Natural Beauty with Parsley
Parsley is one of my favorite herbs to grow in my yard. I not only love using it in favorite culinary recipes but it is one of my favorite ingredients when making my own natural beauty products. I love both the curly and flat leaf varieties and have them in pots on my patio where they grow almost year round. Having them nearby is a benefit, as I just need to step out my back door and clip off a few stems or a bunch depending on how much I need. I also plant them in my garden beds, as I like to have extra for drying and sharing with my friends. For an instant pick me up and also a good digestive aid nothing beats a fresh sprig of this bright green herb.
This year parsley has been named "Herb of the Year for 2021" by The International Herb Association. I am a member of this group and one of our annual projects is to produce an Herb of the Year book. Here is the link if you want to purchase it is $21.95 -- If you need more info please message me. Herb of the Year book: Click Here The winter 2020 issue of Herb Quarterly Magazine also features parsley.
Here are a couple of my favorite parsley recipes -- I hope you are growing this wonderful plant and if not this is the time of year to find young plants or start seeds. It is also an easy herb to find in bunches fresh at your local grocery store.
Parsley Sheet Mask
Sheet masks have become so popular they are sold almost everywhere they are also simple to make yourself at home and if you re-purpose a piece of natural fabric you can make one by tracing your face and cutting out eye, nose and mouth holes. These fabric masks can be used over and over and a great way to repurpose fabric. You can also purchase mask sheets online or at beauty supply stores. The purpose of these types of masks is to treat and hydrate your skin. They allow you to apply solutions to your skin such as herbal teas, aloe vera gel and floral waters. The fabric keeps the mixtures next to your skin without them evaporating or running off. This recipe features parsley tea, which is perfect for all skin types. You can make up several masks and keep in a jar inside your refrigerator. These cool masks are especially refreshing after working out or on a hot summer day.
1 /2 cup strong parsley tea, cooled
1 teaspoon raw honey
1 Tablespoon aloe vera gel
Stir together all ingredients. Soak a cotton mask in the solution. To use: Wring out your mask and place on clean skin. Let sit 10 to 15 minutes. Remove and rinse skin and pat dry.
Yield: 4 ounces
Parsley Mouth Rinse
Parsley leaves freshen the breath and clean and disinfect the gums. It has a bright, green flavor and can be used throughout the day to keep your mouth healthy. Like many natural products this one also has multiple uses so perfect for travel or if you want to limit products on your shelves. It also makes a nice after bath splash and facial toner. Because it contains fresh parsley and depending how often you use this product you may want to store it in the refrigerator to extend it’s shelf life.
2 tablespoons rosewater
1 cup boiling water
2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves or 1 tablespoon dried
Place the parsley in a glass or ceramic dish and pour the boiling water over them. Let this mixture steep for several hours then strain, and discard the leaves. Add the rosewater and stir well. Pour into a clean container. To use: Pour a small amount into a clean glass and rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth and gums. Swish the liquid back and forth in your mouth and gargle with it.
Yield: 8 ounces
Have a beautiful day!
xoxo Janice
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