Integumentary System Herbs

This page includes herbs that exhibit a wide range of actions on the integumentary system such as: vulnerary, topically antibacterial/antiviral, regenerative, emollient, demulcent, and more. However, it’s important to keep in mind that disharmony on the skin can be indicative of deeper issues in our bodies. For example, dry skin might be the result of dehydration, brittle nails could be a vitamin deficiency, acne could indicate a hormonal imbalance, etc. As such, many of the herbs here might not have their main effect on the integumentary system: for example, let’s consider “rosemary”, whose main effects are on the cardiovascular and nervous systems, but is also a well-known remedy for hair and nail growth, thus it has been included here. With each herb I have included what its main action would be on the integumentary system, but it’s important to remember that many of these herbs have potent effects on other systems in the body. Please see the Materia Medica page, or Teas & Guides, for more information on specific herbal actions.

A

Althaea officinalis - emollient

Arnica montana - analgesic, vulnerary (use externally. High risk of internal toxicity)

B

C

Calendula officinalis - vulnerary, antibacterial, antiviral, etc.

D

E

Emblica officinalis - stimulates collagen production

F

Trigonella foenum-graecum - improves hair growth

G

Grindelia spp. - vulnerary, regenerative

H

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis - promotes and strengthens hair follicles

Hypericum perforatum - topical anti-inflammatory and vulnerary