Leslie Kenton herb feature

REFRESHER COURSE

Toners stimulate and refresh the skin. Use them after cleansing, after a face mask, or put some in a plant spray and spritz your face with it whenever you need to freshen up.

If your skin is sensitive simply make an infusion - as below, cool it, put it in the fridge and apply it with cotton wool after cleansing. Chamomile, yarrow, sage, mint, fennel and lady’s mantle are all excellent astringent herbs.

For less sensitive skin make a stronger cup of infusion and add a teaspoon of cider vinegar. For oily skin, add a teaspoon of lemon juice and a teaspoon of witch hazel to your infusion. The cider vinegar and lemon juice will restore your skin’s natural (slightly acid) pH.

Herb Infusion

Make your herb infusion by putting 3 teaspoons of dried herb (or 6 teaspoons of fresh) into a tea pot and pour a cup of boiling water over it. Allow to steep for 10-15 minutes. While your infusion is steeping, put the oil and honey into a small bowl and warm it gently over hot water until the honey dissolves. Add 2 teaspoons of the infusion and mix well.

More on skin

The classic definition of a herb is a non-woody plant which dies down to its roots each winter. This definition is far too limiting. It was probably made up by 19^th Century European botanists who had never seen the rainforest in which, of course there is no winter to die back in. Neither had they ever heard of woody trees and shrubs such as hawthorn and ginko and elder which are some of the best selling herbs on the market these days. I define a herb as a medicinal plant. It can come from any climate and be a leaf, a bark, a flower or a root. It can be home-grown or wild, a weed, a spice, a plant which is used for its healing or culinary or beautifying properties.

Once you discover the power of herbs it is easy to become so enthusiastic about them you go overboard trying to use them for everything. It is not wise to take lots of different plants all at the same time. Or you might start to think that since a small amount of something is good for you, taking twice or three times that amount will be even better. It isn’t. If you want safe and sane herbal help here are a few guidelines to follow:

Herbs occasionally interact with conventional drugs. Be sure to tell your doctor that you intend to try a herbal remedy.

If you want to use herbs to treat a serious medical condition, find yourself a good medical herbalist to work with. Don’t do it yourself.

Take no more than recommended dosages of a herb or combination. If you notice any adverse reaction, stop right away.

Use only the very best herbs whether they be fresh, dried, teas, tinctures, extracts, or capsules.

Give plants enough time to work. Many herbs, such as St John’s Wort and Wild Yam, are slow to build beneficial effects on the body. Look to six weeks for results.

Herbs This Week Archives

Top