Herbs: Some of the Benefits They Have On Your Skin

God has provided us with wonderful herbs in which we can use for our health and benefit. I love studying ways in which I can provide better care for my body. I also believe that this is what God desires us to do: take care of ourselves and the body He has given us.

Herbs have many different uses for your skin, not only for external health, but internal as well. God blesses us here on earth because He is a wonderful and caring God. He created this world that we live in and made us in His own image. Because of this we have a soul, as well as knowledge of a Lord who cares for us. He gave us the world to rule over and to protect. We are to be good stewards of what we are given, to use these things and to enjoy them. He gave us His Son and the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, that through His death and resurrection we may live. God, even from the very beginning, knew what we needed in order to survive and be well. He provides us with clothes to wear and food to eat, that we may nourish ourselves and dress to please the Lord. He gives us shelter and houses to be protected in. He provides us with friends and family so we are not alone: Parents to guide us, sibling to love us, grandparents to advise us, family to surround us, and friends to grow beside us. We are given this world in which to live, even though we are aliens here; for as Christians, this is only our temporary home. We can fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ, and we can live our lives seeking our Heavenly Father by doing what might please Him.

All of this and more shows that our creator is looking out for us. Besides all of these things, God has also blessed us with useful and amazing healing herbs. These plants, weeds, flowers, trees, shrubbery, and vegetables, can all be used for the benefit of your body, the temple of the Lord. They provide internal benefits, such as every-day sicknesses, digestive problems, organ weaknesses, weight loss, and memory; it also boosts the immune system, cures or prevents diseases and cancers, and gives the inward health you need for a more beautiful outward appearance. These plants also benefit the skin in general, in which area I am most prominent to discuss now. They strongly help common problems such as acne and blackheads, slows the "nightmare" of physical aging ;P and brings out a vibrant and healthier skin tone. It gives your face a beautifying color, and enhances texture and hydration to your skin.

I have chosen 15 different common herbs that are used particularly for different skin conditions. These herbs are: Spruce, Dandelion, Oak Bark, Violet, Basil, Chamomile, Fennel, Green Tea, Lavender, Peppermint, Red Raspberry, Rose Petals, Rosemary, Plantain, and Licorice Root. Now, keep in mind that there are many, many more herbs that can be used for skin and external health care; I, however, have simply chosen 15 to study and expound on.

SPRUCE 1 : The needles are extremely high in vitamin C, and can be made into toners and healing balms, for they have properties beneficial for anti-acne formulas. This tree medicine can be used to help oily skin and large pores. The antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-infectious, and anti-inflammatory properties make it especially helpful for your skin, and it is even useful for certain kinds of wounds.

DANDELION 2 : A source of vitamins A, B, C, D, and K, this weed helps with acne, irritated skin, eczema, and other conditions. The root promotes clear skin, and as a beautifier helps large pores, age spots, sunburn, and chapped skin. It can also be used to curb growths such as warts. The root, leaves, and sometimes flowers can be used in every way, including for boils, itching areas, and arthritis. It is anti-inflammatory, and the vitamin K keeps the skin replenished and rejuvenated. It also has minerals to keep a healthy skin tone.

OAK BARK 3 : It very is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. It is a useful product for acne, and is a soothing treatment for conditions such as poison ivy, for it's also very antiseptic. This herb can be used for good toning as well.

VIOLET 4 : This is a very healing herb, caring for dry skin, scars, wounds, lumps, bumps, inflamed skin, rashes, hives, and eczema. It is anti-inflammatory, and gives moisture where needed. It's also good for toning.

BASIL 5 : This common herb is an excellent toner, cleanser, and healing tool. It cares for blackheads, acne, oily skin, and other examples of a damaged complexions. It is anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. Ring worm and insect bites can be cured, and the skin becomes softer, supple, and healthier. You can create a Basil mask with the leaves, some salt, and egg whites, because the egg white help tighten pores. Basil does wonders with many beautifying factors, including dandruff and hair loss. It is very anti-aging, and gives for a glowing, blemish-free skin tone.

CHAMOMILE 6 : Has healing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-itching, anti-fungal, and antiseptic sources. It soothes troubled skin, puffiness, and irritations. It moisturizes dry skin and cleanses pores; helps with acne, scars, dark circles, eczema, rashes, sores, burns, and ulcers. It can be used on babies and fragile skin, as it is mild and good for any skin type. It lightens skin tone also.

