Today is World Herbalist Day, and in honor of that, I wish everyone a happy herbalist day because we are all herbalists- it is naturally engrained in us, but not everyone has remembered how yet!
You may remember that I finished my course to become a certified herbalist last year. Studying herbalism changed both my personal and professional life profoundly. It felt like a return home, both nostalgic and new and exciting and fascinating all at the same time. Herbalism is the study of the therapeutic use of plants. But it is genuinely so much more than this. It is a complete communion with the plants, our body, the land, and the Earth.
What I love most about herbalism is that anyone can practice it. It is incredibly accessible. It doesn't necessarily mean you are working with clients or doing it professionally. Herbalism is that, but it is also a personal practice based on curiosity. Herbalism is a form of folk medicine- medicine for the people. In every culture, folk medicine has an important historical context. It is the medicine that "common" people who may not have had access to traditional doctors would have worked with. There is a certain poetry to this. It's something we inherited as our birthright.
Integrating herbalism with skincare is such a beautiful practice. All herbs support the skin in one way or another because herbs supporting any other body system end up supporting the skin; it is all connected! However, below, you will find a list of herbs I love specifically for the skin- both for internal or topical use. (Remember to research any herbs you incorporate into your life to determine if it fits your unique situation).
Herbs to explore that support the skin:
Plantain: the ultimate gut-healing herb, this should be a star in any skin support tea because if the gut lining isn't intact, you will almost always see it in the skin. Plantain also helps to heal the tissue topically on the skin!
Marshmallow is another gut-healing plant that coats the lining of the stomach and intestines to soothe and heal. This plant also helps you to hydrate better and help with regular digestion, which is essential for healthy skin! In addition, marshmallow coats the skin and provides cooling hydration.
Echinacea Root: This plant was used traditionally by First Nations people as a topical support to prevent skin infection. It is fantastic to support the immune system, which is intimately connected to our skin. This is helpful for acne and other skin infections.
Calendula: Calendula is a beautiful lymphatic tonic helping to carry away stagnant waste so that fresh new fluid can flow below the skin. When the lymph system works correctly, skin is more brighter, and less puffy.
Schisandra: Sometimes called "beauty berry," the potent antioxidants in schisandra help to protect the skin from damage and support the integrity of collagen and elastin. This five-flavor berry protects the liver and helps it to repair, and his enables it to function better!
Rose Hip: One of the highest vitamin C-rich plants you can find, this is helpful for skin because vitamin C is the co-factor needed to produce collagen. Rosehip also helps to protect against skin damage while reducing inflammation.
Burdock Root: This plant is profoundly detoxifying, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. Burdock root supports the liver, which is helpful for acne-prone skin when ingested internally, and it can also be beneficial for those with eczema and dermatitis. It can be used topically- I always include this in hair and scalp oil because it supports scalp health and promotes hair growth.
Licorice Root: One of the best ingredients for reducing dark pigmentation spots, licorice is also hydrating, deeply antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory.
Chamomile: This is a nervine. It helps to nourish and support the nervous system. Chamomile has an affinity for the gut and can be very helpful for all things gut healing which has a positive effect on the skin. Topically it is also soothing, reducing redness and inflammation. It is a plant that I interact with every single day in one way or another.
Lavender: One of the best cleansing plants, lavender (along with aromatic mints like thyme, oregano, sage, and rosemary) is highly antiseptic. These plants make a fabulous facial steam- just put the plants in a bowl, cover with boiling water, and tent a towel over your head as your steam your face.
If you are curious about working with plants in a therapeutic way for yourself or your family, a great way to start is with books and podcasts! Below are a few of my favorite resources that you might enjoy too!
8 Fantastic Books About Herbalism:
Body Into Balance: An Herbal Guide to Holistic Self Care by Maria Noel Groves
8 Fantastic Podcasts About Herbalism: