The Natural Beauty Workshop

How to Make Scented Fabric Softener & Dryer Sheets

Today, Kristi of Life Soap Simple joins us once again to complete her series of tutorials on natural laundry care.  Last week, Kristi showed us how to make natural laundry soap.  Today she'll be showing us how to make scented fabric softener and dryer sheets that will help to reduce static cling, promote fabric softness, and impart a refreshing aroma into your laundry. 

Natural Laundry Care Tutorial, Part 2: Scented Fabric Softener and Dryer Sheets

Making your own fabric softener and dryer sheets is made easy and cost effective by using ingredients and materials readily found in most households. If you like a light scent on your clean laundry, you can coordinate the scents of your laundry powder, fabric softener, and dryer sheets.

Fabric Softener

Equipment

• Measuring cup
• Measuring spoon
• Permanent marker

Ingredients

• 32 ounces Distilled White Vinegar*
• 1-2 teaspoons Essential oil*

Making the Softener

Add your essential oil to the vinegar container and shake well to incorporate. Label your container to let others in your household know that it contains essential oils and is NOT for culinary purposes.

Using the Softener

The vinegar mixture should be diluted with water before being used in your laundry.  For regular sizes loads, combine 1/4 cup of vinegar mixture with 3/4 cups of water.  For large loads, use 1/2 cup of vinegar mixture and 1/2 cup of water.  Add the diluted mixture to the fabric softener dispenser at the beginning of the wash cycle. If you do not have a dispenser, add the softener at the beginning of the rinse cycle. 

This will leave a faint essential oil scent but you will not smell vinegar on the rinsed and dried clothing.  The vinegar helps soften your clothing, and aids in reduction of static in the dryer phase.  This softener also works well with air dried or line dried clothing.

*Never use vinegar on Dry-Clean ONLY garments.
*Use recommended precautions when using essential oils.

Scented Dryer Sheets

Equipment

• Used 100% Cotton T-shirt
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Small airtight container with lid

Ingredients

• 3-5 drops Essential oil*

Making the Sheets

Measure and cut 4" x 4" squares from your cotton t-shirt. One shirt will make quite a few sheets, so you can have a stack ready to go, or give away the extras as gifts.  Place 3 – 5 drops of your selected essential oil on each square.  Do not use more than 5 drops per square, as too much essential oil can leave stains on your clothing or make you sick.  To preserve the aroma of your dryer sheets, store them in an airtight container between uses. 

*Use recommended precautions when working with essential oils.

Using the Sheets

Place one sheet in the dryer along with wet garments and dry as usual.  These dryer sheets can be used twice before they need to be refreshed. To do so, simply toss them into your washing machine to launder, than add fresh essential oil.

Thank you, Kristi, for sharing your awesome tutorials with us!  I for one cannot wait to get started on my natural laundry routine.  I think I'll use a combination of Mandarin and Basil to scent my first batch of soap and softeners.  What scents will you use to fragrance your laundry supplies?  Please let us know in the comments below.  For more great tutorials and luscious soap photos, check out Kristi's blog! 

How to Make Natural Laundry Soap

This tutorial was generously shared with us by Kristi at Life Soap Simple.  Kristi owns her own handmade soap business and publishes a lovely blog by the same name.  This week, Kristi is sharing a recipe for making Laundry Powder Soap.  Next week, we'll feature the second part of this tutorial, a recipe for handmade fabric softener and dryer sheets.  Thank you, Kristi, for sharing your tutorials with us! 

Natural Laundry Care Tutorial, Part 1: Laundry Powder

Making your own laundry powder from items readily found in your local supermarket is easy, cost effective, and better for you and the environment. Here’s what you need to make a 2 pound batch of laundry powder, enough for over 100 loads of laundry! 

Equipment

• Box grater
• Large bowl
• Gloves
• Scale
• Food Processor (optional)
• Dust Mask

Ingredients

• 1 pound Cold Process Soap (Many soap makers offer soap chunks or pre-grated soap, or you can make your own.)
• 8 ounces Borax
• 8 ounces Washing Soda
• 1 teaspoon Essential Oil* (optional)

Instructions
Using the smallest size shred on the box grater, shred the soap into a large mixing bowl.  Next, measure the powdered ingredients by weight and add them to the mixing bowl.  Wearing gloves, mix the powders by hand until they are thoroughly blended.  I also recommend wearing a dust mask, as the mixing process can generate a lot of excess dust.  If you like, you can add up to 1 teaspoon of essential oil to the mixture. 

