Table of Content
- Introduction
- Top Herbs to Achieve a Radiant Glow
- Herbs for Youthful Skin and Overall Health and Wellness
- Herbs that You Cannot Dare to Miss Out On
- Conclusion
Nature has made certain laws that are almost inescapable. Unfortunately, aging is one among them. But, the fact is no one wants to age, simply because it makes us weak and wreak havoc on our skin, only to make us look dull, and our skin saggy with umpteen wrinkles and fine lines.
The fear of all these pushes us to look out for ways and various anti-aging products to preserve our youthful look. While there are so many ways to prevent or reverse signs of aging, millions of people today heavily rely on herbal and natural ways to restore the youthfulness of their skin, not just because they are cost effective, but safe and offer their long-lasting befits.
Discussed below are some of the best herbs that are largely known to improve the skin as well as overall health. Know more about them and include them wisely in your routine to say goodbye to aging signs like fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots.
Here’s the comprehensive herbal anti-aging guide to achieve flawless and younger-looking skin.
Top Anti Aging Herbs to Achieve a Radiant Glow
Turmeric:
One of the most used herb in the Indian Subcontinent culinary scene, turmeric offers innumerable health benefits and a long-known blood purifying agent. It has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect your skin and the brain from free radical damage.
It is also effective in slowing down the formation of ugly signs of aging, and minimizing the appearance of dark spots to prevent hyperpigmentation. Turmeric keeps your heart healthy, and purifies the blood to make you healthy and glowing from inside out.
How to Use: You can try applying turmeric face mask with raw honey and yogurt to heal your skin and get back the radiant glow. Also, you can directly add it to your preparations to enhance the taste and extract health benefits of the dish.
Rosemary:
When it comes to herbs, rosemary is indisputably the queen of all herbs. It improves blood circulation in the skin to enhance skin tone and complexion. Rosemary flushes out toxins and the curbs the development of early signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
This wonderful herb can take care of almost every need of your skin, while making it youthful and flawless. Rosemary not also help alleviate joint and muscle pain along with common symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis, but relieve stress too.
Usage: Supermarket shelves are full of rosemary oils that you can add to your skin care regimen. Add it your bath tub or try making face masks with rosemary oil to rejuvenate the dead skin cells naturally. Gentle massage with rosemary oil can also help you tone your skin.
Witch Hazel:
Witch hazel or winter bloom is an excellent natural skincare remedy, packed with beneficial compounds like safrole, carvacrol and calcium oxalate. It is one of the best astringents that nature has gifted us.
It can help treat a number of skin-related issues like blood blisters, acne, pimples and more. With some great anti-inflammatory properties, witch hazel stands like a wall between the sun and your skin to protect it from UV damage.
Whether you want to moisturize or nourish the skin, witch hazel can be your ultimate choice. It gives effective results and provides a healthy and glowing skin.
Usage: It works as an excellent toner. You can directly apply it on to your skin using a cotton ball. Its ready-to-use bottles are available in the market because it is hard to find its pure extracts. Try mixing it with other ingredients and use the mix to get rid of many skin issues.
Sage:
Sage will make you look younger than your actual age as it is known to reverse the signs of aging, such as dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Antioxidants found in this herb provides protection against free radicals to minimize cell degeneration. If you’re looking for something suitable for your oily skin, then sage is just the best option for you for cleansing.
It has an anti-spasmodic effect, which soothes the muscles and decreases the likelihood of asthma attacks. Sage also has some cardiovascular benefits, as it contain a compound, called salvigenin, which acts as a vascular relaxant to prevent the risks of heart attack and failure.
Usage: Sage is not just for the skin, but have some culinary applications too and can be added to the food to enhance the flavor. You can try its oil by mixing it with other light oils in your bath to nourish the skin with essential nutrients. Its regular use will definitely give you perfect and ageless skin.
Parsley:
Parsley, an underrated yet amazing herb, can give myriads of health benefits. It is high in vitamin C, which nourishes the skin and help prevent the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and scars marks. It normalizes sebum production in the skin to provide a less oily and glowing skin.
Besides, parsley has innumerable benefits related to heart, bone and immunity. Flavonoids found in this herb help regulate cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. So, next time before serving delicacies, don’t forget to garnish it with some fresh, chopped parsley.
Usage: Homemade parsley masks are quite popular and can easily treat acne or discolored skin. Blend it with honey and lemon to make a perfect base for topical application. Use the mask twice a week for about 15-20 minutes to get a fair and smooth skin.
Ginger:
Ginger is a powerful anti-aging herb that improves skin elasticity. It works as an antiseptic agent, which reduces the appearance of acne and blemishes. One can naturally get a gorgeous and toned skin with ginger on their side.
