I’ve always used olive oil to moisturize my face and neck. Just a drop vigorously massaged into clensed, slightly damp skin forestalls wrinkles and rejuvinates skin. I also use olive oil soap for cleansing and mix it with a splash of my favorite scent to keep me from smelling like a salad!
You’ve undoubtedly noticed the recent trend for beauty oils on the market, so I guess my own Mediterranean beauty routine isn’t too off the mark!
Within the last few years, I joined an online class on using herbs everyday and learned that a calendula infused oil has healing properties for skin. I made some for myself and boy, does it ever work, specifically on my frequent bouts with autoimmune rashes!
This Calendula Magic Tincture is especially healing for facial rosacea. My skin has never felt or looked better, even as a 70 year old granny! Its also soothing and healing on a sunburn when combined with aloe.
Calendula is an easy-to-grow from seed bright yellow-orange daisy-like flower. Not only is it valued for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities, but the blooms attract pollinators and stay blooming all summer long if routinely dead-headed. Be sure to save the dried seed heads for next spring’s planting. They also self-seed if left alone.
To make the Magic Skin Tincture:
1. In the sun, on a cotton cloth or in a flat basket, dry the calendula flowers. An old pillow case also works great! The blooms will retain their bright colors even after drying.
2. Pack the dried flowers in a glass jar and pour olive-seed/ olive-pumice oil (cheaper than EVOL with the same healing properties) to cover. I buy this cheaper oil by the jug from Sams or Costco.
Happy Magic Tincture making!
Which home-brewed remedies have you tried?
A sudden burst of morning gold,
A simple charm against the cold,
The little clock of waking light,
That opens up to chase the night.
Through shifting rain and summer sun,
Her quiet work is never done.
She weaves a balm for aching skin,
And takes the bitter shadows in.
A brave and cheerful, earthly spark,
That blooms defiant in the dark,
A sunlit friend in soil and weed,
With boundless love and quiet speed.