*Essential Oil should not be used on or around babies and small children.  Research any essential oil you plan to include in your laundry soap beforehand, as some essential oils can aggravate certain medical conditions.  Individuals who are pregnant, have high blood pressure, suffer from seizures or other medical conditions should proceed with extra care. 

Notes

• Choosing Your Cold Process Soap The cold process soap you use for this recipe should not be superfatted.  The extra oils can create a film in your washing machine, and potentially leave oil spots on your clothing.
• Handling Essential Oils When using essential oils you should always wear gloves as they are highly concentrated.  They should not be used on skin in their undiluted state.
• Scent Suggestions I really love lavender, but in the winter months I lean toward tea tree oil or eucalyptus instead.  Citrus oils like orange and lime are also excellent choices.
• Using a Food Processor I suggest running your powder mix through a food processor to get it as fine as possible.This helps combine the ingredients and also dissolves better in your washing machine.

Usage & Packaging

• In wash water add 1 tablespoon of Laundry Powder per regular load, or 2 tablespoons of laundry powder for heavy or large loads.  
• A batch this size should yield enough Laundry Powder for more than one hundred loads of laundry!
• Handmade laundry soap does not create foam and bubbles like commercial detergents.  This makes it perfect for HE machines.  
• Because Laundry Powder is made with natural ingredients, it is safe for baby clothes too!*
• Store Laundry Powder in an airtight container, away from high heat or humidity.

Using Aromatherapy to Cope With Change

Just when you think that you've got this life all figured out, it hits you with a curve ball.  Whether you have just lost something you didn't think you could live without, or have been blessed with something that causes you to love in a way that you couldn't have previously imagined, you'll agree that the only constant in life is change.  Ready or not, life can hit you like a ton of bricks for better or worse.  Dealing with change can be one of life's heaviest stresses.  

Some of the common emotions related to big life changes can be soothed by aromatherapy.  Difficult changes such as loss, unemployment, or economic difficulty are often accompanied by grief, anxiety, and depression.  Aromaweb.com offers a great selection of essential oil blend recipes designed to deal with these particular emotions:

• Anger
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Grief
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Loneliness
• Stress Reducing

Positive changes can involve their own set of complex emotions.  Things like a new job, a new baby, or even a new home can be as stressful as they are joyful.  The following essential oil blend recipes from Aromaweb.com have been created to aid with these types of emotions.

• Anxiety
• Celebrating and Expressing Gratitude
• Confidence Enhancing
• Calming
• Energizing
• Fear Fighting
• Panic
• Self Confidence

From Nature With Love proudly carries an extensive line of high quality Essential Oils for use in aromatherapy.  You can check out our entire selection of finely crafted Essential Oils and Organic Essential Oils in our Essential Oils Section.  Remember, Natural Beauty Workshop readers can receive 5% off of their qualifying online order with the following discount code: NBWS4277

Note: Essential Oils should be used with caution with or around infants, children, nursing mothers, and those with certain health conditions such as high blood pressure, or heart disease.  Essential Oils should be researched carefully before use, as certain oils can be dangerous for certain individuals.  For more information, consult a physician or licensed aromatherapist.

*Statue photograph by Dog Madic

Making Natural Dog Shampoos & Pet Care Products

While you are whipping up handmade skin care goodies for yourself, why not take some time to treat your best friend to something special as well?  Doggies don't know it, but they can benefit greatly from going natural when it comes to their grooming.  Commercial dog shampoos and powders are often packed with artificial ingredients such as detergents and fragrances.  These ingredients can irritate sensitive skin, causing dandruff, scratching, or even hair loss.  To learn more about natural pet care, check out this article from Beauty by the Batch.

Natural ingredients, such as Carrier Oils, Essential Oils, or Vegetable Butters can be used to create Liquid Dog Shampoos, Dog Shampoo Bars, and Skin Care Serums, Salves, or Balms.  When choosing natural ingredients for pet care products make sure that the ingredients are dog safe.  Just like food, certain ingredients that are safe for humans can be extremely harmful, or even deadly to dogs.  If you are uncertain about the safety of a particular ingredient, be sure to check with your dog's veterinarian before using it.  It is especially important to keep this in mind when using Essential Oils.  Dogs can be very sensitive to these ingredients, and since their bodies are smaller, and work differently from humans, their tolerance levels can be much lower than humans.  Be sure to dilute any Essential Oils very well when adding them to a dog care product.  In case you were wondering, recipes created for dogs should NEVER be used on cats.  Dogs and cats have very different systems.  An ingredient that is safe for a dog could be deadly if used on a cat.

