Those who have flawless-looking skin are truly blessed. They don’t have to face the difficulty, frustration, and expense of searching for the magical cream, lotion, or tonic that promises to clear those blemishes away.
Most people will develop some sort of skin condition at some point in their lives. Acne, age spots, eczema, hives, psoriasis, rosacea and general spots are just some of the common skin problems that will affect the majority of us.
Poor digestion and diet are usually the cause of underlying skin problems. The approach of herbal teas focuses on restoring internal balance and this emphasis on re-balancing is found in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and in the ancient Indian healing of Ayurvedic medicine. The weather, the environment, stress, radiation from technology, and your mood are other factors that can lead to bad skin.
Personally, I have been plagued with ‘problem skin’ since my teenage years and still suffer from the occasional outbreak of teenage spots! Drinking and blending herbal teas can help alleviate this common problem along with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Known as the “all-around comforter”, it is more commonly used as a natural sedative to aid in sleep, insomnia, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. It has strong antiseptic properties which makes it invaluable to treat problem skin, such as eczema and hives. Due to its anti-spasmodic actions, Chamomile helps alleviate poor digestion which is one of the root causes of bad skin.
Cleavers (Galium aparine)
Known as the “lymph cleanser”, as the name suggests, it is critical for the immune system. Lymph glands are found throughout the body, mainly in the areas of the head and neck, armpits, and groin. Using Cleavers helps to eliminate the build-up of toxins and it is these toxins that could cause the development of breasts cysts, tumors, prostate, and urinary infections. Healthy lymph glands also influence the condition of the skin.
Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)
Known as the “supreme woman’s root”, it is more commonly used in restoring health and balancing the body in all cycles and rhythms of a women’s life. Due to its vitamin E content and its anti-viral and anti-fungal properties, it has also been used to treat certain skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, neurodermatitis, pruritis, hives, and vitiligo.
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
Known as the “immune system beauty”, Echinacea protects and boosts the immune system and can increase your body’s resistance to infection. Native American tribes, such as the Sioux Indians, considered this herb sacred. It is a blood purifier and can help clean the kidneys, lymph system, and liver of toxins and protects cells from viruses and bacteria, which means your skin will benefit in the long run.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Known as the “herb of harmony”, the aroma from this plant has been highly treasured for its use in calming the central nervous system. It is commonly used to ease anxiety, tension, headaches, and dizziness due to its anti-spasmodic actions. Lavender also has anti-bacterial and anti-septic properties and is considered one of the best skin healers in stimulating the repair of tissues.
Marigold (Calendula officinalis)
Known as “a pot of gold”, it is a favorite amongst herbalists and has been widely valued as a remedy for skin as the oils from the plant are a rich source of anti-oxidants. A wash made from marigold can be applied to skin eruptions, including measles and chickenpox, to dry and heal them. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and is excellent in treating digestive problems.
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
Well respected for its ability to resolve skin complaints, Red Clover tea is an age-old remedy for eczema and psoriasis due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory elements. The flowers have also been beneficial in treating coughs, colds, bronchitis, and whooping cough. In the 1930s, it was hyped as a “wonder herb” as it became popular as an anti-cancer remedy.
Rose (Rosaceae)
Known as the “queen of the flowers”, there is an old saying that roses are good for “the skin and the soul” and according to some traditions, when Jesus was born, every rose in the world bloomed! Rose contains many properties including anti-viral, anti-oxidant, anti-septic, anti-bacterial, and can aid in digestion – an all-in-one protector for the skin!
White Willow (Salix alba)
In traditional herbal medicine, White Willow was widely used for fevers and other “hot” conditions. In modern medicine, it is used to treat inflammatory ailments such as arthritis, rheumatism, and lumbago (lower back pain). Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, White Willow is also used to reduce the inflammation of the skin and contains beneficial skin-healing nutrients which include vitamins A and C and Zinc.
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This website is for educational and informational purposes only. The publisher/owner of blendingherbaltea.com is not legally liable for your use of the information which is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have any serious health concerns, you should always check with your health care practitioner or medical herbalist before self-administering herbs.
I love camomile it sure does help me sleep at night also this is a great site for healthy living thank you
Hi Tommy
thanks for taking the time at looking at my site…appreciate your kind comments.
I agree with some of the other comments the taste is worse than beer for the first time….but hey I love beer now…..so I am sure I can get use to the taste….but how long will it take that is the question…..great content….I enjoyed the read….
Hey Tim
thanks for your positive input. If all fails, then honey is the best sweetener and maybe add some mint or cinnamon or lemon to disguise the taste.
Teresa such great information! I use herbal teas all the time. I started seriously using them about 8 years ago. As for the taste, I think after using different herbal teas you begin to aquire a taste for them.
Hi Judith
thanks for your positive vibes! I started seriously drinking them 4 years ago, although I had been drinking them intermittently from a young age. Yes, the taste sometimes needs getting used to that’s for sure! I remember first drinking nettle tea and was quite put off by the smell, but once you understand and acknowledge the benefits of them, then really its a case of mind over matter! Are there any particular herbal teas you are trying out at the moment that you’ve found has helped?
I’ve never been a fan of any of the teas but might have to reconsider after reading this article. Several of them sound like they could help me
Hey John
Glad you found the post useful. It is my hope to enlighten people on the beauties and benefits of herbal tea!
Great information, Teresa!. Where might a guy find the echinacea tea of which Pat speaks?
Thanks Bill! Here’s a link to where you can buy Echinacea tea.
http://blendingherbaltea.siterubix.com/shop/loose-herbs/echinacea
That’s a great rundown on herbal teas. I am not a big fan of the taste, however the effects that can be had certainly out weigh any taste concerns I have. I can still remember the echinacea tea that my mom would pull out anytime there was the slightest sniffle. It tasted terrible to me, but it did work and I still use it today when I get that tingly throat feeling like a cold or flu bug has gotten a hold of me.
Its good to know that Pat! Many people are put off by the taste and smell of herbal teas, but they can always be sweetened by honey and either mint, orange, lemon, cinnamon can be added for taste. I would completely avoid using any artificial sweeteners and refined sugars as they’re bad for you in general but they could also destroy the healing potentials and properties of the herbal tea. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and comments!
I was always given Rose Hip Syrup by my mother when I was a baby. She always said it was good for me. After reading about Rose Hip here I think maybe she was right!
Good looking site, by the way.
Hi Dave
Whilst doing my research on Rose, I was very amazed by the different properties and actions this little flower has. I’ve started adding dried rose flowers to my green tea for extra anti-oxidant boost! Thanks for your feedback and comments!