Three Ways to Add Natural Ingredients to Your Everyday
This article originally appeared in the Fall 2017 issue of Paprika Southern. To see the full feature in print, as well as academia-inspired fall fashion, mid-century home decor, an enticing array of fall desserts, and much more, order your copy of the Fall 2017 issue.
A Botanic Life
Three Ways to Add Natural Ingredients to Your Everyday
Written by Chelsea Kester, Owner of Wildflower Gypsy Salon + Apothecary / Photographed by Siobhan Egan
As more people are drawn into the green living movement, many wonder how they can incorporate these ideals into their natural beauty and wellness routines. Flowers and herbs offer many incredible and useful benefits for better health and beauty. They are readily available at your local health foods stores or online. Continue reading to learn how easily you can integrate these wonderful botanicals into your everyday lives.
Lavender
Benefits
Calming, soothes irritation, gentle.
Uses
Hang dried lavender by your bed to help relax.
Mix into bath water.
Use lavender essential oil in a spray or oil to soothe irritated skin and bug bites.
Recipe
Combine 1/2 cup dried lavender buds with 1 cup epsom salt and 1 cup oats in a large Mason jar or container. Use several tablespoons in a bath soak to soothe itchy, inflamed skin or simply to relax after a long, busy day.
Rose
Benefits
Soothes the skin, familiar and comforting scent
Uses
Fresh or dried rose petals are a great addition to a bath soak.
Rose water is a wonderful facial toner or refresher when cooled.
Rose essential oil is known to help smooth skin and keep a youthful appearance. See recipe below for a simple rose facial moisturizer.
Recipe
Add 6 drops rose essential oil into 1 ounce organic jojoba oil for a gentle and balancing face moisturizer. You can also use it as a face oil cleanser. Drizzle a little oil in your palm, rub hands together and then massage in circular motions on your face and décolletage. Use a washcloth to gently remove oil and apply facial moisturizer if needed. Most times the oil cleanser will be moisturizing enough without additional oils needed.
Calendula & Chamomile
Calendula: Healing, soothing, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing
Chamomile: Soothes spasms, calms irritation, healing
Uses
Together calendula and chamomile can help speed healing of cuts and wounds, calm skin irritation like eczema or psoriasis, or soothe diaper rash. Chamomile alone can be used to soothe stomach or uterine spasms and cramps.
Recipe
Place dried calendula and chamomile in a small Mason jar. Cover flowers with organic sunflower oil and let infuse in a sunny window for 4-6 weeks. Shake every 7 days and strain once the oil has taken a on a golden color. Store in a sealed jar or bottle, away from direct sun light. Use oil on rashes and cuts or as a bath oil. You can also incorporate this oil infusion into a salve or body butter.
