People from a planet without flowers would think we must be mad with joy the whole time to have such things about us. – Iris Murdoch

Yarrow – For Beautiful Skin  Yarrow is a wonderful herb with many uses, and it’s so easy to grow.  Just check out your local garden center for the seeds.  In this issue you will find some simple skin and hair care products you can make at home from yarrow.

Cleanser For Oily Skin:

Place a tablespoon of yarrow in a bowl and fill the bowl half full with boiling water. Lean over the bowl, and cover your head with a towel so that no steam escapes. You should be 12-18 inches from the water. After steaming, splash your face with cool water and pat dry.

For added benefit, you could add one or more of the following herbs:

Stimulating Herbs: Rosemary, Sage, Mint
Healing Herbs: Comfrey, Thyme
Soothing Herbs: Lavender, Chamomile

Yarrow and Chamomile Compress:

1 teaspoon of dried yarrow flowers
1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers
1 cup of boiling water

Pour the boiling water over the herbs and steep for 20 minutes. Strain out the herbs and discard. Cool the liquid to a comfortable temperature. Dip a tea towel into the liquid and squeeze out the excess.

Rinse your face in lukewarm water. Place the towel over your face and relax for 15-20 minutes. Pat your face dry. If you want to apply a moisturizer afterwards, choose one that doesn’t contain alcohol.

Tip: You can also use this compress to soothe rough, red, or cracked hands.  If your hands are dry, coat with almond oil before applying compress.