Healing the Void: From CEN to Wholeness, A Psychological and Seasonal Journey

Category: Homemade natural skincare

  • DIY Herbal Face Toner for Every Skin Type + 7 recipes

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    Homemade face toner

    Creating your own herbal face toner is a simple, natural way to care for your skin while avoiding harsh chemicals. Herbal toners can balance pH, hydrate, reduce inflammation, and improve skin texture. This guide will walk you through the benefits of DIY herbal toners, how to choose the right ingredients for your skin type, and provide multiple recipes tailored to different skin needs—all backed by research.

    Why Use a DIY Herbal Face Toner?

    Many commercial toners contain alcohol, synthetic fragrances, and preservatives that can irritate the skin. DIY herbal toners, on the other hand, use natural plant-based ingredients that nourish and support skin health.

    Scientific Benefits of Herbal Face Toners

    • Balances Skin pH: Healthy skin has a slightly acidic pH (around 5.5), which helps prevent bacterial growth. Research indicates that many commercial toners with alcohol or alkaline ingredients can disrupt this balance, leading to irritation and breakouts (Lambers et al., 2006).
    • Hydrates and Refreshes: Studies show that plant-based hydrosols like rosewater provide deep hydration and improve skin elasticity (Pan et al., 2014).
    • Soothes Inflammation: Chamomile and calendula have anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, making them excellent for sensitive skin (Srivastava et al., 2010).
    • Controls Oil Production: Witch hazel and green tea contain natural astringents that help regulate sebum production and reduce acne (Mukherjee et al., 2013).
    • Antioxidant Protection: Hibiscus and green tea are rich in polyphenols that protect against free radical damage and promote collagen production (Zhao et al., 2016).

    Choosing the Right Ingredients for Your Skin Type

    Different skin types benefit from different herbs, hydrosols, and natural ingredients.

    For Oily/Acne-Prone Skin:

    • Witch hazel (astringent, antibacterial)
    • Green tea (anti-inflammatory, oil-balancing)
    • Apple cider vinegar (exfoliating, pH-balancing)
    • Tea tree oil (antimicrobial, proven to reduce acne) (Enshaieh et al., 2007)

    For Dry/Sensitive Skin:

    • Rosewater (hydrating, anti-inflammatory)
    • Aloe vera (soothing, cooling, wound-healing) (Surjushe et al., 2008)
    • Chamomile (calming, anti-redness)
    • Cucumber (hydrating, refreshing)

    For Mature/Aging Skin:

    • Hibiscus (rich in vitamin C, promotes collagen production)
    • Rosehip oil (antioxidant, deeply nourishing)
    • Green tea (protects against aging)
    • Frankincense essential oil (tightening, rejuvenating)

    For Dull/Tired Skin:

    • Rice water (brightening, softening)
    • Lemon juice (gentle exfoliation)
    • Ylang-ylang essential oil (balancing, radiance-boosting)
    • Calendula (restorative, soothing)

    DIY Herbal Face Toner Recipes

    1. Simple Herbal Infusion Toner (All Skin Types)

    A gentle toner that hydrates and balances the skin.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 cup distilled water
    • 2 tbsp dried chamomile, rose, or green tea
    • 1 tbsp witch hazel (optional, for oily skin)
    • 5 drops lavender or rose essential oil

    Instructions:

    1. Boil water and pour over the dried herbs in a heatproof jar.
    2. Let steep for 15-20 minutes, then strain.
    3. Add witch hazel and essential oils after the infusion cools.
    4. Store in the fridge for up to 10 days.

    2. Apple Cider Vinegar & Witch Hazel Toner (Oily/Acne-Prone Skin)

    Ingredients:

    • ½ cup witch hazel
    • ¼ cup raw apple cider vinegar
    • ¼ cup green tea
    • 1 tbsp dried rosemary or thyme
    • 5 drops tea tree essential oil

    3. Aloe & Rosewater Hydrating Toner (Dry/Sensitive Skin)

    Ingredients:

    • ½ cup pure rosewater
    • ¼ cup aloe vera gel
    • ¼ cup cucumber hydrosol
    • 5 drops chamomile essential oil

    4. Hibiscus & Green Tea Antioxidant Toner (Mature/Aging Skin)

    Ingredients:

    • 1 cup brewed green tea (cooled)
    • 1 tbsp dried hibiscus flowers
    • 1 tbsp rosehip oil
    • 5 drops frankincense essential oil

    5. Brightening Rice Water & Lemon Toner (Dull Skin)

    Ingredients:

    • ½ cup fermented rice water
    • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
    • 5 drops ylang-ylang essential oil

    6. Soothing Calendula & Lavender Toner (Sensitive/Inflamed Skin)

    Ingredients:

    • 1 cup calendula tea (cooled)
    • 5 drops lavender essential oil
    • 1 tsp vegetable glycerin

    7. Cucumber & Mint Cooling Toner (Summer Refreshment)

    Ingredients:

    • ½ cup cucumber hydrosol
    • ¼ cup mint tea
    • 1 tbsp aloe vera gel

    Q&A: Common Questions About DIY Face Toners

    How often should I use a toner?

    Use morning and night after cleansing.

    How do I store my homemade toner?

    Refrigeration extends shelf life. Always store in a glass bottle.

    Can I use essential oils?

    Yes, but always dilute properly and avoid if pregnant.

    Final Thoughts

    Making your own herbal face toner is a rewarding way to care for your skin naturally. By choosing ingredients based on your skin type, you can create a personalized skincare routine that is both effective and nourishing.

