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Herbs & Cultures

Natural skin and hair care

Patchouli cleanser for oily skin

A herbal cleanser for skin that quickly turns shiny.

Used for

Time
30 minutes
Makes
About 2 litres, for a week
Patchouli

Patchouli, neem, turmeric, fennel and licorice in one infusion, with a light oil that does not feel greasy. Meant for oily skin with blemishes.

Ingredients

  • 14 g dried patchouli seed
  • 28 g tea tree leaf
  • 28 g turmeric
  • 28 g dried neem leaf
  • 28 g dried fennel seed
  • 14 g dried licorice root (or 2 tablespoons licorice extract)
  • 2 litres water, just off the boil
  • 40 g aloe powder
  • 235 ml vegetable glycerine
  • 80 g honey
  • 15 drops light oil (baobab, argan, camellia, grape seed or jojoba)
  • 5 drops evening primrose 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

    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
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 5

    Turmeric

    Curcuma longa

    A traditional culinary spice containing curcumin; laboratory findings do not establish a cure for disease.

    Ayurveda+5Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 39

    Neem

    Azadirachta indica

    Used for centuries in traditional medicine in India, but there is insufficient clinical evidence of medical benefits.

    Ayurveda+3
  • 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

    Asia · Herb · № 18

    Licorice root

    Glycyrrhiza glabra

    A root with long use in several traditions; high-quality evidence does not support most health claims.

    Ayurveda+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
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 379

    Camellia

    Camellia japonica / C. oleifera

    Traditionally attributed effects: nourishing oil that does not feel greasy.

    Chinese medical traditions+1Folklore
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 171

    Evening primrose

    Oenothera biennis

    The seed oil contains gamma-linolenic acid and is sold for eczema, premenstrual symptoms and hot flushes. NCCIH reports it does not help eczema and that evidence for other conditions is insufficient.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+4

Cultures and traditions

Where the herbs come from

These traditions know the herbs in this recipe.