Both apple cider vinegar and yarrow have cleansing and astringent properties that help to approve the appearance of problem skin. Following are two easy herbal remedies that you can make at home. Either one of these facials will have your skin glowing in no time!
Vinegar and Citrus Facial
Vinegar is good for both oily and dry complexions. The topical application of vinegar has been shown to noticeably improve skin plagued by acne, because vinegar not only cleanses the complexion but also tightens and closes the pores. In addition, vinegar has often been used to treat mature skin. Vinegar actually softens the skin and helps to eliminate fine lines caused by age. A citrus vinegar facial cleanser has a refreshing scent and serves has an excellent cleanser for most skin types. Although it does take a little time - two to three weeks - for your citrus vinegar facial cleanser to be ready for use, the wait is well worth the rewards.
Ingredients:
1 quart of apple cider or white wine vinegar
½ cup grated orange peel
½ cup orange leaves
½ cup orange flowers
Glass jar with lid
Warm the quart of vinegar. You do not need to put it on the stove and cook it. Simply place the vinegar on a sunny window seal for an hour or so.
Add ½ cup grated orange peel, ½ cup orange leaves, and ½ cup orange flowers to the vinegar.
Seal the vinegar mixture in a glass jar and sit on a sunny window seal for two to three weeks. Shake very well daily.
Strain the liquid into a glass jar and use as needed. For a less potent mixture, just dilute with water.
Tips
Consider substituting lemon for the orange.
This herbal vinegar can also be used as a hair rinse.
Yarrow, Nettle, and Buttermilk Facial
Yarrow is a decidedly old herb, having been found in fossilized forms that date back 60,000 years. It is normally associated with medicinal herbs. It is also a great plant for the perennial garden. Its nickname of "the plant doctor" stems from its ability to improve the health and disease-resistant qualities of nearby plants. Yarrow, however, is also known among herbalists as having excellent astringent properties, making 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 also improves circulation - a cleanser for oily or problems skins can easily be created. This particular facial cleanser with yarrow will also soften the complexion.
Ingredients
2 ounces fresh yarrow
2 ounces fresh nettle tops
1-cup buttermilk
Chop 2 ounces of fresh yarrow and 2 ounces of nettle tops. Do not use dried herbs. You want to take advantage of the essential oils found in fresh herbs.
Combine the chopped yarrow and nettle tops with 1 cup of buttermilk in a saucepan. Simmer on stove for 20 minutes.
Remove the buttermilk and herbal mixture from heat. Cover and allow to infuse for 2 hours.
Strain the infusion into a bottle. This can be used daily. Be sure to store unused portion in the refrigerator.
Tips
If you have dry or normal skin, substitute the yarrow with chamomile, elderberry flowers, tansy, or feverfew.
Warnings
Before trying any herbal remedy, test a small patch of skin for any possible allergic reaction.
References:
Claire Kowalchik and William H. Hylton, eds,; Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs; 1998.
Caroline Foley, Jill Nice, and Marcus A. Webb; New Herb Bible; 2002.
Apple Cider Vinegar - a natural, organic path to clear skin
For more herbal remedies, see:
Herbal Teas for Your Health: Peppermint and Chamomile
Medicinal Herbs for the Cold and Flu Season
"Vinegar of the Four Thieves"
Source: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2309675/two_herbal_remedies_for...