HERBS WITH A HISTORY
Herbs have played a role in skin care traditions for thousands of years. This collection draws on ten time-honored herbs — each with a rich history in folk herbalism — brought together in our handcrafted skin nourishing products. Below, explore the traditional history and folklore behind each one.
10 Herbs Used to Nourish Skin
Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria):
Agrimony has long been valued in traditional herbalism for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant reputation. Rich in tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, it was traditionally used to tighten and tone the skin, believed to help reduce excess oil and minimize the appearance of pores. Its traditional anti-inflammatory reputation was believed to soothe irritation and redness, historically used as a folk remedy for skin conditions like acne or rosacea. Agrimony's traditional antioxidant reputation was believed to protect the skin from everyday environmental stress, supporting a radiant complexion, and its traditional mild antimicrobial reputation made it a folk choice believed to help support clearer-looking skin.
Bee Propolis (Bee Glue)
Bee propolis, a resinous substance crafted by honeybees, has a long history of traditional use in natural skin care. Rich in flavonoids, phenolics, and antimicrobial compounds, it carries a traditional reputation for supporting the skin's natural healing process, historically valued for soothing minor irritation and blemishes. Its traditional anti-inflammatory reputation was believed to calm redness and sensitivity, while its traditional antioxidant reputation was valued for protecting skin from everyday environmental exposure. Propolis's traditional moisturizing reputation also made it a folk favorite for supporting soft, supple skin
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea):
Echinacea is widely recognized in traditional herbalism for its immune-supporting reputation, and it also carries a traditional history of use in skin care. Packed with alkamides, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds, it was traditionally believed to soothe irritated skin, helping to calm redness and sensitivity associated with conditions like acne or rosacea. Its traditional antimicrobial reputation was believed to support a clearer-looking complexion, and folk herbalists traditionally believed it helped support the skin's natural repair process. Echinacea's traditional antioxidant reputation was also valued for supporting a youthful, radiant appearance.
Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa Linne):
Hibiscus is a vibrant herb with a celebrated traditional history in skin care, driven by its rich content of antioxidants, natural acids, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Traditionally valued for its anthocyanin and vitamin C content, hibiscus was believed to help protect the skin from everyday environmental stress, supporting a youthful, radiant complexion. Its natural acids gave it a traditional reputation for gentle exfoliation, historically believed to smooth skin texture and support an even tone. The herb's traditional anti-inflammatory reputation was valued for soothing irritation and redness, and hibiscus has traditionally been used to support the skin's natural moisture balance and suppleness.
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata):
Lobelia is a lesser-known herb with a traditional history in folk skin care, valued for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mild astringent reputation. Traditionally used to help calm irritated or sensitive skin, lobelia was believed by folk herbalists to ease redness associated with conditions like acne or eczema. Its traditional antioxidant reputation was valued for protecting skin from everyday environmental exposure, and its traditional mild astringent reputation was believed to help tighten skin and refine the appearance of pores. Lobelia's traditional reputation for supporting circulation was also believed to aid the skin's natural nourishment.
Neem (Azadirachta indica):
Neem has a long history in traditional Ayurvedic skin care practice, valued for compounds like nimbin, azadirachtin, and flavonoids. Traditionally believed to soothe irritated or blemish-prone skin, neem carries a folk reputation for helping minimize redness. Its traditional antibacterial and antifungal reputation was believed to support a clearer, healthier-looking complexion, and its traditional antioxidant reputation was valued for helping protect against everyday environmental stress. Neem's traditional moisturizing reputation also made it a folk favorite for nourishing and softening the skin.
Peppermint Leaves (Mentha piperita)
Peppermint leaves are a refreshing herb valued in traditional herbalism for their cooling, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial reputation. Rich in menthol, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, peppermint has traditionally been used to soothe irritated skin, believed to help ease redness associated with sensitivity. Its traditional antimicrobial reputation was believed to support a clearer complexion, and the cooling sensation of menthol gave it a traditional reputation for refreshing, invigorated-feeling skin. Peppermint's traditional astringent reputation was also valued for refining the appearance of pores and supporting skin tone.
Plantain (Plantago lanceolata):
Plantain is a well-regarded herb in traditional skin care, valued for its anti-inflammatory and regenerative reputation. Rich in aucubin, allantoin, and flavonoids, it was traditionally used to soothe irritated skin, historically valued as a folk remedy for minor wounds and skin sensitivity. Its traditional antimicrobial reputation was believed to support clearer-looking skin, and plantain's allantoin content gave it a long-standing traditional reputation for supporting the skin's natural renewal process. Its traditional astringent reputation was also valued for helping tighten and smooth the skin's appearance.
Rosehip (Rosa canina):
Rosehip is a well-loved herb in traditional skin care, valued for its rich content of antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. Packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, and polyphenols, rosehip has traditionally been valued for helping protect skin from everyday environmental exposure, supporting a radiant, youthful-looking complexion. Its traditional anti-inflammatory reputation was believed to soothe irritation and redness, and its essential fatty acid content gave it a long-standing traditional reputation for nourishing and hydrating the skin, supporting elasticity. Rosehip has also traditionally been valued for supporting the skin's natural renewal process.
Seaweed Powder (Green Algae):
Seaweed powder, derived from nutrient-rich green algae, has a traditional reputation in natural skin care for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and nourishing qualities. Rich in vitamins and minerals like iodine, magnesium, and zinc, it was traditionally valued for nourishing the skin and supporting its natural renewal process. Its antioxidant content gave it a traditional reputation for helping protect against everyday environmental stress, and its traditional anti-inflammatory reputation was valued for soothing redness and irritation. Seaweed powder's traditional reputation also extended to gently drawing out impurities, supporting a clearer, smoother-feeling texture, with its hydrating qualities traditionally valued for supporting skin suppleness.
Discover the Hidden Benefits of Herbs Book series
Herbs have been used for centuries in traditional practices to support healthy, youthful-looking skin. Traditionally prepared as teas, face masks, or infused oils, herbs have long held a place in folk skin care traditions passed down through generations. In recent years, herbal skin care has seen a renewed interest, driven by demand for natural, sustainable ingredients — herbs like turmeric, rosemary, and green tea carry a traditional reputation for their antioxidant qualities, while herbs like aloe vera, rosehip, and witch hazel have a long folk history of traditional use in skin care practices.