As I have been studying herbalism over the last few years, I have loved taking my studies and creating recipes from them.

As many of us in the northern hemisphere are entering into Spring with dry skin from the harsh winter, I want to teach you a really lovely and easy way care for your skin; the largest organ of your body.

Now, I’m sure you’re not here for the science so let’s dive right into how to pamper yourself this Spring with some calming, grounding, and restorative self-care in the form of an herbal facial steam!

This is really such a quick and simple way to care for yourself in a really fulfilling and nourishing way.

For this particular steam, I decided to choose the following herbs:

Rose
Chamomile
Marshmallow Root
Rosemary
Chickweed

I chose these herbs because my main goal is to calm, soothe, and soften. All of these herbs work to help calm the winter stress on your skin.

You may also choose to use an essential oil for added benefit but I highly recommend using any essential oils sparingly and finding a company that practices ethical harvesting. If you’d like to add one, I suggest geranium for this steam.

Are you ready for the easy part?

All you need is a large enough bowl to put your face over, a towel to hold over your head & bowl, some measuring spoons (or you can eyeball everything) and something to boil water in.

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine:

2 Tbsp Rose Buds

2 Tbsp Chamomile

2 Tbsp Marshmallow Root

1 Tbsp Chickweed

1 Tbsp Rosemary

(Crushing herbs in a mortar & pestle helps to release the oils/actions of the herbs and I recommend this though it is not necessary.)

Next, pour 6-8 cups of boiling water over herbs. I like to place a towel over the bowl for a few minutes to steep the herbs a little while I’m waiting for it to cool down just a bit.

Now, sit comfortably over your bowl with your head close enough to enjoy the steam but not too close to feel any burning. Drape your towel over your head and bowl and enjoy your steam for as long as you feel comfortable.

You can listen to your favourite calming music or place your favourite stone in your hand as another way to ground yourself.

When you’re finished with this beautiful little ritual of self-care, pat, don’t rub, your face. Then, if you’d like, spritz your face with a rose hydrosol and apply your favourite botanical moisturizer.

I hope that now more than ever, you find some time to take care of yourself.

If you’re so inspired, tag myself @whimsyandwhile and @junehomesupply on Instagram if you decide to do this and we’d love to share your steams!

Warmly and with love,

Ashley York

Whimsy & While