Author: Carl Olsen
Source: ezinearticles.com

There are many plants grown in the average garden that are beneficial for your skin. Some of them are considered weeds, too. But before you pluck them from the ground, learn a bit about them and see if they are not something you can use for a home herbal remedy.

Aloe vera

This common houseplant looks like a member of the cactus family with its long pointy leaves with small spines along the edges. Inside each leaf is a soothing gel. This gel can be applied directly to burns, sunburns, blisters, acne and scrapes. The gel will dry into a somewhat sticky coating on your skin, but leave it on as long as possible for its healing effects.

Calendula

This sunny flower is found in many gardens. It is also called a pot marigold. A compress made from the flowers can be applied to any bruises, stings, scrapes or burns you may have. You can also steep the flower petals in olive oil to extract their healing qualities and make them into a salve to soothe the skin. Calendula salve makes a nice treatment for diaper rash, especially when combined with comfrey and chamomile.

Chamomile

This lacy little plant with daisy-like flowers is the source of the famous chamomile tea that helps you relax before you go to sleep. Many people don’t realize that it is also a great remedy for relieving inflammation caused by arthritis or injury. It also helps prevent infection. Use chamomile in a compress or make some into an oil or salve to apply topically.

Comfrey

Many people don’t like to see this large plant in their yards. Granted, it is hard to get rid of once it is established and it tends to spread. Comfrey, however, is an amazing herb. You can make a compress or poultice from freshly chopped leaves to treat cuts, bruises and sprains. It helps the skin to heal quickly with minimal scarring. You can also use it in a salve to treat abrasions, burns or diaper rash. One caution when using comfrey: do not use it on a deep wound. It will encourage the skin to heal first, which may lock germs inside. Deep wounds should always heal from the inside out.

Plantain

This common garden weed comes in two varieties: Great Plantain, which has large rounded leaves and Ribbed Plantain, which has long skinny leaves. Both varieties are useful. If you have a bee sting, insect bite or a cut, pluck a leaf off of your plantain and chew it a bit to break up the leaf. Apply the chewed leaf to the injury. The plant’s astringent qualities soothe stings and bites. The tannins found in this plant help clot minor injuries to stop bleeding. It can also be applied to soothe poison ivy rashes. These leaves can be applied as a poultice or made into a salve to apply as needed. Plantain oil, which is easily made by steeping the leaves for several weeks in olive oil, is a great remedy for sunburn.

Skincare products can be very expensive. There are many herbs, plants, and even weeds that will do a wonderful job of helping you in taking care of your skin. The five listed above are just the beginning. Learning about each plant and their uses will allow you to reap the greatest benefits from your garden and the greatest enjoyment in growing them.

Carl Olsen is an herb expert. For more great information on herbal remedies, visit http://www.theherbgardenguide.com.

Tags: Herb Gardening, Herbal Skincare, herbs for skincare, skin care, Skincare | Category Health & Fitness