Herbal teas for healthy skin, hair and nails

Research has recently caught up with a long standing tradition that beauty comes from within. In other words, the best cosmetics are the most edible ones!

Everything you need for your skin, hair and nails health can be found in your vegetables and fruits, but did you know there are an abundance of herbs that can enhance your appearance as well?

The following herbal teas can sipped on their own, or combined to make a beautifying tonic that is safe to drink everyday:

Horsetail

Contains high levels of silicon that may help to maintain the elasticity and strength of skin tissue.

Ginkgo biloba

Aids with healthy circulation of blood, supporting oxygenation and flow of nutrients to the scalp which may boost hair growth.

Dandelion leaf

Rich source of vitamins A, C and E, which are all important to skin, hair and nail health. Dandelion leaf also contains biotin, a B vitamin which, if levels in the body are low, can cause hair loss and skin rashes. Biotin also aids in strengthening your body’s keratin structure which can be broken down with age, environmental pollution and unhealthy lifestyle habits such as drinking and smoking.

Choline, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and calcium are also important for external beauty and present in Dandelion leaf.

Nettle leaf

Commonly known as stinging nettle and avoided for it’s painful sensations on the skin when in close contact, nettle leaf is completely harmless when consumed as a tea. Nettle leaf is so packed full of vitamins and minerals that it could pass as a daily multi. Nettle leaf contains Vitamins A, C, E, B vitamins and vitamin K and is also a rich source of silica. 

Oatstraw

All of the nutritional benefits of rolled oats without the gluten! Oatstraw is high in B vitamins and silica. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties to help dry and damaged skin, as well as soothing a dry and itchy scalp.

Rosehips

Rich in vitamin A, the ultimate skin vitamin. Helps reduce scarring, heal wounds and regenerate your skin cells. Rosehips also promote skin elasticity to prevent and minimize fine lines and wrinkles. 

Citrus peel

Rich in vitamin A and C. Vitamin C is perfect for reducing UV radiation damage, as well as boosting collagen synthesis in the body. Ensuring adequate collagen production prevents premature ageing, softening your skin and retaining firmness as well as preventing or reversing fine lines and wrinkles.

Hibiscus flowers

One of the most important concepts to learn from ‘beauty from within’ is that the body needs to be protected from all of the assaults to our system - from car fumes, to free radicals created from stress, and even toxic ‘beauty products’ claiming to prevent the problems they essentially create! That’s why Hibiscus flowers are perfect for the job of detoxifying for its high antioxidant and vitamin C content.

Green tea

Used by the ancients, and with half the caffeine content of coffee, the polyphenols in Green tea may protect your skin from UV radiation damage. Green tea is extremely high in antioxidants, and can also slow down the visible signs of ageing as well as reverse cell damage - a high strength ingredient for a radiant complexion.

Further reading: The ultimate guide to ingestible beauty

Beautifying skin, hair and nails tea blend recipe

Ingredients:

• Horsetail 
• Ginkgo Biloba  
• Dandelion leaf  
• Nettle leaf  
• Oatstraw  
• Rosehips  
• Citrus peel 
• Hibiscus flowers  
• Green tea  
• Stevia

Directions:

Combine all loose teas together. Open the citrus blend tea bags and add the contents to the combined loose tea leaves. Store in an airtight container. 

To use:

Iced tea:

1. Combine 5-6 teaspoons of loose tea leaf with 4 cups of boiling hot water,  and steep for 8-10 minutes. If you are using a saucepan, make sure to cover it while the tea is steeping to contain goodness and prevent the essential oils of the tea evaporating.  
2. Strain tea and add a pinch of stevia to your taste. 
3. Add ice-cubes and cold water. Pour into a drink bottle to consume throughout the day. 
4. Enjoy!

Hot tea:

1. Combine 2-3 teaspoons of loose tea leaf in a mug.
2. Add boiling water and steep for 8-10 minutes. If you are using a saucepan, make sure to cover it while the tea is steeping to contain goodness and prevent the essential oils of the tea evaporating. The longer you steep the tea, the more concentrated it will be.
3. Drink 2-3 times daily and enjoy!