Carrier Oils

Sweet Almond Oil - This is a very versatile ingredient to have on hand for pet care.  It is a light, yet moisturizing oil that can be used for almost any application that calls for a Carrier Oil.  

Olive Oil - Olive Oil is highly moisturizing, and is often fed to dogs as a dietary supplement in order to increase the shine, and decrease the shedding of their coats.  It makes an excellent shampoo base either in liquid or bar form. 

Neem Oil - This pungent oil is great for dog care.  That is, if you don't mind the aroma.  Neem has healing properties that can help with hot spots, and minor skin irritations.  Due to its bitter flavor, most dogs won't try to lick Neem off after it is applied.  However, some dogs might just find it to be delicious!  You never do know.

Vegetable Butters

Cupuacu Butter - This healing, moisturizing butter from the Amazon boasts superior conditioning and restorative properties.  It has a soft, spreadable texture, and a mild, fruity aroma.  Cupuacu Butter is ideal for salves and balms, but can also be used to make solid shampoo bars and other pet products.

Kokum Butter - Kokum is a hard textured Butter often used for human foot care products.  Its ability to heal and sooth callused feet makes it ideal for paw pad ointments and cleansers.

Shea Butter - Just as in human skin and hair care, Shea Butter can be used to create a variety of formulations.  Its moisturizing properties make it a great ingredient for shampoo bars, salves, balms, or just about any formula. 

Essential Oils 

Before using any Essential Oil in a pet care recipe, double check with your vet to make sure it will be safe for your pet.  Just like people, health needs and limitations can vary from dog to dog.  These are some basic suggestions for pet care recipes, but they should always be double checked with your vet before use.

Lavender - Great for use in shampoos, Lavender has a knack for soothing minor skin irritations and itchiness.  As an added bonus, most bugs don't care for the scent of lavender.  Lavender can also be used in skin soothing balms or salves.

Chamomile - Chamomile has natural anti-inflammatory properties, making it great for shampoos meant for dogs with sensitive skin.  Chamomile can also be used in soothing rubs or balms to help alleviate mild skin irritations or itching.

Peppermint - A great natural insect repellent, Peppermint can also help increase your dog's circulation, making it a great shampoo for a dog with arthritis or sore joints. 

Niaouli - A close relative to Tea Tree, Niaouli is a little more gentle on the skin, making it a better choice for dog care.  Niaouli has strong antiseptic and antibacterial properties, making it an excellent ingredient for healing salves and balms.  Niaouli also repels insects, making it a nice addition to natural dog shampoos.

How to Make a Simple Liquid Dog Shampoo

Combine 16 ounces of Organic Liquid Castile with 10 - 20 ml of your chosen Essential Oils. (For example, try equal parts of the Essential Oils mentioned above.) Mix well and transfer to a bottle. 

How to Make a Simple Healing Balm

Combine 1 ounce of Beeswax, 1/2 ounce of Kokum Butter, and 1/2 ounce of Cupuacu Butter in a double boiler.  Heat the Butters and Wax gently until they are fully melted.  Add 1/2 ounce of Neem Oil and 1/2 ounce of Olive Oil and stir well to combine.  Remove the mixture from heat and add 1 - 5 ml of your chosen Essential Oils. (For example, try adding equal parts of the Lavender, Chamomile, and Niaouli Essential Oils.) Stir the mixture well, then carefully pour it into containers.  Allow the containers to cool completely before handling them.

The Gulf Coast Oil Spill: How You Can Help

The Deepwater Horizon disaster is expected to eclipse the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill of 1989 as the worst oil related disaster in U.S. history.  The massive oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico threatens the lives of over 400 species of animals, including whale, dolphins, and sea turtles, and an estimated 34,000+ wild birds.  The financial impact on the people of the Gulf Coast is equally distressing, as the disaster is expected to have a serious impact on the fishing, tourism, and petrolatum industries that many people of the Gulf Coast rely on.  To learn more about the impact of this disaster, follow the latest developments on CNN.

