Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Extract:
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric extract is commonly used to support joint health and reduce inflammation..
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Capsules:
Ginger capsules are often used to alleviate nausea, support digestion, and reduce muscle soreness.
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) Tincture:
Echinacea tincture is believed to support the immune system and help prevent and reduce the severity of colds and flu.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) Root Extract:
Valerian root extract is used as a natural remedy for insomnia and to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) Leaf Extract:
Ginkgo leaf extract is commonly used to improve cognitive function, enhance memory, and support overall brain health.
Garlic (Allium sativum) Softgel Capsules:
Garlic capsules are believed to support heart health, lower cholesterol levels, and boost the immune system.
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) Extract:
Milk thistle extract is used to support liver health and promote detoxification by protecting the liver from toxins and free radicals.
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) Extract:
St. John’s Wort extract is commonly used as a natural remedy for depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) Berry Extract:
Saw palmetto extract is often used to support prostate health and alleviate symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Powder:
Ashwagandha root powder is known for its adaptogenic properties, helping the body manage stress, improve energy levels, and support overall well-being.
Roses
- This classic bud can be found in more than beautiful bouquets, it’s a flower that’s used in skin care! Rose is one of the most popular botanical skin care ingredients. Why? Rose extract in various forms can be used on a variety of skin types, but is particularly useful for moisturizing dry skin. Those suffering from acne can benefit from rose oil’s antiseptic and astringent properties, along with its anti-inflammatory properties that cut down on redness. Recent studies have found that rose oil can actually promote healing in wounds.
- Topical Benefits: Used in lotions, astringents, and toners, rose extract and oil can be used to calm inflammation, create an even skin tone, and combat bacteria.
- Growing Tips: Roses need sunlight, so plant your new rosebush in an area of the yard that gets at least six hours of direct sun a day. Make sure you plant them in rich, well-draining soil and use mulch to serve as a barrier against evaporation. Roses must be pruned to thrive, so get out those clippers and spend some time outdoors—just be sure to wear your SPF.
Cilantro
- Next time you’re chopping up cilantro for your favorite guacamole or salsa recipe, consider the benefits this herb offers for your skin. Eating cilantro provides plenty of health benefits, including decreased cholesterol and digestive issue relief, but it can also pack a powerful punch when it comes to skin care. Cilantro is jam-packed with antioxidants that fight free radicals, and provides a potent dose of Vitamin C. Cilantro has antibacterial and antifungal properties, and can help soothe inflammation for those with acne-prone skin.
- Ingestible Benefits: Throw cilantro into your favorite salad or dish to soothe your digestive system and decrease high cholesterol levels.
- Topical Benefits: Grind coriander seeds and mix the powder into your favorite DIY mask to take advantage of its soothing, anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Growing Tips: This aromatic herb does best in sunny or lightly shaded areas in southern zones. Make sure your soil is moist and well-draining. As you begin to plant, be sure to leave around seven inches between each seed; if you want to maintain your fresh cilantro, sow them every two to three weeks.
Bay Leaf
- Bay leaves can help detoxify the body, minimize the effects of aging on your skin, combat bacterial infections, reduce inflammation, and speed up healing. This wonder leaf deserves a spot of honor in your botanical skin care solutions. True bay leafs come from the Laurel tree and can be ground into a fine powder for use in home skin care remedies.
- Ingestible Benefits: Toss a few bay leaves into your favorite soup or stew and take advantage of its ability to soothe an upset stomach, facilitate efficient digestion, boost heart health, and regulate blood sugar levels.
- Topical Benefits: Grind up a few bay leaves and apply topically with your favorite face moisturizer. Bay leaves contain unique phytonutrients that can reduce irritation and alleviate joint pain when applied topically. Apply bay leaves topically to blemishes and skin lesions to encourage healing and get smooth radiant skin.
- Growing Tips: You can actually grow bay laurel in a pot, just be sure it gets enough sunlight and is planted in a well-draining container. Be sure to water your laurel deeply, less frequently—the soil should dry out a little bit in between waterings.
Calendula
- These vibrant flowers are easy to grow and work as a fantastic component of natural skin care recipes. Not only will your garden look bright—your face will, too! Calendula oil is derived from marigold flowers, and can be used in a host of ways. It offers anti-inflammatory properties, and can soothe itchy skin conditions. It’s also a fantastic antiseptic, and can help speed up wound healing for those dealing with cuts, wounds, acne sores, and other skin ailments.
