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Herbarium
This is a fairly comprehensive herbal, but it can be difficult to wade through so much. When time permits, I will attempt to cross-reference herbs and their uses.
Herbs for Skin, Hair and Nails
Alfalfa
(Medicago sativa)The above ground portion of this herb is used for its anti-inflammatory, nutritive and tonic properties. Use as a tea internally to treat itchy skin. In cosmetics alfalfa is included in facial steams for normal skin, as a soothing bath herb and a strengthening hair rinse due to its high protein content. It is also included in poultices to treat wounds. Alfalfa is rich in chlorophyll, which promotes wound healing, is naturally deodorizing and helps prevent infection. Some people may exhibit sensitivity to this plant and should avoid it.
Aloe vera
(Aloe vera)Known for the gelatinous substance in its leaves, aloe is appreciated for its cooling and healing qualities and is reputed to have been one of Cleopatra's beauty secrets. Aloe is useful as an anti-inflammatory, antifungal, demulcent, emollient and rejuvenative. It is used topically to treat conditions such as acne, boils, burns, dandruff, eczema, herpes, insect bites, poison ivy and oak, psoriasis, ringworm, scars, sunburn and wounds. It is found in lotions, moisturizers, salves, soaps, sprays, toners, shampoos and conditioners.
Anise seeds
(Pimpinella anisum)An anti-inflammatory agent as well as a mild stimulant, anise has a pleasant licorice-like aroma. It is often included in facial steams to open the pores and is often featured in facial cleansers, soaps, colognes and toners. It is also used in hair rinses and to flavor toothpastes and mouthwashes. Both the herb and essential oil are used.
Annatto
(Bixa orellana)A native of the American tropics, the seeds of annatto are coated with a fleshy orange covering that yields a dye, which is why this plant is commonly referred to as "Lipstick tree." It is one of the few natural dyes still used in commercial cosmetics. It is also included as a coloring agent in rouges and hair rinses.
Basil
(Ocimum basilicum)Basil leaves are used for their antiseptic and circulatory stimulating properties. They are used topically as an insect repellant and to treat acne, insect bites and ringworm. The juice of the fresh plant is applied to fungal infections on the skin. Fresh and dried basil are included in salves and poultices. Basil is added to facial steams, cleansers, toners and hair rinses and its essential oil is used in soaps and perfumes. In hair products it adds a delightful scent, improves hair growth and tames tangles. It also makes an excellent energizing bath herb. Both the herb and essential oil are used.
Bay
(Laurus nobilis)Bay leaves are valued for their antifungal, antiseptic and stimulating properties. Bay leaf is included in facial steams. When used in shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses, they help treat dandruff. Bay is used as a bath herb for sore muscles and joints. Use bay leaf tea or 7 drops of the essential oil diluted in a pan of warm water as a soak for nail fungus. The essential oil is used in perfumes and aftershaves.
Birch
(Betula alba)The leaf buds, leaves, inner bark and sap of birch are valued for their analgesic, antiseptic, astringent and stimulant properties. Birch is incorporated into salves, washes, poultices, cleansers and toners for acne, bruises, eczema, psoriasis and wounds. It is an excellent bath herb for rashes and other skin eruptions. It is also used in facial steams in the treatment of acne and is considered softening to the skin. Birch is included in shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses to promote hair growth and to treat dandruff. It is included in toothpastes and in toothache gel remedies for pain. Birch essential oil smells just like wintergreen oil for which it is often substituted.
Burdock
(Arctium lappa)Burdock root is antifungal, anti-inflammatory, demulcent and is often added to facial steams, cleansers, lotions, toners, salves and is used as a bath herb, especially for the treatment of oily and acne-prone skin. Burdock is also added to shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses and is especially beneficial for dandruff. Burdock is used both internally and externally for skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.
