Would you like to have dewy, flawless fair skin that seems as clear and luminous as glass? Try our Do-It-Yourself (DIY) herbal face mask for your weekly facial routine. Here are 8 herbal face masks you can make from the comfort of your home!
avocado
This flavourful herb isn't only great for adding fragrance to your grilled chicken - its anti-inflammatory properties also work wonders in clearing up your skin. Rosemary also contains plenty of iron, calcium and phytonutrients, and together, they help to protect the skin from sun damage. When coupled with moisturising avocado, this mask will instantly moisturise your skin and leave it glowing.
Ingredients:
Half an avocado
2 tablespoons rosemary leaves
Directions
The anti-inflammatory properties of lavender can help to fight the bacteria that causes acne, soothing the skin and reducing the risk of inflammation. Oatmeal, on the other hand, removes dirt and exfoliates dead skin away, leaving our complexion clear and glowing.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers
1 tablespoon rolled oats
Directions:
Your favourite cup of tea to sip can actually work miracles for your skin - chamomile is packed with antioxidants, which helps to reduce signs of aging. Vitamin C and E found in bananas promotes clear and glowing skin. Glass skin? Here we come!
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon chamomile flowers
1 smashed banana
Directions:
Not sure where to get organic chamomile flowers? Check out Nilufer Tea's lemon and chamomile tea, which are packed with chamomile flowers and lemon slices.
With all the rage surrounding peel-off masks lately, alginate face masks are the next big thing. Alginate are natural polysaccharides extracted from seaweed, and helps to tighten skin and reduce the appearance of pores. It also intensely hydrates the face, giving a tremendous improvement to the skin to make it youthful, fresh and glowing.
Ingredients:
Sodium alginate powder (can be purchased online)
Warm water
Directions:
Transport yourself to a mini-spa with this detoxifying face mask. Turmeric works wonders in lightening blemishes or freckles, and the charcoal helps to draw out toxins from the skin, leaving your face feeling fresh.
Ingredients:
1/2 teaspoon organic plain yogurt
1/2 teaspoon activated charcoal
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
Directions:
Roses help to fight skin dullness, which comes in handy given the amount of pollution we are exposed to today. Besides helping to brighten skin, roses also help to trap moisture in your skin, making it radiant and youthful.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon fresh yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh cream
1 tablespoon rose paste
Directions:
With these 8 herbal DIY face masks, not only will you save a ton of money, you can rest assured that all these ingredients are chemical and paraben-free. Best of all, they can be done from the comfort of your own home, while you are relaxing in bed or watching the television. Go forth and bless your skin with these 8 masks!
7. Chamomile and Heather Face mask (Brightening)
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Sometimes, after a long bustling day, all I want to do is lie in my favourite recliner chair, sip a cuppa warm soothing tea, and close my eyes to slow jazz music. No phones, no emails, no running back and forth doing errands – just me and my tea to dissipate the knotted tension in my head or body.
I’ve only started incorporating tea into my daily routine about a year ago, usually just before bedtime, or as a replacement for coffee at work, and I wonder why I didn’t discover the magic in tea earlier. There’s just something about its calming fragrance that has a relaxing effect on your body. If you’re in desperate need of a really good sleep, or if you’re just interested to know how to unwind and relax at the end of the day, here are 8 herbs to do the trick (and it doesn’t always have to used in tea!).
Everyone knows lavenders are beautiful, they smell amazing, and they’re great for relaxation for the soul. Insomnia, agitation, restlessness – lavenders are the perfect remedy to them all. This fragrant herb has the ability to slow down your body’s nervous activity (literally forcing you to relax – something we busy city dwellers need in our lives now and then), promoting better quality of sleep and relaxation. It’s commonly found in essential oils and used in massages or baths. However, lavender can definitely be drunk as teas as well. A lovely-smelling floral tea that is organic and herbal before bedtime for a well-rested night – who could ask for more?
Arguably the first tea that comes to mind when you think of relaxation, Chamomile lives up to its reputation as a wonderfully calming herb for both adults and children alike. For the little ones, add a tinge of honey to chamomile tea and tuck them in for a good night’s rest. Like lavenders, chamomile oil can be added to bath water, or used in aromatherapy, as well to soothe those exhausted and overworked nerves of yours. The relaxing effects of chamomile can be attributed to this compound, by the name of apigenin, which binds to the brain’s neurotransmitter to induce relaxation. This sweet and fragrant night time drink is definitely a must-try for everyone, whether you’re struggling with sleep or not.
