Homemade Beauty Recipes

Herbs For Skincare

Did you realise that your garden is full of herbs for skincare? Many herbal cures have been handed down from generation to generation but sadly with modern skincare chemicals they are gradually being forgotten.

Many herbal cures have been handed down from generation to generation but sadly with modern skincare chemicals they are gradually being forgotten.

In fact most people today think plants and flowers are something with which we decorate the house. However, the truth is that many modern skincare cures today originate from the simple garden herb.

Before using any new skincare treatment do a skin test by applying a tiny amount to the back of your ear and leaving for 24 hours. If in that time the area becomes red and itchy, please do not use.

Some common herbs for skincare

birch leaves - good for cellulite
burdock root - helps eczema & psoriasis
chamomile - soothes skin rashes
chickweed - relieves itchy skin
cornflower - antibacterial as well as antioxidant : good to use as a toner
horsetail - stimulates production of new cells
ladies mantel - soothes, cleanses and heals : perfect for sensitive skin
lavender - antiseptic for cuts and bruises : also great for reducing redness in acne and boils.
nettle - soothes sensitive skin
marigold - good for sunburn
peppermint - restores elasticity, closes pores and soothes redness and irritation
rose - can be used as a toner : soothing and protecting
St John's wort - promotes skin healing
sage - cleanses congestion
viola - an anti-inflammatory which is good for eczema and acne

It's not as difficult as you might thing to dry herbs for skincare.

By drying plants we can make use of them at any time of year. Here's how.

Take a bunch of the plant and tie it loosely, before hanging it upside down in a dry warm room away from direct sunlight. By hanging the plant upside down you are allowing all the oils and goodness to drain into the leaves. Leave for 2-3 weeks.

If you prefer a quicker method then heat the oven for 30 minutes at a low setting. Switch the oven off. Now place your plant on a baking sheet and leave in the oven overnight.

Lotion, Potions and Oils to mix with your herbs are:

beeswax - antibacterial skin softner and natural emulsifier
gelatine - thickening agent
glycerine - thickens and preserves while soothing and moisturing
vitamin C - is a great addition to any skin cream
sunflower oil or almond oil - remember water based mixtures will not mix with oil

Chinese herbalists believe in the flow of chi running through the body.

They aim to balance and restore by using the necessary herbal treatments and foods.

You can take this quick test to discover if you are yin or yang.

Are you Yin or Yang?

Do you feel the cold?
Do you lack energy?
Is your complexion pale?

If so, you are likely : Yang deficient Eat more garlic, sage, shrimps and kidney.

You rarely feel cold
Have loads of energy and always want to be doing something
Have a red complexion and a rapid pulse

You are likely : Yin deficient Eat more pineapple, tomato, honey and cheese

Acne Remedy

20 lavender heads
10 marigolds flowers
10 rose flowers
1 sachet vegetable gelatine
5 teaspoons vodka

Bring 200ml of water to boil and pour into a bowl with the rose, marigolds and lavender. Leave to infuse for 30 minutes. Now place all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. T ake a sieve and strain the liquid to remove any bits of flower that have not liquidised. Dissolve the gelatine in 3stps of water. Add gradually to the infusion. Lastly add the vodka and pour into a jar for storage. Keep in a cool place such as the refrigerator. Will keep for about two months. Apply to area once in the morning and then again in the evening.

Herbs for Skincare Body Scrub

50grm rosemary leaves
50grm mint leaves
1tbsp black pepper
Peel of two lemons
300 ml sunflower oil
400grms sea salt

Place all the ingredients except the sea salt into a pan and heat gently over a medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Allow to cool before mixing the salt into the mixture. Store in a jar in a cool place. It will keep for up to a year Use the body scrub while in the shower. Take a handful of the mixture and gently massage all over your body paying particular attention to elbows, knees and heels where dry skin can collect.