Calendula
(Calendula officinalis)The beautiful yellow flowers of calendula are used for their antifungal, antiseptic, astringent and vulnerary properties. Calendula, when used both internally and externally, helps to increase peripheral circulation. A common ingredient in cosmetics, it is used in facial steams, cleansers, lotions, moisturizers, soaps and salves. An old saying is "Where calendula is applied, no pus will form." Calendula soothes burns and sunburn. It is gentle enough to use in products such as eye creams as well as in baby care products and can even help cradle cap and diaper rash. As a bath herb, calendula is used for dry skin. Calendula is used in shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses, especially for blondes. It is also used internally to improve skin conditions such as acne, boils, eczema and psoriasis.
Chamomile
(Matricaria recutita)The flowers of German chamomile are used for their anti-inflammatory and vulnerary properties. Chamomile actually helps wound healing by promoting tissue granulation and epitheliazation. Often used in dry skin care formulas and to relax facial tension, chamomile is also added to cleansers, lotions, facial masks, soaps, salves, eye creams and is used as a relaxing bath herb. It helps to cleanse the pores, clear acne and reduce puffiness. It is a favorite for blondes and used in shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses. Chamomile is used in massage oils for sore muscles and to promote relaxation.
Cinnamon
(Cinnamomun cassia, C. zeylanicum)The bark of the cinnamon tree is valued for its antifungal, aromatic and astringent properties. Cinnamon is used in facial scrubs, soaps, cleansers, masks and motions. Its pungent sweet smell makes it desirable in perfumes and aftershaves. Also considered an aphrodisiac, essential oil of cinnamon is included in massage oils for lovers. Excellent for brunettes and to prevent baldness, it is included in shampoos and hair rinses. In toothpastes and mouthwashes, cinnamon helps to freshen the breath. When used internally for a period of time, cinnamon helps to promote a rosy complexion.
Clary sage
(Salvia sclarea)The flowers and leaves of clary sage are used for their aromatic and astringent properties. It is used for mature as well as acne-prone skin in cleansers, soaps and toners. As a bath herb clary sage helps to relieve muscle tension and cramps as well as hormonally related concerns of premenstrual syndrome and menopause. For the hair, it is used in shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses to relieve dandruff and promote hair growth. The essential oil is included in perfumes, soaps and powders.
Cleavers
(Galium aparine)The above-ground portion of cleavers is primarily used internally as a tea, tincture or in capsules to improve skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. It is an excellent lymphatic and kidney cleanser traditionally used in the spring as a blood purifying agent. A compress or poultice of cleavers may be used to treat burns, sunburn, psoriasis and wounds. Cleavers may also be used as a facial wash for acne, eczema, psoriasis, freckles and loose sagging skin.
Cloves
(Eugenia aromatica)The dried flower buds of cloves are used for their antiseptic, aromatic and astringent properties. Clove is included in skin preparations such as soaps, toners, lotions, perfumes, powders and aftershaves. Because it is also antifungal, it is used in salves to treat athlete's foot. It is used for brunettes and redheads in shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses. It is also used to flavor toothpastes and freshen the breath. The essential oil is included in perfumes for its sensuous scent.
Comfrey
(Symphytum officinale)The leaves and flowers of comfrey are used topically for their emollient and regenerative properties. Comfrey contains allantoin, which stimulates new cell growth. Excellent for dry skin, comfrey is included in soaps, lotions, moisturizers, salves and as a bath herb. It is one of the most favored herbs in the form of salves and poultices to treat wounds and abrasions as it is a cell proliferant (for this same reason, it should not be used by people with cancer or other growths). Excellent for dry hair, comfrey is used in shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses.
Coriander
(Coriandrum sativum)Coriander seeds are used for their antifungal, aromatic and stimulating qualities. Coriander is used in lotions and as a bath herb for sore muscles and joints. It is also often used in perfumes, soaps, deodorants, toothpaste and aftershaves.
Cornflower
(Centaurea sativum, C. cyanus)A gentle astringent, cornflower is also known as bachelor's button. It is useful in facial sprays, facial steams, toners and eye creams or compresses for puffy eyes. It is also used in antiwrinkle creams and lotions and in hair rinses for blond, gray and white hair.
