Natural Beauty with Roots
Looking out into the garden you may see your favorite herbs, flowers and vegetable plants but what you may not see what is growing under the soil surface. Roots are an essential part of a healthy plant. They help your plants absorb water and nutrients from the soil. They also act as a support keeping plants in place. Some of these roots are also useful as a food source and beneficial to our skin and hair.
Many of us already enjoy roots at mealtime such as beets, turnips, carrots and radishes. You may also have had roots in your favorite herbal tea blend such as burdock, ginger or turmeric. But did you realize that these same roots could benefit your skin and hair. Roots in general are hydrating to dry skin and hair. Marshmallow root produces a thick mucilage that is becoming a popular active ingredient in many commercial products. Turmeric and Ginger are being added to bath soaks because of their anti-inflammatory properties and fresh carrots and radishes help heal and nourish dull, dry complexions.
You may use these useful plant parts in several ways. Fresh and grated finely they can be added to facial mask recipes or bath soaks. Dried and ground into a powder roots can be added to body powders and skin scrubs. If made into an infusion or tea, these plant parts help treat a variety of skin problems from insect bites to dandruff. There are also some simple applications for plant roots such as fading scars or soothing sore muscles. Here are a few recipes for you to try at home. Enjoy!
Carrot Turmeric Mask
Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which is essential for healthy skin. Fresh grated carrots hydrate the skin and also help to cleanse and clear away dead skin cells. Turmeric helps reduce inflammation and also brighten a dull complexion this mask can be used weekly and works well for all skin types.
Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons white kaolin clay
1 /4 cup finely grated fresh carrot
1 /2 teaspoon ground turmeric root
1 -2 Tablespoons distilled water (as needed)
Directions:
In a small dish mix together all ingredients until you have a smooth mixture. You may need to adjust the amount of water used depending on the moisture content of your carrots. To use: Spread onto clean face and neck and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and moisturize with a natural oil or favorite face cream.
Yield: 2 ounces
Anti-Aging Fresh Ginger Mask
Ginger is helpful in rejuvenating dull skin and making it look younger. It stimulates your circulation and which makes your complexion look more radiant. It also helps deep cleanse your pores so your skin retains more moisture.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons finely ground oatmeal or oat flour
2 tablespoons strong chamomile tea
1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger or 1 /8 teaspoon dried ground ginger.
Directions:
In a small dish mix together all ingredients and stir well until you have a smooth mixture. To use: Spread onto clean face and neck and let sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat your skin dry.
Yield: 2 ounces
Note: Dried ginger is much more potent than fresh ginger. When using in cosmetic recipes it is a good idea to use 1 /8 a teaspoon of dried ginger for every teaspoon of fresh ginger called for.
Fresh Radish Skin Scrub
Radishes are rich in vitamins, minerals and folic acid. They have a high water content and help keep your skin well hydrated and healthy. They also help fight flaky dry skin when used in this exfoliating skin scrub. Radishes also help reduce inflammation and will help keep your complexion radiant and fresh. Use this scrub weekly for clear skin.
Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons finely grated or chopped fresh radishes
1 /4 cup raw sugar
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Directions:
Mix together all ingredients and spoon into a clean container. To use: Massage the skin scrub into damp skin and massage in a circular motion to help remove dead skin and boost circulation. This scrub can be used all over the body and on your face. Rinse well with warm water and pat your skin dry.
Yield: 2 ounces
For more recipes and ideas check out Natural Beauty from the Garden. Happy Spring! You are beautiful --
xoxo Janice