- Topical Benefits: Infuse calendula into your favorite oils to make homemade lotion, salve, and even hair products. Apply calendula oil to dry skin or chapped lips for some added moisture.
- Growing Tips: This bright flower thrives in areas of the yard that are partially shaded or receive full sun. Prepare a garden bed in the back yard with organic potting soil before planting. Be sure to water your calendula well and pinch off decaying blooms and petals regularly to extend the blooming period. Hint: calendula are actually great at repelling insects, so plant them near your vegetable garden to serve as natural pesticide.
Cucumbers
- Fresh cucumbers contain plenty of antioxidants, helping you combat wrinkles and prevent sun damage. Cucumbers contain important compounds called cucumerin and cucurbitacins that can help fight inflammation and minimize the effects of aging. They also pack a mean punch of Vitamins C and K, antioxidants that can help fight dark circles under your eyes. The Vitamin B5 found in this crunchy produce helps the skin retain moisture, while silica found in cucumbers promotes collagen production, which can help combat wrinkles.This are just some of the reasons why we included cucumber in our vegan face wash.
- Ingestible Benefits: Chop up cucumbers in your favorite salad and munch on this crunchy fruit to take advantage of numerous benefits. Eating cucumbers can relieve heartburn, flush out toxins, and nourish your body with plenty of immunity boosting Vitamins, including A, B, and C.
- Topical Benefits: Head to any local spa and you’ll find a cucumber-based treatment. Make your own resort spa experience at home by using cucumber juice in your favorite DIY masks. Throw a cucumber in a processor and mix with some lemon juice and sugar for an at-home scrub.
- Growing Tips: Cucumbers are easy to grow, even for novice gardeners. Plant your cucumbers in an area that receives full sun, keep the soil moist, and voila—you’ll have the perfect addition to a summer salad and your next at-home skin care treatment. Cucumbers require steady watering, and using compost and nutrient-rich fertilizer will help yield some delicious produce.
Rosemary
- Rosemary is a staple in flavorful dishes, and as it turns out, a great addition to an at-home skin care routine. With its natural antiseptic properties, it’s a great disinfectant for your skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce redness from breakouts and soothe the skin. Rosemary is bursting with antioxidants, helping fight against free radicals and prevent wrinkles.
- Ingestible Benefits: Season your favorite roast or bake some bread with rosemary to take advantage of the health benefits of this fragrant herb. Said to improve memory retention, alleviate stress, and bolster the immune system, ingesting rosemary means giving your body some great health benefits. Need to kick some bad breath? Chew on some fresh rosemary leaves to freshen up. You can also steep rosemary leaves in hot water for a natural tea that provides a host of health benefits in a cup.
- Topical Benefits: Use lotions, cleansers, and masks with rosemary oil to give your skin a boost of healthy minerals and soothe the skin of inflammation. Massage this aromatic oil into your skin to cut down on wrinkles and boost cell regeneration.
- Growing Tips: This fragrant herb is relatively easy to grow. Make sure your seedling gets plenty of sunlight, is placed in well-draining soil, and has access to plenty of air circulation. You don’t need to do much in terms of fertilizing; sit back and watch this strong little herb do its thing.
Lavender
- Calm your mind and soothe your skin with fragrant lavender. This purple miracle plant works well as an astringent, helping combat oily skin that can lead to breakouts. Lavender has also been observed to reduce inflammation, helping cut down on redness and soothe itchy skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Lavender oil absorbs rapidly into the skin, meaning you can take advantage of its skin healing benefits faster.
- Topical Benefits: Mix lavender oil with Aloe Vera to soothe sunburn and rapidly heal any skin lesions or scrapes. Its antimicrobial properties mean lavender can help prevent and fight infection, and applying this oil to your skin in its pure form or in your favorite lotions and moisturizers can help prevent signs of aging. Rub the oil directly on your neck and chest to alleviate headaches and improve sleep; inhaling this scent has been shown to reduce anxiety and insomnia.
- Growing Tips: When choosing where to plant your lavender, select areas that receive full sun. Make sure you plant your seedlings within well-drained soil. It’s important that you water lavender deeply but infrequently, letting the soil almost dry out before watering again. If you’re working with low-growing lavender, be sure to trim foliage every once in a while.