8 Plants that Can Improve the Skin and Hair

8 Plants that Can Improve the Skin and Hair

Maintaining healthy, young looking skin may seem like an arduous and expensive task but you might be surprised to learn this article. Herbs and other plants can be used both internally and externally to promote clear skin.

BAY (Leaves)

Sure, you may find this in a stew or spaghetti sauce but when used as an infusion, bay leaves can reduce the likelihood of dandruff and even stimulate hair growth.  Its fatty oil extractions (taken from the plant’s fruits) are often used in natural skin and hair products.

BURDOCK

Considered a mild antibacterial agent, consuming this herb can help to treat various skin conditions. This can include acne, eczema, and even psoriasis.  All you have to do is slice the root and soak it, then stir fry with a little sesame oil and soy sauce (as an example). Of course, you can also eat them raw (preferably in a salad with other plants) or even cook them the same way you might cook a carrot.

NETTLE

Steeping nettle leaves to make a tea can yield some great benefits too. Of course, you can drink it, but using at a facial steam or a hair rinse restores clarity and healthy shine.

CALENDULA

Often used in hair rinses to help bring out gold highlights, Calendula can also be used in salves, creams, and ointments to sate—and even heal—rashes, insect bites, and sunburn.

CHAMOMILE (Roman)

When consumed as a tea, chamomile helps to soothe the digestive system, particularly the intestines.  However, it can also be steeped into a salve or compress to reduce puffy eyes.  As an essential oil, you can use it to add golden highlights to your hair, much like Calendula.

HENNA

You may be most familiar with Henna as it is used in tattooing. However, this plant has been used for nearly 8,000 years to add shine and red highlights to hair as well.

WHOLE OATS

Yes. Oats. As in: oatmeal.  

But while eating oats does have some health benefits—primarily in regards to digestive regularity—this is one plant that you can use externally to clarify the skin.  Simply place whole oats in a clean dry sock (or something similar) and seal the end with just a rubber band.  Drop the sock in a warm bath and steep in it for at least 15 minutes to calm dry and itchy skin.

GOTU KOLA

Gotu Kola contains powerful anti-inflammatory agents known as glucosides that have been shown to aid in the treatment of varicose veins.  This herb can also rapidly increase the production of collagen while simultaneously reducing the formation of scar tissue (after an injury, for example).