    Want More DIY Skincare?

    Check out my other skincare recipes for more natural ways to care for your skin!

    References

    • Enshaieh, S., et al. (2007). The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Complementary Therapies in Medicine.
    • Lambers, H., et al. (2006). Natural skin surface pH is on average below 5, which is beneficial for its resident flora. International Journal of Cosmetic Science.
    • Mukherjee, S., et al. (2013). Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Journal of Dermatological Science.
    • Srivastava, J. K., et al. (2010). Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Molecular Medicine Reports.

  • Foraging Chervil Through the Seasons: Recipes for Food, Medicine, and Beauty

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    Chervil recipes for food, medicine and beauty

    There is a quiet magic in foraging—an ancient rhythm that ties us to the land. Chervil, with its feathery green leaves and delicate anise-like aroma, emerges in the cool embrace of early spring and lingers into autumn. Once cherished by the ancients for its medicinal and culinary virtues, it now waits, unnoticed, in meadows and woodland edges.

    Gather it gently, honoring the earth’s generosity, and let it weave its quiet strength into your kitchen and apothecary.

    Food recipes with Foraged Chervil

    Chervil and Spring Pea Soup
    A light yet nourishing soup that captures the essence of spring.
    Ingredients:

    • 2 cups fresh green peas
    • 3 cups vegetable broth
    • 1 small onion, chopped
    • 2 tbsp butter
    • ½ cup fresh chervil leaves, chopped
    • Salt and pepper to taste
      Instructions:
      Sauté the onion in butter until translucent. Add peas and broth, simmer for 10 minutes. Blend until smooth, stir in chervil, season, and serve warm.

    Wild Herb Butter with Chervil
    Perfect for spreading on sourdough or melting over roasted vegetables.
    Ingredients:

    • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
    • ¼ cup finely chopped chervil
    • 1 tsp lemon zest
    • ½ tsp sea salt
      Instructions:
      Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Shape into a log using parchment paper, refrigerate for an hour, then slice as needed.

    Check out my Spring Foraging Guide for more ideas on how to incorporate wild plants into your meals!

    Chervil as Medicine: Herbal Remedies for Balance

    Chervil and Honey Cough Syrup
    A soothing remedy for lingering coughs.
    Ingredients:

    • 1 cup fresh chervil leaves
    • 1 cup raw honey
    • ½ lemon, juiced
      Instructions:
      Gently heat honey until warm (not boiling). Stir in chopped chervil and lemon juice. Let infuse for 24 hours, then strain. Take a teaspoon as needed for cough relief.

    Chervil-Infused Vinegar for Digestion
    A simple tonic to support gut health.
    Ingredients:

    • 1 cup fresh chervil
    • 2 cups apple cider vinegar
      Instructions:
      Place chervil in a glass jar, cover with vinegar, and let steep for 2 weeks. Strain and use a teaspoon in water before meals to aid digestion.

    Chervil in Skincare: Wild Beauty Rituals

    Chervil and Oat Face Mask
    A gentle, calming mask for sensitive skin.
    Ingredients:

    • 2 tbsp fresh chervil, finely chopped
    • 2 tbsp ground oats
    • 1 tbsp honey
    • 1-2 tbsp warm water
      Instructions:
      Mix ingredients into a smooth paste. Apply to clean skin, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

    Chervil Hair Rinse for Strength and Shine
    A nourishing infusion for healthy hair.
    Ingredients:

    • ½ cup fresh chervil
    • 2 cups boiling water
      Instructions:
      Steep chervil in hot water for 30 minutes, strain, and use as a final rinse after shampooing.

    Beyond These Recipes: Other Ways to Use Chervil

    The possibilities are endless. Try blending fresh chervil into pesto (recipe here), infusing oil for salads, or adding it to herbal teas. Create a cooling chervil foot soak for summer evenings, or stir its essence into a homemade face cream. Dry it for winter, so its delicate power lingers long after the seasons have shifted.

    Foraging Chervil: Questions You May Have

    1. How can I be sure I’ve found chervil?

    Chervil has delicate, feathery leaves and a light anise-like scent when crushed. It can resemble other plants, including some toxic ones, so take your time. Check for its finely divided leaves and subtle fragrance. If you’re unsure, compare it with a trusted guide or expert before using it.

    2. When is the best time to forage chervil?

    Chervil thrives in the cooler months of early spring and late summer. This is when its leaves are at their most vibrant and flavorful. Once it flowers, the taste fades, so it’s best harvested before then.

    3. What’s the best way to store fresh chervil?

    Chervil wilts quickly, but you can keep it fresh for a short time by wrapping it in a damp cloth in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze it in olive oil or blend it into herb butter. Drying is an option, though it loses some of its delicate flavor.

    Bringing Chervil Into Your Kitchen

    Chervil is best enjoyed fresh—stirred into soups, sprinkled over roasted vegetables, or mixed into soft cheese. Its gentle flavor doesn’t demand attention but adds a quiet depth to dishes.

    Have you ever foraged chervil? Share your favorite ways to use it in the comments! And if this post was helpful, feel free to pass it along to fellow foragers and nature lovers.

    For those who want to delve deeper, my Wild Library holds a comprehensive guide to chervil, featuring 30 recipes with leaves and 7 with roots and seeds—from wild soups and infused oils to elixirs and botanical balms.

    Let the rhythm of the wild guide your hands. Nature has so much to offer—we need only to listen.