Dandelion
(Taraxacum officinale)The leaves, blossoms and roots of dandelion, which are nutritive and antifungal, are included in facial steams, masks and in washes or compresses for acne, eczema, psoriasis and wounds. Dandelion may be used in a mask for sallow skin and as a bath herb. The sap from the stem can be applied to warts to make them disappear. Drinking a tea of dandelion root is one of the best skin herbs to ensure beauty from the inside out as it helps to purify the blood by improving liver function. Dandelion root tea is a supreme internal remedy for acne, boils, eczema and psoriasis.
Echinacea
(Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia)The root, leaves, flowers and seeds of echinacea are taken internally as a tea, tincture or in capsules to remedy skin conditions such as abscesses, acne, boils, eczema and especially skin conditions due to infections such as herpes, measles and scarlet fever. Echinacea is a powerful infection-fighting agent that helps to stimulate white blood cell production, interferon production and to make cells less susceptible to viral takeover by inhibiting hyaluronidase. It can also help regenerate cells that have been damaged. Topically, echinacea is used in compresses, salves and poultices to treat infected wounds and insect bites. Applying the tincture directly to a potential pimple helps to dry it up more quickly.
Elder
(Sambucus nigra, S. canadensis)Elder flowers have anti-inflammatory, emollient and mild astringent properties, and are used for both oily and dry skin in facial steams, cleansers, scrubs, lotions, moisturizers, soaps, toners and salves. Elder flower water is used as a toner and reputed to be one of the beauty secrets of many women. It makes a good aftershave tonic and has been used to lighten freckles, calm sunburn, reduce enlarged pores and reduce eye puffiness when used in a compress. It makes a relaxing bath herb. Elder benefits dry hair when used in shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses. When used internally as a tea or tincture, elder helps to clean the pores from the inside.
Eucalyptus
(Eucalyptus globulus)The leaves and twigs of eucalyptus are appreciated for their antiseptic, aromatic and astringent properties. Eucalyptus is used in deodorants, salves, soaps and as a bath herb for sore muscles. It is helpful to decongest clogged sinuses, and is included in facial steams, chest rubs and massage oil or liniment for sore muscles. It makes an invigorating and decongesting bath herb, also benefiting sunburn. During the 1800s, eucalyptus oil was used by American doctors to disinfect surgical equipment and disinfect wounds. Eucalyptus is included in shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses to treat dandruff. It is included in mouthwashes for its breath-freshening qualities.
Fennel
(Foeniculum vulgare)Fennel seeds are used for their anti-inflammatory and aromatic properties for mature skin in facial steams, cleansers, soaps, antiwrinkle creams and lotions. They help to calm uneven colored blotchy skin. A cool fennel seed tea compress is used to reduce the puffiness of closed swollen eyes. Fennel is included in salves to heal bruises. The essential oil is used in perfume and to scent shampoos. Chewing a few fennel seeds after a meal helps to freshen the breath. The essential oil is often used in toothpastes and mouthwashes.
Frankincense
(Boswellia carterii)The resin of this plant has a long tradition of use for its analgesic, aromatic, antiseptic and rejuvenative properties. It is used in facial steams, cleansers and toners for mature skin, acne, boils, scars and varicose veins. It is used as a salve or liniment to treat rheumatism, wounds and sports injuries and is also included in mouthwashes. Long used in perfumery, frankincense is still burned as an incense, even in hospitals, to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Geranium
(Geranium species)The root and leaves of geranium are powerful astringents and are also anti-inflammatory and aromatic. Geranium is used in facial steams, toners, masks, antiwrinkle creams and soaps for mature as well as oily skin. Geranium is also used for oily hair in shampoos, conditioners and rinses. Scented geraniums (Pelargonium genus) are included in facial steams, bath mixtures, hair rinse perfumes and soaps for their aromatic and rejuvenative properties.
Gotu Kola
(Centella asiatica)The above-ground portions of gotu kola are used for their rejuvenative properties. Gotu kola helps to strengthen connective tissue and collagen production. It promotes wound and scar healing by stimulating cellular mitosis. It is taken internally as a tea, tincture or in capsules to treat age spots, burns, dermatitis, eczema, leprosy, psoriasis and scars (even the keloid variety). Included in baths, salves, lotions and moisturizers, gotu kola is used topically to help burns, eczema, psoriasis and in scalp oils to deter baldness.
