8 Home-Grown Plants & Herbs For Naturally Glowing Skin

What it does: High in the compound alpha-bisabolol1, chamomile helps reduce inflammation, which soothes acne, rashes and eczema. The compound has also been known to ease discoloration caused by sunburns or acne due to its lightening2 properties.

How to use it: Brew some chamomile tea. Let it cool. Wash your entire body with it. Seriously, though, a DIY facial treatment can fight fine lines and wrinkles, and using chamomile as a rinse can help protect color-treated hair while also conditioning your strands. Or, opt for the tried-and-true method of using tea bags on your eyes to fight puffiness and dark circles.

What it does: Sage is an antioxidant 3powerhouse, which means it's a rock star when it comes to anti-aging, fighting free radicals and acting as a natural astringent for oily, acne-prone skin. It's also rich in vitamin A and calcium, both of which play a major role in cell regeneration. 

How to use it: Turn it into a delicious-smelling toner to help regulate sebum production. For your hair, boil the leaves and use as a rinse once cool.

What it does: A great natural cure for acne, mint is a pimple-fighter thanks to its salicylic acid 4(which also helps with excessive oil). It's also anti-pruritic, meaning mint juice can soothe and calm itchy, infected skin.

How to use it: To combat stinky and dry, cracked feet, boil mint leaves and let your feet soak. You can also mash a few leaves into a paste to spot-treat pimples, or mix with oatmeal and honey for a DIY mask. Or turn your mint into a cooling, soothing astringent.

What it does: Aloe vera is packed with vitamins, minerals and countless other good-for-your-skin stuff. It's uber-hydrating, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and can help with skin cell turnover.

How to use it: No DIY necessary here. Just carefully cut open the leaves, scoop out the gel and apply it directly as a moisturizer, skin-soother, scalp mask, leave-in conditioner, or aftershave treatment. If you want to get creative, throw it in a skin-quenching smoothie for inside-out benefits.

What it does: As relaxing for your skin as it is your mind, lavender is an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory powerhouse that will soothe irritated, inflamed skin (think dermatitis, dryness, etc.).

How to use it: Use the flowers (dried or fresh) to infuse creams, toners and facial steams. Not only will your concoction smell lovely, but it'll help improve circulation and calm your skin.

What it does: Calendula has crazy-high levels of carotenoids and flavonoids (powerful antioxidants), so it's no surprise this bright flower can help with everything from chapped lips to fighting lines. It's been shown to help wounds heal faster, plump skin through hydration and circulation, and prevent inflammation5.

How to use it: One of the prettiest ways to use calendula is to simply add the flower heads to a bath and let your skin soak up all the benefits. You can also sip it as a soothing calendula tea.

What it does: According to science, thyme is more effective at clearing acne than conventional, store-bought remedies — it's mother nature's anti-bacterial defense against annoying blemishes.

How to use it: For a not-so-drying option, infuse witch hazel or brewed green tea with thyme for a potent acne fighting toner. You can also add this mixture to cosmetic clay (like bentonite) for a powerful mask.

What it does: Pretty much anything from moisturizing skin 6to collagen development to free-radical fighting can be found in the powerful little leaves of the rosemary plant. It's also rich in minerals that protect skin from external damage, like sun exposure. Oh, and it also helps with skin elasticity as you age.

How to use it: Dilute rosemary oil with water and use it as a natural astringent to help fight acne. Or try massaging the oil into your scalp to promote faster hair growth and treat dandruff. You can also add rosemary oil to a cleanser to boost circulation and rejuvenate skin.