dIY sKINCARE rECIPES - bASIL

Aiding its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, basil helps prevent acne. Basil is also an excellent pore cleanser since it contains natural oils that help act as a natural cleanser and remove surplus oil and impurities. It also soothes and calms the skin, swelling and pain that may come with acne. Here we share a few dIY rECIPES to Try with the lovely and fragrant Basil Leaf! 

Basil Mask for Acne and Pimples:

A handful of fresh basil
1 tablespoon of honey
1 tablespoon of lemon juice (or about half of a smaller lemon squeezed)

First grind the fresh basil using either a coffee grinder or a blender. Then add the the ground basil with the honey and lemon juice in a bowl and mix until the ingredients are well melded. Apply to a clean face and allow to sit for 20 minutes. Then rinse with warm water and again with cool water and pat dry. Use 2 or 3 times a week for best results.

Anti-Aging Basil Toner for Tight, Youthful Skin

A handful of fresh basil
1 cup of water
½ teaspoon of lemon juice

Put the basil and water in a small saucepan and bring the water to a boil and leave boiling for 5 minutes. Use a mesh sieve or strainer and pour the liquid into a small jar and set aside to cool. Once cooled add the lemon juice. To use, first wash the face then dip a cotton ball into the toner and gently rub over entire face and neck. Use in the morning and at night.

Pesto Hair Cure for Dry Scalp and Hair Growth

A handful of fresh basil
2 tablespoons of olive oil (you may need more or less depending on hair length)

First grind the fresh basil using either a coffee grinder or a blender. Then add the ground basil with the olive oil in a bowl and mix until paste-like. Apply to hair and scalp and allow to sit for 30-45 minutes. Rinse with warm water and wash as usual if desired.

How to Make the Infused Oil

By steeping an herb in oil, we can extract its beneficial properties for our use in salves, balms, and other products. We’re using newly dried plant material in this recipe, since fresh plants are more likely to spoil when mixed into oil.

To dry basil, spread the leaves out in a single layer over a dish towel, paper towel, or screen and allow to air dry for several days. You can also use a dehydrator, set to low heat (around 95 to 100 degrees F) until the leaves are completely dry.

There are a few ways to infuse oil, we’ll cover a quick way, a medium way, and slower way.
The Quick Infusing Method

This method works best if you don’t have the time or desire to wait a few weeks for infused oil.

Fill a half-pint glass canning jar 1/4 to 1/2 of the way with crumbled up dried basil.
Fill the jar almost to the top with your chosen oil – olive or sunflower oil can be good for most skin types. For a slightly lighter feel, try apricot kernel or rice bran oil.
Set the uncovered jar down into a saucepan containing a few inches of water.
Place the pan over a low burner and heat for around 2 to 3 hours.
Monitor and don’t let the water evaporate.
Remove from the heat and strain out enough oil for your recipe when needed. You can top off the jar with more oil and allow it to continue infusing the slow way until needed again.
Store the remaining infused oil in a dark spot or cabinet out of direct sunlight and heat. Shelf life should be about 1+ year.

Basil First Aid Salve

This is an ultra-basic salve for minor skin irritations, inflammation, bug bites, scratches, and such. If you leave out the essential oils, you could also use it as a lip balm.

Yield: about 4 ounces of salve

Ingredients

3.5 oz (100 g) basil infused oil (abt 1/2 cup)
0.5 oz (14 g) beeswax* (abt 1 tbsp)
optional – 3 drops lavender essential oil and/or 3 drops tea tree essential oil
*Use 0.25 oz (7 g) candelilla wax instead of beeswax, if vegan.

How to Make

Combine the infused oil and beeswax in a heatproof jar or container.
Place the jar down into a saucepan with a few inches of water, forming a double boiler.
Heat over medium-low heat until completely melted.
Remove from heat and add the essential oil, if using.
Pour into a 4-ounce tin or glass jar.
Let cool before putting the top on the container.
Store in a cool dry place.
Shelf life is at least 1 year.

Cucumber + Basil Body Scrub 

Ingredients: 

2 ½ cups white sugar
1 cup chopped cucumber
3 to 4 basil leaves
⅓ cup of coconut oil

Instructions:

Wash and pat dry your cucumber. Slice lengthwise into 4 pieces and remove the seeds. Chop remaining cucumber and put 1 cup into the food processor.
Add the white sugar, coconut oil and basil into the food processor.
Turn the food processor on and puree til smooth

TO USE: Apply to wet skin, scrub lightly, rinse with warm water.

Lavender + Basil Body Scrub 

Ingredients: 

2 ½ cups white sugar
1 tbsp Lavender Essential Oil
3 to 4 Dried basil leaves
⅓ cup of coconut oil

Instructions:

Wash and pat dry your cucumber. Slice lengthwise into 4 pieces and remove the seeds. Chop remaining cucumber and put 1 cup into the food processor.
Add the white sugar, coconut oil and basil into the food processor.
Turn the food processor on and puree til smooth

TO USE: Apply to wet skin, scrub lightly, rinse with warm water.

← Previous Post Next Post →