NASA's Aqua satellite flew over the oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday, May 4

If you live in the Gulf Coast area, you may be able to help with cleanup operations.  Visit the following web sites to learn how and where you can volunteer to help clean up the Gulf Coast.  

• The National Wildlife Federation (Gulf Coast)
• The National Audubon Society (Gulf Coast)
• OilSpillVolunteers.com (Gulf Coast)
• Mobile Bay National Estuary Program (Alabama)
• Mobile Bay Keeper (Alabama)
• The Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board (Louisiana - Looking for people with boats)
• Save Our Seabirds (Florida)
• Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary (Florida)

Locals in the Gulf Coast can also help by keeping alert for contaminated shorelines and injured wildlife.  Use the following numbers to report sightings:

• To report oiled wildlife, please call 1-866-557-1401
  
• To discuss oil related damage, please call 1-800-440-0858
  
• To report oiled shoreline or to  request volunteer information, please call 1-866-448-5816. (This is the BP Community Support Team Hotline, which is being used as a hub by nonprofit organizations to coordinate volunteer inquiries. Leave a message with your contact information and your questions about how to help or information on oiled shoreline.)

Those of us who are physically out of range can still help the cleanup efforts in the Gulf Coast. The following organizations are in need of a variety of items that can be collected and shipped to those who are trying to help.

• Nylons / Hair Donations of used nylons and pantyhose are being collected through MatterOfTrust.org in an effort to supply the cleanup crews with devices that absorb oil.  Organize a pantyhose drive with your friends and neighbors for an easy way to contribute to cleanup efforts.  Human and animal hairs are also used to create these devices.  Salons, Dog Groomers, and Fiber Farmers can help contribute to cleanup efforts by collecting and donating clippings and fibers for MatterOfTrust.org.  Let your favorite salon, groomer, or fiber farm know about this program, and that you would like to see them participate.  
• Linens, Kennels, Towels, Sheets, Dawn Detergent, Paper Towels, Bottled Water and Gator-Aid The Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary is the nation's largest hospital for wild birds.  The supplies listed here are needed to support their efforts.  Visit their home page for more information.
  

As always, financial donations are a simple, straightforward way to help.  You can make donations at the following websites:

• Visit The National Wildlife Federation to donate funds that will be put toward cleanup efforts.  While you are there, learn how you can speak up for clean energy laws, and how you can help to spread the word through social media through Twitter and Facebook.  
• The Greater New Orleans Foundation has set up the Gulf Coast Oil Spill Fund to help with cleanup and environmental protection efforts. The fund also hopes to provide assistance to those affected by this crisis through grants to non-profit organizations.
• Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research is collecting donations that are to be toward wildlife rehabilitation along the Gulf Coast.

Whatever way that you choose to help, you're efforts are sure to make a difference in the aftermath of this disaster.  Every little bit counts.  Whether you donate time, effort, or money, your contribution can help. 

Earth Day Turns 40!

So here we are on the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.  40 years ago, Senator Gaylord Nelson organized the first Earth Day in an effort to bring environmental issues into the political arena.  Thanks to a huge outpouring of grass roots support, the first Earth Day was a phenomenal success, and from that time on the environmental awareness across the United States began to shift.  40 years later, we find ourselves at a critical time in the world's ecological history.  It has become more important than ever to continue to speak out for the environment, and let our politicians, and world leaders know what we want.  

Visit the Earth Day Network to learn how you can speak out and make a difference, Earth Day and every day. 

Natural Fibers for Bath & Body

Flax
Flax fibers are used to create a soft, sturdy fabric known as linen.  Flax linen is one of the oldest types of fabrics, being produced for over 5000 years.  Its durable fibers are perfect for exfoliating bath accessories such as Terry Pads, Soap Bags, and Towels.

Pumice
Pumice is actually a mineral, not a fiber.  It is made from a lightweight, volcanic rock.  Pumice is most often shaped into small exfoliation tools, but can also be used in its powder form to create intensive scrubs and cleansers. 

Ramie
Ramie is a soft textile made from the flowering plant that shares its name.  Ramie has been cultivated for use in textiles since ancient times.  Ramie is even one of the three main textiles that were used in the creation of mummys in ancient Egypt.  Ramie's soft, natural fibers make it perfect for exfoliation.  When used in thin fibers, it makes excellent Bath Poufs and Scrub Balls.  When used in thicker twine, it offers more intense exfoliation, as in these Oval Wash Pads.

