I love to teach and describe how to make vinegars with
herbs. Most of the time these vinegars
are for consumption, they can then be used to flavor vegetables, make dressing
and marinades or otherwise cook with them.
However, today I want to talk about Cosmetic Vinegars. These are vinegar used after a facial steam
or as a tonic or skin refresher, or even a hair rinse. The technique is very similar, but the
concentrations are different.
You want to use apple-cider vinegar for cosmetic
vinegar. Apples are high in
antioxidants, so using anything with apples for cosmetics is highly
recommended. You want to steep these for
3 to 4 weeks. Don’t scrimp on the
steeping time, the intensity you get with a longer time period is essential to
the healing benefits. You also want to add thyme and/or sage for germ fighting
and rosemary because it contains volatile oils that get the blood flowing under
the skin.
Marvelous Mint Cosmetic Vinegar
4 cups apple cider vinegar
1 part spearmint or apple mint
1 part sage
1 part thyme
1 part rosemary
Luscious Lavender Cosmetic Vinegar
4 cups apple cider vinegar
1 part lavender
1 part rosemary
1 part thyme
Steep the herbs in the vinegar for several weeks (at least
3) in a dark place. Then strain and bottle.
To use:
Blend ½ cup vinegar with 3 cups water and splash
it on your face after washing; warm in the microwave to steaming and place in a bowl and hover over it with a towel behind your head to open and clarify pours before deep cleansing.
Vinegar Hair Rinse
This flower, water and vinegar rinse removes soap residue and adds a
sparkling healthy condition to your hair.2 oz. Rosewater or other flower water
2 oz. Apple cider vinegar
2 oz. Water or an herbal infusion (tea)
Combine rosewater, vinegar and the water/herbal infusion, shake well before using as a hair rinse.
To Use: Massage in well, leave on for a few minutes. Rinse off as usual.
You can make an herbal infusion (tea) by steeping with herbs of your choice, and allow to cool. Certain herbs when made into a strong
infusion can bring out mild and subtle tones and highlights to your hair,
depending on condition, color and texture. Some of the herbs that can be used
are Chamomile, Sage, Basil, Horsetail, Lavender, Nettle or Rosemary.
Rose softens and brings highlights
Hibiscus flowers or Alkanet root for slightly
reddish tones
Nettle for warm tones
Rosemary, Sage or Walnut leaves bring out brown
shades
No comments:
Post a Comment