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Herbs & Cultures

Natural skin and hair care

Chamomile cleanser for dry or mature skin

A gentle cleanser for dry skin.

Used for

Time
30 minutes
Makes
About 1.5 litres, for a week
Chamomile

Chamomile, alfalfa, calendula and fennel make a mild infusion; aloe, glycerine, honey and two nourishing oils keep the skin from feeling tight after washing.

Ingredients

  • 28 g dried chamomile
  • 28 g dried alfalfa
  • 28 g dried calendula
  • 14 g dried fennel seed
  • 1.5 litres water, just off the boil
  • 40 g aloe powder
  • 235 ml vegetable glycerine
  • 80 g honey
  • 15 drops jojoba oil
  • 15 drops apricot kernel 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. Beat the cooled infusion with the other ingredients in a clean bowl with a hand mixer until well mixed.
  3. Pour into a clean, dark bottle and keep in the fridge.
  4. Apply a little to a facial sponge or washcloth, rub in small circles, rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. Then use toner and cream.

Registry

Herbs in this recipe

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

  • 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

    Asia · Herb · № 376

    Alfalfa

    Medicago sativa

    Traditionally attributed effects: calming and moisture-restoring for dry skin.

    Chinese medical traditions+1Folklore
  • 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

    Europe · Herb · № 72

    Fennel

    Foeniculum vulgare

    The seed is traditionally used for wind, bloating and cramps. There are some small studies, but evidence is limited.

    Greco-Roman medicine+9Folklore
  • Caution

    Africa · Herb · № 4

    Aloe vera

    Aloe vera

    The gel from the leaf is used externally to soothe the skin and for minor burns. Research on wound healing gives mixed results; the gel is no substitute for wound care.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge+6Folklore

Cultures and traditions

Where the herbs come from

These traditions know the herbs in this recipe.