Nilufer Tea's Lemon & Chamomile tea contains pesticide-free chamomile and lemon pieces that helps you to sleep better and deeper. It will calm your soul and put your mind into a greater state of ease.
When it comes to relaxation herbs, peppermint is pretty much unheard of. In fact, it’s probably better known to stimulate and perk you up, or used in your toothpaste for a refreshing morning wake-me-up when you brush your teeth. While it doesn’t directly induce snoozing, peppermint preps your body up such that it might improve your sleep quality at night. Not only does it open up your airways for better airflow and oxygenation at night in your sleep, this refreshing herb relaxes your intestines and muscles, to minimize overactivity and tension in your body that prevents you from dozing off. If you’re one of those who absolutely loves feeling clean and fresh before bed, peppermint would be your perfect night time drink to help you sleep better.
If you’re the kind of sleeper who has their snooze interrupted every 2 to 3 hours, passionflower is the remedy to your restless nights and sleeping problems. Free from side effects and known for being a great sedative, passionflower is also perfect and safe for children to consume in large doses frequently. One hour before your bedtime, try it with some tea or take 30 to 60 drops of passionflower tincture, and you’re on your way to your most calming and peaceful rest in a long while. This little powerhouse of a herb is also said to quell anxiety and reduce blood pressure. If you’re not much of a risk-taker when it comes to food and remedies, you should consider this safe-to-consume herb to help resolve your sleeping woes.
Disclaimer: If you’re currently taking a Monoamine Oxidase inhibitor or other antidepressants, you’re strongly encouraged not to take this herb.
Generally used as a mood lifter as well as to soothe your nerves, Lemon Balm improves the quality of your sleep by helping to improve your mental health through relaxation. It can be used both in aromatherapy as well as in drinking teas. However, be careful of overdosing – above 1800 mg a dose and it might backfire, increasing your anxiety levels. You should be working towards a mild and calming tea: for every 240ml, add about 8 tablespoons of fresh balm or 2 tablespoons of dried balm. To top it off, add a lil’ bit of honey, steep for 5 minutes, and strain. It’s best taken half an hour before your bedtime!
Harnessing the power of herbs and flowers can feel a little like magic. My grandma used to have a little herb garden and not only did she cook with the plants she grew herself, but whenever I went to her with complaints about a wound, an aching stomach or being unable to sleep, she’ll nod her head sagely, go out into the garden and pluck a something that will make me feel better. Drinking whatever she gave me felt like a healing potion that only she could make. She used to tell me the juice of this plant could help with wounds or that the leaves of another were good at keeping the common flu at bay. Obviously living in the city has greatly diminished my hopes for my own extensive herb garden and I can barely recognise one plant from the other. However, having a basic knowledge of which plants help with which ailments can greatly improve your lifestyle and strengthen your body. You do not have to be a grandma with years of experience to harness the power of nature. Here are some herbs to get you started:
Let’s start off with an easy one, shall we? Everyone and their grandmas know about the benefit of chamomile on sleep and it’s not a myth. Traditionally, chamomile has been used to help with insomnia because it is mildly sedative. This may be due to the certain flavonoids that affect the brain. Although not many clinical trials have been done, there was one study that showed the inhalation of chamomile oil vapours reduced the production of a stress-induced hormone. The benefits of chamomile have been recorded for thousands of years and it is one of the oldest and most widely used herbs. It is no surprise why – it doesn’t just induce sleep, it is also anti-inflammatory, helps with the common cold and digestion by soothing the stomach, calms irritated skin and stimulates the immune system.
Rose is one of those plants which you assume is only around for its beauty or for its popularity during Valentines Day, but the truth is this plant has its own myriad of benefits. They have been in use since the ancient Greeks and Romans who used them to perfume their baths. Roses offer beauty enhancing benefits, and its essential oil is highly antibacterial and therefore, great in managing acne and acne prone skin. Its calming properties can reduce swollen spots or redness. Since roses are natural astringents, they help to tighten pores and tone skin. Plus, unlike alcohol toners, roses have a moisturising effect on your skin and does not dry it out.
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Lavender is another one of those herbs that’s popularly used to help with relaxation. The natural compounds in their leaves and flowers can be ground and applied directly to your temples or brewed in tea to relieve the mind of anxiety and balance your mood. Lavender tea has also been used for thousands of years to induce sleep and it is helpful for insomnia. Not only that, it has strong anti-inflammatory components which can help reduce swellings and calm irritated skin.
