As the warmer weather approaches and we find ourselves enjoying the outdoors more and more, we may find ourselves getting a little hotter and sweatier, too. Perhaps you have overheated while digging in the garden or hiking.  Maybe you have spent too much time in the Sun without cover-up and gotten burned. Whatever the reason, if you are red in the cheeks, there are a number of plants that can help cool the heat, discomfort, and irritation.  You can find healing plants in the form of essential oils, foraging in your garden, or even just by looking in your pantry or fridge.  Here are some ways that you can use plants to ease a number of facial skin woes.

Chamomile 

This is a plant well known for its soothing properties.  Chamomile contains a compound that helps with skin inflammation and reduces redness.  Brew a cup of chamomile tea.  Once it is cool, apply the tea to your skin.  Alternatively, you can press cool chamomile teabags to your skin.  

Rose 

Source: Herbal Spirits/YouTube

Rose water has properties that can reduce redness in your skin.  It also is known to be antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Rosewater can be bought over the counter, or you can make your own fairly easily.  Spritz some refreshing rose water on your face when you are overheated. It smells delightful, too.

Rosemary 

Surprisingly, rosemary has lots of qualities that can help with your skin. It is another plant that has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in calming any irritation that you might be feeling.  Blend rosemary essential oil with a carrier oil of your choice and smooth onto the skin. 

Aloe Vera 

Source: ER and Jenny/Flickr

Probably one of the most well-known plants for cooling the skin. The gel inside aloe’s succulent leaves can be smoothed directly onto the skin to help relieve sunburn and other skin irritations. Aloe vera is also incredibly hydrating and can alleviate peeling, dryness, and cracking.  You can also add a few drops of essential oil,  such as peppermint, lavender, or rosemary for an extra healing boost. 

Cucumber

Another plant famed for being cool is the humble cucumber.  We can all conjure up that picture of a face with two slices of cucumbers covering the eyes. If you want to cool your skin naturally, you can try tossing a cucumber into a blender and then apply the pulp and juice to your skin.  For extra coolness, use it straight from the fridge. 

Green Tea

Known for its amazing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, green tea can really help to calm burned or inflamed skin.  As with the chamomile tea, either apply a cool used teabag to the affected area or bathe the area with the cold tea itself.  

Peppermint 

Many of us are aware of peppermint’s refreshing flavor and ability to invigorate when inhaled.  It is the menthol in peppermint that provides this cooling effect.  When applied to the skin, peppermint can help to reduce redness and itchiness.  Use in the essential oil form with a carrier oil, apply a cool used peppermint teabag to your skin or spray cool peppermint tea onto your face. 

Witch hazel

Source: Brian Fuller/Flickr

Witch hazel is a flowering tree native to North America. It’s the distilled liquid from this tree’s bark, leaves, and twigs that can be found in many a medicine cabinet and is long known to be a remedy for cuts and stings.  When applied to the skin, its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce irritation and calm redness. 

Chickweed 

This is a wild plant that can be found in many backyards.  It is slightly succulent in make-up and releases juices when crushed in the fingers. It is said that applying crushed chickweed to the skin can help to relieve itchiness and soothe irritation.  

Lavender

This is yet another plant famed for its soothing qualities.  It’s an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory that helps to alleviate reddened or inflamed skin.  Use lavender essential oil with a carrier oil or apply a cool lavender tea bag to your skin.  You can also add a few drops to your favorite moisturizer. 

There are so many plants out there that can aid you in times of need.  Whether you are reaching for a bottle of essential oil, brewing up a batch of tea, or using the plant directly, these remedies with hopefully help you during the hot months to come.  

 This article is for informational and educational purposes only.  Do skin tests before applying anything new to the skin.  Consult a medical professional before using herbal remedies.

Related Content:

• DIY Coconut Aloe Skin Lotion
• Just In Time For Summer Fun: An Easy, Breezy, Food-Based DIY Skin Cooling Mist
• Use These Foods to Soothe and Nourish Your Body Inside Out
• 15 Plant-Based Recipes to Soothe Over-Washed, Irritated Skin

For more Animal, Earth, Life, Vegan Food, Health, and Recipe content published daily, subscribe to the One Green Planet Newsletter! Lastly, being publicly-funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!