Garden-Grown Skin Remedies

by Susannah Seton

 You can grow and harvest a variety of herbs that will beautify and balance your skin in the bath, as well as release a variety of aromas with aromatherapy effects.

 Simply dry the herbs during the fall, then place the herbs in cheesecloth or muslin bags and tie them off. Herbs will then be ready to be dropped into a tub of warm water. If you don’t want to grow your own, you can order online hundreds of herbs, muslin bags, aromatherapy oils, and books on herbs.

 Here are some common herbs and their suggested uses for different skin types:

 Dry, sensitive skin: Borage, comfrey, elder flower.

Mature skin: Chamomile, gingko, horsetail, lavender.

Oily, blemished skin: Calendula, echinacea, goldenseal, myrrh, sage, yarrow.

 And while we’re on the subject of growing your own beauty products, here are two formulas that incorporate bounty from your garden.

 Nature’s Garden Facial Scrub (for medium to dry skin)

l medium-size banana
2 egg whites
6 strawberries, hulled
2 tablespoons non-fat yogurt

 Blend ingredients on high for 3-5 minutes. Apply to damp skin and leave for l0-l5 minutes.

Sandwich Mask

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 large tomato
1 medium-size cucumber, chopped
1/2 large avocado, mashed

 Puree the ingredients in a blender or mixer until smooth. Apply to skin and allow to dry. Rinse well and follow with a light toner and moisturize.