Basil for Beauty: Herbal Magic both for your Skin and Hair
Basil for Beauty: Herbal Magic both for your Skin and Hair

 

Basil for beauty? It’s not just for eating! Basil herbal remedies can do a LOT for both your skin and your hair!

It’s spring time and as the cold days segway to warm afternoons filled with sunshine, herbs and flowers are starting to poke through the once icy ground offering beautiful colors and such pleasant aromas. And, one of my favorite herbs for cooking with happens to have multiple uses for skin and hair and is one I’m sure you use from time to time, basil!

Basil, native to India, is part of the mint family and has a very distinctive smell and taste. But aside from throwing it on pizza, or in a blender for pesto, consider grinding it into a paste to use as part of a face or hair mask. Or boil it down and use the liquid as a healing tonic. Learn how to grow basil!

Basil is jam-packed with goodness that our hair and skin can benefit from as it is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial and contains potent amounts of vitamin A and vitamin K, both essential for hair and skin nourishment. The natural oils found in basil are great for cleansing and removing dirt and oil while basil’s urusolic acid comounds help to brighten skin and close open pores. When used regularly, basil can help with acne, prevent premature aging, and strenghten hair while aiding dry scalp and dandruff.

Basil for Beauty Recipes

Basil Mask for Acne and Pimples:

  • A handful of fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (or about half of a smaller lemon squeezed)

First grind the fresh basil using either a coffee grinder or a blender. Then add the the ground basil with the honey and lemon juice in a bowl and mix until the ingredients are well melded. Apply to a clean face and allow to sit for 20 minutes. Then rinse with warm water and again with cool water and pat dry. Use 2 or 3 times a week for best results.

Anti-Aging Basil Toner for Tight, Youthful Skin

  • A handful of fresh basil
  • 1 cup of water
  • ½ teaspoon of lemon juice

Put the basil and water in a small saucepan and bring the water to a boil and leave boiling for 5 minutes. Use a mesh sieve or strainer and pour the liquid into a small jar and set aside to cool. Once cooled add the lemon juice. To use, first wash the face then dip a cotton ball into the toner and gently rub over the entire face and neck. Use in the morning and at night. Read more

Also read: Top 5 Reasons Why Your Pores Look Big