Before starting your herbal treatments, always do a patch test. Dab a little of your preparation on the pulse point of your wrist or in the crook of your elbow.

Leave it unwashed for 12 hours to see whether you have an allergic reaction to it. Always be sure of the identification of the herbs you are using and if ever you are in doubt, consult your doctor or skin specialist. Many people are allergic to a wide range of ingredients and I urge you to tread with care and always test your blends and mixtures, lotions and salves before using them.

Herbal Beauty

Cleansing

There are literally hundreds of creams, lotions, tonics and soaps available on the market, enough to confuse anyone. I like to keep my cosmetics simple and effective and the following is a list of natural facial cleansers, fresh and delightful to use, and available to all at very little cost.

Rain-water

The softest and most beautiful water of all — perfect for washing the face and hair. Make a plan to catch some, in a big clean basin, next time it rains.

Buttermilk

Fresh buttermilk can be patted and massaged into the skin. It will tighten pores and tone the skin, as well as cleanse thoroughly. Rinse with clean, clear water.

Herb milk

Take a cup of chopped rosemary, comfrey, violets, sage, lavender, or scented geranium. Mix into 500 ml (2 cups) fresh milk. Stand for about 4 hours (in the refrigerator in summer), then strain and store in the refrigerator. Use the milk to cleanse the skin, using pads of cotton wool.

Even when it thickens it can still be used. I make small quantities frequently.

Cucumber

Next time you make a salad, save the skins of the cucumbers. Use them to clean the face, discarding after use. Alternatively mash up 125 ml (1/2 cup) cucumber pulp, with 25 ml (2 tbsp) milk. Store what you don’t use in the refrigerator.

Oatmeal

Make a paste out of oatmeal which has been soaked overnight in water. I find the large flake (non-instant) oatmeal best for this. Use a handful of the mixture as a scrub. Mixed with a strong comfrey leaf infusion instead of with water, and left to soften overnight, it is healing for acne, excellent for getting rid of spots and pimples on the back and neck, and soothing for sunburn. Use 250 ml (1 cup) chopped comfrey to 500 ml (2 cups) boiling water. Stand for 20 minutes, then pour off the tea. Add to this 1 cup of oats. Cover and leave to stand overnight. Use to wash and scrub the face, neck and back each evening.

Rose-water

Distilled and bottled rose-water can be bought from chemists. Alternatively, you can make your own: use 6 cups red rose petals to 1 litre (4 cups) water (preferably rain-water). Boil up for 15 minutes. Cool, strain, bottle and keep in the refrigerator.

Lemon

Lemon juice is antiseptic and cleansing and restores the acidity of the skin. Excellent for the prevention of blackheads, lemon juice can also be used in combination with a variety of herbs. Use the skins of squeezed lemons to clean nails and dingy skin on elbows and knees.

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Herbal Facial Skin Care Treatments part 1