Healing Herbs: Benefits of Lavender, Chamomile, and More

Lavender

Effects: Lavender is undeniably a super herb. Its soothing, sweet fragrance is calming, while it also possesses disinfecting, cleansing, and healing qualities. It helps repel insects, eases headaches, supports recovery from jet lag, and aids in falling asleep.

DIY: A lavender salt bath improves blood circulation, offering both relaxation and rejuvenation for the body, and a refreshing boost for the mind.

Ingredients: 1 cup sea salt, ½ cup Epsom salt, ½ cup baking soda, ¼ cup dried lavender flowers and 5 to 6 drops lavender essential oil.

Preparation: Combine all the ingredients and mix well. Add ½ to 1 full cup of the mixture to your bathwater as the tub fills. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes and emerge feeling refreshed and revitalized. Store the remaining lavender salt in an airtight container for future use.

Chamomile

Effects: Chamomile is a herb that naturally relaxes the nerves and relieves pain. It's also known to soothe an upset stomach, reduce gas, and ease headaches and menstrual cramps. Additionally, chamomile is a great sleep aid. On the skin, it provides healing, antioxidant, cleansing, and moisturizing benefits.

DIY: An olive oil and chamomile face mask calms and hydrates the skin, while the sugar acts as a scrub to gently remove dead skin cells.

Ingredients: ¼ cup olive oil, ½ cup white sugar and 1 chamomile tea bag

Preparation: Empty the tea bag into a bowl. Add the sugar and olive oil, then mix well. Cleanse your face with warm water, and apply the mask using two fingers in circular motions. Leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse with cold water and gently pat your skin dry. Store any remaining mask in an airtight container for future use.

Jasmine

Effects: In Asia, the benefits of jasmine have been known for centuries. It's a popular remedy for reducing stress, balancing hormones, and calming the nervous system. Jasmine is also used as a natural treatment for depression, insomnia, and digestive problems. Studies show that the scent of jasmine triggers the body to release relaxing substances that improve mood.

DIY: A jasmine oil perfume not only fills your home with a fresh scent, but also has a cooling and calming effect on the skin. When used as a massage oil, it promotes relaxation.

Ingredients: 30 drops pure jasmine oil, 5 drops vanilla essential oil, 5 drops lavender essential oil, 5 drops orange essential oil, 2 tablespoons vodka, 1 tablespoon distilled water.

Preparation: Mix the oils with the vodka in a preserving jar or bottle. Cover and let it sit at room temperature, away from sunlight, for 2 days. After that, add the distilled water and stir well. Pour the mixture into an old perfume bottle and store it at room temperature.

Peppermint

Effects: The Ancient Egyptians and Greeks used it for its concentration-enhancing and antibacterial properties. The Chinese prescribed it as a medicine for nausea, stiff muscles and breathing problems. In addition, peppermint stimulates our alertness and energy level. It also helps with bad breath and headaches.

Do it yourself: After a day in high heels or in warm, tight shoes, feet can use some attention. This peppermint foot scrub is what they need.

Ingredients: ¾ cup sea salt * ¼ cup apricot kernel oil * 6 drops peppermint essential oil

Preparation: Mix all ingredients in a bowl and stir well. Soak your feet briefly in a foot bath and then massage a small amount in gentle circular motions. Rinse with warm water and let the feet soak for a while for an extra energetic feeling. You can store the mixture in an airtight container.

Rose Petals

Effects: Rose petals offer a variety of healing benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-aging properties. They also moisturize, revitalize, and provide a calming and cleansing effect.

DIY: Rose water can be used as a facial cleanser or moisturizer, as a hair conditioner, or applied to cotton pads as a soothing eye mask.

Ingredients: 2 cups rose petals, 3 cups distilled water.

Preparation: Place the water and rose petals in a pan and bring to a boil over medium heat. If necessary, place a small lid over the petals to keep them submerged. Once the water boils, lower the heat and let it simmer for 45 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, strain the water, and pour it into a jug or bottle. Allow it to cool. If you don't use it all immediately, you can freeze the remaining rose water for later use.