The skin is delicate and is the largest organ on the human body. The skin has several ways to remove toxins, including through sweat glands. It is also an emunctory, a body organ that carries off accumulated waste. According to leading Dermatologists, we lose 30,000 to 40,000 dead skin cells every minute, all of which are replaced immediately by fresh skin tissue. With that being said, there are herbal remedies that have a dermatological tropism and help the skin accelerate skin cleansing. Below are a three Phytotherapic (herbal) drainage herbs and foods that support skin health.
1. Calendula (Marigold) is known to repair the skin, such as assisting the skin in improving acne, eczema, and wounds/burns scars. Marigold is herbal drainage that stimulates and regenerates the skin as its healing and is also known to treat varicosis and skin diseases. It is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and acts on lymphatic congestion with swollen glands. Further, it is a cleansing herb and helps tissue granulation while preventing scarring. We use Calendula flowers in our facial toner, which help to combat eczema and acne breakouts, even out skin tone, brighten and repair epidermis. Our toner also works to hydrate, cleanse, and detoxify the skin.
2. Oregon Grape (Berberis Aquifolium) comes from the bark of the roots and stems of a bushy shrub called Mahonia aquifolium, which grows in thickets and pastures in the western region of the United States. This herb comes in three forms; tincture, capsules, and powder. Oregon Grape has dermatological and eliminative properties that help to accelerate skin cleansing. It nourishes the skin and has a deep cleansing action that eliminates toxins, making the skin more plump, soft, and even-toned. Its main activity is on scaly (eczema) skin and demonstrated effectiveness on psoriasis. However, skin contact with this herb may irritate, and it is better to take in tincture or capsule form.
3. Asparagus- is a vegetable that promotes skin health and is a cleanser and diuretic, in which it drains the liver, kidneys, bowels, and skin. It is rich in minerals including (Ca, I, Cu, Mb, P, Fe, Na, K, St, Mn, Cu, I) and treats constipation. However, you must know that asparagus will produce a strong odor in the urine, but your skin will glow! The price we pay for beauty. Asparagus is also a cleanser and diuretic and helps drain the liver, kidneys, bowels, lungs, and skin. It can also treat constipation through sheer bulk. However, if you consume asparagus too frequently or in excess, it can irritate your kidneys.
So next time you are at a health food store, look for some fresh organic Asparagus and Oregon Grape and remember it benefits your skin. Or, while browsing our website, check out our Calendula Facial Toner; you will not be disappointed. The facial toner helped heal my skin and significantly reduced my eczema breakouts.
*Consult your physician before using herbs, and don't take these herbs if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.