Herbs and their therapeutic properties in treating skin and hair conditions. Complete guide to making your own effective treatments and products using herbs.

Birch Leaves
INCI Name for these Herbs: Betula pendula/alba

Birch leaves disinfect wounds and are considered to alleviate most skin complaints, including cellulite. The leaves are used externally as an astringent and antiseptic (the bark is even more effective) for inflammations of the skin and for strengthening the skin tissue.

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Calendula
INCI Name for these Herbs: Calendula officinalis

From Flowers. Used for its healing and tissue regenerating properties for all types of skin. Calendula is good to use in all cases where cell regeneration is required such as in cases of sunburn and sores where the skin is red and irritated. Also good as a regular wash for spots and boils.

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Chamomile (Organic)
INCI Name for these Herbs: Matricaria recutita

From Flowers. Chamomile herbs have well known sedative and relaxing properties. Used in skin and hair care for its cleansing and soothing benefit. Good for sensitive and irritated skin. Good also for scalp irritations.

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Chickweed (Organic)
INCI Name for these Herbs: Stellaria media

Whole above-ground plant. Best known in its use for treating itchy skin, it is also used to treat skin allergies and other skin problems.

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Cleavers (Organic)
INCI Name for these Herbs: Gallium aparine

Herbs derived from aerial parts (gathered before flowering). The variety of tannic acids in Cleavers have an astringent and antiseptic effect and this makes the herb good for healing burns and wounds. Use an infusion 20-25g per litre of water.

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Comfrey Leaves (Organic)
INCI Name for these Herbs: Symphytum spp.

Has a high carbohydrate content and considered to rejuvenate the skin and to have healing, soothing and moisture retaining properties. They are good for rough, damaged skin and can, with time, alleviate wrinkling and enable skin tissue to regain its youthful elasticity. Allantoin promotes skin cell regeneration, stimulates the growth of new cells and helps sensitive skin to become more resilient, counteracting dryness and cracking. Should not be used internally because of its pyrroliziden alkaloid content.

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Comfrey Roots (Organic)
INCI Name for these Herbs: Symphytum spp.

Comfrey root and young leaf preparations should not be used internally because of its pyrroliziden alkaloid content. Similar properties as the leaves.

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Cornflower (Organic)
INCI Name for these Herbs: Centaurea cyanus

From flowers. Used as a Face Toner for its soothing and astringent effect on the skin. It has antibacterial as well as antioxidant properties and is successful when included in Eye products such as Gels, since it has a gentle astringent effect, but also soothes inflamed and irritated skin. It is very successful when used for washing out wounds and for mouth ulcers.

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Dandelion Leaves (Organic)
INCI Name for these Herbs: Taraxacum officinale Weber

Used in skin preparations for its astringent and detoxifying properties. A natural diuretic which does not deplete potassium.

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Dandelion Roots
INCI Name for these Herbs: Taraxacum officinale Weber

Its blood cleansing ability treats rashes.

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Echinacea (Organic)
INCI Name for these Herbs: Echinacea purpurea

Root and aerial parts. Considered to regulate and soothe the skin and to enhance overall immunity. Use in Ointments, Creams, Compresses and Toners for wounds, skin regeneration, skin infections, and inflammatory skin conditions.

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Horsetail
INCI Name for these Herbs: Equisetum maximum Lam

Whole plant. Often called the ‘Beauty Herb’, Horsetail is considered to strengthen connective tissue and skin. Clarifying, astringent, closes the pores and stimulates production of new skin cells. Because of its high Silica content the whole plant is used as an abrasive.

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Hyssop
INCI Name for these Herbs: Hyssopus officinalis

Leaves and flowers. According to herbalist Maurice Messegue, Hyssop contains substances which protect the skin against sunburn. Hyssop is anti-perspirant and astringent, like Sage, and can be used in Deodorants.

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Lady’s Mantle (Organic)
INCI Name for these Herbs: Alchemilla vulgaris

Leaves and Root. Used in Skin Care products for its healing effects. It is supposed to soothe, cleanse and heal dry, sensitive skin. It reduces swellings, is good for chapped and broken skin on the hands and feet, is a good astringent for large pores and can be used in Anti-Wrinkle Creams.

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Lavender Flowers (Organic)
INCI Name for these Herbs: Lavandula angustifolia

Flowers. Lavender is considered to be Beauty product. Lavender has many sedative compounds that can penetrate the skin. Good for normal and dry skin, Lavender is used as a tonic for all types of skin. Can also be used in Deodorant.

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Lemon Balm (Organic)
INCI Name for these Herbs: Melissa officinalis

Whole plant (leaves). Effective in Creams and Toners for mildly oily skin, cleanses and closes open pores, has an astringent and soothing effect when used as a Face Toner or Facial Steam for tired, sensitive skin.

