As you continue to clean out your garden beds for the end of the season, consider using some of the yarrow that you are cutting back for not only your compost pile but also for your skin. [For more about the advantages of growing yarrow in your garden, see Yarrow, the plant doctor.] (It so happens that the yarrow in my own gardens is still doing quite well. In fact, the 'Oretal Petals' even has some blooms, and it is now October.) Yarrow has excellent astringent qualities that makes it a good choice for cosmetic purposes. These astringent qualities make its use very effective for those individuals with oily skin. When yarrow is combined with nettle - an herb that cleanses and improves circulation - a cleanser for oily or problem skin can easily be created. This particular facial cleanser made with yarrow, nettle, and buttermilk will also soften the complexion.

You will need:

2 ounces fresh yarrow
2 ounces fresh nettle tops
1 cup buttermilk

Chop your yarrow and nettle. Do not use dried herbs, because you want to take full advantage of the oils found in fresh herbs. Combine your herbs with the buttermilk in a saucepan and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. (Do not allow the buttermilk to boil.) Remove the mixture from the heat, cover, and allow to infuse for 2 hours. Strain into a bottle and use daily. Be sure to store the unused portion in the refrigerator. If you have dry or normal skin, you should consider substituting the yarrow with chamomile, elderberry flowers, tansy, or feverfew. (Most, if not all, of these herbs should still be growing quite happily in your garden.) Also, you can use some of the yarrow to make an infusion to use as a rinse on your face. Such an infusion will help to reduce fine veins that sometimes appear, especially on more mature skin. Just rinse your skin each day.

As with all herbs, test a small patch of skin for any possible allergic reaction.

For more ideas on how to use the herbs in your garden, see:
Easy-to-Make, Inexpensive Herbal Gifts for Christmas
More Inexpensive, Easy-to-Make Herbal Gifts for Christmas
Harvest Parsley from Your Herb Garden for Skin Care

Source: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2250881/herbal_remedies_make_a_...