Balanced, clear and glowing skin is dependant on the environment that we expose it to (think air pollution, temperature, humidity) as well as the health of our internal organs and body systems (think diet, water intake, use of recreational drugs, sleep quality, stress levels, and emotions).
As the skin is the largest organ in the human body and one we can quite easily see, its appearance and texture can tell us so much about the inner workings of the rest of our body. As Naturopaths we view the skin as key ‘organ of elimination’. Other organs of elimination include the liver, kidneys, intestines, and lungs. These organs assist in detoxifying and removing waste products from the body. When the other organs of elimination are overburdened or not functioning optimally due to diet/lifestyle influences this imbalance is often expressed through the skin.
Skin conditions such as acne can also alert us to an underlying hormonal or digestive imbalance, whereas eczema or psoriasis can give us an insight into the wellbeing of the gut, liver and immune system.
Although the skins appearance and texture is something that will naturally change over the years (or even over the months during a menstrual cycle), we can support its overall health, and maintain its appearance through one of our favourite gentle therapies – herbal tea.
Herbal teas to holistically support healthy skin
- Nettle
- Hibiscus
- Calendula
- Lemon myrtle
- Echinacea
NETTLE – due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, diuretic and detoxifying actions nettle tea helps the body to process and flush away toxins, promoting clearer skin, and reducing skin complaints such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Nettle is also nutritionally rich in vitamin C, A, K, some B vitamins, as well as minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium and selenium.
HIBISCUS – the beautiful hibiscus plant helps to keep our skin firm and plump by supporting collagen production. It is both rich in vitamin C, which is necessary for collagen synthesis, as well as myricetin an antioxidant that reduces the degradation of collagen and elastin in the skin. Anthocyanins, flavonoids that give Hibiscus tea its characteristic pink-red colouring are also extremely effective at fighting free-radical activity and inflammation, two factors which can promote premature aging of the skin.
CALENDULA – although Calendula is more commonly known for its topical benefits in treating skin wounds and reducing skin irritation, drinking calendula tea can also have skin healing and clearing benefits due to its lymphatic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial actions within the body.
LEMON MYRTLE – rich in antioxidants, as well as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties lemon myrtle helps to fortify the skin and support the organs of elimination via its gentle diuretic action.
ECHINACEA – Echinacea has been shown to kill gram-positive bacterium Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), the bacteria which promotes an acne breakout. Along with its antibacterial action Echinacea also reduces the inflammation within the skin caused by C. acnes. Due to its lymphatic and immune modulating actions Echinacea is also beneficial for treating other skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis.