Herbs for Skin Care:

Alumroot or Cranesbill- heuchera americana- is a herbaceous perennial plant fairly common to the prairies. The root or rhizome is commonly dug up in the late summer or fall, dried and powdered. Alumroot has astringent and antiseptic qualities and is often used for dysentery, diarrhea, gastrointestinal distress, and to stop hemorrhages. It can be added to boiled water to make tea and applied topically or taken internally as a tea or enema.

Calendula-calendula officialis- can be used internally for immune boosting and for inflammation, externally in washes, balms, creams and teas. Calendula is antiseptic, promotes skin and cell repair and is anti-inflammatory. Calendula is used for rashes, stings, eczema, rosacea, swelling, acne, scrapes, burns, and sores. It brightens skin tone and stimulates collagen production, it protects against UV rays and hydrates and nourishes the skin with a variety of minerals and vitamins.

 Plantain-Plantago lanceolata or plantago magor- Plantain is astringent, antibacterial, anti inflammatory, anti septic and a good antioxidant. It can be used for rashes, insect bites and stings, bruising, wounds, burns, sprains, psoriasis, eczema, acne and rosacea. It can prevent scaring, reduce pain and swelling and be used to treat rashes from poison oak/ivy.

 Comfrey-symphytum officinale- comfrey is a mucilaginous plant that helps heal by stimulating cell growth and locking in moisture in the skin. Comfrey is used for bug bites, diaper rash, scratches, eczema, psoriasis, heals wounds, promotes new skin tissue, fades scares and softens wrinkles. Comfrey can work so fast at healing wounds you should makes sure the wound is clean and without infection before applying as to not seal infection inside.

 Dandelion-taraxacum offinale-The humble dandelion is rich in antioxidants, helps protects against UV rays and has anti aging properties. Dandelions are rich in vitamins A, C and E which are fantastic for skin health. Dandelions are said to promote collagen and elastin formation, even out skin tone, reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles and stimulate circulation in the skin. Dandelions can reduce inflammation, and sooth eczema, psoriasis, acne and rashes. The latex sap can be used to treate warts, age spots and bug bites.

 Elderberry flower-sambucus nigra- While elderberries are proclaimed for their wonderful immune boosting abilities, the elderberry flower has some wonderful skin care properties as well. Elderberry flowers are high in vitamins A, B, C and E which are highly beneficial for skin health. Elderberry flowers can heal scrapes, scratches and wounds, moisturize dry skin, reduce pore size, smooth skin, protects against infections and is anti-inflammatory.

 Mullein- verbascum thapsus-Mullein leaf and flower oils can be used to soften and protect the skin, it is anti inflammatory and anti fungal. Mullein can treat wounds and relieve pain, soothe irritated membranes and be used for dandruff treatment. It can also be used to treat frost bite and bruises.

 Chickweed-stellaria media- Chickweed is rich in nutrients including vitamin C, potassium phosphorus, magnesium and calcium. Chickweed can be used in salves, poultices and washes for skin healing. It can be used for itches, rashes including poison ivy, bites, stings, swellings, bruises, splinters, sore eyes, burns, sunburn and other allergic reactions or inflammation of the skin. A poultice of chickweed can be used to treat pink eye, or itchy irritated eyes.

 Aloe vera-aloe vera- Aloe vera is high in antioxidants vitamin A, C, E, B12, folic acid and choline as well as many minerals and fatty acids. Aloe makes a great moisturizer. It can cool, soothe and heal burns psoriasis and eczema, can shrink warts and blisters, reduces the inflammation of insect stings and bites and helps reverse signs of aging and wrinkles.

 Lemon balm-melissa officinalis- Lemon balm is a cleansing herb, great at boosting the immune system and is antioxidant rich. It is also anti inflammatory, anti viral, anti bacterial, antimicrobial and anti fungal. Lemon balm is a great bug repellent. It can be used to treat eczema, acnes, cold sore, promote skin healing.

 Rose- rosa spp.- Rose petals and rose hips are often used in skin care. Rose petals can be used to make rose water, a lovely toner for skin. Rose hips are often pressed for their oil and incredible anti aging properties. Rose is known to be a gentle cleanser, tonifier and anti-aging benefits. It is anti inflammatory, helps moisturize, heal blemishes, prevents UV damage, decreases dark under eye circles and treats dandruff. Rose can reduce swelling and puffiness, sooth sunburn, promote healing and is gentle enough for sensitive skin.