It has some amazing anti-inflammatory properties, which also help relieve pain and swelling in people with osteoarthritis. Research further suggest that ginger can prevent and offer protection against Alzheimer’s, which is a common health complication in older population.
Usage: Ginger can detoxify your body and soul. There are many options available, such as ginger detox bath and de-stressing foot soak for complete relief. You can also apply fresh ginger slices on the scars and marks, or make a rejuvenating scrub by adding its juice with lemon.
Saffron:
Saffron, a color, flavoring agent can make your skin come to life. It has an anti-fungal properties that make it a great home remedy for acne, pimples and blemishes. Get ready to bid adieu your dull skin and experience a luminous complexion with saffron.
It contains an enzyme called crocetin that aids in arthritis treatment. It also improves heart health as it is one of the richest source of riboflavin, an essential vitamin for heart health.
Usage: This blissful ingredient is widely used in face masks. Simply add a few strands of saffron to the milk or water and let the medium change its color to yellow. Mix everything together and apply it on the face. Rinse off the mask with water after 15-20 minutes.
Aloe Vera:
Aloe vera is wonderful enough that it needs no introduction. It offers amazing benefits to your skin as well as body systems. It helps prevent signs of aging that creep in as you enter your 40s. It is also a natural moisturizer, which has miraculous effects on acne-prone or oily skin. Aloe vera has the natural ability to lighten blemishes and stretch marks to impart a spotless look to every skin tone.
Apart from all these, aloe vera is a great herb for overall health and wellness. It helps strengthen immunity, regulate blood sugar level and reduces cholesterol level, especially in the elderly. So, if you’re planning to plant a herb in your backyard, do consider aloe vera for complete wellness and younger-looking skin.
Usage: You can use it as an exfoliating scrub, overnight mask or makeup remover. You can directly apply its gel from the leaves to observe visible changes in just a matter of weeks. There are also many aloe vera gel brands available in the market that can go for.
Anti Aging Herbs for Youthful Skin and Overall Health and Wellness
Ginseng:
Ginseng, a powerful herb that has been an integral part of Chinese traditional medicine for centuries. It is rich in phytonutrients that boost skin metabolism. The root of this magical herb can improve skin tone and complexion by eliminating free radicals.
Ginseng is an excellent natural toner as it improves collagen production to reduce blackheads and rejuvenates the skin to get back its glow. It also effectively fights against skin problems like acne and eczema.
Ginseng has a number of other health benefits, including enhanced immunity, which does nothing. It is good for both hair and heart, making you look good and live healthy with its herbal powers.
Usage: You can use ginseng root to make a face mask with milk or water. Apply it gently over your skin and wash it off after sometime. Along with other ingredients, can also be applied on the hair and scalp for shiny hair and a dandruff-free scalp.
Gotu Kola:
Gotu Kola is a well-known Chinese and Ayurvedic herb. It is acts as a natural skin toner and tightens the skin more effectively than those chemical-laden cosmetics available in the market.
Gotu Kola promotes collagen production and so, improves your skin’s texture and elasticity. It is an amazing anti-aging ingredient that should be the part of your arsenal against premature aging signs.
You might be surprised to know that gotu kola also fights against cellulite, which can make your skin dimpled, lumpy or ugly. It also prevents infections, improves memory and eliminates fatigue to keep you fit, healthy and most importantly, let you feel young.
Usage: Press or squeeze some gotu kola with beet, ginger, grape and orange juice. Mix all the ingredients together to have a dose of utter freshness. This will definitely improve you immunity and fight off all skin-related issues.
Licorice:
Licorice, also called sweet root, is known to give some surprising yet proven skincare benefits. It helps restore skin tone, and brightens your overall look. Regular licorice application tightens the skin and get rid of signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots.
It is believed that licorice provides a natural sunscreen to block harmful UV rays that prevent a variety of skin problems. Whether you want a healthy liver or skin, licorice can be your solution owing to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Usage: Boil some licorice roots in water and then, strain out the mixture. Use a dropper and apply on your palms and rub it over the affected skin area. Regular licorice application curbs the appearance of early signs of aging.
Holy Basil:
As the name suggests, holy basil or tulsi has a religious significance. But that is not what this herb is all about! It is profusely used in many Ayurvedic formulations due to its skin-friendly and health-boosting properties.
It has the ability to rejuvenate your skin and slow down the natural aging process by preventing it from oxidative stress due to free radicals. From purifying your blood purification to the removal of acne and blemishes, Tulsi is purely a boon for your skin.
It contains flavonoids that help prevent heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases. This also acts against inflammation and infections that could double your chances to develop early aging signs. Consumption of 2-3 leaves of holy basil can be highly effective against aging.