Henna
(Lawsonia alba, L. inermis)Henna flowers make a delicate perfume and facial wash. The leaves are popular as a hair colorant and have also been used to make temporary tattoos for decorating the palms of the hands and soles of the feet and for nail coloring. As a hair coloring, henna coats the hair shaft without penetrating it. It is used in shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses. The flowers are included in massage oils for imparting suppleness to the limbs.
Hibiscus
(Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)The leaves and flowers of hibiscus are valued for their emollient properties. They are included in facial steams for dry skin. The flowers impart a reddish tint to the hair when used in a rinse.
Honeysuckle
(Lonicera japonica)Native to Europe, Asia and the Americas, the flowers of honeysuckle are used in cosmetics for their antifungal, antiseptic, astringent and refrigerant qualities. Honeysuckle is included in lotions and moisturizers for its skin-softening and wrinkle-treatment properties and in washes and compresses to treat poison oak and ivy, rashes, sunburn and swelling.
Horsetail
(Equisetum arvense)The above-ground portion of horsetail is used cosmetically for its nutritive properties. Used in facial steams, toners, lotions and bath herbs, it is excellent for oily skin and enlarged pores. It is also used in shampoo, conditioners and hair rinses for oily hair and dandruff as well as to strengthen fragile hair. Drinking horsetail tea regularly helps to strengthen the growth of hair and nails and prevent their brittleness.
Irish Moss
(Chrondus crispus)The entire plant of Irish Moss, a seaweed, is used for its anti-inflammatory, demulcent and emollient properties and it is highly nutritive. It is included in lotions and moisturizers to soften the skin, moisturize dry skin and prevent wrinkles. It is also used to thicken cosmetics and as a binding agent in toothpaste. A compress or poultice of Irish Moss is used to soothe inflamed tissues.
Jasmine
(Jasminum species)Considered an aphrodisiac, jasmine flowers provide one of the most delightful fragrances of all. They are included in facial sprays, eye creams, bath herbs, lotions, massage oil and eye creams, and benefit dry, mature and sensitive skin. Jasmine can be used in a compress for tired eyes. Jasmine essential oil is used to scent perfume, soap, shampoo, conditioner and hair rinse. Every week, wash your hair brush and then apply two or three drops of essential oil of jasmine to the brush for beautifully scented hair that is a pleasure to brush.
Kelp
(Fucus versiculosis)The entire kelp plant, which grows in the ocean, is valued for its detoxifying and nutritive properties. Kelp is used in masks, toners and lotions. It helps to soften the skin. Kelp stimulates the thyroid gland due to its high mineral content, especially iodine, and thus is used to help reduce cellulite and aid weight loss. For this reason, kelp is added to soaps, baths and thigh creams. For oily hair and to promote shine, kelp is included in shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses. Using kelp internally in tablets or as an addition to food nourishes the hair and nails.
Khella
(Ammi visagna)The fruit of khella is used internally as a tea, tincture and in capsules and topically in salves to treat vitiligo. Khella helps to stimulate the synthesis of melanin.
Lavender
(Lavendula species)Lavender flowers are highly aromatic and antiseptic. Lavender is used in skin formulas as a facial steam, cleanser, toner and in lotions and soaps. The word lavender is actually derived from the Latin lavare meaning ''to wash" as this herb has such a long tradition in cleansing. It helps treat conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis and benefits all types of skin. Lavender is cell regenerating and helps to prevent wrinkles and scarring when its essential oil is added to lotions and salves. It also helps to prevent infection. A drop or two of essential oil of lavender can be applied topically, undiluted, to dispel a pimple that is about to erupt. Lavender oil can also be applied to burns and sunburns and is one of the only essential oils that is used undiluted on the skin. It is an excellent bath herb that helps to lift the spirits after a difficult day. Misting oneself several times daily with lavender water helps to moisturize the skin and improve one's mood. Lavender is often included in shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses to impart a beautiful fragrance. A foot soak in lavender tea or water scented with the essential oil is great for tired achy feet. Lavender oil is included in massage oils for its emotionally uplifting and muscle-soothing properties. Lavender is an important perfume ingredient. Place a few drops of lavender oil on your hair brush after washing it to impart fragrance and stimulate hair growth.
