The latest trend in beauty products is a return to using natural and pure herbs and flowers in everything from skin care lotions to soaps and scrubs to shampoos and conditioners. Such therapies have multiple benefits: they are safe and effective on even the most sensitive skin; they smell and feel great; they are part of a healthy, green beauty routine; and they are gentle on the environment. Better yet, natural beauty products easily lend themselves to DIY projects. That’s because their secret ingredient is often a common herb or flower (or both)—one that might be growing in your garden right now!
Here are eight of the most popular of these plants:
1. Lavender
Benefits:
- Moisturizing and healing for skin.
- Fragrance is natural relaxant and sleep aid.
- Antiseptic qualities.
Uses: Soap, lotion, scrub, bath products, aromatherapy
2. Rose
Benefits:
- High vitamin C content makes rose petal extracts and rose water moisturizing.
- Fragrance used to reduce anxiety.
- A rose water spritz acts as a skin toner or mild astringent.
Uses: toner, spritz, perfume, soap, lotion, scrub, aromatherapy
3. Chamomile
Benefits:
- Antibacterial and antimicrobial properties make it good for treating cuts, scars and burns.
- Natural bleach for lightening hair.
- Acts as an anti-inflammatory and emollient for treatment of acne and eczema.
Uses: shampoo, conditioner, skin lotion, acne/burn/injury ointment
4. Rosemary
Benefits:
- Naturally darkens hair (hides gray) while moisturizing scalp.
- Antioxidants and vitamin E create anti-aging effect on skin.
- Strong scent and oils neutralize body odor.
Uses: deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, soap, scrub, mask
5. Cucumber
Benefits:
- Antioxidants and flavonoids reduce swelling and redness around the eyes.
- Vitamins A and C help mitigate sunburn.
- Vitamin C and antioxidants tighten and repair skin.
Uses: facial mask, eye mask, lotion, spritz
6. Thyme
Benefits:
- Antibacterial especially effective against the bacteria that causes acne.
- Mild astringent that can brighten skin.
- May contain compounds that fight hair loss.
Uses: lotion, ointment, spritz, shampoo, conditioner
7. Violet
Benefits:
- Antibacterial and antifungal effective against some skin conditions.
- Often used in ointments to remove warts.
- Soothing and moisturizing qualities making it good for dry or burned skin.
Uses: lotion, ointment, soap
8. Mint
Benefits:
- Mild astringent good for skin toning and deep dirt removal.
- Antibacterial effective against acne.
- Anti-inflammatory soothing to bug bites and other skin irritations.
Uses: lotion, ointment, soap, spritz, make-up removal wipe, anti-blackhead pad
Like the idea of growing the ingredients for your own beauty products? Here are instructions for making an easy lavender sugar scrub that calls for herbs straight from your garden.
