These days, consumers are very conscious of what chemicals are in their health and beauty products. Products that boast being made with plant extracts and all natural ingredients seem well worth their extra cost because we don’t want to put chemicals that we can’t even pronounce on our skin or hair. So what if I told you that you can save your money and still have all natural, effective beauty products made right in your own kitchen from ingredients that you probably already have in your cupboards, or even grow in your garden?
Do-it-yourself herbal beauty products are easy and cheap to make. You can also make extra, put them in decorative little jars and give them to friends and family as gifts. Below are some of my favorite recipes for homemade herbal beauty products:
Herbal Sugar Scrub
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup coconut oil
- 1 tbsp. ground herbs (your choice)
This recipe is as easy as can be. Simply make sure your chosen herbs are ground finely – a coffee or spice grinder works great for this. Then thoroughly mix all the ingredients together and store in an airtight container. In the shower, you can use this sugar scrub head to toe for healthy hair and skin. It’s a great exfoliate.
Hot Oil Treatment
- ¼ cup coconut, almond, olive or jojoba oil
- 1 tbsp. dried, ground herbs of choice
This is another extremely easy recipe that you can make. Just mix your ground herbs into the oil and pop the mixture in the microwave for 30 seconds. Blend well, making sure it’s not too hot, and then apply to your dry hair. Place a shower cap or plastic bag over your head and allow the hot oil treatment to do its magic for about 20-25 minutes. Wash it out in the shower. I like to use this recipe about once a month in winter when my long hair becomes dry and lifeless.
Homemade Herbal Shampoo
- 1 cup pure liquid castile soap
- 1 cup prepared green tea
- 1 tbsp. olive, jojoba, almond or coconut oil
- 1 tsp. honey
- 1 tbsp. dried, ground herbs of choice
Again, just mix all the ingredients and this product is ready for immediate use. Likewise, you can store it in an airtight container and refrigerate between uses. The longer it sits, the more infused the herbs will become. Use it in place of your regular shampoo, washing and rinsing as normal.
Homemade Herbal Conditioner
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp. dried, ground rosemary
- 1 tbsp. dried, ground herbs of choice
Can’t have shampoo without conditions, right? In a saucepan, bring the 2 cups of water to a boil, then remove from heat. Stir the remaining ingredients into the hot water and let the mixture cool. Store in an airtight container, in the fridge between uses and shake well before using.
Homemade Moisturizing Lotion
- ¼ cup of infusion of herbs (your choice)
- ¼ cup of glycerine
- 2 tbsp. witch hazel
- 2 tbsp. almond, olive or coconut oil
Prepare a ¼ cup of herbal infusion using the herbs of your choice. An infusion is basically just tea – or herbs steeped in hot water. Mix the herbal infusion thoroughly with the other ingredients. Store in an airtight container in the fridge between uses.
Herbal Bath Salts
- ½ cup Epsom salts
- 2 tbsp. dried, ground herbs of choice
- Food coloring (optional)
Again, simply mix the ingredients thoroughly. Add a few drops of food coloring if you wish to color the bath salts. Add a tablespoon to the bath when you need a nice, relaxing soak.
So which herbs makes the best choices for a DIY beauty product? Here’s a list of some common herbs and their benefits in beauty products to get you started.
- Calendula – soothes and softens skin
- Chamomile – soothes skin, natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory
- Comfrey – soothes skin, promotes cell regrowth
- Garlic – natural antiseptic and astringent
- Lavender – natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, also great for aromatic products
- Lemon Verbena – reduces puffy eyes, stimulates circulation
- Mint – natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory
- Rose – stimulates cell regeneration, natural moisturizer, astringent, also good for fragrance
- Rosemary – anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, stimulates circulation and cell growth
- Sage – natural astringent, treats dandruff and acne
- Turmeric – antiseptic, astringent, anti-inflammatory
- Yarrow – antiseptic, astringent, anti-inflammatory
