Natural Beauty with Texas Wildflowers

 I had a wonderful time last week in San Antonio, Texas at The Herb Society of America’s Educational Conference.  I gave a natural beauty talk and “hands on” workshop on Texas Wildflowers.  It is hard to not think of wildflowers when you come to Texas especially in the spring when they are blooming everywhere.  Lady Bird Johnson in 1965 championed the planting of native wildflowers across texas.  In fact seeds were dropped from helicopters across the state.  This was called the “highway beautification” act aimed at reducing roadside waste and billboards in favor of natural beauty.   It was a huge success and now there are so many beautiful flowers blooming in the state, In the workshop we discussed a few of the more common ones along with creating some “Texas” body care products. Here is a list of those wildflowers along with the recipes. Enjoy!

Texas bluebonnets (Lupinus texensis): These bright blue roadside flowers have antioxidant and mild astringent qualities. When dried and infused into water or witch hazel, they create a calming toner perfect for all skin types.

Texas sage (Leucophyllum frutescens): Sometimes called “cenzio” the silvery leaves of this plant have antimicrobial and clarifying properties. Traditional skin care use if for oily or congested complexions. A simple facial steam made with the leaves will open pores and clean the skin naturally. Infused in oil you can create a gentle aromatic toner.

Prairie Rose (Rosa arkansana): A small fragrant native rose, it is treasured for it soothing, toning and skin softening properties. The petals can be used to make rosewater. You can also make a simple cleanser by grinding together oats and dried petals. Prairie roses are also a favorite in wellness routines as just inhaling the rose’s aroma has been shown to reduce stress.

Evening Primrose (Oenothera speciosa): Famous for its nutrient dense see oil. Evening primrose oil helps soothe dryness and nourish mature and sensitive skin.  Create your own natural oil blend using this natural seed oil as a base.

Wildflower Bath Soak

Ingredients: Favorite herbs & Oats

Directions: Fill a cotton bag with herbs and oats.

To use: Place in warm bath or use in the shower as a “scrub sack”

Prairie Lip Balm

Ingredients: 1 part beeswax to 2 parts infused coconut oil

Directions: Melt over low heat, Stir well and pour into clean containers.

To use: Apply to lips and dry skin spots.  Can also be used to heal small scrapes and insect bites.

Lone Star Clay Mask

Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon white clay, 1-2 Tablespoons herbal tea

Directions: Mix into a smooth paste.

To use: Apply to clean skin and let sit for 10-15 minutes.  Rinse with warm then cool water and pat dry.

Primrose Glow Oil

Ingredients: Dried herbs, evening primrose oil, roller bottle

Directions: Place herbs inside bottle, fill with oil, shake gently to mix.

To use: Apply to skin and pulse points

Aloe Revival Sheet Mask

Ingredients: Water, Aloe Vera, Sheet Mask Paper

Directions: Mix together equal parts aloe vera and water.  You may also use herbal tea or fresh cucumber juice. Place a sheet mask in the solution and let soak for a few minutes.

To use: Place the sheet mask on clean skin and let sit for 10-15 minutes.  Remove the mask and massage the solution into your skin, no need to rinse.

“Spending time in nature gathering flowers, and crafting your own botanical products is always a good thing, it encourages mindfulness and creativity!” Xoxo Janice