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Herbs that can help clear skin and rebalance hormones
Dandelion (root)
Taraxacum offcinale
Dandelion is a common meadow herb of the Asteraceae or sunflower family that has general detoxifying qualities, making it effective in the
treatment of skin blemishes. This common yard plant contains much that is beneficial to our bodies: bitter compounds,
choline, inulin, minerals such as calcium, sodium, silicic acid, sulfur, and a high concentration
of potassium and in the fresh leaves. In skin care and cosmetics, it helps clear up acne, eczema, and other skin eruptions.
Burdock (root)
Arctium lappa
Burdock is a thistled plant native to the Northern USA, Europe and
Asia. The roots and leaves of this plant have been used for centuries as a
remedy against skin cancer, acne, eczema, and other skin ailments and diseases. It is mildly antibiotic and can help restore smoothness to the
skin.
Yellow Dock (root)
Rumex crispus
Yellow dock, a general systemic toner, when combined with sarsaparilla, provides a treatment for chronic skin disorders. Its active ingredients
such as the astringent tannis and the antimicrobial properties of the purgative anthraquinones combine to make decoctions of the plant useful
in treating skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema, as well as skin rashes.
Sarsaparilla (root)
Smiilax offcinalls
Sarsaparilla is a perennial trailing vine with prickly stems indigenous to tropical America and the West Indies. Generally classified as a
blood purifier, sarsaparilla is combined with yellow dock to correct chronic skin ailments, especially psoriasis. Individuals suffering from
psoriasis have been found to have high levels of endotoxins (cell wall fragments of normal gut bacteria) circulating in the bloodstream.
Sarsaponin, one of sarsaparilla's main steroids was found to bind to these
endotoxins and remove them, thus relieving the afflicted person from psoriasis. Other health conditions associated with high endotoxin levels
include eczema, arthritis, and ulcerative colitis, and can be alleviated also
with the use of sarsaparilla.
Purple Coneflower (powder)
Echinacea Purpurea
Echinacea acts as a stimulant to the immune system by increasing the production of specific types of white blood cells and strengthening human
cell walls so bacteria and viruses have a harder time getting into cells. Using this herb can protect one against inflammatory conditions of
the skin. These wildflowers originally grew wild on the plains of the United States and Canada, but they are now being cultivated in Europe and
parts of Asia, as well as in North America. They are taken orally to enhance immune system response and to lessen the duration and symptoms of
colds and flu. When applied to the skin, they can relieve conditions
such as eczema, insect bites, and psoriasis. Purple Coneflower can also inhibit bacteria and the formation of pus.
Red Clover (blossom)
Trifolium Pratense
Traditionally used to expel toxins from the bloodstream, red clover is prized for being an effective treatment of skin problems because of its
high dosage of vitamin B-complex. In folk medicine, fresh red clover flowers have been chopped or mashed and applied directly to skin
inflammations such as insect bites. More recently, creams, lotions, or ointments containing red clover extract have been under observation for
treating psoriasis and other skin conditions.
Licorice (root)
Glycyrrhiza glaba
The ingestion of licorice in the proper quantities reduces inflammation and redness of the skin. It has also been used in poultices for
treatment of dermatitis and skin infections. Licorice is used in combination
with other cleansing and healing herbs as an emollient also used a cosmetic skin lightener.
Atlantic Kelp (powder)
Ascophyllum nodosum
Atlantic Kelp is rich in compounds that have specific use in the cosmetic industry, such as
polygalactosides, fucose polymers and ursolic
acid. These compounds contain abundant non-essential and essential amino acids such as
proline, glycine and lycine -- all of which are also found
in the elastic fibers of the skin -- and maintain and improve skin elasticity by improving hydration. This unique seaweed grows
exclusively on the North Atlantic coast of North America and Europe and is highly
valued as a detoxifier and blood purifier. Its anti-inflammatory properties
also benefit blemishes of the skin.
Cayenne (40 HU)
Capsicum Fructescens
The hot and spicy taste of cayenne pepper is primarily due to an
ingredient known as capsaicin which when applied topically to the skin can
relieve pain and itching by acting on sensory nerves. This same dulling property can reduce itching and inflammation associated with psoriasis.
Cayenne functions as a carrier agent that can stimulate and assist the movement of the other
ingredients to the sebaceous glands and pores of the skin.
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