Natural Herbal Skin Care

by: Jerrick Foo

Natural herbal skin care has been the choice of beautiful women the world over for thousands of years. It has only been recently that cosmetic companies have formulated makeup and skin care products that contain chemicals and artificial additives in an effort to improve on the natural herbal skin care regimens that have been around for centuries.

But today many women have come to realize that these harsh chemicals and artificial ingredients that are so expensive aren’t necessarily good for their skin – in fact, in some cases they can cause drying and stripping of the skin’s natural pH balance and interfere with the body’s natural skin repair process. That’s why so many have returned to the natural herbal skin care routines that are based on some of the same key ingredients that might have been used by legendary beauties like Cleopatra or Marie Antoinette.

Some basic beauty secrets of the ages – natural herbal ingredients for skin care includes essential oils, rose water, crushed almonds, sea salts, rice powder, shea butter and purified water are common. These ingredients are good for the skin as rarely you will encounter any allergy to them. These natural ingredients can help to moisturize dry skin and contains cooling botanicals to promote the healing of blemishes and a complete skin care regimen. The benefits include slowing down the aging process and help to diminish those fine lines and crow’s feet.

Natural herbal skin care can be the answer if you have sensitive skin and are prone to rashes and or break-outs. Many people don’t realize that occasional flare-ups of blemishes or rashes can mean your skin is being irritated by the many chemicals in the soaps, cleansers, astringents and other products your skin is exposed to every day. Add to the list the many dyes, chemicals and preservatives in your makeup and it’s a virtual assault on your delicate skin.

That’s what makes natural herbal skin care so important as a part of your daily skin care routine. Using natural, soothing ingredients can actually calm and soothe your skin, reducing the number of break-outs and rashes. Soothing ingredients like oatmeal for sensitive skin calm itching and redness when rare flare-ups do occur due to environmental stressors.

Most natural skin products are full of natural botanicals, vitamins and minerals and pure anti-oxidants to nourish your skin, and are just as rich and creamy as any luxury department store skin care line. There is a whole range of products, from natural clay masks for acne to healing aloe gels for dry skin. Best of all, these does not contain the harsh chemicals that you can find in some other non-natural products.

By using natural herbal skin care products, you’re improving the condition of your skin and decreasing the likelihood of future skin problems.

Herbs For Women

by: Nicole Bandes

The other day, I had a female customer bring in her bag of supplements. It was a rather large bag and we started to go through each bottle and what she was using it for. We came across one bottle that she wasn’t sure why she was taking it. I wasn’t really surprised when she said she didn’t know if it was doing her any good since the bottle was an herbal formula designed to support men’s prostate health. Without mentioning the purpose of the product, I asked why she decided to start taking it. She said it was because her uncle said how much good it was doing for him!

It can be difficult to wade through all the herbs that are out there. What ones are good for what and when are they beneficial. It becomes even more complex when we throw all the different herbal formulas and vitamins into the mix. If you are going to use more than one or two natural health products, it is important that you do your own research on each product and the individual ingredients or you consult a natural health coach that can guide you through the process of deciding what to take and how to take it. Of course, even if you do use the service of a trained guide, it is wise to never let anyone be your sole source of information. Whether herbs or drugs, be sure to have a clear understanding of why you are taking what you are and how it may help or hurt you.

For those that would like to learn more about the various natural health supplements, here is a beginner’s guide to herbs for women.

Bayberry – Bayberry may be beneficial to help ease excessive menstrual bleeding.

Black Cohosh – The estrogenic effects of black cohosh have given it a reputation as being beneficial for hot flashes and other pre-menopausal concerns. It may also be beneficial during childbirth to stimulate contractions, help control hemorrhaging and afterbirth pains. This herb should not be used except in the last 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy and only under the guidance of an experienced midwife or doctor as it may cause damage to the unborn fetus.

Blessed Thistle – This herb, similar to Milk Thistle, is generally used to strengthen the liver. However the benefits to women include balancing hormones, enriching breast milk, reducing breast inflammation and unclogging milk ducts.

Blue Cohosh – Blue Cohosh stimulates uterine contractions and relaxes muscle spasms making it beneficial during childbirth. This herb should not be used except in the last 6 weeks of pregnancy and only under the guidance of an experienced midwife or doctor as it may cause damage to the unborn fetus.

Dong Quai – This Chinese herb has been used extensively in Chinese medicine to treat female concerns. It is a general tonic, meaning that it is good for several different female conditions including PMS, regulation of menses and infertility.

False Unicorn – Historically, False Unicorn has been used to stop a pending miscarriage.

Ginger – This herb is commonly used for digestive disturbances and may be beneficial for morning sickness during pregnancy.

Maca – Beneficial for men and women, this herb has been used to increase sexual desire.

Parsley – When it is time to wean your little one from breast feeding, parsley can be used to dry up the breast milk.

Red Raspberry – Rich in manganese, this herb can be used to tone and strengthen the uterus and regulate the female organs. Extremely beneficial for teenage girls and their families during this rollercoaster phase of emotions.

Many of these herbs have been used for centuries to support female health. While there may not be scientific research to support their use, they are generally considered safe when used as directed. Due to the state of our health care system, it is now important to begin taking on the role of being our own.

About The Author Nicole Bandes is a Natural Health Coach whose passion is educating individuals about natural alternatives available to them. Nicole publishes a weekly column of health tips at http://www.naturallyherbs.com.