You really have to give it to Mother Nature when it comes to her beauty secrets; everything we need to possess lovely skin, hair, and nails is all around us—in herbs, plants, and flowers.
“I trust in nature for the stable laws of beauty and utility.” –Robert Browning
- White hawthorn is used in very high-end skin products. Luxury face creams include hawthorn berries as an anti-aging ingredient to keep collagen abundant and our skin youthful as ever.
- Green Tea is a wonder plant. The hardy green shrub—camellia sinensis—is harvested in abundance and is, according to some, a miracle elixir. We use green tea facial masks and patches to refresh tired, puffy eyes and sip it for longevity and overall wellness. Remember: you are what you eat!
- Chamomile has been used since ancient times for soft skin and hair. Chamomile botanical extract can be commonly found in face masks, creams, shampoos, and conditioners. It can also be used as a natural hair dye to lighten one’s tresses.
- Roses are, and always have been, used for their divine fragrance and beauty. Whether you’re washing your face with rose water, bathing in petals, spritzing on rose-scented perfume, or ingesting rose hips (the seeds below the blossom), there are numerous beauty benefits.
- Lemon balm is an all-natural remedy for blemishes, especially cold sores. For those of us who suffer from outbreaks understand how they can really undermine our beauty confidence.
Black cumin seeds, used by Cleopatra herself, are known for their ability to fight aging skin.
Calendula oil (derived from marigolds) is a wonder tonic for wound healing, eczema, psoriasis, and acne and it even works as a sunscreen.
Arnica is a plant with bright yellow flowers that, when distilled into a gel and applied topically, is very effective at healing bruises.
Grapeseed oil is one of the most effective, gentle remedies for healing acne, lightening scars, and toning uneven skin. It also moisturizes beautifully and helps to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Who knew a tiny grape could do so much?
Echinacea (coneflower) is used for strengthening the immune system because it’s so high in antioxidants. This is especially helpful because when we feel good, we look good.
Argan oil—from the nut of the argan tree—is one of those Mediterranean lifestyle/beauty secrets to which everyone has gotten wise! Women in this part of the world have been relying on argan oil as a beauty treatment for centuries. It makes skin and hair vibrant (for soft, shiny hair, try using an argan oil conditioner). The oil is wonderful for everything, really: massage into your skin and even into your nails for superior moisture and hydration. Rich in Vitamin E, it also helps keep skin young and free of lines and wrinkles.
Evening primrose oil tightens the skin and adds elasticity for youthful, radiant beauty.
Mint, when combined with other fragrant herbs (such as lavender, thyme, rosemary, etc.), creates a divine natural perfume and deodorant. Remember that in order to retain an air of mysterious sexiness, you need to smell good! Chewing on mint leaves is also a wonderful way to keep your breath fresh.
Witch hazel is used as a facial toner to cleanse and clarify skin. Perfect as a follow-up to your makeup removal routine, witch hazel clears your pores and rids skin of excess oil.
Cucumber is a very gently scented plant that we all love on our salads, but it’s fabulous to use slices as little eye masks, too. At the end of a long day, as you lie in the bath, use cucumber on your sleepy eyes. This is much more economical than running to the dermatologist!
Some other herbs and plants to consider adding to your toilette include thyme, rosemary, and jasmine.
For more information on some of the plants mentioned in the blog, check out the links below:
https://www.healthline.com/health/calendula-oil#risks
https://www.moroccanoil.com/us_en/argan-oil
For more floral information, what flowers to purchase now, their meanings, etc., check out Chelsea Flowers and read the blog.
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