Drying herbs for later use is an age old practice. At the most basic all you have to do is gather the plants and hang them up somewhere to dry. Perhaps you’ve seen pictures of old apothecaries or museums where they show plants hanging in bunches from the ceiling. Perhaps you’ve dried some plants yourself. […]
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This popular herb can be a little confusing. It has several common names, such as Milk Thistle, Marian Thistle and St Mary’s Thistle; and it also has more than one scientific name, for example, Carduus marianum and Silybum marianum. To make matters worse sometimes supplements are labeled as Silymarin, which can either be a whole […]
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This is where you want to provide moisture and protection to your skin after drawing stuff out of it. Be sure to apply it gently. You’ve given yourself an all natural facial so please make sure your moisturizer is also without toxins. Some people like to use oils such as coconut, jojoba, and others. For […]
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This is where we sooth the skin and encourage the pores to start closing. Cold water can do the trick, but I prefer to use hydrosols for this process. They have much to offer the skin and most of them smell wonderful. Hydrosols are also known as herbal distillates, floral waters, herbal waters, hydrosols, and […]
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This is where the cosmetic clays are really useful! Most people, in my experience, are used to using these clays for “drawing out toxins”, and indeed they do have a drawing action. However, they are also rich in minerals that can be a benefit to the skin. My favourite clays are French Green Clay and […]
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Steaming is done to open the pores so toxins can come out and nutrients can go in. Probably the easiest way to do this step is to steam the way some of us were taught to do for a common cold. Get a large bowl, some hot water, and a towel. Put your face over […]
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This step is to remove dead skin cells. Exfoliation helps the skin look softer and smoother, as it reveals the healthier younger cells that are beneath. It is the beginning of stimulating circulation in the skin. It also means that later steps in the facial will have greater benefits, since your skin will be better […]
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The first step is the cleanser. Cleansers should be very gentle and are used to remove dirt and makeup from the skin. Oils It may seem weird, but oils can make very good cleansers. This is why soap can clean oils off of skin, because it’s made from oils or fats. Oil can help clean […]
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Getting a luxurious facial doesn’t have to be expensive… or full of unwanted toxins. You can do it for yourself quite easily. For the next two weeks, and six blog posts (7 if you include this one), you will be taken through the steps of doing a natural luxurious herbal facial and some of the […]
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Some time ago I told you how you could make a Fresh herb tincture and what some of the thoughts, including pros and cons, are behind using this type of tincture. However, there is another way that tinctures can be made which has it’s own advantages and disadvantages. This type of tincture is a […]
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