 Nature's
Way
with Alan Hayes
Simple secrets to stay beautiful
Since early times, human beings have been conscious about their bodies and have continually used plant extracts to enhance their appearance. They applied these plants directly to their skin or included them alone or mixed with other plants in various skin care products. Ancient and primitive tribes used these plants, often combined with different earths, to colour and decorate their faces and bodies. Cleopatra bathed in asses' milk to keep herself beautiful and Venetian women dyed their hair with saffron and henna for golden or auburn curls.
For many centuries these simple substances and herbs were the only source of cosmetics, and remained so until cheaper-to-produce synthetic substances gradually replaced them. Some herbs were chosen for their special and unique properties. An extract of yarrow was used to suppress skin inflammations, aid skin cleansing and remove dead skin cells. Chamomile was used as a soothing agent, while Calendula (Marigold) oil was used to clean and soften the skin, and sooth irritation.
One of the most loved and widely used herbs was rosemary. It was included, because of its astringent qualities, in skin tonics, and became a principal ingredient in shampoos and hair rinses. Folklore also influenced the choice of herbs used. Bay leaf, for example, was thought to ward off evil. Yet, in spite of such beliefs the remarkable cosmetic potency of herbs was also recognised.
Today, people are even more conscious about the benefits obtained from using plants and herbs in their daily skin care regime. In most cases, the preparation of plants and herbs for skin care purposes is quite easy.
An old beauty treatment for refreshing and revitalising the skin can be made quickly and simply from nothing more than fresh strawberries. After cleansing your skin, cut up and mash to a pulp enough strawberries to spread all over the face and neck, but being careful to avoid the eye area. Lie down and relax for twenty minutes while the facial mask does its work. For an extra benefit, soak cotton-wool balls in cold fennel tea and place them over your closed eyelids.
Rinse the mask off with warm water, then splash cold water all over the face and neck and pat dry with a soft towel.
To cleanse your face prior to applying the mask, or just for daily facial cleansing, you can make a suitable natural cleanser by blending together 65ml of grape seed oil, 25ml of sesame oil, 10ml of wheat germ oil, and five drops of lavender essential oil. Store in an airtight, amber-coloured glass bottle and shake before use.
This cleanser is suitable for all skin types. Apply by pouring a little of the oil into the palm of one hand and warm by rubbing the palms together. Smooth over the entire face and neck, then massage into the skin using small, circular movements. Gently wipe away all traces of the cleanser with a face flannel wrung out in tepid water, rinsing at least twice more with tepid water. When all traces of the oil have been removed, splash skin with cold water and pat dry with a towel.
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