Usage: Pick some tulsi leaves and mix them with your face pack. You can also try it with honey and apply the mixture on the skin to make it smooth. Its leaves can be directly eaten to boost the immunity and to reap other health benefits.
Thyme:
Thyme, health benefits of this herb are not just limited to your kitchen cabinets. It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that help heal wounds, scars and injury marks. It is also a natural remedy for several skin-related issues like rashes and eczema.
Moreover, the antioxidative properties of thyme are known to slow down the aging process and helps you preserve your youthful skin.
It is rich in vitamin A, which is known to improve vision. Its extract also normalizes heart rate and lowers cholesterol levels and thus, keeps your heart healthy with increasing age.
Usage: Make a natural skin toner with thyme and witch hazel. Take some witch hazel and boil it with thyme leaves. Do not strain it out and keep it in a bottle. Simply apply this mix once or twice a day to say goodbye to dull-looking skin.
Marjoram:
Marjoram, an aromatic herb, which is mostly used as dressing and seasoning. It is a common ingredient in most of the beauty products, used to balance skin tone and texture.
It provides essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to the skin to ensure a healthy looking skin. Marjoram is a safe and effective herb to use on wounds and cuts to help their marks disappear naturally.
It also help you get relief from many types of pains and aches. From being a widely known analgesic to a diuretic, it is a complete herb with countless health benefits for life extension.
Usage: Chop some fresh marjoram on your culinary preparations and experience the freshness of this herb in every bite. You can also use its oil to combat skin allergies and ensure its health in the long run.
Anti Aging Herbs that You Cannot Dare to Miss Out On
Lavender:
While this herb is largely known for its soothing aroma, the fact is its benefits are not just limited to being fragrant. Lavender can detoxify and tone your skin, and helps in growth of new cells to make it firm and smooth. It can also treat acne, burns and skin condition like eczema.
Lavender is also beneficial for people suffering from insomnia, and let them experience a beauty sleep. It can also cure anxiety, stress and depression to make you feel good.
Usage: Mix it with lemon and plain water to pamper your skin with its anti-inflammatory properties. Its oil can be used in the bath water. It can also be directly rubbed on the skin to treat eczema and rashes.
Chamomile:
Chamomile is a beautiful flowery herb that can give you elegant and healthy skin. It has amazing antioxidant with healing, cleaning and moisturizing properties. Chamomile acts as a natural skin bleach as it lightens its tone and complexion to give you a fairer look.
It also protects the skin against free radical damage, which may cause premature aging. Chamomile has some excellent health benefits as it boosts immunity and checks blood glucose levels, which is essentially important for diabetes management.
Usage: Its ointments are easily available in the market. Chamomile is an anti-bacterial herb and can be used in association with honey and peppermint to treat acne and scars. If you don’t have any problem with egg white, you can use it with chamomile. You can also consume chamomile tea refresh your sense and extract anti-aging benefits.
Peppermint:
Peppermint is not just great for a refreshing breath, but skin too. It has skin-soothing properties and help heal a variety of skin issues by balancing your skin pH. Anti-inflammatory properties of peppermint further aid in diminishing the appearance of acne, blackheads and skin rashes.
It combats respiratory issues and other health conditions. Its cooling sensation is known to relieve stress and anxiety. Peppermint is rich in dietary fibers that help control blood pressure and cholesterol level for a healthy heart.
Usage: Chew some leaves or use a diffuser in home as it can make the environment around you pleasingly aromatic. Its oils can be added to your daily face mask to treat skin issues along with a cooling effect.
Mullein:
You can taste the goodness of nature with this yellowish herbal plant. It is considered as one of the best ways to treat skin problems as its flowers bear antiseptic properties. It also removes germs and pathogens from your skin, and treat fungal infections.
Mullein is rich in essential vitamins like D, B12, B5, and B2 that maintain bone health to provide structural stability even in older age. It is a wonderful herb for the skin and hair too.
Usage: Mullein and rose water splash is the best way to clean the dirt off your face. You can use it as a face wash or gently rub it on the facial skin to deeply cleanse the pores and remove impurities.
Echinacea:
Echinacea is an old school remedy that can do wonders for your skin. It is a lesser-known herb, but widely used in many cosmetics and beauty products. It is also effective against wrinkles and fine lines that steal your skin’s youthful look.
It offers multiple health benefits which boost immunity and overall health to ensure a longer life. It is rich in tannins, proteins, copper and iron required for normal functioning of body systems.
Usage: Whether you want to make a face pack or a hair wash, you can confidently use echinacea with other ingredients. Blend the herb with milk or honey and apply it on your skin for that refreshing look.
