I’ve recently been experimenting with natural diy beauty recipes from the kitchen and the garden, with ingredients that we have on hand and can mostly be eaten..
Ayurvedic medicine has slowly been filtering into my life, so I thought I’d share a simple do-it-yourself recipe that is great for all skin types and is really great in the warmer months to cool down any inflammation in the skin.
It’s simply two ingredients, fresh rose petals which are in abundance this time of year, but you could also use dried ones too. And honey, raw and unfiltered, even manuka honey would be great.
The benefits of rose are many and have been used in medicine and skincare for eons..
In Ayurvedic terms, rose is used in beauty rituals and is said to be soothing, clarifying and gives a glowing complexion(1).
Rose also has qualities to benefit our emotions and is said to be ‘heart friendly’, the rose makes our hearts happier and more stable(1), which makes sense.
In terms of western herbal medicine, rose has been used as an anti-inflammatory, so it reduces inflammation, is a heart tonic, and helps alleviate nervous tension(2). It’s great for hormones, pms and menopause(2), among other things..
Benefits of honey for skin care; Honey is soothing and hydrating for the skin and can also be used as a cleanser.
Choose raw, unheated honey when possible.
This recipe does get a little messy, when applying it, you kind of have to press the rose petals into your face and make sure you have a spare 10 minutes to lay down and relax, also side note, relaxing is actually the best beauty treatment there is!
I hope you find your skin benefits from this, apply once a week while roses are in bloom.
Rose Petal and Honey Face Pack
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Fresh Rose petals Spray free
- 1-2 tbsp Honey Raw, untreated
Instructions
- Add the rose petals and honey to a small bowl
- Mix until all the rose petals are covered and squished together a bit
- Apply to a clean washed face by pressing the mixture into your face, it doesn't apply evenly, so attempt to cover most of your face
- Lay down to relax for 10 minutes
- Rinse off with warm water
*A note on Ayurveda//
Ayurveda is often described as ‘the science of life’. I like this definition from Kate O’Donnnells book ‘The Everyday Ayurveda Guide to Self-Care‘, ”that Ayurveda describes the four aspects that when combined form what we call life: the body, the senses, the mind and the soul. Maintaining good health requires paying equal attention to each of these aspects and respecting their interdependence”.(3).
References;
- Shunya.A, ‘Ayurveda Lifestyle Wisdom, A complete prescription to Optimise your health, prevent disease and live with vitality and joy’. 2017 p149.
- Cole. B,’The Garden Apothecary, Transform Flowers, Weeds and Plants into Healing Remedies’.2022, p115.
- O’Donnell.K, ‘The Everyday Ayurveda Guide to Self-Care, Rhythms, Routines and Home Remedies for Natural Healing’. 2020 pxi.
Disclaimer; The information in this blog post is for educational purposes only, it does not intend to treat, diagnose or influence any medical decisions, please refer to your medical practitioner for appropriate advice.
*If known allergy to any of the ingredients in this recipe please avoid.
*You may also want to patch test your skin to honey and rose to see if any redness occurs, if so avoid using.
