The 9 Best Herbs To Support Healthy, Glowing Skin From the Inside Out

Published on May 15, 2022

Woman who uses herbs for skin

Healthy and radiant skin is essential to our overall well-being and aesthetics. The appearance of our skin is often a reflection of our inner health, and any skin imperfections can negatively impact our emotional and mental state. Luckily, there are plenty of herbs that can support skin health.*

With the availability of natural plant-based alternatives, it's crucial to avoid problematic ingredients like parabens, sulfates, fragrances, alcohol, and synthetic dyes in conventional skincare products, as they may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people.

We'll explore some of the most effective herbs that can help promote a healthy glow and keep your skin looking its best.

Herbs for Skin*

Caring for your skin from the outside—cleansing and hydrating—and doing so with natural and safe products is integral to skin care. The health of our skin can reflect what is happening inside our bodies. REF#1551

Studies have shown that there is a direct correlation between our diet and the health of our skin. For instance, foods high in sugar, dairy, and unhealthy fats can contribute to numerous skin issues. REF#1551

In addition to diet, stress and other lifestyle factors can also impact the health of our skin. High stress levels, lack of sleep, and exposure to environmental pollutants can contribute to skin issues like breakouts, dryness, and premature aging. REF#1552

Here is where a healthy lifestyle and herbs for the skin come into play.* Below, we’ll discuss skin-supporting herbs and share a bit about each one and how you can use it in your wellness routine through herbal supplements.

Before we do so, remember that if you have persistent skin problems or are worried about changes in your skin, herbs and supplements should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment.

If you have persistent skin problems or are worried about changes in your skin, it is best to see your doctor or a dermatologist to rule out any underlying health conditions. They can help you decipher if your skin concerns might be a symptom of a more significant issue.

Incorporating these herbs into your wellness routine can be a great way to support the health of your skin. However, using them with a healthy diet and lifestyle is important to maximize their benefits.

That said, let’s discuss these wonderful herbs for skin.*

Gotu Kola

People have used Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) leaf and root to promote healthy skin, hair, and nails.* In Asia, the herb has traditionally aided skin health and supported mental clarity.*

Gotu Kola supports the connective tissue that lines many of the external surfaces of the body, including the scalp and skin.* It is rich in compounds called triterpenoids, which support collagen synthesis and the tensile strength of the skin. REF#1553

Besides supporting healthy connective tissue, Gotu Kola supports blood vessel strength and healthy circulation.* REF#1554

Although this green perennial is part of the parsley family, you probably haven’t used it in the kitchen. While you can find recipes that call for Gotu Kola, for most people, the best way to take advantage of this herb is to take a supplement.

Gotu Kola Supplements

You can find Gotu Kola in Gaia Herbs blends that support hair, skin, and nails (like Gaia Herbs Hair, Skin & Nail Support) as well as mental clarity (check out Gaia Herbs Mental Clarity Mushrooms & Herbs).*

We also offer a Certified Organic, concentrated, single herb Gotu Kola Leaf extract.

Not only is it organic, but this herbal supplement is also purity-tested, vegan, and free of dairy, gluten, soy, corn, yeast, shellfish, peanuts, and sugar—because we believe that what you put in your body matters.

If you’ve never used a liquid extract supplement before, it’s simple. Just drop the recommended serving in a glass of water and drink. This liquid extract is small and convenient, making it great for use at home, at the office, or while traveling.

We suggest that adults take 30-40 drops of extract in a small amount of water three to four times daily between meals.

Nettle Leaf

Nettle (Urtica dioica) also goes by “Stinging Nettle.” You'll know why if you’ve ever rubbed up against this plant. Its leaves and stems have fine hairs that can feel like a little sting when you come in contact with them.

Nevertheless, this herb has a long history of traditional use. Today, it primarily supports upper respiratory health and healthy prostate function.* REF#1555

Nettle extract can help support the skin’s natural healing abilities, especially regarding burn wounds. Research has shown that nettle extract can help support general recovery, support blood flow to the affected area, soothe irritation, and support a healthy immune response. REF#1556

Nettle also contains minerals that are important for maintaining healthy skin.*

So, while you’ll want to avoid rubbing up against Nettle when you’re enjoying Nature, you can use this plant in your wellness routine by taking a Nettle supplement.

