Becky Striepe
Why shuck out the big bucks for chi-chi cosmetics when you can make your own using beauty herbs from your own garden?
This post is part of Garden Week, a week-long gardening event hosted by our sister site, Crafting a Green World. We are so happy to be taking part!
Herb gardening is so gratifying, and the list below includes beauty herbs that you can grow in the ground or in pots. Whether you have a big backyard or a tiny balcony, you can get in on the gardening action! I also chose beauty herbs that are easy to keep alive, so even novice gardeners can get in on the action!
Growing Beauty Herbs
Whether you’re planting in the ground or in pots, good soil and remembering to water are the keys to success. If you’re planting in pots, choose good-quality organic potting soil. For a backyard garden, make sure to amend your soil with organic top soil or compost.
I always forget to water my plants, but I’ve found a great solution! Set calendar reminders to water, just like you would for any other appointment. This little tip has made a big difference in how well my plants do, herbs or otherwise.
5 Beauty Herbs
1. Rosemary – Brew up some rosemary tea and make your own herbal shampoo. To brew the tea, just steep fresh rosemary in hot water for around 10 minutes. Pull out the rosemary, and you’re ready to go.
2. Thyme – Try this DIY citrus-thyme body scrub.
3. Mint – Mint is probably the easiest herb to grow. It spreads like a weed, so plant your mint in a container to keep it from taking over your garden. Brew up mint tea by steeping fresh leaves in hot water for 5 minutes. Strain, and use the tea as a toner for your skin. You can also heat the mint tea back up and use it as a soothing facial steam.
4. Sage – Sage is great for oily skin. Check out this recipe for a homemade sage-rosemary astringent!
5. Basil – Basil has great detoxifying properties, and it helps soothe the skin. Try this basil and yogurt face mask to give acne the boot. If you’re vegan like I am, you can use non-dairy yogurt to make this mask.
Image Credit: Lavender photo via Shutterstock
