Herbal Beauty Treats
Bathtime
Put some Oatmeal, Almond meal or bran (cleansing and softening) in a piece of old cotton or linen sheet – or a favours bag.
Hang on the tap under the running water. The milky liquid will soften your skin.
Add some dried lavender to soothe and nourish and prepare you for sleep.
Add about five drops of essential oil diluted in a little milk or almond oil to your bath.
Jasmine for when you wish to feel utterly luxurious.
Lavender for dry skin, eczema, sprains, hot flushes and insomnia.
Neroli for when you are feeling stressed and fragile.
Orange to pep you up.
Rosemary to get you going in the morning or a quick pick you up in the evening.
Ylang-Ylang to relieve stress and tension and to make you feel cosseted.
Ginger to help lift your spirits.
If you are feeling below par – cut up a piece of fresh ginger root and add to your bath.
Close the bathroom windows and doors to allow the ginger infusion to permeate the air. Soak and enjoy!
If you live in a hard water area buy some borax from the chemist and use it to make bath salts.
Put two cups of of borax in a wide-mouthed jar and add 25 drops of essential and give it a good stir with a wooden spoon.
Repeat the next day using another 25 drops of oil. Close tightly for a few hours. Add 2-3 tablespoons to your bath.
Bubble bath – add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to a bottle of a good pH balanced shampoo or a very mild baby shampoo.
In winter make a warming spicy bath by simmering together 10-12 cloves, a piece of cinnamon bark and a twist of orange peel in a covered pan for 20 minutes. Strain and add to your bath.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding please consult a health professional before using any of these products.