Healing Acne, Rashes, & Sensitive Skin With Medicinal Herbs By Natural Skincare Expert Linda Miles

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Aloe Vera, chamomile, lavender, tea tree and cucumber – these herbs are commonly found in natural skin care formulations and are probably familiar. However, most of us do not realize or take advantage of the true healing potential of plants. Herbs are powerful medicinal tools that can be used to successfully treat illnesses or to maintain and support health and wellness.

Herbs In Medicine

Used medicinally for thousands of years, plants still have an important place in our world today. Medicinal plants still serve as a primary source of medicine in many parts of the world, and they often form the basis for our modern pharmaceuticals. Many of our miracle drugs were developed by isolating the most active compound of a medicinal plant and synthesizing the chemical in large quantities. Scientists give the chemical a new name and market it as a powerful pharmaceutical.

One of our most common pharmaceuticals, aspirin, originally came from salicin, a chemical found in willow bark and the leaves of the meadowsweet plant. Scientists isolated the salicin from the willow bark, modified it to salicylic acid (the most commonly used chemical in mainstream Acne skin care products) and later to acetylsalicylic acid (so the body could tolerate it better), and called it aspirin.

Herbal Complexity and Natural Skincare

Though pharmaceuticals exploit a single active component of a plant, herbs usually contain more than one active component and various other phytochemicals that contribute to the healing powers of the herb. Medicinal plants can contain many different classes of compounds such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, volatile oils, glycosides, bioflavinoids, tannins, saponins, or alkaloids. Each of these classes of compounds benefit your skin in multiple ways and affects the body differently - some are anti-inflammatory, some stimulants, some antimicrobial, and some analgesics – and they work together to benefit the body.

Pycnogenol® is a compound comprised of several different molecules, each having a different purpose but functioning synergistically. These different molecules allow Pycnogenol® to possess both anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a very versatile ingredient – especially for sensitive skin, redness, irritation and Rosacea. You´ll find this is true of most natural ingredients: they benefit your skin in many different ways. The mixture of molecules working synergistically, or together, comprises a potent, unique natural ingredient.

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) has a broad range of healing powers including antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal properties. Over one hundred chemical compounds make up this oil: some of the compounds are antibacterial, some are antiseptic, and others are antifungal. Both the individual components and the synergistic reactions between them contribute to Tea Tree Oil´s broad spectrum of healing abilities. The entire chemical makeup of the oil (not just one active component) gives Tea Tree Oil its varied and unique healing powers. In herbs, the combination of the various phytochemical components exerts extremely powerful healing effects on the skin, usually with very few side effects. Over the years, Tea Tree has been indicated for dermatitis, sunburn, topical ringworm, psoriasis, rashes, acne, bacterial skin infections and much more.

Herbal Specificity and Natural Skincare

Thousands of medicinal plants exist, and each is unique: it has a unique chemical makeup and consequently a distinct physiological action. Also, each plant has a specific part of the plant that is medicinally active. We use the flowers and leaves of the chamomile plant, the seeds of dill, the roots of ginseng, and the berries of saw palmetto. Each herb has a specific recommended usage (though one herb may be recommended as a treatment for various conditions depending on the combination of phytochemicals in the plant).

Some herbs can be used both internally and externally while others should only be used internally and still others only externally. Most herbal remedies are still considered experimental or alternative treatments by physicians. However, just because an herbal remedy has not been proven to heal a specific condition does not mean it is ineffective. Although many European countries have been more proactive in scientifically studying the medicinal values of plants, very few herbs have been scientifically studied to assess their effectiveness. However, thousands of years of usage and testimonials attest to their medicinal powers.

Herbs and Natural Skincare

A wide variety of herbal remedies can benefit the skin when applied topically. They usually heal the skin by fighting inflammation, promoting healthy circulation, or soothing irritations. Many have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, or antiseptic properties. Some act as astringents and others as analgesics. Topically applied herbal remedies can promote the healing of wounds and burns, treat common skin conditions, and support healthy skin. In skin care formulations blends of herbs complement each other and produce even more powerful results. The astonishing powers of plants vary and should be used with some amount of care. Everyone reacts differently to both medications and herbal remedies. Consult a qualified herbalist if you are unsure of how to use an herb or how much of an herb to use.

To learn more about medicinal herbs in skincare like Lavender, Chamomile, Pycnogenol® and Tea Tree for restoring and maintaining healthy skin visit www.dermae.com. The healing power of plants will keep your skin glowing and beautiful, naturally!

About the Author

Linda Miles, DOM, Vice President and spokesperson for derma e® Natural Bodycare, has blended her expertise in complementary health care and biotechnology for over two decades, pioneering the development of innovative, high-performance natural personal care products.

Email: lm@dermae.net

Website: www.dermae.com