Complexion Garden Recipes

In my last post of herbs used for the skin, I promised to post some recipes for skin care. Here they are.

Soothing Cucumber Splash

This has a cool scent that will lift your spirits and tone your skin. Cucumber juice is a natural astringent that also is cleansing and refreshing and soothes sunburns.

1 med. cucumber, chopped 1. In a blender process cucumber into a smooth

1/4 witch hazel extract puree and strain

1/4 cup distilled water 2. Mix cucumber juice with remaining ingredients

1 teas. aloe vera gel and stir well. Pour into a clean spray bottle.

3. To use: Spray onto clean skin after bathing or

whenever your skin could use a boost. It can spoil

easily, so store in the refrigerator between uses.

Herbal Body Scrub

Salt scrubs have been used since ancient times. This recipe combines exfoliation, moisturization and light massage.

2 cups sea salt or kosher salt

1 cup sunflower oil

1 tsp. vitamin E oil

2 tbsp. chopped herbs or 1 tbsp. dried herbs(use parsley, mint, lavender, or a combination).

1 to 2 drops lavender essential oil(optional)

1. Mix together all ingredients and pour into a clean jar with tight-fitting lid.

2. To use: While standing in the tub or shower, take a handful of the scrub and, starting with your feet, gently massage into skin(Be careful: the oil will make it very slippery.) Massage salt all over body, rinse with warm water and pat dry. Do not use soap or other cleansers, to preserve the moisturizing effect. Store any leftover scrub in a cool, dry place.

Pineapple Sage Facial Mask

Pineapple sage adds a fresh, uplifting scent. The oatmeal and honey rid your pores of any surface impurities and the egg white is astringent. If you have very dry skin, you can add a teaspoon of olive oil.

1/2 cup boiling water

1 tbsp. fresh pineapple sage leaves(or any sage variety)

3 tbsp. oatmeal

2 tbsp. honey

1 egg white

1. Pour boiling water over sage leaves and allow to cool completely.

2. Strain and pour the sage liquid over oatmeal, honey, and egg white. Mix well until creamy and smooth..

3. To use: Spread the mask on face and neck; let sit 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse well with warm water and pat dry. Follow with moisturizer. Store mask in the refrigerator.

Relaxing Lavender Bath

Tie your mixture in a bit of cotton. Relax and enjoy.

1 cup lavender flowers, dried

2 cups oatmeal

1/2 cup baking soda

1. Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender.

2. Grind to smooth, fine powder the consistency of whole-grain flour. Pour into clean, airtight container.

3. To use: Pour 1/2 cup into either a piece of cotton fabric (tied with string) or place inside a metal tea ball. put inside tub as you fill it with water.

Well, these are the recipes. I hope you try them!