11 Powerful Herbs with Healing Properties

Sometimes a good herb can help adjust your life. Ancient plants have been used throughout communities to treat the ill and enhance beauty. So it makes sense that your grandma swears by herbs with healing properties to bring back joy. 

Stick to this reading to also learn about herbs for skin healing. What does this mean? Find out in this session. 

What’s up with herbs with healing properties? 

These beauties have been around for a long time, and before medicine, herbs were to help treat diseases. Even today, they are still relevant; holistic treatments guide the usage of herbs for healing the body and mind. 

Let’s present the healing herbs list

Lemongrass

A common ingredient in Thai cuisine that has expanded to other regions for its natural remedy to treat digestive issues, neurological problems, and high blood pressure, among others. 

Its fresh aroma makes it a popular ingredient in soaps, candles, insect repellants, and disinfectants. Lemongrass compounds include antibacterial and antifungal properties. It contains citral, which is a natural plant compound with anti-inflammatory effects. 

That’s not all. Antioxidant properties are in its sources of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. 

Heat some water and prepare a cup of lemongrass tea. And enjoy an intake of calcium, iron, and vitamin C. Iron input is essential for hemoglobin - a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.

Now, if you are a cosmetic guru, by identifying its quality features, you can conclude that lemongrass is a good companion for skin care. Because it contains vitamin C -  for reducing aspects of aging, its antibacterial trait can help treat acne. 

And its wonder doesn’t end there. 

Overview of Lemongrass

• Improves immune system
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Fever reducer
• Antibacterial properties

Turmeric

Not an herb but a spice, and before you keep scrolling through, you could add turmeric to your grocery list and benefit from its healing properties. India sought turmeric as a spice and medicinal herb. Recent studies started to back some traditional claims. 

This golden spice comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant. Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric and responsible for its vibrant color - it will stain your fingers or clothing.

Curcumin has potent anti-inflammatory effects and is a strong antioxidant. It is fat-soluble, breaking down and dissolving fat or oil. Curcumin supplements can help with those meals high in fat. 

Health-wise, curcumin can deliver results, but what can it provide to your skin? As written before, its antioxidant properties can combat free radicals. If these terms in new to you, view more about antioxidants and free radicals. 

Don’t want to click? Here’s a summary. Let’s discuss what this means for your skin and body. 

Free radicals hunt for an electron to even their charge, it creates a chain reaction by stealing and causing another molecule to go into panic mode and search for an electron itself, and the catatonic follows. Oxidative stress is linked to free radicals, which puts your internal body in discomfort and vulnerability.

Oxidative stress has a negative influence on your body functions and skin. It can cause premature aging along with other chronic diseases. 

Turmeric Healing Properties:

• Anti-inflammatory.
• Antioxidant.
• Gut health.
• Skin health.
• Heart health.

Lavandula (Lavender)

Lavender is a herb with healing properties from the mint family. It has an attractive scent and is available as an essential oil. For culinary use, only use the plant form, the extraction for its oil form is toxic when swallowed. 

Studies confirm that the plant’s parts contain different chemical compounds that may provide positive effects.

Lavender has demonstrated a favorable outcome in treating anxiety, fungal infections, hair loss, and wounds. 

As for being part of the herbs with healing properties, herbs include antimicrobial and antifungal. Do you suffer from eczema? Studies observed lavender killing Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria associated with eczema. Mixed conclusions remain open, however. 

And although still under medical examination, lavender is believed to ease wrinkles because it also contains antioxidants. And those are good for oxidative damage. 

Lavender benefits 

• Even skin tone
• Reduce inflammation
• Help with acne
• Antioxidant protection
• Promotes healthy skin and hair

Rosemary

Next stop, rosemary. It is a fragrant herb native to the Mediterranean. And it is consumed and used in cosmetic products providing potential health benefits. Moreover, it is a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin B6. 

