By Anna Marie Beauchemin / Clinical Herbalist + Holistic Nutritionist

Herbs + Beauty

While these two words often go hand-in-hand, they may not relate in the way that most people would think. While there is certainly a myriad of herbs that can be used topically to help support the skin, as an herbalist and nutritionist, my approach to botanical beauty almost always starts from the inside out. When our bodies are in balance, properly nourished, and we’re making sure to get plenty of movement in our life – that’s when we typically feel our best – and as a result -- look our best too. Pair with a healthy dose of self-love, and you have yourself a beauty regimen that supports both internal and external beauty.

Interested in learning some ways that plants can help support this regimen? See below for my own special breakdown on botanical beauty, from the inside out!

Systemic Balance

According to most traditional (and some modern) trains of thought, we’re at our best when our bodies are in balance. What does being in balance mean? This varies greatly between individuals, but in a general sense, it means living and eating in alignment with the seasons and our own unique constitution and digestive preferences. Focusing on foods and herbs that make us feel nourished and energized and are in line with the time of year (i.e. warm foods in winter cool foods in summer), is a great place to start. Have you ever wondered about your own unique constitutional needs? Consider connecting with an alternative wellness provider such as an Nutritionist, Herbalist, Ayurvedic, or TCM practitioner (just to name a few) to learn more!

Diverse Nutrients

Eating a balanced diet and making sure you’re getting all the necessary vitamins and minerals, in adequate amounts, is one of the biggest steps that we can take to feeling and looking good. Our body (including our skin) needs a variety of veggies, fruits, proteins, and fats in order to function smoothly. One of the biggest plights of the modern diet? We’re not getting enough plants! Research has shown over and over again that eating a diet rich in plant diversity is a tremendous support to our health, and in turn, our beauty as well.

Supporting Detoxification Systems

A common area of support when approaching beauty from the herbal realm is making sure our body’s natural systems of detoxification are supported and not overloaded. Not overloading our bodies with toxins (such as those from beauty products, food, cleaning products, or lifestyle choices) is an essential step in supporting these systems, as is eating adequate amounts of insoluble and soluble fiber. As an herbalist, I’m always inclined to include foods and herbs (a couple of my favorites are dandelion, artichoke, and bitters) to help support liver and kidney function as well. Last but not least, the importance of proper hydration cannot be underestimated in the natural-detox-support conversation.

Self-Love Above All Else

While herbs and foods can help support a healthy functioning system, beauty from the inside out will always begin with how we feel about and treat ourselves – making our relationship to self the most important potion in our toolkits.

Sunwink Blends That Focus On The Above

Interested in trying a Sunwink Superfood Powder that checks one (or all) of the boxes above? Check out Digestion Lemonade for digestive system support, Beauty Fruit Punch for a wide range of plant nutrients beneficial for skin health, and Cacao Clarity for a boost!

Note: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please make sure to consult with a licensed physician before adding herbal or dietary supplements into your life, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or on medication.