The Plant Allies of the Skin
Anti-inflammatories, vulneraries, alteratives, emollients, demulcents, and nervines
Nettles (Urtica dioica): For most skin complaints, I turn to Nettles as one of my primary plant allies. Not only are dried Nettles a great topical treatment in the form of an herbal salve, oil or wash, but they are an excellent mineral and vitamin rich internal treatment for skin that seems dull and stressed. In traditional western herbalism they are considered a "blood building" herb which essentially means that they help to restore vitality similar to a rasayana in Ayurveda or a tonic herb in Chinese Medicine. Look for signs of dull, congested, inflamed, and/or overall fatigue.
Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris): A long-standing first aid herb within traditional western herbalism, Lady's Mantle is prized for its astringent and anti-inflammatory abilities to draw out impurities from both fresh and old wounds as well as cool inflammation and repair the skin. The herb can be used for cuts, bruises, as a styptic, and for stings. It also makes a great addition to herbal skincare salves as an overall skin and beauty tonic. The herb can be used as a toner for pores, to soften rough skin, remedy acne, soothe rashes, and reduce hyperpigmentation. Combine with other astringent herbs like Shepherd's Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) and Rose (Rosa spp.) for a poultice or liniment to bring tone to atrophied muscles and sagging skin. An ally of changing bodies, Lady's Mantle can be used both internally and externally to support the changes to muscle and skin during transitions like postpartum, menopause, andropause, and the gift of aging.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis): A salve made with sun-bright Calendula blossoms is a steady companion in many an herbal apothecary, my own included. A fantastic skin tonic and healer of wounds Calendula is a prized vulnerary and great for everyday scrapes and cuts, but also for recovery after surgery or more serious injuries. One way that Calendula assists in the healing of skin is through promoting the formation of granulation tissues while also protecting against infection through the stimulation of white blood cells, guarding against E. coli and staph infections. A lymph tonic, Calendula helps the skin glow from the inside out through supporting the body's filtration system. As a plant ally, Calendula carries an unhindered and daring sense of joy helping us to embrace pathways of self-expression, of calling, and of kinship that resonate on a deep soul level.
Rose (Rose spp.): Using Rose on the skin daily is an excellent and simple way of caring for your skin and honoring your inherent beauty. A lovely astringent, anti-inflammatory, soothing, and restorative plant ally, Rose oil made from the hips of the plant and/or Rose hydrosol made from the flowers are two beautiful types of Rose remedies that help to maintain healthy, glowing skin. Rose helps us to release tension and open up to the love and beauty of the world at any time in our life, but especially after a period of hardship or traumatic experience. Indications include a need for strengthening boundaries, low vitality, and general inflammation.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis): Aloe Vera is a fantastic all around skin supporting herb. The inner gel of the plant is cooling and moist, alleviating inflammation in the body both internally and externally, making it especially great to use after a day spent in the sun. Along with sunburn, indications for Aloe Vera include feeling overheated after sun exposure even without a sunburn, as well as general burns, rashes, allergic skin reactions, and eczema. The gel fresh from the plant is great but isn't always easy to come by unless you're growing your own plant so when purchasing try and find a gel with the least amount of additives.
Lavender (Lavandula spp.): A great plant ally to keep on hand, especially as a body rinse, spray, or compress for all sorts of skin needs including heat exposure and heat rash, insect bites and stings, burns, wounds, and so on. Other indications that Lavender might be a good plant ally include nausea, irritability, skin that feels overly sensitive to touch and sensation, and tension headaches.
Flower & Gem Essences: All the plants already listed can be used as flower essences. Other essences include Self Heal (Prunella vulgaris), Cherry (Prunus spp.), Rock Rose (Helianthemum nummularium), Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris), Pussy Paws (Cistanthe umbellata), Wild Rose (Rosa canina), Buttercup (Ranunculus occidentalis), Rose Quartz, Clear Quartz.
Additional Herbs for the Skin: Plantain (Plantago spp.), Comfrey (Symphytum officinale), Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), Red Clover (Trifolium pratense), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica), Burdock (Arctium lappa), Milky Oat (Avena sativa), Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis), Marshmallow (Althea officinalis), Sage (Salvia officinalis), Self Heal (Prunella vulgaris), Willow (Salix alba).
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Remediations: For all plant ally work, especially if you are getting to know a plant for the first time or reconnecting with their energy, the Wild Tongue Plant Ally Spread can be a helpful tool.
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