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Nettle
INCI Name for these Herbs: Urtica dioica

Used as a Compress, in Lotions and Creams for oily skin, it is supposed to be cleansing, clarifying and emollient and soothes sensitive skins with surface blood capillaries. Can have a positive effect on dry and sensitive skins. Used extensively in Hair Care products where is supposed to counteract hair loss, prevent and cure dandruff, reduce oily secretions and improve the quality of dry, lifeless hair and stimulate the scalp. Best results in hair are achieved through Rinses and Hair Packs (better than Shampoos). Nettles may also be used in Deodorants.

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Peppermint Leaves (Organic)
INCI Name for these Herbs: Mentha piperita L.

Peppermint cools, refreshes, stimulates and revitalises. It is considered to restore elasticity to the skin, to tone tissue, close pores, reduce swellings, counteract bad smells, reduce redness and irritation and clarify the skin. It is good for oily and large pored complexions. It is also commonly used for its cooling and soothing qualities in products like Ointments and Creams for the feet.

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Plantain (Organic)
INCI Name for these Herbs: Plantago lanceolata

Leaves. Plantain is an effective topical treatment for a number of conditions, namely: Wounds of all kinds – particularly effective at removing the itch from bites and the sting from cuts and grazes (Poultice, Ointment); Good for minor burns including mild sunburn (Compress, Oil, Ointment); Insect bites (Cream, Poultice).

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Rose Petals
INCI Name for these Herbs: Rosa damascena

Rose Oil, Rose Water and an Infusion made from Rose Petals are used in Skin Care products for tender, dry, sensitive skin and have a cleansing, astringent, toning, moisture retaining, stimulating and soothing effect. When Rose is included in a Cream or Lotion, it stimulates and protects the skin, while moisturising and hydrating it. It gives a boost to all skin types, and is particularly beneficial to dry, mature and sensitive skin.

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Rosemary (Organic)
INCI Name for these Herbs: Rosmarinus officinalis

From Leaves. Rosemary is used as a fragrant additive in soaps and other cosmetics. An infusion can also be used as an invigorating toner and astringent. Rosemary added to a bath strengthens and refreshes, especially when used following an illness. Considered to stimulate blood circulation and to restore elasticity to the skin, Rosemary is also effective for lifeless and oily skin, for blackheads and spots (antibacterial).

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Sage Leaves (Organic)
INCI Name for these Herbs: Salvia officinalis

Used for Oily, spotty skin and for wrinkled, sagging complexions. (Facial Toners, Lotions, Creams); Cleanses, stimulates blood circulation, closes pores and restores elasticity. (Facial Toners, Cleansers, Lotions, Creams). Sage Oil inhibits the action of glands like the sweat and saliva glands.

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St. John's Wort (Organic)
INCI Name for these Herbs: Hypericum perforatum

St. John’s Wort soothes irritations of the skin with generally beneficial effects as the herb has calming properties. While St. John’s Wort is soothing to the skin, it also makes the skin photosensitive so the skin should not be exposed to sunlight after St. John's Wort has been applied externally, such as in a Cream, Ointment or Macerated Oil. Even taking it internally may make fair-skinned people more sensitive to the sun.

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Tormentil Root Wild (Organic)
INCI Name for these Herbs: Potentilla erecta

Today Tormentilla Root is mainly used externally for its highly astringent properties due to its high tannin content. The red pigment is able to penetrate bacteria and inhibit their development and it is also anaesthetic.

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Wild Pansy
INCI Name for these Herbs: Viola tricolor

Wild Pansy is healing, cleansing and soothing and is used in Compresses, Baths, Steam Baths and in Creams and Ointments for Skin Care. It is especially effective in helping to treat problem skin. When combined with Comfrey, it is supposed to reduce pores and rejuvenate the skin.

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Witch Hazel (Organic)
INCI Name for these Herbs: Hamamelis virginiana

Is well used in the cosmetic and toiletry industry in Face Toners, Shaving Creams, Face Packs and Aftershave Creams. The steam distillate, infusion or tincture of fresh leaves and twigs of Hamamelis is used because of its astringent and anti-inflammatory effects, and has also been recommended for certain skin conditions, insect bites, bruises, etc. Its high tannin content has a strengthening astringent effect on veins. It can be used as a Facial Toner for oily skin and to control minor pimple formation.

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Yarrow Flowers
INCI Name for these Herbs: Achillea millefolium

Yarrow is used for its astringent, healing and soothing effects on the skin and hair. Strengthens skin tone. Can be used for problem, oily skin, large pores and wrinkles.

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