Nettle Leaf Supplements

There are a few different ways to take Nettle daily. For herbal support for healthy skin, we recommend Gaia Herbs Hair, Skin & Nail Support capsules.*

There are a few different ways to take Nettle daily. For herbal support for healthy skin, we recommend Gaia Herbs Hair, Skin & Nail Support capsules.*

This product contains a harmonious blend of herbs, including Horsetail, Alfalfa, Burdock root, Gotu Kola, and Nettle leaf, herbs that provide a source of antioxidants and minerals that promote the healthy growth of hair, skin, and nail tissue.*

The Nettle we use in this supplement is grown on the Gaia Farm. To enjoy the benefits of Nettle and the other wonderful herbs in Hair, Skin & Nail Support, you only have to take two capsules twice a day between meals.*

Another way to add Nettle to your daily routine is by taking Gaia Herbs’ Nettle Leaf Phyto-Caps or our Certified Organic Nettle Leaf. These are concentrated formulas and single-herb extracts.

Gaia Herbs’ Nettle Leaf capsules are an easy addition to your skin care regimen. Simply take one capsule twice daily between your meals.

Try the Nettle Leaf liquid extract if you prefer drinking your Nettle. Shake well before dropping 30-40 drops of the extract into a small amount of water. Drink three to four times daily between meals.

Horsetail

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is usually found in moist habitats and prefers non-chalky soil. It spreads quickly through its spores and underground rootstock and can invade a garden like bamboo.

One of its common names, Bottlebrush, refers to the scratchy nature of the stems and the plant's shape. Horsetail contains silica, a mineral essential in developing healthy hair, skin, and nails.* REF#1557

It is also a source of the flavonoids quercetin 3 glucoside and luteolin. Japanese and Native American cultures have long eaten the young shoots of this plant.

Horsetail Supplements

As we mentioned, Hair, Skin & Nail Support contains Horsetail and promotes the healthy growth of hair, skin, and nail tissue.*

Burdock

A member of the Sunflower, or Compositae, family, Burdock (Arctium lappa), can grow in field borders, roadsides, and empty spaces across China, Europe, Britain, North America, and other landmasses.

Most people are familiar with the flowers of Burdock, which form globe-shaped clusters around the top of the stem covered with a dense alignment of stiff "hooks" that will cling to anything they touch.

Burdock extract has been shown to interact with enzymes commonly associated with skin aging, which means it may be helpful in developing skincare products for aging skin.[8]

Chinese, Korean, and other Asian dishes prepare the root by peeling and cooking the whole root.

Burdock Supplements

Burdock is another herb that can be found in our Hair, Skin & Nail Support.* This herb supports healthy and vital skin with a clear complexion by promoting healthy liver function and supporting the detoxification process in the body.*

Red Clover

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) is lovely to look at, widely cultivated, and known for its content of nutrients, including naturally occurring phytoestrogens. In addition to helping maintain lymphatic function, Red Clover helps promote healthy skin.*

Red Clover can also help maintain a healthy hormone balance, which is key to physical and emotional wellness during the menstrual cycle and menopausal transition.* REF#1559

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a succulent plant with thick, fleshy leaves containing a gel-like substance that is often used for medicinal purposes. It can be applied topically as a gel or added to skincare products. It can also be taken internally as a supplement or added to juices and smoothies.

The use of aloe dates back thousands of years when it was used as a popular natural remedy for skin issues due to its soothing and protective properties that can help calm irritation and neutralize impurities that may cause pimples. REF#1560

The moisturizing and soothing properties of Aloe Vera work like a salve on skin with sun damage. Its antioxidant properties can also soothe discomfort related to sunburn and neutralize free radicals. REF#1561

The gel inside the leaves contains various vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E and zinc, that can help soothe and nourish the skin. Its moisturizing properties can also help support skin hydration and elasticity, making it a great option for dry skin.*

Studies have also shown that Aloe Vera can help soothe symptoms of various skin conditions by soothing irritation and supporting the skin’s natural healing process. REF#1562 We also use it in our Sage & Aloe throat spray and reflux relief product.