Lemon balm
(Melissa officinalis)Lemon balm was included in Carmelite Water, a popular toilet water used by men and women of culture in medieval Europe. The leaves are used in facial steams and toners for blemishes and as a rejuvenative agent. The leaves have also been used in compresses or poultices for boils, shingles and insect bites. Lemon balm makes a comforting bath herb, good for improving a bad mood. It is also included in shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses for its lovely lemon scent. When diluted, the essential oil is used topically on herpes lesions. It is also included in perfumes and massage oils.
Lemongrass
(Cymbopogon citratus)Lemongrass leaves are an important aromatic and antiseptic agent. Used for oily skin and acne or skin infections in the form of facial steams, cleansers, soaps and as a bath herb, lemongrass is excellent for oily hair, dandruff and blond hair and is used in shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses. The essential oil (also known as citronella) is used in deodorants, perfumes and as an insect repellent as well as to treat ringworm.
Linden
(Tilia platyphylla, T. cordata, T. europea, T. americana)Linden flowers are used cosmetically for their antiseptic and sedative qualities. They are included in facial waters, facial steams, masks, lotions, moisturizers, soaps and as a relaxing bath herb that leaves the skin smooth and soft. Linden also helps to heal blood vessel walls and is used to clear acne, freckles, rashes and wrinkles as well as to treat burns. Linden is included in shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses.
Mallow (marshmallow)
(Althea officinalis)Marshmallow root is used in beauty care for its anti-inflammatory and emollient properties. It is featured in dry skin treatments as a bath herb, facial steam, cleanser, moisturizer, lotion, soap, wrinkle cream and salve. It is particularly helpful for eczema, psoriasis, sunburn, windburn and wounds and is excellent for very sensitive skin. Marshmallow root is high in mucilaginous compounds which have a soothing healing quality upon the skin. Its soothing properties make it nourishing for dry hair and it is used in shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses.
Meadowsweet
(Filipendula ulmaria)Native to Europe, Asia and North America, meadowsweet is also called queen of the meadow. Its above-ground portions are used for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, aromatic and sedative properties. Meadowsweet is used as an eyewash for sore eyes and as a compress for rheumatism. The flowers are used in facial steams and facial water to clear and brighten the complexion; the oil from the buds is used in perfumery.
Mullein
(Verbascum thapsus)Native to Europe and west Asia, mullein leaves are used for their astringent and emollient properties as a bath herb for sore muscles. The flowers have been used as a blond hair colorant. Mullein flower oil is used to treat bruises, sore muscles, hemorrhoids and ringworm. Mullein leaves have been used as a tonic in hair wash.
Myrrh
(Commiphora myrrha)The resin extracted from this Middle Eastern shrub is valued for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiseptic, aromatic, rejuvenative and vulnerary properties. Used in anti-wrinkle creams and skin toners, myrrh is an important infection-fighting agent and is included in salves to treat acne, boils, eczema, impetigo, ringworm and varicose veins. It helps to promote tissue granulation and is widely used in dental products such as toothpastes and mouthwashes to treat halitosis, mouth sores, thrush, gingivitis, pyorrhea and cavities. Myrrh is used in soaps, as a fixative for perfumes to make them long-lasting, but it is probably best known as an incense. It is such a powerful preservative that it was used by the ancient Egyptians in the mummification process.
Neem
(Azadirachta indica)A tree from India whose bark, twigs, leaf, roots, seeds and sap are all used for their antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, neem is used in soaps, salves and lotions to treat skin conditions such as acne, athlete's foot, eczema, rashes, ringworm, scabies and wounds. It is also used in hair products to treat dandruff and even head lice. When neem is added to skin and hair products, it has strong preservative properties which help to extend shelf life.
