Are you looking for the best herbs to support a non-toxic and/or plant-based hair, skin, and beauty routine?
As you’ve probably heard, achieving and maintaining ageless, authentic, and radiant beauty is an “inside job.”
That’s why herbs are an ideal addition to any clean, non-toxic, plant-based beauty routine. Not only are they incredibly versatile, offering a range of benefits when taken internally or used topically, but they’re all-natural, effective, and have a long history of use in traditional beauty regimes.
Read on to learn more about the ten best herbs for plant-based skin, hair, and beauty care and how to incorporate them into your clean beauty routine.
10 Herbal Beauty Tips for Plant-Based Skin, Hair, & Beauty Care
From herbal-infused shampoos and hair dyes to herbal facial toners, high-end wrinkle creams, and rustic bath bombs, herbs have become the new “it” ingredient in skin care, beauty, and cosmetic markets.
Although many brands market their herbal beauty products as cutting-edge or modern, herbs have been used for beauty, skin, hair, and nail care for thousands of years across cultures.
Modern science has begun to explain the potential mechanisms behind the traditional use of plant-based skin care.
Mainly, different herbs and spices contain active plant compounds, such as antioxidants, polyphenols, and other vital nutrients that support skin, hair, and nail function, health, and vitality.REF#3194 REF#3195 REF#3196 REF#3197
Here, we explore the ten best herbs for non-toxic plant-based skin, hair, nail, and beauty care.
1. Oil of Oregano (aka Oregano Oil)
Oregano oil, also known as Oil of Oregano or Oregano essential oil, is a popular ingredient in skin, hair, nail, and even oral care products due to its antioxidant properties.*
Oregano has been trusted in herbalism since ancient times to support overall well-being and the body’s natural defenses.*
Oregano oil can be used topically or internally and can be found as a supplement, oil, or essential oil in most natural foods and skincare supply stores.
You can also make your own Oregano oil or check out our Oil Of Oregano, which uses an environmentally-friendly CO2 extraction method that creates a potent full-spectrum extract.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric, also known as “the golden spice," is one of the world’s most-studied plants and has been a staple in Ayurvedic beauty care for centuries.
Much of Turmeric’s beneficial mechanisms can be traced back to the plant compounds and antioxidants known as curcuminoids.
Curcumin, the main active plant compound in Turmeric, helps reduce occasional inflammation due to normal daily wear and tear.*
You can find several DIY recipes for Ayurvedic Turmeric facial masks, facial packs, and acne spot treatments online.
Turmeric can also be taken internally to help promote vibrant skin.
Gaia Herbs offers several Turmeric formulas, including:
3. Astragalus
Astragalus is one of the most used herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine to support the healthy flow of “Qi,” or energy.
Astragalus is also considered an adaptogen, a herb that helps support the body during times of stress.*
Gaia Herbs offers Astragalus Supreme with Astragalus root, Schisandra berry, and Ligustrum.
4. Nettles
Nettles, also known as stinging nettles, are a cherished staple in traditional herbalism for respiratory and sinus support and seasonal immune challenges.*
They are also traditionally used as a nourishing tonic to promote overall well-being and for skin, hair, and nail health.*
For these reasons (and more), Nettles can be found in Gaia Herbs Hair, Skin, and Nail Support and Nettle Leaf liquid phyto caps.
5. Black Seed Oil
Black Seed Oil, also known as Nigella, is a favorite among health experts, celebrities, and influencers for various health purposes.
In Ayurveda, it is used to support healthy lung and respiratory function and for its antioxidant benefits, which partly explain its traditional use in Ayurvedic beauty recipes.*
Gaia Herbs Black Seed Oil is cold-pressed to provide the herb’s full spectrum of compounds.*
6. Triphala
Triphala is an ancient Ayurvedic formula of three fruits: Amla, Belleric Myrobalan, and Chebulic Myrobalan.
These fruits have been traditionally used to promote healthy digestion and gently cleanse your system*. They also contain various antioxidant compounds, which may promote natural beauty and normal cell function*.
Gaia Herbs Organic Triphala is a certified organic blend of these three fruits in a convenient capsule.
7. Liver-Supportive Herbs
Traditional herbalism (and other wellness systems) recognizes the connection between liver health and skin health, as the liver helps remove waste products, process nutrients, and more.*
Therefore, liver-supportive and cleansing herbs are often recommended for healthy, clear, youthful skin.*
Some of these may include:
- Milk Thistle
- Dandelion
- Burdock
- Turmeric
- Artichoke
- Black Radish
- Yellow Dock
You can find these herbs and more in Gaia Herbs Liver Cleanse—a gentle formula designed to provide short-term cleansing support when your body needs a reset.
8. Resveratrol
Resveratrol is one of the most studied and well-known antioxidants found in grapes, berries, and other dark-colored fruits.
Resveratrol, taken internally, provides concentration antioxidant support for a clear, radiant glow.*
Gaia Herbs Resveratrol 150 contains 150 mg trans-Resveratrol per serving, equal to 50 bottles of red wine (sans the alcohol), and is an award-winning favorite for helping aging gracefully.*
9. Ginger Supports A Healthy Glow
Ginger, a cousin of the revered Turmeric, has a long history of traditional use as a topical and internal skin-support herbal spice.
The warming nature of Ginger makes it a popular ingredient in various skin and hair care products designed to stimulate growth, even out skin tone, and promote a healthy glow.
Ginger also contains various antioxidants which may benefit the complexion.
10. Horsetail Helps Fortify Hair and Nails
Horsetail is a common ingredient in many herbal Hair, Skin, and Nail formulas. That’s because it contains silica, which promotes the healthy growth of hair, skin, and nail tissue.*
You can find Horsetail in Gaia Herbs Hair, Skin, and Nail Support.
If you want to incorporate herbs into your beauty routine, now is the perfect time to test them out and save big.
REFERENCES:
- 1. , "Plant-Derived Antioxidants: Significance in Skin Health and the Ageing Process", International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 1
- 2. , "Plant-Derived Antioxidants: Significance in Skin Health and the Ageing Process", Int J Mol Sci. . 2
- 3. , "New Herbal Biomedicines for the Topical Treatment of Dermatological Disorders", Biomedicines. 3
- 4. , "Botanicals in Dermatology", Am J Clin Dermatol . 4