Cucumber Wash

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  Cucumbers have soothing properties, and are great for your skin.
  Photo by AdobeStock/Kenishirotie
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  In "Making Aromatherapy Creams & Lotions", Donna Maria reveals her secret formulas for creating light, nourishing creams that will revitalize your skin and promote a healthier complexion.
  Cover courtesy Storey Publishing

Cucumber Wash, with a nice light lather provided by the soapwort, is very soothing and has light exfoliating properties. This recipe makes 1 application

Ingredients

• 1 ounce dried soapwort root
• 1 tablespoon kaolin or other cosmetic
• clay of choice
• 1 tablespoon finely ground oats
• 1/2 medium-size cucumber, peeled
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• 1 tablespoon soapwort root water 1 tablespoon spent soapwort root 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions

1. Place about an ounce of dried soapwort root in a saucepan of cold water. Bring the water to a boil over low heat. Cover and simmer for about ½ hour.
2. Remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool, covered. Strain the liquid and reserve the root.
3. Mix together dry ingredients (kaolin and oats) in a bowl and set aside.
4. Pulverize the cucumber in a food processor or blender. Transfer to a second mixing bowl.
5. To the cucumber, add sour cream, soapwort root water, spent soapwort root, and honey. Stir well to mix and break up the sour cream.
6. Add dry ingredients and stir well to combine. Allow the mixture to stand for about 30 minutes, to thicken slightly before using.
7. To use, wet face and neck and wash with Cucumber Wash, using gentle, rounded strokes. Rinse with warm water, then repeat. Follow with toner and moisturizer.

More from Making Aromatherapy Creams & Lotions:

• Red Bush Gel

Excerpted from Making Aromatherapy Creams & Lotions © by Donna Maria. Used with permission from Storey Publishing.