Rosemary’s properties are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory elements. While also considered to help improve the immune system and blood circulation. Its other features are antibacterial, and antifungal properties that may benefit your skin. 

It may even be a natural facial stringent. Minerals and vitamin B6 can promote healthy collagen levels - a type of protein that structures your cells and tissues. As age occurs, collagen decreases, causing your skin to have wrinkles and sagging skin. 

Another blessed characteristic is it can balance your skin if you have oily skin. Try a facial toner with rosemary oil by mixing it with distilled water and witch hazel. 

Rosemary offers

• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Detoxifying properties
• Improves circulation to the skin and scalp

Sage

Another member of the mint family; is thought to originate in the Mediterranean. 

Sage has three active ingredients: Camphor, carnosic acid, carnosol, and phenolic acids.

First is camphor, an oily substance that gives sage its pungent aroma. Spot it in tropical creams and ointments since camphor stimulates nerve endings. It has a warm or cool sensation depending on how you apply it: with vigor or gently. 

As for carnosic acid and carnosol, they contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Both help to regulate blood sugar, lipids, and inflammation, among other things, due to their direct activation of the molecule known as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma - PPAR-gamma. 

Last, phenolic acids are plant-based chemicals containing antioxidant properties to protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. 

Sage is available fresh, dried, or in oil form. Add it to your meals or for topical use. 

What’s good about sage? 

• It contains some amounts of zinc, magnesium, copper, and vitamins A, C, K, and E
• Lowers cholesterol
• Can support oral health
• Antiseptic

Chamomile

Since ancient times, weather-related issues, such as redness and dryness, were treated with chamomile flowers. In Egypt, noblewomen applied crushed chamomile flowers to their skin, helping to preserve their youthful appearance and slow down aging signs. 

Besides skin care, past eras demonstrate that it was a valued herbs with healing properties for its therapeutic and medicinal properties. 

In modern times, frequently used types of chamomile are German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). 

Chamomile is something to parade. ! It brings comfort to a lot of commotion. It helps to ease anxiety, relieve mild pain and soothe skin irritations. Drinking chamomile tea can improve your sleep quality and fatigue. 

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• High source of antioxidants 
• Improves digestion
• Strong anti-inflammatory

Basil

Basil’s flavor adds a distinctive taste to dishes. Originating in Asia and Africa, it is a member of the mint family and has different varieties. 

Prepare it with your meals or drink it as tea. It provides a range of health benefits! It is also widely accepted in traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, and other holistic medical systems. 

Did you know that oxidative stress can lead to inflammation? It may lead to various diseases such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, and arthritis. 

The research analyzed the anti-inflammatory properties of sweet basil essential oil. And demonstrated that the essential oil may help to treat diseases that involve inflammation resulting from oxidative stress. 

Say yes to basil!

• Beta carotene
• Aids indigestion
• Relieves headaches, migraines, and other body pains
• Detoxifies the body of toxins

Thyme

Thyme is an all-time favorite. And yes, it is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). Back in the day, Romans would consume it to prevent and treat poisoning and considered it a medicinal healer and protector. 

Thyme’s most active ingredient is thymol, with antibacterial and antifungal properties. 

Overall, these herbs with healing properties can aid the immune and respiratory systems. Is that all? Nope. It may also support the digestive, nervous system, and other body functions. 

It may help eliminate some germs and prevent infection. And for the aging signs, it can be a scavenger of free radicals because it is high in vitamin A (Retinol derives from this vitamin) and vitamin C. 

What else can Thyme provide? 

• Ease bronchitis & sore throats
• Comfort gastritis
• Diarrhea
• Appetite stimulant
• Natural diuretic

Thyme has a relative, and it is oregano.

Oregano

Another from the herbs with healing properties and belongs to the mint family. Rewinding time, it served as a medicine to treat upset stomachs, respiratory complaints, and bacterial infections. 

It shares many of the health benefits of thyme, but oregano has more potassium, iron, and calcium. And may ease heartburn and bloat. For menstrual cramps, it may calm discomfort.

