Making homemade beauty products is a great way to combine your love for natural ingredients and beauty. But have you ever considered growing your own beauty garden? All you need is a little space, time and will to learn! Let’s see 4 plants and herbs that are easy to grow and ideal for homemade beauty products!
Aloe Vera
Properties
Aloe Vera is a plant rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It has antimicrobial, antioxidant and therapeutic properties. It deeply moisturizes the skin and hair, it offers anti-aging benefits, and it reduces swelling and irritations and helps in the treatment of dermatological problems, such as eczema and psoriasis. It is ideal for wound healing and soothes burns effectively.
How to use
The most easy and common way to use Aloe Vera for your beauty is to directly apply it on your skin. Use a knife to cut a leaf and place it on a flat surface. Then cut its edges and remove the top layer. Use a spoon and scoop out the gel. Store it in a glass jar in your fridge. Apply on your skin and let it fully absorb.
How to grow
It is recommended to plant your aloe during springtime. Select a wide container and make sure it has a drainage hole to allow the soil to dry thoroughly. Use cactus soil and don’t water too frequently because too much water will cause rot. One watering every 2 weeks should be enough. Place the container in a bright place but avoid direct sunlight. During wintertime, protect your plant from low temperatures.
Our favorite product with Aloe Vera:
7elements - Organic Aloe Vera Oil
Chamomile
Properties
Chamomile has many therapeutic properties, known since antiquity. It is ideal for sensitive and damaged skin. It is soothing and healing and has antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties. It is used to sooth itchiness, reduce inflammation and swelling, calm irritated skin and is also suitable for babies.
How to use
If you suffer from tired eyes or experience itchy eyes, you can use chamomile bags or compresses. Add 2 tbsp chamomile flowers in 200 ml water and boil for 5 minutes. Put the mixture in the fridge for 15 minutes. Soak a towel or two reusable cotton pads in and apply on your eyes for 15 minutes.
How to grow
Chamomile is best planted in the spring and needs a lot of sun. Use well-drained sandy soil and water 2 times a month. Fertilizer is not needed. Harvest chamomile during summer and dry it with a food dehydrator. Alternatively, lay the chamomile flowers on a clean surface inside a dry, well-ventilated area. Store chamomile in a glass jar.
Our favorite product with chamomile:
LN Handmade Soaps - The Chamomile Soap
Mint
Properties
Mint has a lot of health benefits and is known for its antiseptic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is an ingredient widely used in beauty products but it is also ideal for homemade beauty products. It fights acne, itchiness and bad breath, it refreshes and relaxes heavy legs, and it improves blood circulation and sooths burns and irritations.
How to use
To relax heavy legs, massage them with mint oil. To make mint oil, follow this procedure: cut the mint leaves (approx. 3-4 tbsp.), wash well and let them naturally air dry. Squeeze the leaves by hand to allow them release their natural oils and put them in a glass jar. Add your favorite carrier oil (coconut oil and almond oil are ideal) until you cover the leaves, seal the jar, shake well and let it sit for 2 days. Strain the mixture and store your oil for 3 months.
How to grow
Mint needs a lot of sunlight and during wintertime you need to protect it from harsh weather. During summer, water it every other day and in the rest of the year, once a week should be enough. Mint doesn’t need a fertilizer and you can use standard potting soil. You can cut fresh leaves all year round but you can also dry them. Harvest during summertime and hang inside a dry, well-ventilated area. Store in glass jars.
Our favorite product with mint:
Bioselect - Relaxing Foot Care Cream
Sage
Properties
Sage has beneficial properties for skin and hair. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamin A, it boosts cell renewal and enhances skin regeneration. It is a herb, ideal for oily skin, as it regulates sebum production, prevents acne and deeply cleanses the skin’s pores. It improves blood circulation and reduces cellulite. It effectively fights dandruff, strengthens the hair and reduces oiliness.
How to use
Sage leaves are ideal for face steam. Put some water into a pot and bring it to the boil. When the water begins to boil, add the sage leaves and let it boil for another 2 minutes. Remove the pot and carefully pour the water into a bowl. Grab a towel and wear your hair in a bun. Place the bowl in a table and the towel over your head and hold your face above the water for 10 minutes.
Face steam cleans the pores, prevents acne, hydrates the skin, stimulates blood circulation, and prepares your skin to better absorb the beauty products you will apply next. Plus, steam inhalation soothes and opens the nasal passages.
If you want to learn more about face steam, read this article from our blog:
How to grow
Sage is a low-maintenance herb and does well in pots. Use well-drained soil and place the pot in a sunny spot. Water infrequently and only if the soil is dry. Too much water may cause rot. Remove its flowers to encourage leaf growth and prune sage in the springtime.
Our favorite product with sage:
Kalliope's - Herbal Oil for Hair Growth
