Easy Natural Facial Treatments With Herbs
Facial cleanser
Herbal Treatments have a long history of treating the body, especially the skin. Natural health through the use of herbs that come from the plants of the earth can repair and heal the skin.
Herbs are the main ingredients used in makeup, dyes and treating skin conditions for centuries. For a simple method to repair and renew the damage from aging and the environment, herbal treatments offer a cost effective method. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, documented how herbal treatments for the skin are successful.
The skin is the body’s largest organ that is sensitive to all external factors. Everything that touches the skin could lead to adverse reactions to the skin and other parts of the body. The skin regenerates itself but as the body ages, the skin reflects the aging process with slower regeneration and less effective rehydration. Herbs can relax and stimulate the skin’s regeneration process.
When going natural, use fresh ingredients and treat the face to a facial and mask once a week. Stimulate the skin and leave on for 20 minutes. Use this time to relax and let the world around one just disappear. Facial treatments can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator. When making facial treatments from scratch, use soft or distilled water with the other ingredients. If distilled water is not available, filter and boil tap water before using in a facial recipe.
Natural Ingredients
Herbs and essential oils can be used alone or mixed together to make facials, creams and steams to open pours and rehydrate the skin to prevent premature aging from occurring.
Try any of the following herbs together or alone, an herbalist can help with mixtures:
• Lemon or orange slices, lemon balm
• Rosemary and chamomile
• Lemon and honey
• Lavender and rose petals
• Fennel seeds
• Thyme
• Sage
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Coconut oil
• Aloe Vera juice
Adding a few drops of essential oil instead of the fresh or dried herbs can offer great benefits. Make your own combination, experiment and find the favorite fragrance. Steamed herbs make a great facial steam. Find the combination that is pleasant to smell and great for the skin.
A great black head remover that is gentle on the skin is to use baking soda and water in equal parts. Take the paste and gently scrub the skin for the exfoliating properties. Rinse well and use rose water as a toner for glowing skin and to seal the pours after cleaning.
Basic Recipe
1 quart water
4 teaspoons dried rose petals – fresh can be used
2 peels from an orange – peel the orange, eat good Vitamin C and save the peel
2 Tablespoons rose water
2 teaspoons honey – use local grown for added benefits
3 teaspoons whole milk or cream
4 teaspoons 100% whole wheat flour
Bring water to a boil and add the rose petals and orange peels. Allow to steep for 10-15 minutes until the water is lukewarm. In separate pan heat the milk or cream, rose water and honey, do not allow to boil. Remove from heat and had the whole wheat flour and whisk until thickened. The mask is ready to use. Apply the warm whole wheat paste to the face and leave on for 20 minutes. Use the water from the rose and orange peels to remove the paste. Pat the skin dry. Apply favorite cold cream to skin and leave one for the greatest benefits.
Essential oils can be substituted. Lemon peel can be used instead of orange peel. Lavender is a great substitute for rose petals or use chamomile flowers. Experiment to find the herbal mixture that becomes a favorite and use weekly for continued skin benefits.
Fresh fruit can be mashed and used in mask recipes for glowing skin and added facial benefits. Try strawberries with whole wheat flour or even oats in the basic recipe. Others fruits that have been found to have when mixed with honey make a great mask and facial treatment include: oatmeal with honey, avocado, bananas, papaya, fresh orange juice, yogurt and whipped egg whites. When using food products, use a warm cloth to open pours on the face, then apply the facial (fruit should be mashed before using), leave on for 15-20 minutes, then use warm water to remove the fruit/food mask and then cool water to rinse the skin and close the pours. Should any of the fruits cause a burning sensation, remove immediately as this could be an allergic reaction. Seek medical attention if necessary.
Many herbal and health food stores have facial treatments that can be purchased if making a treatment at home is not what is enjoyed. Remember that fresh products are better for overall health. The face reflects the health of the body to the world. Experiment and discover new mixtures that appeal to the individual taste and smell. Use weekly for the greatest benefits.
Category: HERBAL REMEDIES
