HERBS

BEAUTY REMEDIES

Herbal Skin Care

The surface of your skin needs to be kept moist as well as clean, to protect it from the harmful effects of  wind, sun and environmental pollution. All preparations used either to cleanse, tone, moisturize or nourish the skin should be used in moderation. Always remember that your skin is alive, breathing and eliminating, and that its delicate balance of pH, moisture and immunity can easily be damaged by too much cleansing, toning, and moisturizing which clog the pores.

The preparations you use on your skin will vary according to your skin type,  your general health and the atmosphere you live in. When applying anything to your skin, always be gentle; do not drag the skin or rub it too vigorously.

Herbal ingredients can  help your skin to look and feel better. As the recipes show below, you can use ingredients derived from plants to produce  astringents, soothing emollient lotions and creams, and deep-cleaning masks. But remember that the health of your skin depends on a number of  factors age, diet, heredity, stress, exercise, and sleeping habits as well as environmental influences such as humidity, sun exposure &  pollutes.

Sage astringent

4-5 drops tincture of benzoin           1/2 c. dried sage        1/2 c. vodka

Put half the sage in a jar and pour the vodka over it. Cap the jar tightly and let it stand for a week. Strain, reserving the liquid and discarding the sage. Put the rest of the sage in the jar, add the liquid, and let it stand for another week. The liquid should have a strong herbal odor. If you would like it to be stronger, repeat the process, using another 1/4 cup sage. Strain the astringent into a clean bottle, using a fine filter, such as a coffee benzoin, cap the bottle tightly, and shake well.
This astringent is even better made with fresh sage. Use about 1/2 cup, loosely packed, each time you fill the jar.
A milder astringent. Dilute with distilled water or substitute a less astringent herb, such as chamomile.
A more bracing astringent. Add from 2 to 4 tablespoons of witch hazel extract or substitute a more astringent herb, such as yarrow filter. Add the tincture of benzoin.

Rose water-glycerin lotion

A  favorite of your grandmother, this traditional mix makes an effective basic moisturizer and hand lotion. A version is sold at any drugstore, but if you make your own, you can vary the proportions to suit your skin and its seasonally changing condition.

• 1/2 cup rose water
• 1/4 cup glycerin

Use prepared rose water or make it by adding 1 teaspoon soluble rose oil to 1/2 cup distilled water. Blend the rose water with the glycerin until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. Pour it into a clean bottle and cap.
A thinner lotion, for oily skin. Mix 2/3 cup rose water with 2 tablespoons glycerin.
A thicker lotion, for dry skin. Mix V3 cup rose water with 1/3 cup or more glycerin.
Rose water-glycerin gel. Dissolve I teaspoon plain gelatin in 1/2 cup hot water; blend in 1 teaspoon oil of rose and 3 tablespoons glycerin.