Red Bush Gel

By Donna Maria
Published on May 29, 2018
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Made with rooibos tea, this gel is smooth and soothing.
Made with rooibos tea, this gel is smooth and soothing.
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In
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.

Making Aromatherapy Creams & Lotions (Storey Publishing, 2000) by Donna Maria guides you on how to create creams and lotions for radiant skin. Free yourself from synthetic substances, experience the pleasure of homemade lotions, and preserve and protect your skin. Made with rooibos tea, this gel is smooth and soothing. Rooibos is native to South Africa, but you can make this gel affordable by using a tea bag.

“Red bush” is the English translation of rooibos, the Afrikaans name for a native South African shrub whose leaves soothe dry, itchy skin. Because of this soothing quality, the smooth facial mask has become one of my wintertime favorites. This recipe makes 1 application.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tea bag rooibos
  • 6 teaspoons hot water (or herbal infusion and/or hydrosol)
  • 4 teaspoons vegetable glycerin
  • 1 teaspoon pectin

Instructions:

  1. Steep rooibos tea in hot water for about 20 minutes to make a strong infusion. Remove tea bag and discard.
  2. Add the glycerin to the hot tea and stir to fully incorporate.
  3. Add the pectin while the liquid is still hot, and use a handheld electric mixer to blend. Once the pectin has dissolved, a gel will begin to form. Allow about 15 minutes for it to set.
  4. To use, apply the warm gel in a layer to your clean, damp face and neck. Rest for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water, and follow with a soothing moisturizer.

More from Making Aromatherapy Creams & Lotions:


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

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