FENNEL 7 : Another common herb that can be used in many wonderful ways! It is mostly used for its anti-aging and moisturizing properties. It treats prematurely aged, sun-damaged, and wrinkled skin. It can clear and tone skin, balance oils, fight acne, and hydrate. Applying cooled strong tea can help reduce puffy eyes. It keeps skin glowing, taut, supple, and smooth. It also supplies the body with essential minerals to bring oxygen to skin by unclogging grime, dirt, and germs from deep within the pores. It's loaded with minerals and vitamins A, C, and E.

GREEN TEA 8 : This extremely common tea is another amazing tool to use on your skin! Its main healing power is for acne. It's used to cleanse, tone, and purify your skin. You can do something as simple as brewing the tea and leaving it cool; then wetting you face with it several times over a period of several days.

LAVENDER 9 : This sweet-smelling, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiseptic herb is an excellent treatment against either too dry or too oily of skin. It cares for acne, irritations, mosquito and other insect bites, burns, cuts, eczema, cold sores, pain, or otherwise stressed or inflamed skin. It can also help in the case of hair loss. It is good for all skin types, and prevents premature aging. It can also be used on chapped or sunburned lips.

PEPPERMINT 10 : This anti-inflammatory herb and spice is filled with vitamins A and C, iron, magnesium, calcium, minerals, potassium, manganese, and copper. It works well for dry and oily skin, and helps clarify skin and clear large pored complexions. It makes skin brighter, tones it beautifully, reduces redness, and helps rid acne.

RED RASPBERRY 11 : This unlikely toner works amazing wonders on oily, irritated, and/or acne-infested skin. It's a great astringent for tightening the top layers of skin, and is a strong agent for anti-aging and anti-oxidant properties. It's filled with potassium, calcium, manganese, magnesium, fiber, vitamins A, B, C, and E, Linoleic, oleric acids, and iron. It does well with replenishing moisture, helping with repairs, and improving elasticity to skin.

ROSE PETALS 12 : These flower petals can help your dry, inflamed, and/or suffering skin tone. It can cleanse and give moisture to even the most sensitive areas. It helps get rid of wrinkles, fine lines, acne, puffy eyes, dark circles, and oil. It's antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant, and rich with vitamin C. It can also help with swollen skin, eczema, and sunburn. And it will give you a soft and glowing tone, working as an anti-aging agent as well.

ROSEMARY 13 : Is one awesome herb! It helps to improve even your memory! It improves blood flow to the skin, and is an excellent toner and astringent, helping with elasticity. It's antibacterial side helps with blackheads and acne. It works well against dry or oily skin, and cares for a dull and lifeless tone. Being very moisturizing and healing to damaged skin, Rosemary is rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins, and works also as an anti-oxidant. It's anti-inflammatory properties sooth the skin, burns, eczema, itchiness, and sunburn. It's very anti-aging and reduces the chance of wrinkles, and lightens dark spots.

PLANTAIN 14 : Is most useful for pulling out bee stings, and working on itchy, inflamed, irritated, bitten, splinted, cut, bruised, painful, or burned areas of your skin. It is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic, and is very nourishing and anti-aging. It's good for healing wounds and rare skin conditions. Since it helps draw things out to clear your pores, it can also care cases of bad acne. It is very useful for dry skin as well.

LICORICE ROOT 15 : Is a strong anti-inflammatory root that soothes irritants on skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and other caused redness and inflammation. It lightens skin, reduces age spots, brightens complexion, and is all around a great toner and anti-aging agent! It cuts oil from the skin, and can be used on even sensitive skin types. It also is great at reducing dark circles under the eyes and the dark marks caused be scars, being a perfect beautifier.

Now, there are several ways in which you can use these herbs in order to apply them to your face or other areas of your skin. Like I have already mentioned, many herbs can be brewed into teas, then you would wash your face with that tea several times each day over a decent period of time. You can also make your own yogurt, honey, clay, and oatmeal masks; there are many fun recipes on line. More options would be to do a facial scrub or steam with certain herbs, make yourself a bath soak, eye compress, sunburn soother, or simply drink your cup of tea every day.