 Bergamot or Bee Balm

Bergamot is used to stimulate circulation, soothe chills and fever, induce sweating, and can heal fungal infections. It can be used externally as a salve, poultice, wash or compress for cuts, skin eruptions and fungal infections. It works well in steam inhalations, and in warm baths to reduce inflammation.
Internally it can be taken as a tea for colds and congestion, aching kidneys, gastric disorders, headaches and fever. It can also be used as a gargle for sore throats.

Borage - borago officinalis

Leaves and flowers are often used. The flowers are great for boosting the mood, and for respiratory expectorant. A salve of the leaves is great for rashes, allergies and eczema. An infusion of the leaves in water makes a gentle eye wash for sore irritated eyes. Borage is an expectorant, great for respiratory infections, coughs and bronchitis.

Burdock- articum lappa

Burdock root helps regulate blood sugar levels, is great for hair, skin and nails, improves concentration, and lowers stress and chronic fatigue. A deep immune tonic, it clears skin conditions, lowers stress and anxiety, eases fatigue, improves concentration and supports gut bacteria. It can be taken as a tea or made into a decoction or tincture to apply externally.

Clover (Red)- trifolium pratense

Estrogenic, used in teas for hormone support, menopause, for clearer skin, lymphatic drainage, heart support. Topically can be used as a compress for bug bites, to reduce pain and inflammation and for arthritis or gout pains.

herbal first aid

Calendula- cuts and scraps, minor burns, inflamed rashes

Chamomile- calming, indigestion, wounds, rashes

Fennel seeds- indigestion, gas, bloating, increase breast milk

Ginger root- nausea, vomiting, menstrual cramps

Lavender- stress, anxiety, sleep, minor burns, cold sores

Lemon balm- restlessness, irritability, indigestion, sleep

Marshmallow root- mouth and throat, sores, heartburn, cough, indigestion

Oatmeal- itchy rashes, anxiety, sleep, stress

Peppermint- nausea, gas, indigestion, congestion

Red Raspberry leaf- uterine tonic, pregnancy, nausea, diarrhea

Stinging nettle- iron-rich, seasonal allergies, water retention

Yarrow- styptic for wounds, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal

ANTIVIRAL herbs

Oregano- may reduce the activity of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), MNV (murine norovirus), otavirus

Ginger- may reduce activity avian influenza, RSV, and norovirus

Lemon balm- may reduce the avian influenza, herpes viruses, HIV, and enterovirus

Licorice- may reduce HIV, RSV, herpes viruses, sever acute respiratory syndrome, coronavirus

Fennel- may reduce herpes viruses, and influenza type 3, may boost the immune system and decrease inflammation

Rosemary- may reduce herpes virus, HIV, influenza, hepatitis

Garlic- may reduce HPV, influenza A and B, HIV, HSV-1, viral pneumonia and rhinovirus, the common cold

Dandelion- may reduce hepatitis B, HIV, and Influenza

Peppermint- may reduce RSV, and significantly decrease the level of inflammatory compounds

Holy basil- may reduce herpes virus, hepatitis B, and enterovirus, increase immunity

Elderberry- may reduce flu and common cold, influenza virus, upper respiratory viral infection

Echinacea- may reduce a wide array of conditions including viral infections, and may increase cytokines

smokable herbs

Herbs can be burned and smoked or added to boiled water to steam inhale. Most herbs are used dried unless otherwise stated.

Blue Lotus - lucid, spiritual dreams, that decompress the nervous system

Calendula- increases clarity and remembrance of dreams, anti-inflammatory

Clove- relieves congestion, headaches, and colds and flus

Damiana- eases depression, anxiety and nervousness, can be an aphrodisiac, calming, headache relief

Gotu Kola- improves mental clarity, used for respiratory and skin infections

Lavender- calming, stress reliever, relaxation, headache and migraine relief

Mugwort- enhances and improves recall of dreams, helps with fever, asthma, cold and cough, chronic pain, digestive and nervous problems, menstrual cramps

Mullein- clears lungs, decongestion, treats cold and cough, reduces inflammation, soothes infected and inflamed lungs

Passionflower- calming, sedating, pain relieving, improves sleep

Red Raspberry- antioxidant, neutralizes nicotine present in blood, reduces blood sugar levels

Rose- antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, relieves depression, and anxiety, increases libido

Skullcap- mild sedative for insomnia, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic

Spearmint, peppermint- soothes senses, sharpens mind, classically used to treat congestion of nose, throat and sinuses

Mugwort-artemesia vulgaris

Crushed Mugwort leaves applied to the skin relieves burning, itching and pain and, with continued application, can help get rid of warts.

