Hands on herbs colour/b:Incredibly Sexy colour
28/3/08
11:25
Page 212
Helpful herbs for health and beauty
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212
Q
I know rose water is good for the skin. Are there any other flower waters?
A
Flower waters, or hydrolats, are a by-product of the distillation of essential oils, and are becoming more and more popular. They are also a cheaper way to enjoy your favourite essential oils – geranium, jasmine, ylang-ylang, for instance. Try lavender for oily or problem skin, orange flower water for dry or mature skin, and elderflower, which is mildly astringent and stimulant. Aromatherapist Carolyn Marshall uses hydrolats all the time in her practice: ‘I give my clients little 10ml atomisers filled with their favourite, to spray onto their skin as a wonderful morning freshener. I use a lot of Helichrysum, commonly known as eternal flower: it’s marvellous for dry, itchy or inflamed skin, or to soothe the itchy blisters and crusts of chickenpox.’
Q
I’ve heard that steaming is good for the skin. Mine is quite greasy – can you give me some suggestions and help?
A
A herbal steam is a nice pick-me up for any skin type. For you, I’d suggest marigold flowers, nettles or peppermint. Dry skins? Parsley or violet, and lemon balm or limeflower for normal skin. Here’s how you do it. Put two big tablespoons of the dried herbs – more if they’re fresh from your garden – in a deep glass or china bowl and cover with two litres of boiling water. Give them a stir, then wrap a towel round your head and the basin. Bend over – not too close or you’ll scald yourself – and give your face a tenminute steam while you listen to some nice music. Then strain and cool the liquid, use it to rinse your face and finish with a splash of cool water.