Chamomile, apple of the earth and sun on the ground Chamomile: Matricaria recutita, also known as German chamomile or simply scented mayweed. Do you know any other names for it? A sacred herb Chamomile is one of the nine sacred herbs from Anglo-Saxon times. It was also revered above all other herbs by the Egyptians who dedicated…
Category: Herbs
Think Marshmallow and picture soft, plump and sweet … just how your skin can be when you use marshmallow in skincare
Marshmallow for skincare Let’s get the picture straight right away. We don’t suggest getting a packet of fluffy sweets and pounding them into your skincare. The marshmallow we talk about is the beautiful, tall hedgerow and countryside plant. Characteristically pink, trumpety blooms. Large, rounded (slightly hairy leaves). A tall straight stem, full of the mucilage…
Limeflower footbath – a treat for feet in the heat
A footbath is a lovely way to still life for ten minutes. Your feet literally take a pounding every day, so take time to rest and restore them. Healthy, happy feet help you take life in your stride. Make your footbath even more calming with lime flower. Calming lime flower Limeflower is one of the…
Limeflower – a brief spell of calm at the peak of summer
Limeflower – Tilia Cordata (small-leaved lime), otherwise known as the Linden tree. The lime tree (Tilia cordata) grows all over Europe. Relatively inconspicuous most of the year, despite their size, limes come into their own in July. When their flowers open against delicate bracts, sweet fragrance fills the air and bees buzz in among their branches. The…
Toilet vinegar – what is it? Let’s investigate …
In a traditional skincare recipe a term like ‘toilet vinegar’ can sometimes stop us in our tracks. With a little investigating we can learn a lot to bring recipes into modern use. When there weren’t preparations ready to buy off-the-shelf we were resourceful in using the ingredients we had to hand – in kitchen cupboards…
10 ways to use elderflower water in skincare
Ten natural skincare treatments you can make with elderflower water (plus a couple of curiosities) Elderflower water was the go-to complexion enhancer on every dressing table in the past. It is widely used in skincare for its conditioning and skin lightening, properties that can be handy for reducing freckles and sunburn and for treating greying…
Essential Elderflowers of Summer
Midsummer Elderflowers Elderflower (Sambucus nigra) is an essential summer scent, a classic element in the hedgerow. It has been used since Roman times. The whole elder tree has uses: leaves, flowers bark and berries. Elder has been termed ‘the medicine chest of the country people’ (Ettmueller). John Evelyn wrote: ‘if the medicinal properties of its leaves,…
Ten skincare herbs to gather from gardens in July
Feverfew – nourishes dry skin and treats pimples and blemishes Nasturtium – helps strengthen hair or provide a restorative bath Calendula – for sunburn and sensitive skin Lemon Balm – a soothing and astringent cleanser Jasmine – for sunstroke and headaches, as well as being an aphrodisiac Rosemary – circulatory stimulant that improves scalp and…
Ten skincare herbs to gather from hedgerows in July
Honeysuckle – helps treat rashes and sores Blackberry leaves – full of vitality to brighten skin Marshmallow – soothes and softens skin Valerian – a relief for nervous exhaustion, grown in monasteries as a spice and perfume Comfrey – tones and cleanses problematic skin Limeflowers – soothes skin and smoothes wrinkles Red clover – calms…
Ten love potions for your skin from a handful of rose petals
Roses are the classic flower of midsummer and our most adored scent. Gentle, romantic and heavenly. As well as an enchanting fragrance, roses are great for hydrating and nourishing our skin and are particularly helpful for mature or dry skin. Make the most of the abundance of beautiful roses at this time of the year…