The Beauty of Wildflowers
Anyone who has walked through an open meadow knows the beauty of wildflowers. Wildflowers or native plants pop up in unexpected places and can be a welcome surprise on a warm summer day. Their delicate features and petals are colorful and are very different from home garden varieties. Wildflowers are often planted by the wind or birds and this give them their charm. You find them in unexpected places and often growing in large groups or communities along with other native plants. You can purchase “wildflower” blends of seeds at your local garden shop and have your own mini-meadow growing in your neighborhood. Make sure you pick varieties that are native to your areas as these will give you the best results. These small native flowers are also beneficial to your skin. They are soothing and softening and make wonderful natural beauty tonics to enjoy. Here are a few favorite recipes for you to try. Enjoy!
Poppy Lotion
The state flower of California is a popular perennial wildflower. The golden-orange flowers appear to be made of tissue paper. This simple poppy lotion is surprisingly effective. It may seem a bit watery in appearance, but it will make your skin feel like velvet. Use on your face after washing in the morning. It also makes a nice, light body lotion. When planting poppy seeds you may want to mix with a bit of sand or cornmeal so you can see where the seeds fall.
Ingredients:
1 /2 cup fresh poppy flower petals, washed
1 cup boiling water
1 /8 teaspoon vitamin E oil
Directions:
Place the flower petals in a glass or ceramic bowl. Pour the boiling water over them and sir in the vitamin E oil. Let the mixture cool completely. Strain and pour the liquid into a clean container. To use: Splash the lotion on your face and body and gently massage into your skin. Do not rinse.
Yield: 8 ounces
Dandelion Wine Bath
Many people feel Dandelions are a weed but they can also be thought of as a wildflower planted wherever the wind carries their delicate seeds. Dandelions have been used for centuries to freshen and treat the skin. This bath made from Dandelion wine is well suited as a cleansing tonic for tired skin. The bath has a refreshing spicy scent that will revitalize your whole body. This recipe takes a little over a week to create but is well worth it.
Ingredients:
4 cups fresh dandelion flower heads
2 quarts boiling water (8 cups)
1 orange, cut into slices
1 lemon, cut into wedges
3 cups raw sugar (may also use granulated sugar)
6 whole clove buds
1 cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon dried yeast powder
1 /4 cup warm water
Directions:
Place dandelion flowers in a glass or ceramic bowl. Pour boiling water over them and let sit for one week. Strain dandelion liquid and place in a small saucepan with orange, lemon, sugar, cloves, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add yeast to the saucepan and pour the mixture into a glass jar and let sit for 2 days. Strain well and pour into a clean container. To use: Pour 1 /2 cup into your bath and stir well.
Yield: 64 ounces
Wild flower Facial Steam
A facial steam is a good way to remove grime and surface debris from your skin and really get your pores clean. The heat and humidity gently opens your pores, allowing impurities to escape, Fresh flower petals such as poppy, rose, lavender, dandelion, calendula or violet also help soften and refresh your skin. Gather up a handful of your favorite blooms on your next walk and treat yourself and your skin.
Ingredients:
2 cups water
1 /2 cup fresh flower petals, rinsed
Directions:
In a small saucepan bring the water to a boil. Pour into a large bowl and add the flower petals. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes. Lean over the pot – at least 12 inches from the surface and drape a towel over your head and shoulders to form a tent. Close your eyes and let the steam rise over your face for 5 minutes. Rinse with cool water and pat your skin dry.
Yield: 16 ounces
You are beautiful!! Be a wildflower and bloom where you are planted!
xoxo Janice