Coriander is a herb as well as a spice commonly found in many households that make curries or masalas. This humble plant native to the Mediterranean is packed full of health benefits. It has eleven compounds of essential oils, six types of acids, minerals and vitamins. All of these various components have their individual benefits. Coriander lowers skin inflammation, and it has disinfectant, detoxifying, antiseptic, antifungal and antioxidant properties which are ideal for clearing up the skin and fortifying the body. It also helps improve cholesterol levels and lowers blood sugar and is sometimes used to help with diabetes.
Everyone knows that lemons are a good source of Vitamin C, but what exactly does that mean? Vitamin C does more than just prevent common colds, it also may reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke and high blood pressure. Better yet, research has also proven how useful Vitamin C in lemons is in improving the quality of our skin, and even in reducing wrinkles. Lemons also have a variety of other benefits such as aiding digestion, speeding up weight loss and preventing kidney stones.
Of course this is but the tip of the iceberg when it comes to using plants for your benefits. A little research will yield a plethora of uses for the herbs and flowers that are readily available to you. If you are still a little confused on how you should use herbs and flowers, an easy way in is through teas. There are a many available in the market containing a huge variety of herbs. Why not try Nilufer’s caffeine free Lemon and Chamomile tea or Rose? They are made from organic ingredients that have been grown without any use of pesticides. Shop here today!
Written by: Annmaria Patteri
Does it feel like you can never escape flu season? Or maybe you’re finding it impossible to recover from a cough, which doesn’t seem to improve, no matter what you try. If this describes what you’re going through, fret not – here are five herbal teas that may just do the trick.
Chamomile tea increases your urinary levels of hippurate which have been associated with increased antibacterial activity. Chamomile also promotes the production of white blood cells, which are able to fight infections. This is why the tea appears is a go-to immunity booster, and can fight ailments associated with colds. If you wish to get yourself a flavourful cup of chamomile tea, get Nilufer Tea's Orange & Chamomile tea. With a strong presence of citrus fruits and chamomile, you'll definitely be relaxing and feeling better. You can get it here.
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A particular type of polyphenols called catechins, which are antioxidant-rich organic chemicals, are believed to be responsible for the immune-boosting effects of green tea.
By protecting the immune system against damaging free radicals, green tea keeps your body adept at handling infections from bacteria, parasites, and influenza viruses. It also combats oxidative stress which can damage cells, and prevents autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.
Steep green tea for no more than a minute or two in just-below-boiling water. A little lemon and honey can help to tone down its bitterness. Just a side note, however: adding milk will render the polyphenols ineffective.
Holy basil (or tulsi) is a well-known relaxant, but it is also an anti-inflammatory substance, and thus able to improve your immune system to keep your body strong. Holy basil tea can improve congestion, respiratory conditions, and illnesses ranging from mild colds and coughs to bronchitis and asthma. It can also help enhance kidney function and cleanse the body.
The plant has great antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that helps to strengthen the immune system of the user. In fact, there have been recent studies to show that holy basil may help in slowing down the growth of cancerous and diseased cells. Tulsi enhances the immune system, suppresses coughs, and helps to expel out phlegm, providing relief in colds and other respiratory illnesses.
Rooibos tea has 50 times more antioxidants than green tea and these antioxidants are known to thwart free radicals in the body, keeping damaged and cancer-causing cells to a minimum. The antiviral properties of polyphenols also provide an added boost to the immune system because they have anti-inflammatory and antimutagenic qualities, shielding the body from common colds, viruses, and the flu.
Apart from polyphenols, which reduce the detrimental effects of free radicals and cell metabolism, and slow down your body’s aging process, aspalathin and nothofagin are two other vital antioxidants that rooibos tea contains, making it a superior immunity boosting beverage.
Moreover, because of its ability to reduce the impact of oxidative byproducts in your neural pathways, it helps to improve cognitive ability, concentration, and focus.
For a healthy cup of rooibos tea, you can opt for Nilufer Tea's Ginger Rooibos Tea, a blend of rooibos, apple mint, ginger and lemongrass that give rise to its spicy and earthy flavour. Sounds delicious already? Get it here.
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Ginseng tea boosts your immune system by enhancing the efficacy of its stress adapters, helping you steer clear of common ailments like colds and flus. Research has shown that ginseng tea helps regulate each individual type of immune cell, including natural killer cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and B and T cells.
Furthermore, the antimicrobial compounds in ginseng help to defend the body against viral and bacterial infections and cleanses bacteria in the blood, kidneys, and spleen. Ginseng also inhibits the growth of viruses. Moreover, the miraculous adaptogenic properties of the herb functions to rejuvenate dead skin cells in older people.
