SUMMER SKIN CARE
with Nathaniel Whitmore
SUMMER SUN & THE SKIN
Aloe – Great herb for recovery from sunburn and many other skin afflictions.
Coconut Oil – Used to protect and heal the skin.
Shea Butter – Used to protect and heal the skin.
INSECT REPELLENT & BITE CARE
Essential Oils for Bug Spray: Citronella, Lemon Grass, et cetera (not Citrus)
Plantain – Common weed used as poultice for bites and many afflictions.
Jewelweed – Used to prevent and sooth bug-bites.
Japanese Knotweed – Various preparations of the root used for bites.
Teasel – Used as tea or tincture for bites.
Tea Tree – Tea tree essential oil is a great antiseptic for bites.
Echinacea – Tincture of fresh root used internally for bites.
POISON IVY & OTHER RASHES
Jewelweed – Fresh herb poulticed for rashes, especially poison ivy and the like.
Astringents: Witch Hazel, Oak, Raspberry, et cetera.
Demulcents: Plantain, Comfrey, et cetera.
Nettle – Herb is taken internally to reduce skin reactions.
CUTS, SCAPES, BUMPS, & BRUISES
St. John’s Wort – Antiseptic and healing, specifically for nerve injuries.
Calendula – Flowers are antiseptic and healing.
Plantain – This all-purpose skin care herb
Comfrey – Leaf poultice used to heal cuts and injuries.
Boneset – Used to assist healing broken bones and the like. Diaphoretic.
Japanese Knotweed – This local invasive is used for bruises.
Tea Tree – This essential oil is a top antiseptic for cuts and scrapes.
HEAT REDUCTION & REHYDRATION
Chickweed – Quintessential cooling & moistening herb.
Purslane – This common garden weed reduces heat and builds fluids.
Shatavari – This primary yin tonic of Ayurveda is used to replenish fluids.
Gotu Kola – One of Ayurveda’s main cooling, anti-inflammatory herbs.
American Ginseng – Our native Ginseng helps to nourish fluids and chi.
Chrysanthemum – This common beverage herb of Asia is specific for summer.