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Herbs & Cultures

Natural skin and hair care

Healing facial toner

A decoction of comfrey and marshmallow.

Used for

Time
1 hour
Makes
About 470 ml
Comfrey

Roots need to simmer rather than steep. Comfrey and marshmallow release mucilage that softens; chamomile and calendula soothe.

Ingredients

  • 470 ml distilled water
  • 1 teaspoon chopped comfrey root
  • 1 teaspoon chopped marshmallow root
  • 1 teaspoon dried chamomile
  • 1 teaspoon dried calendula
  • 2 tablespoons witch hazel water
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerine
  • 5 drops lavender oil
  • 5 drops juniper oil

Step by step

  1. Bring the water and herbs gently to the boil and simmer covered for at least 45 minutes (a decoction).
  2. Strain and press out all the liquid with the back of a spoon.
  3. Add the witch hazel water, glycerine and essential oils and pour into a clean bottle with a label and date.
  4. Wipe with a cotton pad in small circles over the face, avoiding the eyes.

Registry

Herbs in this recipe

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

  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 95

    Comfrey

    Symphytum officinale

    Topical preparations have been studied for bruises, sprains and back pain and appear to reduce pain. It contains allantoin, which is thought to support tissue repair.

    Monastic and folk knowledge+3Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 59

    Marshmallow

    Althaea officinalis

    Root and leaf are rich in mucilage that forms a soothing layer; used for dry coughs, throat irritation and an irritated stomach. Evidence is modest.

    Greco-Roman medicine+3Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 19

    Chamomile

    Matricaria chamomilla (Duitse kamille)

    Flowers are used in teas and topical or oral products. Reliable evidence is insufficient for most claimed conditions.

    Monastic and folk knowledge+7Folklore
  • 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

    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

    Europe · Herb · № 44

    Lavender

    Lavandula angustifolia

    A fragrant plant used in bath products, perfume, and aromatherapy. Evidence for medical effects is preliminary.

    Greco-Roman medicine+4Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 81

    Juniper

    Juniperus communis

    The berries are traditionally used as a diuretic, for digestive complaints and externally for joint pain. Clinical evidence is limited.

    Western herbal medicine+5Folklore

Cultures and traditions

Where the herbs come from

These traditions know the herbs in this recipe.