here 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.
About the Author
Carl Olsen is an herb expert. For more great information on herbal remedies, visit http://www.theherbgardenguide.com.
What are warts
What are warts ?
Warts are usually harmless growths caused by viral infections. Human papilloma virus (HPV)is the virus that causes warts. Warts can be transmitted from one person to another and they can travel from one part of the body to another. They are contagious.
What are warts like in appearance ?
Warts are viruses that enter the body through the skin or mucous membrane. They don't produce symptoms for several months. When warts appear, they are usually skin-colored and feel rough to the touch, but they can also be dark, flat, and smooth.
Up to 10% of the population is affected by this condition. Warts are more common in children, young adults, and women. There are different types of warts that affect different parts of the body.
What are warts doing on my hands ?
Hands and feet are the most common areas for warts to occur as well as genitals.Hand warts grow around the nails, on the fingers, and on the backs of hands.
Foot warts ( plantar warts) occur on the ball of the foot, the heel and the bottom of the toes.
The virus can penetrate the body easier if the skin has been damaged. People with weaker immune systems are also more sensitive to what causes warts.
What are warts treated with?
By far the preferred option should be non-surgical. An all Natural approach should always be prefered.