Hemp
Hemp is a material made from cannabis plant.  This sustainable crop has been cultivated for industrial use since about the sixteenth century.  Hemp material ranges from coarse, jute like twine to soft fabric similar to cotton.  It is ideal for use in soft bath accessories such as Sponges, Pads, and Bath Gloves.

Loofah
Loofah's are a type of vegetables from the gourd family.  While they are eaten in many countries, loofahs are primarily used in bath and skin care in the United States.  Loofahs are used whole, cut into sections, or even crushed into powder for use in scrubs and soaps.  Loofah makes excellent tools for exfoliation, and are totally natural and biodegradable.

Sisal
Sisal is a a  fiber derived from a plant in the agave family.  Its stiff, coarse texture is ideal for use in twine, jute, and rope.  Bath Accessories made with Sisal are ideal for intense exfoliation and scrubbing. Try Sisal Scrub Balls and Wash Pads for scrubbing your feet, and other rough patches of skin.

To learn more about our line of Bath Accessories at From Nature With Love,  download our Bath Accessory Catalog.

Bug Bites: Natural Prevention & Treatment

Spending time outdoors during the summer is one of my favorite things to do.  Every year I trek to the North Woods of Maine to visit with family and take a wilderness adventure in Baxter State Park. 

Sunset at Russell Pond

Ogden Cove Camp at Lobster Lake

Chimney Pond & Baxter Peak

Among others, we've made journeys to Russell Pond, Lobster Lake, and most recently, Baxter Peak.  We have trekked in the rain, the fog, and the sun, but through all of our travels one thing has been constant--the steady hum of mosquitoes.

There are several Essential Oils that can help repel mosquitoes, no-see-ums, horse and deer flies, and other pesky biting creatures.  Citronella Essential Oil is the most well known, but Basil, Catnip, Dill, Eucalyptus Citriadora, Geranium, Lemon Tea Tree, and Peppermint can also be quite effective when added to topical bug repellents.  To make a simple, homemade repellent, simply dilute the Essential Oils in a stable Carrier Oil such as Fractionated Coconut Oil or Jojoba.  Andiroba Oil also makes an excellent Carrier, as it possesses insect repellent properties of its own.

At home, Peppermint and Lavender Essential Oils can help to discourage pests from infesting the home.  A simple spray from Witch Hazel, Peppermint Essential Oil, and Polysorbate 20 can be used to ward off unwanted house guests such as ants.

Even with the best bug repellents in use, a few lucky bugs are bound to get through your barrier, and leave you with some itchy bites.  Apple Cider Vinegar is great for soothing bug bites.  Soak a small piece of paper towel or a cotton ball in Apple Cider Vinegar and hold it over the bug bite for 10-15 minutes. 

Garden Spa: Using Garden Fresh Goodies for Skin Care

Your garden is full of goodies that can be helpful not only in your kitchen, but in your home spa!  Fresh plants and vegetables are full of potent vitamins, minerals and other beneficial components that can be used to create fresh beauty treatments at home.

Lettuce
The base of salads everywhere, this inconspicuous green leafy vegetable may have the ability to help soften your skin.  Try using fresh lettuce, either shredded, or left as a full leaf, in your next fresh facial mask.  The leaves can be mixed with plain yogurt, honey, or other basic wetting ingredients to create a simple, softening facial.

Cucumber
Known for its soothing abilities, cucumber is most classically used as a de-puffing agent under the eyes.  To partake in this classic spa tradition, slice the cucumber into thin discs and place one over each eye while you relax with a fresh facial, or a cold cream mask.  Cucumbers can also be mashed or pureed to act as a wetting agent in a more complex recipe, such as a facial, scrub, or body wrap.

Marigold
Gardeners often plant marigold flowers around the edges of a garden to help ward of pests.  In skin care, marigold, or calendula, can help to relive more irritants as well.  calendula soothes and comforts dry, sensitive skin, and can help to reduce itchiness and redness when applied topically.  Try adding fresh, cleaned marigold petals to a fresh facial cleanser or mask. 

Aloe Vera
Fresh Aloe Vera is a staple in most apothecary or medicinal gardens.  The flesh and juice of the Aloe Vera can provide instant relief from the pain of sunburn, poison ivy, or other summer time irritants.  Try adding fresh Aloe Juice, or pureed Aloe flesh to facials, cleansers, or to medicinal salves.