Nettle
(Urtica dioica)The above-ground portions of nettle are used for their astringent, nutritive and stimulating properties. Nettle is included in facial steams and cleansers, especially for oily skin, and is added to shampoos and conditioners to treat dandruff and hair loss. The growing plant can cause a stinging rash due to the presence of formic acid and histamine; however the dried or heated plant has no such effect. When used internally as a tea, tincture or in capsules nettle is an excellent herb to strengthen hair, skin and nails due to its high concentration of nutrients, including calcium, iron, silica and beta-carotene. It is used internally for the treatment of acne, boils and eczema and helps to improve circulation.
Nutmeg
(Myristica fragrans)Nutmeg kernels are used for their anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, astringent and circulatory stimulant properties. Nutmeg is incorporated into salves to treat eczema, ringworm and scars. The essential oil is used in lotions, soaps and perfumes and added to massage oils to soothe sore muscles. It is also a popular ingredient in aftershaves.
Oregon Grape
(Mahonia repens)The root and root bark of Oregon grape are primarily used internally as teas, tinctures or in capsules for their antiseptic properties to treat conditions such as acne, boils, eczema, herpes and impetigo. It is also made into a salve for itchy skin, boils, wounds and various skin infections.
Orris
(Iris florentina)Native to southern Europe, North Africa and India, the peeled rhizome of orris is used in cosmetics for its aromatic properties. The juice of the plant may fade freckles. The powdered root is used to make dry shampoos. The roots are also chewed as a breath freshener. The essential oil has a fragrance reminiscent of violets due to the presence of the ketone irone and is used to scent toothpastes, soaps and powders. Orris root is considered a fixative and helps other herbs to retain their scent when mixed with them. For this reason it is an important ingredient in sachets and potpourris.
Parsley
(Petroselinum crispum)Parsley leaves are valued for their antioxidant, antiseptic and nutritive qualities. They are used in poultices to treat bruises, insect bites and sprains. Rubbed on the body they help to repel mosquitoes. Parsley is a welcome addition to facial steams for dry and oily skin as well as to lotions for soothing eczema and psoriasis. It can also be used in compresses to soothe tired eyes. Eating parsley on a regular basis helps to promote clear skin. It is included in hair rinses for dark hair and to treat dandruff. As a mouthwash it helps to freshen the breath. The essential oil from the seed is used in perfumery.
Patchouli
(Pogostemon patchouli)Native to southeast Asia and well-loved for its scent, the leaves of patchouli are aged for at least 24 hours before being distilled. Fabrics, including rugs and shawls imported from India, are impregnated with the scent of patchouli as a moth deterrent. The essential oil is considered antifungal, antiseptic and rejuvenative. It is used in cleansers, moisturizers, soaps and salves to treat acne, athlete's foot, eczema and dry mature skin. It is also added to shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses for the treatment of dandruff.
Peppermint
(Mentha piperita)Peppermint is a cooling and stimulating antiseptic which helps to tighten the pores. Containing its own natural oils, it blesses us in baths, soaps, facial steams, masks, toners, aftershaves, and as a stimulating shampoo, hair conditioner and rinse. Peppermint is also used for its breath-freshening properties in toothpastes and mouthwashes.
Pine
(Pinus species)Aromatic and antiseptic, pine is valued as a bath herb for sore muscles, and is used in soaps, lotions, perfumes and aftershave. Pine helps to treat acne, eczema and psoriasis when used in soaps, lotions and salves. It can also bring boils to a head and is often incorporated into antidandruff shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses.
Plantain
(Plantago major)Native to Europe, plaintain leaves are valued for their antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, demulcent, mucilaginous and refrigerant properties. Plaintain helps to soothe inflammation and irritated tissues and is often used in salves to treat wounds and damaged skin. It can be used as a poultice and/or salve for boils, bee stings, hemorrhoids and poison ivy. Plaintain can be boiled in milk, strained, cooled and applied to sunburn.
Red Clover
(Trifolium pratense)Valued for its anti-inflammatory properties, red clover is included in facial steams, cleansers, lotions and moisturizers. It is also used as a bath herb for many conditions including acne, eczema, psoriasis as well as sun- and wind-damaged skin. It is included in lip balms for its soothing properties and in shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses for dry or damaged hair. Red clover can also be taken internally to ease the same conditions.
