We’ve all heard the saying “Put your best face forward.” Our face is the first thing that other people see and the first impression they will have of us. That’s why it’s so important to take care of our skin and one of the best ways we can do this is with a good regimen of herbal skin care.

Throughout history, herbs have been used for everything from curing diseases to rejuvenating the mind and body. So it comes as no surprise that herbal skin care is taking front and center as the best option when it comes to healthy skin care.

Pure herbal skin care products are made from all natural ingredients and are free from chemical additives and preservatives and while chemicals may have their beneficial purpose in some products, they can have some serious side effects when they are used as an additive in your skin care product.

Gentle for All Skin Types

Skin type is important when it comes to selecting the right product. Skin types fall into several categories, from normal to oily or dry as well a combination of any of those three and herbal skin care products tend to be far more compatible with all the various skin types because they are much milder than chemical based products. Since herbal skin care products are gentler on the skin, it may take a little longer to see results but it will be well worth the wait.

Another important factor in skin care is using a product at the right time. There are herbal skin care products intended for morning use and others that work best when used as a nightly routine. Many of those intended for day time will also protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun.

A Safe and Natural Balance

Herbal skin care is not an overnight cure for problem skin, but then neither are the chemical based products that make such magical claims. Herbal skin care products provide a more natural and gentler way to bring your skin into balance without the risk of allergic reactions from harsh chemicals.

 If you have concerns about the long term effects of chemicals on your body as well as the environment than natural herbal skin care is the logical approach. When used on a regular basis along with a healthy diet and lifestyle, herbal skin care can definitely play an important part in giving you that beautiful skin you are looking for. 

Tags: Herbal Skin Care

Down through history, herbs have played an important part in all developing civilizations of the world. Ancient writings tell us of the use of herbs as food, medicine and even dye for fabrics, but one of the most enduring and well known uses for herbs is that of tea. No one really knows the beginnings of herbal teas. Their existence goes back before the time of written history.

Long before the Dutch arrived in Europe with the first black tea in 1610, herbal teas, known there as tisanes, were widely used, not only for their medicinal properties, but as a daily beverage as well. And today in Hong Kong teas are gaining in popularity, surpassing that of beer for spectators of the ever popular Worlds Cup soccer games. It is believed that herbal tea cools the body and leaves one feeling less tired during the day. The drink is so popular in fact that herbal tea was named part of China’s ‘National Intangible Cultural Heritage’ in May 2006.

When Tea is Not a Tea

But when it comes to defining herbal tea, it would seem that it is not actually tea as we know it but an infusion made from any plant other than the Camelia Sinensis or tea bush. Herbal teas are made from leaves, roots, seeds or flowers with boiling water poured over them and steeping for a given length of time just as you would when making any tea. The liquid is then strained and served often with natural sweeteners. Popular examples of herbs used in making an infusion or tea are mint and chamomile.

A number of these teas have medical or other health benefits associated with them. There are teas or herbal infusions for weight loss, digestion aids, the common cold, headaches, as well as a number of other symptoms and because the various herbs can be combined there are an endless number of herbal teas to meet every health and dietary issue.

The Benefits of Herbal Brews

Many of these teas have very familiar names, one of the most well known being chamomile. It is a plant with tiny daisy like flowers and these blossoms, along with the plant are used to make an herbal tea that has been used for centuries to relieve ailments such as rheumatism, back pain and insomnia.

Another very simple herbal tea is rosehip. Rosehips are the round seed pods that form at the base of the rose and once the rose is gone these will ripen into bright red orbs chock full of vitamin C. They are used alone or in blends with other herbs to make an herbal tea rich in antioxidants.  

One of the nice benefits with teas is that if you are trying to cut down on caffeine, herbal teas are not actually made using the tea leaf so these brews are caffeine free. So next time you’re looking for a healthy alternative, try some herbal tea. There’s a lot to choose from and you’re sure to find one you like.

Tags: Herbal Teas

It’s no doubt that since the time humans discovered the importance of cleanliness that soap has been with us in some form or other. Some of the earliest mention of soap was found on Sumerian tablets dating back to 2500 BC when a soap like substance was made from plant extracts and alkali. Herbal soaps probably followed soon after when people experimented adding scents and healing properties in the soap making process.

Most commercial soaps contain chemicals that might not necessarily be beneficial to the skin. A natural herbal soap might be a better alternative. Soaps that contain all natural herbal ingredients are healthier for the complexion and less likely to cause an allergic reaction in those with sensitive skin.

The Many Faces of Herbal Soap

Natural herbal soaps also smell great as opposed to the commercial brands that use overwhelming and artificial perfume scents. These perfumes can cause a reaction in some people with sensitive skin. The use of herbal soaps will rarely cause such problems and the aromatherapy of herbal soap has the added benefit of providing a sense of well being while also giving us clean, healthy skin.  

Soap that contains mint is very rejuvenating and will get you up and going in the morning.  Peppermint herbal soap is also great for sunburn and those irritating insect bites. Chamomile when used in soap acts very much like it does as an herbal tea in that it is calming and soothing at the end of a stressful day. It also helps to improve dry skin and to heal common rashes.

Choosing Your Soaps Wisely

When choosing an herbal soap, be sure to check the ingredients. Some may say herbal on the label but that doesn’t mean they’re all natural and they may in fact contain very little of any natural herb but only be scented with artificial oils. They may also contain chemical hardeners and preservatives.  An all natural herbal soap will list the ingredients on the packaging and will not contain any chemicals, or artificial ingredients. It will be made with the essential oils of herbs and possibly the leaves and flowers of the plants themselves.

If you are really a purest you can also try making your own soaps. Soap bases as well as the various herbs and oil can be found at craft shops or even natural food stores. But which ever way you decide to go, you really can’t go wrong when you take a natural path to skin care and the right herbal soap could be your first step to beautiful skin.

Tags: Herbal Soap