Want to calm your menstrual cramps? Oregano could alleviate this. Moreover, it may help with rheumatoid arthritis, UTIs, and headaches. 

Thyme and oregano both have thymol and carvacrol, which may inhibit the growth of bacteria. Fresh or dried leaves are good sources of antioxidants and antibacterial compounds. 

The studies that have involved this herb focus on the essential oil form - a more concentrated form with greater efficacy for promoting wellness and healthy aging. 

What makes oregano sublime? 

• Reduces inflammation
• Antibacterial properties
• Antibacterial
• Antifungal
• Potent antioxidants

Ginger 

Second to last, ginger! It is a herb with healing properties that originated in Southeast Asia and is part of the Zingiberaceae family - related to turmeric, cardamom, and galangal. 

It has a distinct-sharp-refreshing scent. Implement it fresh, dried, as a powder, juice, or oil form.

Welcoming ginger into your diet and life will bring physical and psychological health benefits. 

And yes, you can count on ginger to supply its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 

Use it as a toner, mask scrub, or more? Of course! 

Right off the bat, this spice may help reduce wrinkles and fine lines; and keep your hair and scalp healthy. 

What is stellar about ginger?

• May face scars
• Promotes hair growth 
• May reduce cellulite
• Boosts gut health
• Fights infections

Garlic 

Last but not least, garlic. Is it an herb with healing properties? A spice? Or a vegetable? It doesn’t matter when it provides satisfaction to the taste buds and benefits to the health.

 For centuries garlic has proven to be helpful for some medical conditions, and it also does so well to enrich your meals with flavor. 

For those hard-headed pimples, rub raw garlic to clear them away. Its properties of antibacterial and antioxidants may kill acne-causing bacteria. 

Beware though as it can sting your skin for a bit. Do this on a clean face and leave it on for a few minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water. But, are you using other products to treat your acne? Ask a dermatologist before using garlic on your face to be on the safe side. 

Not all garlic forms are beneficially equal. Studies that linked garlic to immune system improvement came from raw and cooked garlic - not supplements.  

It is crucial to point out that if cooking with garlic is your thing, high temperatures kill the allicin. Thus, incorporate it a few minutes before turning off the stove. Any heat above 140 degrees Fahrenheit - 60 degrees Celsius is deadly for garlic. 

And another thing to consider is that the enzymes from the allicin need a few minutes to activate, so let it sit for a while when you mince, crush, or chop it. 

What’s allicin? It gives garlic its unique taste and smell but can also prove antiseptic, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Some users believe that regular use of garlic may clear the skin because it helps reduce swelling and improve blood circulation, allowing the skin to receive more nutrients. 

Additional pros of garlic

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin b6
• Selenium
• Copper
• Zinc

Conclusion 

Herbs with healing properties offer alternative non-abrasive methods to ease discomfort. Nevertheless, book a doctor’s appointment whenever you are not feeling well

All the herbs mentioned are for consumption, essential oils, or topical. Before trying anything new to your skin, do a small test to observe any reactions or seek medical help to discuss questions further. 

As you read above, most of these herbs with healing properties have a combination of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, or antifungal properties, which are excellent sources for your skin to nourish. 

It can get overwhelming to know whether to eat, drink, or use it as a cream. How about starting by incorporating some that are accessible to you? While you also continue to learn more about them and more! Much research is needed to claim and discover the true value of these herbs with healing properties! 

And remember, antioxidants help remove free radicals from the body. If they build up, oxidative stress can occur, resulting in cell damage and possibly diseases. The body produces some antioxidants, but with age, their production decreases. For that reason, a rich diet can be bountiful for your health and skin. 

Are you looking for a solution? 

Experience Aetheion today! Learn more about our products to find the right one for you. 

A Zinc-Copper-Magnesium bundle can provide health to your skin. Open the link and glimpse our ingredients glossary to learn more about our products.