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Herbs & Cultures

Natural skin and hair care

Toner for sensitive skin

A flower toner with rose, chamomile and orange blossom.

Used for

Time
30 minutes
Makes
About 765 ml
Rose and rose hip

An infusion of three gentle flowers, with witch hazel and a few drops of jasmine and neroli oil. For dry or sensitive skin.

Ingredients

  • 705 ml distilled water
  • 2 tablespoons dried rose petals
  • 2 tablespoons dried chamomile
  • 3 tablespoons dried orange blossom
  • 60 ml witch hazel water
  • 5 drops jasmine oil
  • 5 drops neroli 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 in the witch hazel water and essential oils and pour into a clean bottle with a label and date.
  3. 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 · № 89

    Rose and rose hip

    Rosa spp.

    Rose hips are rich in vitamin C; a hip powder has been studied for osteoarthritis with modest results. Rose water and oil are used in skin care and as fragrance.

    Avicenna's Canon in European universities+6Folklore
  • 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 · Food · № 220

    Orange

    Citrus sinensis

    Traditionally attributed effects: against dandruff; sweet oranges good for skin and hair.

    Ayurveda+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

    Asia · Herb · № 126

    Jasmine

    Jasminum officinale / J. grandiflorum

    Best known as a fragrance and in jasmine tea; jasmine aromatherapy is used for relaxation. Medical claims are unproven.

    Ayurveda+4Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 123

    Bitter orange

    Citrus × aurantium

    The dried unripe fruit (zhi shi) and peel are used in Chinese medicine for bloating and sluggish digestion. NCCIH warns that weight-loss products containing bitter orange (synephrine) pose risks to the heart and blood pressure.

    Chinese medical traditions+2

Cultures and traditions

Where the herbs come from

These traditions know the herbs in this recipe.