primrose – helps to lighten blemishes.
Perfumed geraniums – It is useful to balance sebum in oily and dry or inflamed skin.
INTERNAL TREATMENTS
To solve a skin problem, it is not enough to apply products on the face, you have to clear the body from the inside. The benefit is to cleanse the blood; the blood removes impurities and transports the necessary nutrients to the skin. There are two different ways to do this. The first is to drink an infusion (tea) the second is to include recently consumed herbs in your diet.