ALMOND (Prunus communis, P. amygdalus, P. dulcis)

Shelled almonds, ground into a meal and mixed with a herb infusion such as rosemary or sage, make an excellent mild bleaching face pack. They have a deep cleansing and toning effect.

Almond oil is non-drying and has superb emollient or softening properties; it also combines well with creams and, in lotions, with other ingredients. Can be used as a deep cleansing oil.

ALOE (Aloe vera, A. arborescens)

Most aloes can be used directly on the skin for burns. The juice can be included in various lotions and shampoos for its healing, soothing properties make it appealing. The juice of some aloes has a deep yellow colour which stains the skin, so use the clear fleshy leaves of Aloe vera to be on the safe side.

ANISE (Pimpinella anisum)

The seed of anise smells a little like licorice. A brew of crushed seeds and boiling water is used cosmetically in facial steams to open and medicate the pores. The same brew (250 ml or 1 cup seeds to 1-11/2 litres or 4-6 cups boiling water) is excellent for rinsing the hair and enhancing its colour; at the same time it cleanses the pores of the scalp.

APPLE (Malus sylvestris)

Herbal Beauty

Mashed fresh pulp of apple is astringent and toning on the skin and can be used in all sorts of masks, handcreams and scrubs. It is especially effective for sensitive or fair skins. A good soothing rub for rough skin, elbows, heels and knees, can be made by mixing fresh apple pulp with a little glycerine and rubbing into the area. Leave on for 10 minutes, then wash off. Apple pulp mixed with a little honey is a soothing balm for dry, sunburned, irritated skin.

Apple cider vinegar is a natural astringent. Dilute with water and use to tone and revitalise the skin. Used neat, it can be applied to spots and pimples to speed up the healing process. A dash added to a basin of water before washing your face is excellent, and it can be used as a hair rinse or, neat, as a hair setting lotion.

APRICOT (Prunus armeniaca)

Fresh apricot pulp is marvellous for a sallow or oily skin. If apricots are not in season, you can use dried apricots soaked overnight and then boiled up to a pulp. (I put in a sprig or two of sage when cooking the fruit.) The pulp can then be mixed with yoghurt, oats, bran or buttermilk and used as a face pack. It deep cleanses and tones.

ASCLEPIAS (Milkweed, Wildekapok) (Asclepias physocarpa)

Our indigenous melkbos has the ability to open and cleanse pores if used as a cosmetic. The white milky juice is an effective treatment when applied directly to warts and pimples (remember to do a patch test first). Pour boiling water over the leaves and flowers to make a cleansing wash.

ASPARAGUS(Asparagus officinalis)

The new young spears of asparagus, boiled up in milk, act as a deep skin cleanser, and this is a particularly good treatment for acne and skin blemishes. Pat onto the skin with pads of cot-. tonwool and allow to dry. Wash off with tepid water.

AVOCADO(Persea americana)

Avocados contain potassium, sulphur and vitamins A, D and E, and these properties make them particularly useful for face and scalp packs. Pulp the flesh and use as a skin mask. The oil is obtainable from chemists and can be included in treatments, creams and lotions, or applied directly on its own to the skin.

BANANA(Musa paradisiaca)

Fresh ripe mashed banana makes an excellent mask for the face. It tightens and cleanses the pores, and invigorates and tones the skin. Leave on for 15 minutes. Wash off with tepid water.

BARLEY (Hordeum species)

Boil pearl barley - 250 ml (1 cup) barley grits to 1 litre (4 cups) boiling water- simmer slowly for 20-30 minutes and strain. Drink the barley water when cooled as a blood cleanser. A day on barley water cleanses the whole system - I find it more palatable with a little freshly squeezed .lemon juice added. It is excellent for oily or problem skins and acne. Use the boiled barley grits as a scrub or pack on the face, neck, chest and back. Allow to dry, then wash off.

BASIL (Ocimum basilicum)

Basil leaves, boiled up in water (enough water to cover a layer of leaves and stalks), make an unsurpassed hair dressing or rinse. Basil assists hair growth, reduces tangles and snarls and it is a good scalp tonic. Rub well into the scalp after shampooing.

BAY LAUREL (Laurus nobilis)

Fresh bay leaves can be boiled up in water - 4 cups leaves to 6-8 cups water - and the resulting `tea‘ can be rubbed into the scalp to stimulate hair growth. It can also be used as a splash-on aftershave lotion as it keeps the skin soft. It has a wonderful deep toning effect on the scalp and skin.

BEETROOT (Beta vulgaris)

Juice of fresh beetroot can be used as a lip colouring or rouge, and a tablespoon of mashed, cooked beetroot, mixed with 50 ml (4 tbsp) yoghurt, makes an excellent toning mask-leave for halfan hour, then wash off with tepid water.

BERGAMOT(Monarda didyma)

A strong tea made of flowers and leaves - 500 ml (2 cups) herb to 1-1,5 litres (4-6 cups) boiling water - can be splashed onto the face as an astringent or used as a rinse for strengthening the hair. Taken as a tea, 60 ml (1/4 cup) herb to 250 ml (1 cup) boiling water, it tones and stimulates the digestive organs. It is known as a cure-all health herb.

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Officinal Herbs and Botanical Skincare part 1