Herbal Cosmetic Recipes

Make your holiday season truly festive when you present friends and family with the gift of herbal beauty and health. These formulas are sure to please anyone on your list!

Fennel & Buttermilk Facial Cleanser

1 tablespoon fennel seed
1 cup boiling water
1 teaspoon honey
2 tablespoons buttermilk (see note below)

Lightly crush the fennel seeds with a mortar and pestle or with the back of a spoon. Cover with the boiling water and let steep for 30 minutes.

Strain; add honey and buttermilk and stir to combine. Scoop into a decorative container and keep refrigerated.

Note: If you can’t find buttermilk, use regular milk mixed with a dash of apple cider vinegar.

Rosemary Hair Rinse

Rosemary is wonderful for hair and scalp. It counters dandruff, controls oil and adds shine.

1 cup dried rosemary leaves
5 cups distilled water

Bring the rosemary and water to a boil. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 30 minutes. When completely cooled, strain and pour off into a clean bottle with a secure top.

Chamomile and Rose Hand Cream

1 teaspoon beeswax or raw shea butter
¼ teaspoon honey
4 tablespoons sweet almond oil
3 tablespoons rosewater (available in most pharmacies)
15 drops chamomile essential oil

Place wax (or butter), honey and sweet almond oil in a bowl or jar standing in a pan of hot water. (You can also use the top of a double boiler.) Stir until completely melted and well combined. Add the rosewater and chamomile oil and stir well. Let cool slightly, then scoop into a decorative tin or other container.

Lavender Shower Soap & Bubble Bath

12 ounces liquid castile soap (health food stores and some supermarkets)
20 drops lavender essential oil

Combine the liquid castile soap and essential oil in a glass jar. Set the jar on a sunny windowsill or shelf for 2 weeks, giving the jar a turn once or twice each day to mix. Pour into a plastic bottle with a squirt top for ease of use.

Bay Aftershave

8-1- whole bay leaves
1 teaspoon honey
2 ½ cups distilled water
1 teaspoon distilled witch hazel

Add the bay leaves, honey and water to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain into a clean bottle, let cool completely, then add the witch hazel and shake.