Collagen can calm inflammation, while chamomile flower, lemon balm leaf, passion flower, hops, and valerian root extract alleviate stress
When skin is desperate for a genuine miracle potion or wonder-working solution, look no further than the natural world’s enduring cure: plant extracts that balance, heal, stimulate, and soothe.
High in the mountains of Tibet and deep in the Amazon rain forest , plants are used to indigenous cultures to address everything from headaches and stomach problems to skin wounds. Innovative beauty companies send herb hunters around the world - and into the archives of botanical medicine - to discover the best plants for use in cosmetics. New science is showing that some of the herbs used traditionally for healing have potent compounds. When we uncover these plants, we’re following a long legacy of study. Botanists have been noting for thousands of years which plants smell good and help or heal the skin - we just bring that knowledge to the lab. Exciting new skin-care products are the result of this blend of ancient knowledge and scientific rigor - and they offer the best of both worlds.
HERBAL PRIMER
THESE BOTANICALS ARE CORNERSTONES OF ANCIENT EUROPEAN HERBALISM, ALL HAVE A PLEASANT SCENT AND CONTAIN A CLASS OF COMPOUNDS CALLED MONOTERPENES, WHICH IMPART POWERFUL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY, ANTISEPTIC, AND ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES TO THE SKIN. THEIR THERAPEUTIC VALUE HAS BEEN PASSED DOWN, AND TODAY RESEARCHERS ARE STILL UNCOVERING THE SECRETS OF THESE COMPLEX HELPERS.
GOOD BALANCE
Lavender
From the latin word lav-are, “to wash”, lavender has traditionally been used as an antiseptic, now we understand that it’s anti-microbial.
Rose
There aren’t many secretory cells in the rose petals, so it takes three to four tons to produce one kilogram of essential oil. In addition to its relaxing fragrance there are hundreds of chemical compounds in rose that nourish mature skin and even out complexion.
Nettle
Although nettle can irritate skin if you brush against it in nature, “stinging nettle” from the prickly hairs on it’s leaves, herbalists love it’s internal and external health applications. The dark green leaves are chock full of vitamins and once the stingers are boiled off, nettle can be applied topically to quiet inflamed skin.
Wild Pansy
Long used to quell itchiness, this flower is an ancient remedy for infantile dermatitis. It also has a place in Ayervedic skin care as a popular anti-inflammatory.
HERBAL HEALING
Calendula
The brightly colored yellow and orange flower heads of calendula produce a sticky sap that repairs and calms skin. It’s used on burns, bruises, and wounds as an into-septic.
Witch Hazel
This shrubs bark is useful in treating insect bites because it’s very high in tannins, which deactivate the proteins that cause stinging. A splash also can be added to any lotion to turn it into a summery, cooling moisturizer. Or use it to saturate cotton pads and gently apply them tired eyes.
Yarrow
Often used as a styptic to stop minor bleeding and reduce swelling, yarrow helps close and heal wounds and contains azulene, a well-known anti-inflammatory.
STIMULATING SALVES
Eucalyptus
A potent anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial, eucalyptus essential oil is cooling to the skin, while it’s vapor works well as a decongestant.
Rosemary
Because it enhances circulation, rosemary is often added to massage oils and healing ointments. It pacifies angry skin, and the scent , which is piney and uplifting, is said to enhance memory.
Peppermint
A good source of menthol, peppermint is a counterirritant, meaning it diverts your nervous systems attention away from painful areas. In the last decade we have discovered why peppermint is favored as a cooling treatment. It stimulates cold -temperature sensor receptors in the skin.
SOOTHE SAYERS
Chamomile
The chamomile flower heads are the source of the plants main potency. Because it contains the compound api-genie, chamomile promotes anti-inflammatory responses.
Cornflower
This pretty blue blossom exemplifies what’s called the doctrine of signatures, meaning it was put to use based on what it looked like it could heal. It’s color was believed to be effective for treating eye infections. Today, it’s still used to depute the delicate skin around the eye.
Basil
Basil essential oil is anti-microbial and contains antioxidants, which can help combat inflammation.
HEALING
Calendula, yarrow, and witch hazel are effective for alleviating rashes, breakouts, and skin irritation
STIMULATING
Eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint wake up your skin.
SOOTHING
Cornflower, chamomile, and basil calm sensitive or irritated skin.
