Arnica (Arnica cordifolia) 

The active constituents of arnica stimulate and dilate the blood vessels near the surface on the skin. This, in turn, improves circulation to the injured area and promotes the healing of bruises, sprains, strains, muscular inflammation, aches, pains, rheumatic joint pain, inflammation from an insect bite, and swelling due to fractures.

Balsam Root (Balsamorhiza sagittata) 

The leaf in salve will stimulate healing of mild burns and chronic skin sores and ulcerations. The whole plant is an effective first aid for skin infections, and the root is practical antifungal for skin tineas, from cradle crap to athlete’s foot. Used as a liniment it also lends itself well to sore muscles and can also be used to disinfect wounds or kill fungi living on the skin.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula is great for dry skin and for severely chapped or split skin. It soothes the area and reduces the pain. It can be used for inflammations, can treat skin issues like eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis and can help speed up healing of wounds and minor cuts, and also benefit insect bites, acne, and bed sores. The oil from calendula helps relief diaper rashes on babies.

Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

Fir needles can be taken to treat sore muscles, aches, and pains; open cuts to help heal the wounds. The smell of fir is very uplifting and can help people struggling with fatigue.  The boughs can be used in a sauna, steam bath, or placed in a pot of water on a wood stove.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger contains around 40 antioxidant compounds that protect against aging. It improves the appearance of your skin by removing toxins and stimulating circulation, resulting in delivery of more nutrients to the skin. Being a powerful antiseptic and cleansing agent, ginger helps to keep the skin clean, smooth and free of blemishes. It is also the best natural acne fighting a weapon as it minimizes the rate of acne formation and eruption by killing and clearing the acne-causing bacteria.

Juniper (Juniperus communis)

Juniper needles have long been used as a favorite in traditional saunas because of their antimicrobial actions. Juniper’s anti-inflammatory properties can help to ease the pain, of rheumatic conditions sore painful joints, arthritis, sore muscles, gout, and nerve pain caused by sciatica. Juniper berries warm and aromatic qualities aid digestion, expel gas, ease stomach cramps, indigestion, and stimulate the appetite. Juniper needles can be used as a wash for dry, dandruff-prone scalps or to help clear acne. The juniper berries can be used in a bath or added to a scrub to help diminish cellulite.

Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia)

Lavender is great for the skin, helps to reduce scarring, treating cuts, wounds, burns, rashes, sunburns, athlete’s foot, scrapes or insect bites and speeds healing. The essential oil is also an anti-inflammatory and circulatory stimulant. When inflammation is reduced there is less skin redness and blotchiness of the complexion. You will find it useful too for treating acne, psoriasis, eczema, and even wrinkles.

Mint (Mentha arvensis)

Wild mint is a wonderful addition to facial steams and foot soaks. Mint helps stimulate sluggish, oily skin and is great when added to facial masks. Mint act as a natural insect repellent.

Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Chlorophyll-rich nettle strengthens and supports the whole body, specifically the digestive, respiratory, urinary, and glandular system. Nettle leaf tea is also an effective spring tonic and cleansing herb because it acts as a blood purifier. It helps the efficiency of the kidney and liver. Nettle insight in calcium, magnesium, chlorophyll, iron, vitamin A, C and D, zinc, potassium, chromium, cobalt, niacin, phosphorus, manganese, and silica. Nettle is used to control dandruff and keep hair healthy and shiny.

Rose (Rosa acicularis)

Rose petals have a humectant effect and help retain moisture in on and on the skin. This makes rose excellent for dry, mature, and dull skin. Cosmetically, many varieties of rose have been used as a prized beauty treatment throughout the ages. Rosewater controls and balances sebum production, making it useful for both dry and oily skin. It can balance and restore the skin’s pH and helps tighten pores. Its antibacterial properties help fight acne, giving troubled skin a gentle, rather than a harsh treatment. It’s reputed to be useful in the treatment of all sorts of dermatitis.

Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)

Sagebrush is the traditional plant used for the sweat lodge and ritual purification, with the smoke being used to clear the air of bad spirits and influences. Sagebrush kills bacteria, inhibits free radicals, and has anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic actions, and so is most useful as a cleaning first aid wash for disinfecting wounds and skin irritations. Sagebrush is a popular smudge herb, burned in a tied bundle or as a dried powder. It cleanses and purifies both metaphysically and physically with its antimicrobial smoke.

Spruce (picea glauca – white spruce, picea mariana – black spruce)

The fresh spruce tips can be used in the bath and as a facial steam for oily skin. Because of the tree’s antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, it can help conditions like cuts, abrasions, eczema, boils, and acne.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Because of yarrow’s anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, it’s an excellent plant to use for inflamed skin. Yarrow can reduce inflammation and unclog congested pores. Yarrow is a powerful topical wound healer and can stop bleeding immediately. Its analgesic properties will help with pain relief, and its antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties help keep the wound free of infection. It can also be used for insect bites.