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Herbs & Cultures

Natural skin and hair care

Acne toner

A herbal toner with yarrow and calendula.

Used for

Time
30 minutes
Makes
About 530 ml
Yarrow

An infusion of yarrow and calendula, topped up with lemon juice, honey, witch hazel and a few drops of patchouli and tea tree oil. For oily skin with spots.

Ingredients

  • 470 ml distilled water, just off the boil
  • 1 tablespoon dried yarrow
  • 1 tablespoon dried calendula
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 60 ml witch hazel water
  • 4 drops patchouli oil
  • 3 drops tea tree oil

Step by step

  1. Pour water just off the boil over the herbs, cover and steep for 15–25 minutes. Strain through a sieve lined with cheesecloth.
  2. Stir the lemon juice, honey, witch hazel water and essential oils into the infusion. Pour into a clean bottle with a label and date.
  3. Wipe with a cotton pad in small circles over forehead, nose and chin, avoiding the eyes.

Registry

Herbs in this recipe

Read more about effects and safety on each herb’s page.

  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 56

    Yarrow

    Achillea millefolium

    Traditionally used to stop bleeding from minor wounds, for fevers and colds, and as a digestive bitter. Clinical evidence is limited.

    Greco-Roman medicine+6Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 49

    Pot marigold (calendula)

    Calendula officinalis

    An edible flower historically used as medicine and dye. Its oil is widely used in skin products.

    Monastic and folk knowledge+2Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 221

    Lemon

    Citrus limon

    Traditionally attributed effects: anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, diuretic, strengthens the veins.

    Ayurveda+3Folklore
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 152

    Witch hazel

    Hamamelis virginiana

    Strongly astringent due to tannins. Witch hazel water and ointment are used externally for minor skin irritation, bruises and haemorrhoids; there is limited but reasonably supportive evidence.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+4Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 241

    Patchouli

    Pogostemon cablin

    Traditionally attributed effects: inhibits sebum production, draws oil from the skin, fights acne bacteria; against dandruff.

    Chinese medical traditions+2Folklore
  • Caution

    Oceania · Other · № 22

    Tea tree oil

    Melaleuca alternifolia

    An essential oil for external use. Limited research suggests possible effects for acne or athlete’s foot; evidence is preliminary.

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge+1

Cultures and traditions

Where the herbs come from

These traditions know the herbs in this recipe.