There are many other exotic recipes and treatments on line. So many options! The most appropriate time to apply these herbal remedies is simply when you feel your skin needs an extra boast, whether it is once a month to shine up your complexion, or every day to help heal your suffering physical beauty.

Be aware of allergies... if you have a tendency to be allergic to many things, just be cautious at first with what you put on your skin until you know that it does not cause a rash or other irritations. Also, if you are taking other medical supplements or have specific interactions with other medicine, you should consult a doctor or do some research to be sure you aren't taking (internally) herbs that will react negatively with those drugs. At the same time, be sure the herbs you take internally are also safe if you are pregnant. You can often find out the answer to this by doing some research on reliable online sources.

When taking these herbs internally, not only could you drink the tea, but other options would be to make tinctures, pills, smoothies, chopped into food, or any other way you can imagine.

Herbs are, in fact, God-given gifts to us as humans. We are to recognize this gift, and thank the Lord for it. We are to praise God for the ability of using all that He's provided us with. We must always know that what we use here on earth has been given to us by our heavenly Father, and we should use these gifts for living. We are called to learn about God's creation, and as His children, we ought to use what He places into our hands. And it's wonderful when we can teach others about what we know, too; whether through classes, simple conversation, or a small lecture with your children. Best of all, learn and understand how to use herbs for your own benefit (where you mostly need healing in your body, physically and even emotionally). Find out how and where you can find the different herbs of herbal remedies you need. Collect them after researching which herbs you can use in which ways for specific problems. You can buy herbs in many different places (whether on line or in some towns/cities), or if you enjoy such things, you can even grow your own to harvest.

God has provided us with herbs that work wonders. With these, we can polish and freshen our own health and benefit. Herbs are not only beautifiers and toners for your skin; they are essential, natural medicines for every-day health internally, physically, and mentally. Herbs are one tool God gave us as He serves to be our ultimate physician.

Footnotes:

1. “10 Herbs for skin care”. herbgeek.com. Michelle Czolba, 11 June 2014. Web. 11 June 2014.
2. “10 Herbs for skin care”. herbgeek.com. Michelle Czolba, 11 June 2014. Web. 11 June 2014. “Facial care herbs”. Chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com. Chagrin Valley Family, - “The Dandelions are here!!”. Dandelioness Herbals. Dana Woodruff, 16 May 2011.Web. 16 May 2011. - “How to use Dandelion for skin care.” fawesome.TV.
3. “10 Herbs for skin care”. herbgeek.com. Michelle Czolba, 11 June 2014. Web. 11 June 2014.
4. “10 Herbs for skin care”. herbgeek.com. Michelle Czolba, 11 June 2014. Web. 11 June 2014.
5. “Facial care herbs”. Chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com. Chagrin Valley Family, - “Using Basil to treat Acne breakouts and Pimples”. The Natural Acne Cure. Alisha Renee, 30 Dec. 2013. Web. 30 Dec. 2013. - “Benefits, uses, and remedies using Basil for skin and hair”. The Indian Spot. Nithya Shrikant,
6. “Facial care herbs”. Chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com. Chagrin Valley Family, - “13 amazing Benefits of using Chamomile Tea on the Skin and hair”. Healthandhealingwithherbs.com. Jean, 7 April 2015. Web. 7 April 2015.
7. “Facial care herbs”. Chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com. Chagrin Valley Family, - “10 beauty benefits of Fennel Seeds”. Beautymunsta. Beautymusta, - “19 Amazing benefits of Fennel Seeds (Saunf) for skin, Hair, and health”. Stylecraze. Somreeta, 28 Dec. 2015. Web. 28 Dec. 2015
8. “Facial care herbs”. Chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com. Chagrin Valley Family, - “The (surpriseing) beauty benefits of green tea”. The Beauty Gypsy. Anubha Charan, 18 April 2013.Web. 18 April 2013.
9. “Facial care herbs”. Chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com. Chagrin Valley Family, - “13 uses for lavender oil: the only essential oil you'll need”. Mindbodygreen. Ashley Turner, 21 Feb. 2013. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
10. “Facial care herbs”. Chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com. Chagrin Valley Family,
11. “Facial care herbs”. Chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com. Chagrin Valley Family, - “5 Natural and Homemade Raspberry Face Masks”. Organic Beauty blogger. Organic Beauty blogger, 29 July 2013. Web. 29 July 2013.
12. “Facial care herbs”. Chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com. Chagrin Valley Family,
13. “Facial care herbs”. Chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com. Chagrin Valley Family,
14. “Facial care herbs”. Chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com. Chagrin Valley Family, - “10 Herbs for skin care”. herbgeek.com. Michelle Czolba, 11 June 2014. Web. 11 June 2014.
15. “Facial care herbs”. Chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com. Chagrin Valley Family,
    
