The Science of Life and Tea

For those of you who love to spend an occasional evening pampering yourself, give this a try. French clay powder can be bought in bulk online or if you're lucky you can buy it at a local natural foods store. It's fairly inexpensive when bought at a local store if you can weigh your own. I like to add lavender for it's calming effects, it is also an antiseptic and can benefit acne prone skin. Echinacea is also an herb I like to use for acne. I have tried using it alone as a facial toner once in the morning and once at night to see how my skin would react. I made an herbal infusion (tea) out of it and applied it to problem areas, after a week of use I did not notice any irritation or an increase in acne (this is with the Simple Echinacea Toner). It made my skin feel refreshed and helped calm acne flairs.

Echinacea is a good source of vitamins and minerals, some including vitamins A, B-Complex, B3, C and E among others. The polyphenols in Echinacea also protect the skin from oxidative damage from the sun and the antioxidants prevent cellular decay (Zak). In 2006 the German government approved the use of Echinacea for the treatment of minor skin wounds, and various other studies have shown Echinacea to be effective in treating a variety of skin disorders.

The yogurt in this recipe is optional, I have added it with and without and didn't notice any difference. The recipe will make enough for about 4 applications and can be kept in the fridge for a few days. More or less clay or infusion may be added for the right consistency.

Note: Be careful the clay will stain your clothes and washcloth. It will not stain your skin. French green clay may also be used. 

Simple Echinacea Facial Toner:
Add about 2 Tsp. dried Echinacea (purpurea, angustifolia, pallida) or 2 tea bags of pure herb to a cup water and boil. Let steep for a few minutes till it gets brownish in color. Let cool in the fridge and apply to face with a cotton ball. Store in fridge, make fresh toner every three days. 


http://www.skincare-news.com/n-2930-Germany_Approves_Echinacea_as_Skin_Care_Treatment.aspx

(20,000 Secrets of Tea: The Most Effective Ways to Benefit from Nature's Healing Herbs- Victoria Zak)