Rosemary
(Rosmarinus officinalis)Its Latin name translates to "dew of the sea." The leaves are antiseptic, astringent, rejuvenative and stimulating and are often included in facial steams, cleansers, masks, toners, lotions, moisturizers and soaps. As a bath herb, rosemary relaxes the muscles yet helps the mind to be alert. It is used in massage oils for sore muscles and cellulite as well as toothpastes, mouthwashes and insect repellents. When used on the skin, it helps to strengthen the capillaries and improve sluggish and mature skin. Rosemary is popular in shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses to help darken gray hair, and for dandruff and hair loss. Adding a few drops of rosemary essential oil to a clean hairbrush helps to impart hair with a beautiful shine and fragrance and stimulates hair growth.
Rose
(Rosa species)Rose petals are used in body care for their antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, hydrating and soothing properties. Rose is beloved for its beautiful scent and as an ingredient in dry or mature skin products such as facial steams, cleansers, lotions, toners, lotions and moisturizers. It is also used as a bath herb. Rosewater has long been used as a toner and moisturizer by beauties to soothe sore complexions. Diluted, it can be applied to cottonballs and placed on closed eyes to reduce puffiness. Rose is considered a cell rejuvenator. For dry hair, roses are included in shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses. Rosewater makes a lovely mouthwash. Pure essential oil of rose is one of the most wonderful and expensive scents and included in perfumery. It takes about 10,000 pounds of roses to make 1 pound of the essential oil or 30 roses to make 1 drop of oil.
Sage
(Salvia officinalis)The leaves and flowers of sage are antibacterial and are included in skin care products such as facial steams, cleansers, toners and soaps. They are also used as a bath herb. It is especially beneficial for acne and oily skin. Sage has been used as a wash and salve to treat eczema, psoriasis and poison oak and ivy and is very effective as an antiperspirant when included in deodorants. It is a common ingredient in shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses for oily or falling hair. It is also helpful for brunettes to darken gray hair. Sage helps to stimulate the scalp. It is also breath freshening when added to toothpastes and mouthwashes and it helps treat gingivitis.
Sandalwood
(Santalum album)Sandalwood is antiseptic, aphrodisiac and rejuvenative. It is used as a bath herb in soaps and aftershaves, and is often added to shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses. It is a common ingredient in exotic perfume with a history of 4,000 years of use. In many tropical places, women mix essential oil of sandalwood with coconut oil and rub it into their hair for a beautiful shine and fragrance.
Sarsaparilla
(Smilax officinalis)Sarsaparilla is used internally for its alternative, diaphoretic and rejuvenative properties as a tea, tincture or in capsules to remedy skin conditions such as acne, age spots, eczema and psoriasis. It helps to reduce inflammation and binds with bacteria to carry them out of the body.
Soapwort
(Saponaria officinalis)When mixed with water soapwort produces a foamy lather that can be used as a wash to clean the body and hair. It effectively helps to remove grease.
Star anise
(Illicium verum)Native to Southeast Asia, the fruit of star anise is the portion valued for its analgesic, aromatic and circulatory stimulating properties. The essential oil is used to scent hair products, soaps and perfumes. Chew a small piece after a meal to freshen your breath.
Tea Tree
(Melaleuca alternifolia)The essential oil of tea tree is distilled from the leaves and is excellent as an antifungal and antiseptic agent. The oil is added to facial steams, cleansers, soaps, toners, lotions, moisturizers, salves and bath preparations. It helps skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis as well as fungal infections such as diaper rash, jock itch, ringworm and athlete's foot. Tea tree oil is an excellent insect repellent and can deter mosquitoes, fleas, ticks and even scabies. It is also often an ingredient in shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses to help prevent dandruff and even head lice. The oil is also effective when applied directly to warts. It has been used to protect the skin from radiation burns during cancer therapy. Tea tree oil is nonirritating and, along with lavender oil, is one of the few essential oils that can be applied directly to the skin without being diluted.
