Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Beauty and herbs have a long term association, one that dates back to over 1700 years ago when the Greek physician Galen who invented cold cream, hit upon the idea of melting together white wax and oil of roses. Ever since then herbs have always held a special fascination for those in the quest of beauty or lost youth. Herbs may not contain the elixir of youth but they do help preserve one’s beauty and youth.
Some herbs even help you cleanse your system and thus promote an overall feeling of well-being. Chamomile, which looks like a daisy has been called the plants physician it aids the growth of other plants that grow near it. Use of flowerheads in tea or tincture rids you of tension and anxiety. It improves liver function and reduces spasm and inflammation of the digestive system. Chamomile tea makes an ideal bedtime drink. One that relaxes you. Put one teaspoon dried or two teaspoons of fresh chamomile to a cup of boiling water.
Comfrey, another herb produces allantoin which is water-soluble, anti-irritant and has healing and soothing properties. It is used to heal chapped skin and lips. Basil tulsi) is conducive to mediation and is particularly good at arresting morning and travel sickness. Bergamot which is an aromatic herb helps combat tanning, while calendula – both the leaves and flowers are extremely beneficial in clearing the skin of eczema, spots and grease. It also helps in rejuvenating the skin.
Lavender is known as raise the spirits’ with its fragrance. An ideal remedy for irritation, indigestion and potential migraines, lavender can also be used as a gargle or a mouth wash. Lemonbalm is a herb good or cleaning the skin and combines well with chamomile. Rosemary oil applied externally helps reduce pain and clear the head. It is an effective anti-depressant. Mint applied on the face is very good for acne and adding it to the bath can help cure skin disorders. Pimpernel can be applied as a skin lotion that regulates pigmentation, removes freckles and other minor blemishes. The same lotion applied to the head acts as a hair restorer. Henna is an astringent herb which has cooling properties and acts as a dye.
It has from time immemorial been used by brides to decorate their hands and feet. Rhubarb, on the other hand is a root used to lighten the hair. It gives a honey gold colour. Sage, a beautiful evergreen plant with fine purple flowers has antiseptic properties and can be used as a compress on wounds. It helps the memory and quickens the senses. It also helps darken greying hair if used as a rinse. Used as a gargle or mouth wash, it cures sore throats and gums and as a lotion heals ulcers, sores and other skin eruptions. Thyme has amazing cleansing properties and is also a good digestive and liver tonic, while passion flower acts as an effective painkiller. Some effective herbal beauty recipes to aid you are as follows:
