If you’re anything like me, you make yourself a soothing cup of tea, pour it into your favorite mug, inhale the calming aroma of rich herbs…
And then forget about the whole thing about two sips in. (I get distracted about as easily as Dug from the movie Up.) By the time I remember, the tea is cold and…well…I’m over it.
Seriously – is anyone else’s home filled with half-drank (drunk?) cups, mugs and glasses? Sad sight.
Fortunately, my bad tea habits have actually served me well in other areas of my life. Now, instead of wasting those half-cups, I just split my tea up right from the beginning: half goes to my belly, and the other half on my skin!
Now, this doesn’t work with all teas – but certain types, like this one from Traditional Medicinals with chamomile, lavender and lemon balm – are not just calming to the mind. They’re also calming to the skin! Here’s why:
- Chamomile is known for its calming properties.
- Lavender is an anti-inflammatory herb used traditionally both internally and externally to soothe and heal.
- Lemon Balm helps soothe skin irritations and mental stress, and is mildly anti-viral.
Simply pour a smidge of cooled tea in to an amber glass bottle, like the one above, which helps protect the contents from light. Optional: add a few teaspoons of aloe juice (I like this preservative-free brand) and spray on skin as often as you’d like. (You can even use the cooled tea bag as a soothing compress!)
I use toners after cleansing, and whenever my skin feels a little…angry. (Often towards the end of a grueling day.)
Another potential skin-toning addition for those wanting to improve skin texture and clarity: a dash (around 1/4 tsp, or more if the skin tolerates it well) of unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar. Apple Cider Vinegar not only helps balance skin’s pH, enabling a balanced bacterial environment, but the naturally-occurring Alpha Hydroxy Acids in unfiltered ACV can also help reduce the appearance of scars over time (this is extra-helpful for those of us using a natural approach with old acne scars).
I use Bragg’s, which is available both online and at most grocery stores. Look for this label:
Another benefit to making small batches of this skin-loving toner: herbs can, over time, lose potency. Store small batches in the refrigerator, and you’ll use them up long before their expiration date! Adding Apple Cider Vinegar can also help preserve herbs (think homemade herb-infused vinegar).
Enjoy !
