Infuse 1/2 cup chamomile or lavender flowers and 1/2 cup crushed fennel seeds in two cups of boiled water. Steep twenty minutes, strain, cool and use to wash your face.
Now apply the following herbal mask and allow it to set for ten minutes.
1 Tbsp. comfrey leaves and 1 Tbsp chamomile in 1/2 cup boiled water. Cover and steep ten minutes before straining. Add this to 3 Tbsp. powdered oatmeal (grind in coffee grinder) or 3 Tbsp. yogurt. Apply liberally to face and neck. Lie down and cover your eyes with a cotton ball dipped in the leftover infusion. Rinse and apply an herbal toner. Here's a recipe for a simple toner.
For sensitive and mature skin, make an infusion of 2 Tbsp rose, lavender or calendula in 1/2 cup boiled water. Strain. Use 1/2 cup of this infusion along with 1 tsp. vegetable glycerine and 1/2 cup witch hazel. Apply with a cotton ball.
For oily skin, infuse sage, lemon balm, lemongrass, lemon verbena, rosemary or any combination of these herbs in 1/2 cup boiled water. Strain. Use 1/2 cup of infusion with 1 tsp. glycerine and 1/2 cup witch hazel. (Refrigerate after using. Will keep for three days). After toner dries and sets, apply an all-natural moisturizing cream or lotion.
Remember to nurture your nails. Infuse 2 Tbsp. horsetail or crushed dill seed in 1 cup boiled water. Cover and steep twenty minutes. Strain and pour into two small bowls. Soak your nails for ten minutes or longer. Massage 1 Tbsp. of almond oil into the nails and cuticles. Use the infusion to soak the toenails also and massage any leftover oil into the toenails.
Then it's time to step into an herbal bath and finish the beauty treatment with a good twenty minutes soak. Use any combination of the following herbs in a cotton or muslin drawstring bag.
Chamomile- soothes skin and reduces puffiness around the eyes.
Comfrey- soothes inflamed skin and reduces blemishes
Fennel- cleans and tones the skin
Sage, Thyme- antiseptics
Lemon Balm, Lemongrass- increase circulation and gently astringe the skin
Rose petals- reduce fine lines and soften the skin
Rosemary- reduces oily skin
by Judy Burger