Tomato
The acids contained in a fresh tomato are great at exfoliating skin.  Mashed or pureed tomato makes a great wetting agent for oily and acne prone facials and masks.  Another way to use tomato is to place thin slices directly on the skin.  The acids in the fresh tomato flesh can help to get red of blackheads and acne, and can help to brighten dull skin.
Berries

Carrots
Chuck full of nutritious beta carotene, carrots pack a lot of punch into their bold colored packages.  Fresh carrots make great ingredients for fresh facials and scrubs, just be careful to use them sparingly, as too much carrot juice can tint the skin temporarily.  Try pureeing or juicing fresh carrots to use them as wetting agents or exfoliants in your next fresh spa recipe.

* Tomato Photo by Piku
*Lettuce Photo by Paola Sansão

Garden Spa: Using Fresh Herbs for Beauty

A kitchen herb garden provides avid cooks with a resource for fresh aromas, flavors, and colors to incorporate in their dishes.  This same garden can also be used to incorporate beneficial actives into home spa creations.  Fresh facials, hair teas, and tonics can benefit greatly from the addition of fresh herbs.  Here are some uses for both common, and exotic garden herbs.

Basil
Basil makes an effective cleanser, and can help to tone and rejuvenate the skin.  In hair care, Basil can help eliminate scalp irritation, dandruff, and excess oil.  Try making a water based infusion with fresh basil to take advantage of its properties.  This tonic can be used as a wetting agent in facials, a fresh toner, or a hair rinse.  Fresh Basil can also be mashed and used as a cleanser.

Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm has natural astringent properties which can be helpful in the treatment of oily akin and hair.  Try steeping Lemon Balm leaves in hot water to create an herbal hair rinse, or a fresh facial toner.  This Lemon Balm infusion may also be helpful in the treatment of cold sores.

Mint
Fresh Mint leaves can be used to add a cooling, refreshing sensation to many types of home spa recipes.  The leaves can be infused into oil or water, or can be minced, mashed, or used whole.  Water that has been infused with Mint leaves can be added to hair rinses, used as a wetting agent in masks, or as a rinse for summer pedicures.  Try adding the infused oil to scrubs, cleansers, and hair conditioning treatments.  Fresh leaves can be incorporated into fresh scrubs, ubtans, and masks.

Lavender
A classic skin care ingredient, Lavender can be used a number of ways to take advantage of its antiseptic, balancing, and soothing properties.  Like Mint, Lavender is versatile, and can be infused into oil or water, can be minced, mashed, or used whole, and can also be dried for use in herbal sachets and potpourris. Try using fresh Lavender to create toners, skin tonics, hair rinses, or fresh body scrubs.

Sage
Sage is a potent cleanser with strong astringent properties.  It can be used in facial toners and hair rinses to help balance oily skin or scalps.  In hair care, Sage can also help to darken hair, making it a great choice for those with black or brunette hair who are hoping to intensify their look.

Ladies Mantle
This lesser known herb has been used historically to enhance the appearance of the bust and decolletage.  Traditionally, a tea is made from fresh or dried Ladies Mantle and applied like a toner to the neck, decolletage, and bust on a daily basis.  It is believed that the regular use of a Ladies Mantle tonic could help to increase the appearance of the skin in this area by toning and tightening the area.

Eyebright
Another uncommon herb, Eyebright contains a rich amount of Zinc, which can be helpful in repairing skin's tissue.  Eyebright is often used to create herbal facials and eye packs and is believed to help reduce puffiness, and dark circles around the eyes.  Try combining Eyebright or Eyebright tea with fresh cucumber and potato for quick under-eye treatment.

Yarrow
Easily found at most nurseries and garden shops, this lovely, flowering herb has a reputation for its soothing, comforting abilities.  Infused in oil or water, Yarrow makes a wonderful addition to sensitive skin treatments.  Try using Yarrow tea as a wetting agent in simple masks, and as a moisturizing toner.  Yarrow can also help to soothe sensitive scalps, or itchy, irritated skin.  Yarrow can sometimes cause photo-sensitivity, so take care when using Yarrow treatments during the day. 

Thyme
Thyme can be very handy when used in hair rinses and tonics due to its ability to help relieve oily scalp and dandruff.  It strong cleansing abilities also make it a good choice for oily and acne prone skin care.  Try adding Thyme to hair rinses and tonics by infusing the herb in water.