Thyme
(Thymus vulgaris)The leaves and flowers of thyme are antiseptic, aromatic and stimulating. Thyme is so powerful that during World War I it was used to disinfect soldiers' wounds. Thyme is included in facial steams, masks, cleansers, toners, bath preparations, soaps, deodorants and aftershave products. It helps treat acne, eczema and psoriasis. The essential oil is added to massage oils for sore muscles and can be applied topically to warts. It is used in antifungal preparations such as salves and washes to deter athlete's foot, ringworm, scabies, crabs and lice. It is also included in antidandruff products such as shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses and helps keep the hair dark and silky. Thyme is used in mouthwashes for its antiseptic properties and to prevent plaque formation.
Tragacanth
(Astragalus gummifer)Rich in mucilage and very demulcent, the gum-like resin of traganth is used as a thickening agent for lotions, moisturizers, hair styling gels, mascara and toothpastes. It also makes an excellent poultice for sunburned skin.
Vanilla
(Vanilla planifolia)Native to tropical Central and South America, the cured seed pods of vanilla are valued in cosmetics for their aphrodisiac and aromatic qualities. Vanilla bean is often included in lotions, moisturizers and soaps as well as perfumes. Because the plant must be hand-pollinated (the bee whose job this was is now extinct due to pesticide use), vanilla is the second most expensive herb in the world.
Violet
(Viola odorata)Violet leaves and flowers are antiseptic, astringent and demulcent. They are excellent for dry, normal and oily skin and are included in facial steams, cleansers, toners, lotions, moisturizers and in bath products. Used internally, violet can help clear the skin of acne, boils, eczema and psoriasis.
Walnut
(Juglans nigra, J. regia)The outer rind of the unripe nut, leaves and inner bark are used for their alternative, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent properties. Walnut is used topically in salves to treat athlete's foot, eczema, fungal infections, herpes, impetigo and ringworm. The hulls are used in shampoos and conditioners as a colorant to darken hair.
White oak
(Quercus alba)The bark of the white oak is used as well as the galls, which are growths produced in response to fungi or insects. White oak is rich in tannins, which causes its action to be very astringent. It is also very antiseptic. The tannins bind with protein in the tissues, making them impermeable to bacterial invasion and infection while fortifying their strength. White oak is used as a compress, poultice or salve for contact dermatitis, eczema, insect bites, ringworm and wounds. The galls are used as a coloring agent to darken the hair.
Witch hazel
(Hamamelis virginia)The bark, twigs and leaves of witch hazel are valued for their anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, cleansing and styptic properties, and are used to treat acne, blemishes, bedsores, oily skin, insect bites, poison oak and ivy. A wash from the plant can be used to treat sunburn or as an aftershave. Distilled witch hazel which can be applied directly to the skin is commonly available at pharmacies. However, be careful of using the distilled form close to the eyes and mucous membranes as it contains rubbing alcohol, which can be an irritant. Witch hazel can also be used as a compress or salve to treat hemorrhoids and varicose veins. For treating dandruff and oily hair conditions, witch hazel is included in shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses. Witch hazel can also be used as a deodorant.
Wintergreen
(Gaultheria procumbens)The leaves and essential oil of wintergreen are both used for their analgesic, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent and stimulant properties. The essential oil is used in massage oils to treat cellulite and also in salves and lotions to remedy muscle and joint soreness. It is also employed in soaps for its fresh zesty scent. Wintergreen is used in toothpastes and mouthwashes to freshen the breath/
Woodruff
(Asperula odorata)The above-ground portions of woodruff are used cosmetically for their anti-inflammatory properties in facial steams and as a bath herb. A poultice of the bruised leaves can be used on boils and wounds. Its pleasant smell, when dried, is similar to freshly cut grass, vanilla and honey; thus it is included in perfumes and soaps as well as in insect repellents.
Yarrow
(Achillea millefolium)Valued for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent properties, the leaves and flowers of yarrow are useful for oily skin in the form of facial steams, cleansers and toners. It is used as a bath herb to treat rashes, wounds and oily skin and in salves to treat eczema. It is also used in aftershaves. Yarrow is a powerful styptic, and a poultice of the fresh leaves will stop a wound from bleeding. Fresh yarrow can be rubbed on the skin to repel insects.