Herbal Sprays & Splashes for Summer

Skin sprays, Splashes and Fresheners are an important part of your healthy skin care regime. They are super simple to make – if you can make a cup of herbal tea you can create these products! Use these recipes after bathing to help close pores and lock in moisture. What makes a product a “Spray” or a “Splash” is really the way it is applied to your body. Poured into clean bottles and then splashed or sprayed on the skin is a matter of personal preference. Many people enjoy splashes after bathing and sprays are an easy and quick pick me up throughout the day! They are also great way to soothe sun or wind burned skin. Here are some favorite recipes to try at home:

Chamomile Skin Freshener

Chamomile flowers are a popular ingredient in today’s skin care products, because they are so soothing to your skin and help stop dehydration. You can use chamomile tea bags, fresh or dried flowers to make this recipe. Tuck this freshener into your gym bag or purse to use throughout the day as a quick and easy pick-me up!

Ingredients:

1 tablespoons dried chamomile flowers, or 2 tablespoons fresh flowers, or 2 tea bags

1 cup boiling water

Directions:

Pour the boiling water over the tea bags in a ceramic bowl and allow to steep for several hours, until the mixture has cooled completely.

To use: splash or spray onto clean skin

Yield: 8 ounces

Lavender Beauty Water

This recipe is from an old book of formulas from the 1900s – it is described as giving your skin “extraordinary” beauty and the calming herbal scent is quite relaxing. This recipe can be used in the evening before going to sleep. The scent is naturally relaxing and calming. Place a small vase of fresh lavender flowers next to your bed for sweet dreams.

Ingredients:

1-teaspoon honey

2 drops essential oil of lavender

2 drops essential oil of thyme

1 cup distilled water

1-tablespoon witch hazel

Directions:

Mix together all ingredients and stir well. Pour into a clean container. To use: Splash or spray onto clean skin.

Yield: 8 ounces

Chervil Mint Splash

The scent of fresh chervil or “sweet fern” is believed to give one a feeling of well-being. It is also believed to help reduce the signs of aging, fine lines, and wrinkles because it is naturally moisturizing keeping your skin soft and supple.

Ingredients:

1 /4 cup fresh chervil leaves (or 2 tablespoons dried)

1 /4 cup fresh mint leaves (or 2 tablespoons dried)

1 cup boiling water

1 /4 cup rosewater

Directions:

Place the chervil and mint leaves in a glass or ceramic bowl and pour the boiling water over them. When cool strain the mixture and stir in the rosewater. Pour the mixture into a clean container. To use: Splash (or spray) on clean skin.

Yield: 8 ounces

Summer Spritzer

The fresh scent of this spray is perfect for summer. Cucumber is naturally refreshing and calming to your skin. This recipe is also an excellent treatment for sunburned skin, spray on tender skin to reduce redness and inflammation. Because this recipe uses fresh cucumber you will need to store it in your refrigerator.

Ingredients:

1 /2 fresh cucumber with peel, chopped (approximately 1 /2 cup)

1 /2 cup distilled water

2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)

Directions:

In a blender or food processor blend together all ingredients until liquefied. Strain out all solids and pour remaining liquid into a clean container. To use spray on your skin.

Yield: 6 ounces

Anise Seed Splash

Anise is an annual herb that resembles Queen Anne’s lace. It thrives in sunny, hot climates. Anise seeds, like fennel, have a mild licorice scent and flavor. You may also substitute fennel seeds for the anise in this recipe if you would like.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon dried anise seeds

1 cup boiling water

1 /4 cup witch hazel

Directions:

In a ceramic or glass container, pour the boiling water over the anise seed and allow them to steep until cool. Strain and discard seeds. Stir in the witch hazel and pour the mixture into a clean container. To use splash (or spray) onto clean skin.

Yield: 8 ounces

Garden Cologne

In the summer you can walk among the herbs in your garden and gather all the ingredients you need for your own custom scented colognes. If you do not have fresh herbs or flowers growing in your yard, not to worry, this is the season when farmer’s markets and natural food stores are full of them. This is a basic recipe; feel free to experiment with your favorite herbal blends.

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons fresh rose petals

1-teaspoon fresh citrus peel (orange, lemon, or lime)

1-teaspoon fresh basil

1-teaspoon fresh rosemary

1-teaspoon fresh mint

1 /4 cup witch hazel or vodka

Directions:

Mix together all ingredients in a glass or ceramic container and cover with a lid or plastic wrap. Place in a cool, dark place and let sit for 1 week. Strain off all solids and pour your cologne into a clean container. To use: Spray on skin

Yield: 2 ounces

For more recipes and ideas - check out my garden beauty books! You are beautiful, xoxo Janice