So if you feel a cold or cough coming on (especially after eating way too many CNY goodies), you know what to do!
Written by: Anna Fernandez
Deliciously fragrant with a bright red hue, rooibos tea is a herbal tea made from a South African bush plant, grown exclusively in the Cederberg Mountains. With a floral aroma and naturally sweet taste, this red herbal tea is sure to delight all your senses while giving your body a whole host of health benefits!
Red rooibos tea can perk you up, giving you the energy and health boost you need to see you through the day while being caffeine-free. If you find yourself reaching out for a cup of coffee too often, try switching to rooibos tea. Removing caffeine from your diet can help improve your mood, stress levels and cardiac health.
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This herbal tea can also complement your bedtime routine as a cup of red rooibos tea before going to bed can help you sleep better. If you suffer from insomnia or often have trouble having a restful night, perhaps this tea can be a natural solution.
Red rooibos tea contains quercetin- An antioxidant associated with preventing a wide range of heart conditions. Its anti-inflammatory properties lowers blood pressure while eradicating free radicals that are harmful to your body. Drinking this herbal tea will help prevent bad cholesterol from clogging the walls of arteries and blood vessels. Having a cup of red rooibos tea regularly will go a long way in guarding against heart conditions like stroke or cardiac arrest.
Red rooibos tea contains chrysoeriols, which can help decrease blood pressure and improve blood circulation. Apart from being an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, this compound has been linked to reducing cholesterol.
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Rich in antioxidants, red rooibos tea can help protect the body by fighting free radicals. The anti-inflammatory properties of polyphenols found in this herbal tea aid in preventing heart conditions, while their antiviral properties will also boost your immune system. Red rooibos tea is sure to keep your health in its peak condition.
Aspalathin, a rare antioxidant found in red rooibos tea contains a variety of amazing abilities. Drinking this herbal tea helps prevent type II diabetes by balancing blood sugar, improving insulin resistance, improve glucose uptake and increase insulin secretion from the pancreas. Having red rooibos tea regularly in your diet can guard you against this illness that is on a rise throughout the world. Even if one is already diabetic, having this herbal tea can help control diabetes by preventing spikes and drops in blood sugar. The next time you feel tempted to reach out for a sugar-loaded drink, why not opt for this naturally sweet yet healthy tea instead?
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If you find yourself suffering from any digestive issues or stomach cramps, try having a cup of red rooibos tea. Not only will this tea help calm your nerves, it can naturally ease any abdominal pain and aid digestion. From mild stomach pain to more painful conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, red rooibos tea can be used as a natural remedy. The next time you feel a tummy ache coming on, brew a cup of this herbal tea to relieve the pain.
Packed with antioxidants, red rooibos tea is able to slow down symptoms of aging while boosting the strength of the immune system. Antioxidants help flush out free radicals that are responsible for damaging your skin and hair. One of the highest in terms of antioxidant content, this herbal tea is a must to protect both your overall health and youthful looks against the tide of time.
Packed with zinc and alpha hydroxy acid, red rooibos tea may be your natural remedy to troubled skin. If you suffer from acne or rashes, try applying this tea directly as a toner or facial wash. To prepare toner using this tea, brew some loose rooibos tea leaves in a cup of hot water. Once steeped and cooled, mix the tea with apple cider vinegar and apply on your skin. This homemade toner is a natural way to ensure your skin is smooth and clear.
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Rich in manganese, calcium and fluoride, rooibos tea can help promote healthy bones and teeth. Drinking this herbal tea may go a long way in preventing common health conditions like joint pain, osteoporosis and arthritis. Manganese helps repair damage and build more bones mass while fluoride is an important compound to maintain healthy teeth. Calcium is widely known to be important in building healthy strong bones and teeth.
Rich in minerals, red rooibos tea can help speed up hair growth while strengthening your locks as well. This herbal tea can also help prevent hair loss as it contains compounds that help shed dead skin cells that may block hair follicles and prevent hair from growing. If you suffer from dandruff, this anti-inflammatory properties of the tea may help relieve the symptoms of dandruff by soothing the scalp. With these benefits, there’s no reason not to try drinking this tea regularly and watch your locks become shinier and healthier.
From protection against diseases to giving you luscious locks, this red herbal tea sure packs a punch. While it may seem less common compared to age-old favourites like green tea, this herbal tea hailing all the way from South Africa is on the rise to popularity. Try a cup today and enjoy its natural sweetness while also relishing in the fact it’s doing your body some good!
