This blog post was written and submitted by Melanie Webster, a leading expert in all things natural. Mel has a Bachelor of Naturopathy, a Diploma in Clinical Nutrition & a Diploma in Herbal Medicine.
When you think about herbs, you might picture a soothing cup of tea or a herbal tincture.
But plants have another pathway into the body that’s often overlooked - through the skin.
Herbal creams, balms, oils, and compresses have been used in natural medicine for centuries, and modern research is showing why these topical remedies can be so effective.
The skin as more than just a barrier
We tend to think of skin as a shield, but it’s actually a living, breathing organ. The outer layer – the epidermis, is designed to keep moisture in and irritants out, but it’s also semi-permeable. This means small, fat-soluble (lipid-friendly) compounds can move through the layers of skin and even enter the bloodstream.
That’s why nicotine patches or magnesium oils work, and herbs can do the same. The active compounds in plants – particularly those that are small and lipophilic, can absorb through the skin to bring local or even whole-body benefits.
What happens when herbs touch the skin?
When you apply a herbal remedy topically, the effects can happen at different levels:
Local action - Arnica cream on a bruise reduces inflammation and calms pain right where it’s needed.
Regional action – St John’s Wort oil can reach deeper layers, making it useful for muscle tension or nerve pain.
Systemic action – Tiny molecules, like those in lavender essential oil, can enter circulation and have broader effects, such as promoting calm.
Why herbal creams and oils are gentle yet effective
Topical herbal remedies often blend easily with the skin’s natural oils. Carriers like olive oil, coconut oil, or shea butter help deliver plant compounds while also nourishing the skin barrier itself. Another benefit? They skip the digestive system. When taken internally, herbs must survive stomach acid and liver processing before acting. Through the skin, they can typically bypass this step, offering a more direct and gentle route.
Favourite herbs for natural skincare
Calendula – soothes irritation and supports healing of minor wounds.
Comfrey – rich in allantoin, it helps with sprains, bruises, and tissue repair.
Arnica – great for sore muscles, swelling, and bruises.
Lavender – antimicrobial and calming, both on the skin and through the nervous system.
Tradition meets science
Herbal oils, poultices, and baths aren’t new – they’ve been used in traditional medicine worldwide. Heat, massage, and natural oils all help plant compounds penetrate the skin and improve circulation, which is why a warm compress or herbal bath can feel so restorative.
Choosing quality herbal remedies
The effectiveness of a herbal cream or oil depends on how it’s made. Fresh herbs, slow infusions, and quality carrier oils can make a big difference compared to products with minimal plant content.
The takeaway
Herbs don’t just work from the inside out. Through the skin, they can calm inflammation, ease pain, and support healing – proving that natural skincare and topical herbal remedies are more than skin deep.