Medicinal Plants for Skin Health (Part 2)

March 15, 2026 Julietta Fiscella M.D., CPE, FCAP.

Medicinal Plants for Skin Health (PART B)

Each of the following plants has been studied for skin‑related effects in preclinical or clinical contexts.

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadenis)

Botanical info: Succulent plant, native to Africa, widely grown worldwide.
Active compounds: Polysaccharides, glycoproteins, vitamins, enzymes.
What it helps: Soothes burns, minor cuts, irritation, and sunburn; supports wound healing.
How it works: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and promotes collagen formation.
Practical tips: Apply pure gel to affected areas; patch-test first. Avoid ingestion without guidance.
More info

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Botanical info: Bright orange, daisy-like flower, native to Mediterranean regions.
Active compounds: Flavonoids, triterpenoids, carotenoids.
What it helps: Minor wounds, scrapes, dermatitis, diaper rash, sunburn.
How it works: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, promotes tissue repair.
Practical tips: Used in ointments, creams, or infused oils.
More info

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

Botanical info: Small daisy-like flower, native to Europe and Western Asia.
Active compounds: Apigenin, bisabolol, chamazulene.
What it helps: Redness, irritation, eczema, mild rashes.
How it works: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant; calms skin and reduces redness.
Practical tips: Creams, compresses, or gentle washes are most commonly used.
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Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Botanical info: Australian tree, essential oil extracted from leaves.
Active compounds: Terpinen-4-ol, cineole.
what it helps: Acne, minor fungal infections, insect bites.
How it works: Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory; reduces bacteria on skin.
Practical tips: Always dilute 5–10% in carrier oil; avoid sensitive areas and ingestion.
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Centella (Centella asiatica)

Botanical info: Creeping herb, native to Asia, known as “Gotu kola” or “Cica.”
Active compounds: Asiaticoside, madecassoside, flavonoids.
What it helps: Sensitive, redness-prone, or reactive skin; minor wounds.
How it works: Anti-inflammatory, supports collagen synthesis and skin barrier repair.
Practical tips: Creams and serums are widely used in modern skincare formulations.
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Oat (Avena sativa)

Botanical info: Common cereal grain.
Active compounds: Avenanthramides, saponins, beta-glucans.
What it helps: Dry, itchy skin, eczema, mild rashes.
How it works: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, moisturizes, and soothes.
Practical tips: Use colloidal oatmeal baths or creams for relief.
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Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Botanical info: Perennial herb native to Europe and Asia.
Active compounds: Glabridin, glycyrrhizin.
What it helps: Redness, irritation, hyperpigmentation, mild eczema.
How it works: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and may lighten dark spots.
Practical tips: Topical extracts in creams; oral use needs supervision.
More info

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Botanical info: Rhizome from Asia, commonly used as a spice.
Active compounds: Curcumin, volatile oils.
What it helps: Acne, redness, inflammation, irritated skin, seborrheic keratosis.
How it works: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant; modulates immune response in skin.
Practical tips: Can be used in creams, masks, or extracts; may stain skin yellow temporarily.
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9. Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Botanical info: Tree native to India, often called “Indian lilac.”
Active compounds: Nimbidin, nimbin, azadirachtin.
What it helps: Acne, eczema, fungal infections.

How it works: Antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Use: Acne, eczema, fungal skin issue

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Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

Botanical info: Herbaceous flowering plant, common in Europe and North America.
Active compounds: Isoflavones, flavonoids.
what it help: Wound healing, reducing inflammation.
How it works: Promotes tissue repair and reduces redness and swelling.
Practical tips: Extracts used in creams or ointments; mostly adjunctive.
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Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Botanical info: Perennial herb with feathery leaves, native to Europe and Asia.
Active compounds: Flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, tannins.
what it helps: Cuts, bruises, minor wounds, redness.
How it works: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, astringent; helps stop bleeding and promotes healing.
Practical tips: Infusions or creams; caution if allergic to ragweed.

Angelica (Angelica archangelica)

Botanical info: Tall herb from Europe and Asia, related to celery.
Active compounds: Furanocoumarins, flavonoids, essential oils.
What it helps: Dry, inflamed, or sensitive skin; minor irritation.
How it works: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant.
Practical tips: Extracts used in creams or tonics; avoid direct sun after topical use due to photosensitivity risk.
more info

Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

Botanical info: Aromatic perennial, native to South Africa, used in essential oils.
Active compounds: Geraniol, citronellol, linalool.
what it helps: Acne-prone, oily, or irritated skin; balancing oil production.
How it works: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, regulates sebum.
Practical tips: Use diluted essential oil in creams or carrier oils.
more info

Burdock (Arctium lappa)

Botanical info: Biennial plant with large leaves, native to Europe and Asia.
Active compounds: Arctigenin, lignans, polyphenols.
What it helps: Acne, eczema, oily skin.
How it works: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, supports detoxification, reduces irritation.

Practical tips: Root or leaf extracts for topical use; often part of skin-supportive herbal formulas. More info

Papaya (Carica papaya) 15. Papaya (Carica papaya)

Botanical info: Tropical fruit tree native to Central America.
Active compounds: Papain (enzyme), vitamins A and C, flavonoids.
What it helps: Exfoliation, acne, minor wounds, reducing inflammation.
How it works: Papain gently removes dead skin, promotes healing, and reduces inflammation.
Practical tips: Use ripened fruit in masks or controlled extracts; avoid open wounds.

More info

What the Research Says Overall

Systematic reviews of herbal medicines in the treatment of acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and other skin irritations found that many plant extracts significantly reduced severity compared with baseline, and in some cases performed similarly to standard treatments, however larger studies are still needed. The future in skin care is how medicinal plants can help balance our skin microbiome to optimize our skin appearance and function.

Safety First: What You Should Know

Medicinal plants can be powerful and natural does not always mean harmless. Here’s how to use them safely:

Patch Test First: Try any new plant extract or essential oil on a small skin area before widespread use. Watch for allergies or irritation—plant extracts can sometimes worsen dermatitis.

Dilute Essential Oils: Tea tree, rose geranium, and angelica oils should always be mixed with a carrier oil.

Avoid Internal Use Without Guidance: Some plant preparations are safe topically but not safe to ingest.

Work with Your Clinician: If you have eczema, psoriasis, or severe acne, use plant‑based care as a complement to medical treatment.

Medicinal plants have a long history and growing scientific support for supporting skin health. From soothing irritation and calming redness to helping minor wounds heal, these botanicals can be effective, gentle tools when used wisely and safely.

Whether you’re looking to calm dry skin, reduce occasional breakouts, or support your skin’s natural repair, knowing how and why these plant work empowers you to make better choices for your skin care routine. Always consult a clinician before starting any botanical therapy, especially for diagnosed skin disease.