    

Bibliography:

“Benefits, uses, and remedies using Basil for skin and hair”. The Indian Spot. Nithya Shrikant,

“Facial care herbs”. Chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com. Chagrin Valley Family,

“How to use Dandelion for skin care.” fawesome.TV.

“The Dandelions are here!!”. Dandelioness Herbals. Dana Woodruff, 16 May 2011.Web. 16 May 2011.

“The (surpriseing) beauty benefits of green tea”. The Beauty Gypsy. Anubha Charan, 18 April 2013.Web. 18 April 2013.

“Using Basil to treat Acne breakouts and Pimples”. The Natural Acne Cure. Alisha Renee, 30 Dec. 2013. Web. 30 Dec. 2013.

“5 Natural and Homemade Raspberry Face Masks”. Organic Beauty blogger. Organic Beauty blogger, 29 July 2013. Web. 29 July 2013.

“10 beauty benefits of Fennel Seeds”. Beautymunsta. Beautymusta,

“10 Herbs for skin care”. herbgeek.com. Michelle Czolba, 11 June 2014. Web. 11 June 2014.

“13 amazing Benefits of using Chamomile Tea on the Skin and hair”. Healthandhealingwithherbs.com. Jean, 7 April 2015. Web. 7 April 2015.

“13 uses for lavender oil: the only essential oil you'll need”. Mindbodygreen. Ashley Turner, 21 Feb. 2013. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.

“19 Amazing benefits of Fennel Seeds (Saunf) for skin, Hair, and health”. Stylecraze. Somreeta, 28 Dec. 2015. Web. 28 Dec. 2015

Merry CHRISTmas!!

Christmas... One of my favorite holidays; the day we choose to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ; the one day you actually want it to snow ;P Haha, I'm just kidding. **Sort of**

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas Day! Or Week, or Month, or however long Christmas ends up being for you, I guess. For my family, We did different things throughout the entire month of December, and even some in November and soon January. So Christmas seems to be much more of a collection of weeks versus just one day.

First of all, we went caroling with groups of friends three different times! The first night we went to the mall and took turns standing outside in the cold. And it was cold out that night. Then twice we went and visited Nursing and Assisted Living homes. We had a Jolly time!!

 

 

My sister and I were invited to a Civil War Christmas dance! It was such a fun party ;) We dressed up again in our new ball gowns, drove in -13 degree weather, played lots of games there, enjoyed being with friends, and danced some exciting dances.

My siblings and I have also gone to a few other Christmas parties put on by different friends. It's been so good to hang out with friends and family.

 

 

Of course, we can't have Christmas without sugary goodies!!!! We spent Christmas day making all kinds of cut-out cookies, and chocolate covering cereals and crackers. It was a delicious project! ;) And I think there will be plenty to do yet again before New Years Eve!!

 

 

Snowflakes!!! We've made a bunch of these and hung them all over the house. They look amazing! :D If you want to learn how to make these, click here. You will be shocked how easy these are to make! And they're a ton of fun. My 5 and 7 year old sisters even enjoy putting them together!

 

My New Favorite Christmas Song: "It's About The Cross", by the Ball Brothers. You can listen to it here.

 

 

Most importantly, we enjoy celebrating Jesus's birthday!!! We don't know the exact day that he was born, and it probably wasn't in the middle of winter with a bunch of white snow; but it was a real-life miracle, and we want to honor and praise the Lord for it. We set aside this time of year to give a special thanks to God for sending His Son for us, to die that we might live. What a precious, and priceless gift! All I want for Christmas, is to remember what Christ did for me, and why He came to this earth as a baby so long ago.

 

So, what did your Christmas look like? What is your favorite part of this special season?