If your everyday routine – work, commute, cleaning, cooking, maybe even handling screaming kids – is leaving you stressed and depleted, and the cold, wet summer weather is aggravating you even more, a little at-home-spa treatment with therapeutic herbs seems to be in order! I’ve been on the herb craze for quite a while now, having discovered a lovely little independent wholefoods store in my area that stocks massive jars full of lose herbs, roots and spices – some of which I’ve never heard before! In case you don’t have a local source for lesser known herbs, try order online, or why not grow your own herbs? In the long run, you can save a lot of money! Herbs can be extremely beneficial for treating a multitude of ailments, helping you beat coughs and fevers, soothing burns or lifting headaches. Soaked herbs can not only make a wonderful tea infusion but help to relax and soothe your skin. A stressful day can leave your eyes feel dry, tired and puffy and your shoulders feeling stiff and achy. Applying some warm, fresh herbal compresses can certainly do wonders for you!
Ingredients:
For 1 large compress
- 4 tbsp. dried chamomile (soothing)
- 2 tbsp. raspberry leaves (for eye inflammations)
- 2 tbsp. witch hazel (for sore eyes)
- Warm water
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix all herbs together.
- Cut a long piece of fabric from an old or torn pair of tights or a rectangular piece of linen and fill it with the herbs.
- Secure the sachet with bits of string.
- Use the bowl to soak the compress in warm water (the temperature should be soothing, not burning your eyes) and wring out any excess water.
- Clean and dry your face. Apply the compress over the sink or a bowl, as it can still drip a little. Close your eyes and press the compress firmly on your eyelids and the area under your eyes.
- To re-heat the compress, put it back in the warm water and repeat the procedure until you feel relieved from stress, pain or tiredness.
- Dispose of the used herbs, but wash and keep the used fabric for your next treatment.
See also: DIY Aromatherapy: Hot Compress for Neck and Shoulder Pain Relief
Author: Danica Utermohlen
Picture credits: Danica Utermohlen
Disclaimer: This recipe has been edited. It was first published on 11/08/2015 for GloTIME, http://glotime.tv/soothe-away-tired-eyes-homemade-herbal-compress/
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