Herbs for Facial Steaming

     Herbal facial steaming loosens debris, softens skin and unclogs pores, releasing toxins and impurities.  Steaming hydrates by adding moisture, increases circulation and relieves tension.  Your skin will look more vibrant and alive, naturally.

     When I buy herbs, I always purchase Certified Organic, but I also use a lot of herbs from my garden that are grown without the use of chemicals, insecticides and pesticides.

     Following are suggestions for various blends, feel free to adjust, eliminate, or add your favorite herbs, the combinations are endless.   I don’t really measure, basically, I use a pinch of each herb, some more than others.  

Acne Blend

Dandelion Root, Comfrey Root, Licorice Root and White Willow Bark.

Astringent Blend

Comfrey Root, Sage Leaf, Stinging Nettle Leaf, Yarrow flower and Lemongrass. 

Dry Skin Blend 

Linden Leaf, Peppermint Leaf, Comfrey Root, Chamomile flower and Red Rose Petals & Buds. 

Eczema Blend 

Violet Leaf & Flowers, Comfrey Root, White Willow Bark and Lemongrass.

Oily Skin Blend

Yarrow flower, Peppermint Leaf, Lemongrass, Witch Hazel Leaf and Red Rose Petals & Buds.

Toning Blend

Thyme Leaf, Lavender Flower, Yarrow Flower, Peppermint Leaf, Chamomile flower.

Preparing a Facial Steam Tea

     Cover your hair with a cap or turban or tie it back and gently cleanse your face, leaving it moist.

     Select your facial steam bowl, pot or basin, one that has a wide opening.

     Bring one quart of water to a boil and either pour this water into another bowl or bring the pot to the table being sure to insert a heat resistant item beneath it. 

     Add the herbs to the steam bowl, either losley, secured in a piece of cheesecloth, muslin or contained in a teaball.  Let this steep for about three to five minutes.

     Sit in a chair and carefully lean over the tea steam leaving about ten inches between the water and your face.  Drape a towel over your head making a tent.  If the steam is too hot for your skin, simply back away further and/or remove the towel.  Close your eyes and steam for approximately ten minutes, turning your face back and forth. 

     Follow your steam with a cool to warm water rinse and gently pat skin dry.

Pennie Mills is a handmade jewelry designer, candle maker, aromatherapy, all natural health & skincare enthusiast, massage therapist, scrapper, easy sewing seamstress and crafter of all things beautiful!  She sells her handmade gemstone jewelry, soy candles and atmosphere sprays on her website,  Ladies Blend design studio and writes about all topics of interest at the Ladies Blend blog.