1. Violet, Viola odorata
Violet leaves with all their mucilage make a great moisturiser.
This spring I’ve gathered them from the garden and am infusing them in oil. You can use the leaves and flowers together, but – for fun – I’ve separated out a few leaves, white flowers and purple flowers to see whether the resulting infused violet oil differs, either in scent or colour.
The infused oil can either be used directly or combined within a moisturising lotion or cream.
2. Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale
The ‘officinale’ part of dandelion’s latin name tells us instantly that this is a herb that is traditionally used medicinally. In years gone by it was transported in crateloads from countryside to towns at a ‘green-herb rate’ on the trains. It’s a plant no herbalist would be without, most known for its diuretic properties, and a great spring cleanser.
Dandelion leaves can be made into a simple infusion, maybe with some thyme added, and a little witch hazel, to make a really refreshing wipe-on cleanser for use morning or evening.
I once tried drying dandelion flowers in my dehydrator. A few hours later all I had was the fluff of dandelion seeds. Learning about plants is all in the doing, getting hands on and finding out for yourself.
3. Nettle, Urtica dioica
Nettles and dandelions infused together make a great addition to a bath, especially to ward off post-gardening aches. They’ll help with neuralgia, sciatica and arthritic pain, all of which can be affected by changes in the weather.
Nettles are also a traditional hair tonic being stimulating and astringent. They stimulate growth and take care of the scalp (which is the basis for healthy hair).
Because nettles, like violets, contain mucilage, they are good to add into creams and lotions.
4. Cleavers, Galium aparine
Cleavers I’ll use in a simple infusion as a face wash, hair rinse and for any early season sunburn. It’s also good as a hair tonic, improving texture and shine as well as treating dandruff.
The natural deodorising properties of cleavers make it a good addition to blend it yourself underarm or foot deodorants.
I also like to put a sprig of cleavers, or goosegrass as you may know it, into my water bottle and sip its cucumbery freshness through the day.
5. Chickweed, Stellaria media
The star of middle magnitude, according to her latin name. A mini megastar in our skincare regime.
I was once approached by someone wanting to find Stellaria-based skincare. Their favourite brand had stopped making it and, as it was the only product their sensitive skin had been able to cope with, they were keen to find other products made from this herb.
I showed them the page of chickweed-based skincare formulas in Vital Skincare, the book of hedgerow skincare formulas. They were happy that they could now make their own skincare. A simple infusion of chickweed in water to use as a cleanser, or to incorporate in blend-it-yourself lotions and creams.
LIKE THE IDEA OF GATHERING YOUR OWN SKINCARE INGREDIENTS? …
… you might like to read some more.
For everything you need to know to get started with Blend-it-Yourself skincare using the plants that grow around you, see Vital Skincare by Laura Pardoe. This book takes you through the techniques and ingredients you’ll need to know to make your own natural skincare.