Bitter Melon:
Bitter Melon is undoubtedly a wonderful option for skin and overall health. It improves skin’s elasticity to make it look tighter and younger. This is one of the best and easiest ways available at home to prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Bitter melon not only cleanses the skin and blood, but also keeps the skin healthy and glowing as you get older.
It is bitter in taste, but a great way to manage diabetes and regulate blood sugar levels. It helps purify the blood, while keeping you fit and healthy all together.
Usage: Juice it with kale or green veggies and add some salt to cut its bitterness. You can now have sip on your glass of anti-aging drink.
Watercress:
Watercress is an excellent solution to quench skin’s thirst for nourishment. It contains vitamin A and C that are powerful antioxidants required to combat free radical damage. It also safeguards the skin from various serious skin problems like skin cancer. It is recommended to have a cup of watercress a day to keep wrinkles and fines lines at bay.
It also provides complete protection against cardiovascular diseases to keep your heart happy and healthy. It is low in calories and sodium, and control cholesterol levels, therefore recommended for diabetics.
Usage: Take 2 red apples, some lime juice and add watercress to it. Mix all the ingredients together in a hand blender or juicer, and get ready to wear a natural sunblock.
Nettle:
Nettle is a folk remedy popular, which is used to treat acne and blemishes, and known to be effective against skin issues like eczema. Its leaves have anti-inflammatory properties that heal and diminish the appearance of scars and wounds.
Nettle is really a good cure for arthritis pain too, and can also use to treat joint-related diseases, such as tendinitis, bursitis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Surprisingly, it protects DNA from damage, which is the a major reason behind aging. So, if you want regain your ageless look, try using nettle.
Usage: Boil fresh nettle or use its tea bags with dried herbs. Drink this refreshing tea to do away with scars and strengthen your DNA to beat the aging.
Garden Angelica (Angelica archangelica):
It is a well-known medicinal herb. Whether you are using it as a face wash or take a refreshing bath with its extract, you will definitely experience some amazing results on your skin. It makes your skin clearer, softer and healthier. It also helps the skin absorb vital nutrients easily to heal itself at a faster pace. This magical herb can detoxify your whole body to prevent and protect it against infections.
If you have arthritis, then you can use this herb to relieve your pain and get some power to move your body. Regular use of this herb can keep you healthy and fit naturally.
Usage: This herb is readily available in the market. Boil it with water or use it in your vegetable stew to detoxify the body.
Jatamansi:
Nardostachys jatamansi or Jatamansi is traditional ayurvedic herb that can add years to your life. It relieves inflammation to protect and prevent brain, lung and gut damage. It is a natural anti-depressant as it calms the mind and releases tension to attain peace of mind. Jatamansi can also treat hypertension and high blood pressure.
It is an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial herb that fight against a variety of skin issues. This herb can also boost immunity and brain power, making you strong from inside and more focused.
Usage: Use it in powered form or boil the roots with water. It is also advised to have 2 teaspoons of jatamansi powered daily to improve immunity and health.
St. John’s Wort:
A herb generally used to treat depression, St. John’s Wort has many skin benefits too. It heals minor cuts and skin infections to ensure skin health. Most importantly, it cures depression and stress which can fasten the aging process and may contribute to the growth of fine lines and wrinkles. It also lowers blood pressure to keep your heart healthy.
This herb has been known to effectively manage symptoms of certain cancers like leukemia, and acts as a natural analgesic for pregnancy-related pain.
Usage: Use its leaves and add them to some jojoba oil. Mix them together and boil it for 10-15 minutes. Store it in a bottle and apply it on your facial skin. You can use its dry leaves to keep your blood pressure under control.
Celery:
Celery is low in calories, but high in antioxidants. It protects the skin from the sun and free radical damage to keep it plump, smooth and supple. Celery has shown some excellent anti-aging benefits as it treats all the common issues, such as acne, pimples and pores. It assists in improving tone and texture of the skin and maintain its youthfulness in the old age.
In old people, it prevents memory loss, which is a major age-related issue. It strengthens your immune system and improves heart health. If you want a single cure for all your age-related skin and health issues, then don’t forget to incorporate celery in your daily diet plan.
Usage: Celery juice is the best way to beat the heat and skin issues, such as acne and pimples. You can blend it with other green veggies and add some lime to it for taste.
Conclusion
Unlike chemical-laden skincare products, cosmetics and supplements, anti-aging herbs are safe and offer long-standing benefits. You can either include them in your diet or apply them topically with other natural ingredients to become healthier from inside out and achieve younger-looking skin.
Owing to potentially active compounds and nutrients in them, the afore-discussed herbs not only help you remain fitter and stronger later in life, but prevent you from developing signs of aging early in life. So, color your life with the greenness of these anti-aging herbs to age like fine wine.
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