Herbal Skin Treatment – Common Plants

It would easily interest you to know that every plant has one medicinal purpose or the other. This includes the most common plants which we refer to as weed. In this article, we will be discussing herbal skin treatment – common plants. That is, the common plants around you which cure basic skin disorders.

There are numerous skin disorders and they affect all age brackets, ranging from neonates to the elderly. It may surprise you to know that 90% of women with acne who appear for job interviews lack self-confidence. These skin diseases, if left untreated for a long period of time, may lead to more severe skin ailments such as cellulitis, herpes and cancer. It is therefore important you maintain a healthy skin.

You should be reminded that natural treatment is cheap and safe to use. My only concern is the attitude of Individuals towards herbal skin treatment – common plants. Human being are not patient when it comes to the treatment of the skin with natural products. They believe in magical results but nature never hurries. Ralphh Waldo Emerson stated that ‘Nature never hurries. Atom by atom, little by little, she achieves her work’

Effective herbal skin treatment requires enough time. There are advantages and disadvantages of using synthetically made skincare products to bring very fast changes to your skin. This is good but think about it, it is only that fast because of the presence of chemicals in such skincare products.

I’ll give an example. The citrus plant against a random skin bleaching synthetically produced product. On an average skin type, it takes about 12 days to take a Citrus species to start showing its bleaching effect. On the other hand, for this same skin type, a synthetically produced skincare bleaching product will give its bleaching effect from as early as 3 days. This is why I encourage individuals who decide to use natural skincare products to always exercise patience. NATURE IS NEVER IN A HURRY.

Another factor to consider is the environment. Cosmorgani is a Nigerian brand, I will therefore be stating my example as a Nigerian resident. It is no new thing that there is extreme air pollution in Nigeria, speaking of dust from the bad roads, the smoke from vehicles with bad engines coupled with the stress – sweat of day to day living. The list goes on and on. There is no way you as a Nigerian resident will get home every day without giving your face a treatment. A SIMPLE WASH is Not enough. You cannot afford to treat like skin the way people who live in developed countries treat theirs. You must also be extremely patient with your skin to know when something is up/wrong.

Now to the main reason for this article, Herbal skin treatment – common plants. A lot of people have asked me ‘Liz, how can I cure this common skin disorder with a plant? What can I use?’ Well, there are various plants around you that can solve your basic skin issues. EVERY PLANT HAS A MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE, this is something I need you to be forever conscious of. What then are the common plants around me which I can use to cure common skincare diseases such as acne, ringworm and so on? I know we are excited to know these plants that can help reset our skin without spending a dime. Here we go!!!

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is highly anti-inflammatory, containing enzymes, antioxidants and Vitamins A and C. It cures acne, dry skin, burns, wounds and other skin disorders. For usage, you may squeeze the gel from the plant and rub on the skin surface that needs treatment. Aloe vera also helps sooth irritated skin and rashes.

Ocimum gratissimum

It has a common name of ‘Afrcan basil’ or ‘Basil leaf’. In Nigeria, the Yorubas call it ‘Efinrin’. It is a popular antioxidant plant. It has strong anti-aging properties and can therefore be used in maintaining a youthful skin. Macerate leaves and apply to treat ring worm and other fungal infections. The steam is also good as chewing stick as it cleans the mouth and teeth.

Mitracarpus scaber

M. scaber is a very common weed of fallowed or cultivated land. Its common name in Nigeria is ‘Girdlepod’, the Igbos call it ‘Ogwungwo’ or ‘Obuobwa’. The Hausas call it ‘Gududal’ while the Yorubas call it ‘Irawo ile’ It is a popular plant which treats diseases in traditional medicine. This plant is possesses strong antimicrobial properties. It can beats skin infections such as ringworm, dermatoses and scabies. Extracts of M. scaber in cosmetics promotes collagen synthesis and help maintain firmness of the skin. The most common part of this plant for the skin is the shoot.

Khaya senegalensis

Its common names are ‘African Mahogany’, ‘Gambia mahogany’, ‘Dry zone mahogany’ and ‘Khaya wood’ The bark of this plant can be prepared and used to cure fungal infections on the skin.

Ageratum conyzoides

This plant is an invasive weed and is also known as ‘goatweed’, ‘billygoat-weed’, ‘chick weed’ and ‘whiteweed’ It is known as ‘ewe akintola’ in Yoruba language and is used to stop bleeding in fresh wounds. Simply cut the fresh leaves, rinse and macerate to extract the juice. Ensure you drop the juice on the face of the wound. Leave the macerated leaves to cover up the wound. This may be change once the leaves dry up. You can expect a stingy/hurting feeling but it won’t stay long.

Parkia biglobosa

Its common name is ‘African locust bean’ Its West African names include:  nere, dodongba, doruwa, neteou, sumbala or Iru – popularly known by Yoruba people of Nigeria. This plant cures wounds, ringworm, chicken pox, measles, fungal infection and surprisingly, athlete’s foot. The bark can be used as a mouth wash. You may also macerate the bark to treat skin infections. The roots and leaves can be used in lotion for sore eyes.

Jatropha gossypifolia

It is widely known as ‘bellyache bush’ The leaves can be rubbed on the infected area of the skin to cure pimples, eczema and rashes. The scalp has a widespread reputation of healing wounds. The sap also treats ringworm and dermatomycosis.

Vernonia amygdalina

Most people know it as ‘Bitter leaf’ and it is locally called ‘Ewuro’ in Yoruba language and ‘Etidot’ in Cross river state, Nigeria. In cases of sexually transmitted diseases, bitter leaf helps to treat itchy vagina. It may also help to cure eczema and ringworm. The leaf extract is potent for skin clearing, skin firming and inhibition of skin darkening.

Conclusion

Herbal skin treatment – common plants will make you understand that truly, beauty is in the hands of mother nature. Like I always advice, be sure to do a patch test before trying out any new product or substance on your skin. An alternative way is to apply a little quantity of what you are testing on your inner elbow. Seal up – probably with a plaster and leave in for 24 hours to check if your skin reacts to it. DO NOT DRINK any of the decoctions or infusions of these herbs unless you are pnstructed to do so under appropriate certified ethnomedicine professionals. Thank you so much for reading through. As usual, be sure to drop your additional knowledge, comments and questions. Till next time!!!!