Mugwort is a topical anaesthetic with antifungal and antibacterial properties.

It kills intestinal worms and parasites.

According to lore, chewing fresh mugwort leaves will help relieve tiredness/fatigue and clear the mind.

It is also used to help regulate the menstrual cycle and ease painful menstruation and the onset of menopause.

It is best harvested before it flowers, in August or September.

Perhaps the most interesting property of Mugwort is its effect on the dreaming mind. Dreaming can become a lot more psychedelic if Mugwort is taken shortly before bed. Mugwort is a potent third eye stimulator and cleanser, this is the reason it helps induce such wonderful and vivid dreams. One of the best way to consume mugwort is to make a tea, put it in a regular tea strainer for about 5-10 minutes and drink up, with a splash of honey.

“Please note, that some claim that due to its effects on the menstrual cycle, it is NOT recommended for women during pregnancy, as it can induce labour.”

St John’s Wort- hypericum

A wonderful herb for depression and anxiety using leaves and flowers as a tea. Do not use with prescription medication. The flowers can be used topically in a tincture, poultice or balm for pain relief as well.

White Pine

Although most pine needles are edible, white pine is considered to be the best-tasting one, and it’s very easy to be recognized –  the only pine tree that has five needles per bundle. 

So if you want to make pine needle soda at home, the safest and easiest way is to find a pine tree that has five needles per bundle. 

Yarrow- achillea millefolium

The leaves are used in poultices and ointments for bruises, cuts and bleeding, promote healing and prevent infection, and promote clotting. Used internally it stimulates digestion, liver and gallbladder. It is a bitter herb and thus supports digestion. It can lower blood pressure, and improve varicose veins. It has also been used as a remedy for chickenpox and measles.

Edible flowers

Edible flowers can be great fun to add to salads, pasta, desserts and drinks. These pretty additions add a surprising and tasty decorative presentation.

Safety

• Only eat flowers you are 100% sure are edible. When in doubt ask a Herbalist or a good reference book.

• Only eat flowers that were grown organically.

• As a general rule eat only the petals, remove the pistils, stamens and leaves before eating, except with pansies and Johnny jump-ups or violas and common herbs.

• Do not eat flowers from the florist, nursery or garden centres, these are often sprayed with fertilizers, pesticides and other not-for-food-use chemicals.

• Follow the same rules as you would for wildcrafting herbs.

Allium flowers (garlic, chives, leeks)- these can be strong sharp, robust flavour similar to the plant taken from

BeeBalm or Bergamot- tastes like oregano and mint, with citrus tones

Borage- these blue star flowers have a refreshing mild cucumber flavour, wonderful in drinks, desserts and cheeses

Calendula- These can be spicy, bitter, tangy or sharp, similar to saffron

Carnations- often used in candy, as cake decoration and other desserts, or steeped in wine

Chrysanthemum- Can be slightly bitter, tangy, soft pepper flavour or even similar to cauliflower. These should be blanched before use.

Clover- sweet anise-like licorice taste

Cornflower- sweet, spicy, clove-like flavour

Dandelion- sweet honey-like flavour when picked young, mature flowers can be bitter

Daylilies- mildly sweet with a mild vegetable flavour like lettuce or melons, remove the bitter white part of the flower at the base.

Garden sorrel- tart and lemony tasting

Hibiscus- cranberry tart-like flavour with citrus overtones

Honeysuckle- sweet-tasting flowers- DO NOT eat the berries

Impatiens- lovely flavour often used in salads or in drinks and cocktails

Johnny-jump-ups/viola- mild wintergreen taste, great with cheese, salads, soups and desserts

Lavender- the flowers have sweet floral flavour with citrus tones.

Lilac- can be very fragrant tasting to slightly bitter depending on the plant, great in salads and drinks or sugared

Linden- these delicate flowers have a honey-sweet flavour

Nasturtiums- these have a peppery, spicy sweet flavour, often added to pickles, the seed pods can be pickled as a substitute for capers

Pansy- mildly sweet, green grassy flavour, the petals are quite mild by themselves, when eating the whole flower there is a wintergreen taste

Primrose- slightly sweet bland flavour

Rose- varies from plant to plant, sweet, complex floral or fruity flavours

Thyme- these tiny pink and purple flowers are milder than the thyme taste