Chamomile

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is a gentle, daisy-like flower that’s been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Chamomile is often used in skincare products due to its skin-soothing antioxidant properties.

The plant contains various beneficial compounds, such as flavonoids and terpenoids, which can soothe and calm irritated skin and redness and support skin health. REF#1563

Moreover, chamomile contains vitamins A and C, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin. Vitamin C can help support collagen production, which can keep the skin firm and elastic. Vitamin A, on the other hand, can help support balanced sebum production, making it beneficial for breakout-prone skin. REF#1564

In addition to its topical benefits, chamomile is often used as a natural sleep aid is due to its calming effects. Getting enough quality sleep is crucial for maintaining healthy skin, as it allows the body to repair and regenerate damaged cells. REF#1563

Chamomile can help support sleep quality and soothe feelings of stress, which can positively impact overall skin health. Poor sleep can have a negative impact on your skin, causing dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles. This means that getting enough quality sleep can help your skin stay hydrated and healthy-looking.*

Chamomile Supplements

We have a few products with Chamomile in them for health support in various ways. 

If you're looking for a more convenient way to promote relaxation and reduce stress, Gaia Herbs Calm A.S.A.P. Phyto caps combine herbs like passionflower, chamomile, and valerian to help you find calmness during times of stress and support restful sleep.*

Rosemary

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is an evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region. It’s been used in medicinal contexts for centuries, but its skincare applications have recently gained popularity, as well. Rosemary contains antioxidants, including rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid, which can help protect the skin from free radicals that cause premature aging and skin damage. REF#1565

Rosemary is also known for its soothing properties, effectively calming skin redness, swelling, and irritation. It can also help soothe and calm irritated skin, making it a beneficial natural remedy for many skincare concerns. REF#1565 In addition to its antioxidant properties, Rosemary can be made into an essential oil that can support skin health. The oil has properties that can help neutralize blemish-causing bacteria, making it an excellent natural remedy for those with breakout-prone skin. The astringent properties of Rosemary can also be helpful for breakouts and oily skin. REF#1565

It can also help support blood circulation, which is essential for healthy skin cell growth and renewal.* REF#1565

Rosemary Supplements

Gaia Herbs Emotional Balance is a supplement that helps support emotional well-being by promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. Along with Rosemary, this supplement contains traditional herbs that can support emotional balance, including St. John's Wort, Ashwagandha, Passionflower, and Rhodiola. These herbs can work together to support feelings of relaxation, which can positively impact skin health.

Stress triggers the release of hormones such as cortisol, which can cause irritation in the skin. By promoting relaxation, the herbs in Gaia Herbs’ Emotional Balance can help support skin health and soothe common skincare complaints.

Regularly taking Gaia Herbs Emotional Balance can help support your emotional well-being and promote the appearance of healthy skin.* The recommended dosage is to take two capsules twice daily between meals. We also have a variety of additional products that contain Rosemary.

Calendula

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a plant that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Its bright orange or yellow flowers contain various compounds that may benefit the skin. One of the main compounds is flavonoids, which have antioxidant and skin-soothing properties. REF#1565

Calendula is a common ingredient in restorative skincare products, such as creams and ointments, for its soothing effects on the skin. It can help calm irritation, soothe redness, and support the skin’s natural repair process. REF#1565

Studies have also shown that topical application of calendula cream may help with soothing symptoms of diaper rash in babies. REF#1565 

Honoral Herbal Mentions

While these are our favorite herbs for the skin, we also love the following:

The Bottom Line on Herbs for Skin

Your skin is your body's largest organ. Fortunately, supporting it is easy once you know where to start—and that's from within.

Taking care of your skin is essential to maintaining overall health and vitality, so we offer multiple herbs that help promote outer radiance as a reflection of inner health.*

To support healthy, glowing skin, opt for herb blends, like Gaia Herbs Hair, Skin & Nail Support, or single-herb supplements, like Gotu Kola Leaf extract.*

In harmony with Mother Nature, Gaia Herbs offers premium herbal supplements that support your skin to promote radiance from within.*

You'll feel more confident in almost everything you do when you have vibrant, glowing skin.