Basil (Tulsi)

When most people think of basil, they think of pesto sauce or light leafy greens poking out of their food. It’s true basil’s benefits are obviously more often seen in the world of food, but is this herb effective in the world of skincare too? The answer is definitely, Yes! Basil contains antibacterial compounds that make it a good cleanser, and it has a scent that can soothe your stress and even your sinuses. Here’s how you can use Basil as a beauty aid.

1.  steaming the face to open up the pores – this is to flush out the dirt and toxins, leaving the skin soft and glowing. Also works wonders on acne-prone skinand other blemishes.

Method:

Take some water. Squeeze half a lemon or calamansi  into it. Now add a fistful of Basil leaves, a handful of mint (pudina) leaves and boil it. Remove from heat when it starts emitting steam. Secure your hair with a band, take a thick towel over your head and bend over the vessel with your eyes closed so that your face is fully exposed to the steam emanating from the water. Take the steam this way for around 3-5 minutes. Afterwards you can apply a face pack. If not, splash cold water on your face or gently rub an ice cube wrapped in a hanky to close the pores.

2.  toner  – anyone can enjoy the skin benefits of basil by using a strong tea as a bracing toner. To try it, do the following:

• Pack a handful of fresh basil, about three tablespoons, into a sturdy mug and pound lightly with a pestle to bruise the leaves and release the oils.


• Pour in a cup of boiling water, cover the mug, and let the tea steep until it is a clear grass green color, at least twenty minutes.


• Strain and discard the leaves.


• For a soft yet non-oily feel, splash your face with the tea just before applying moisturizer. (Don’t dry off.) Your face will appreciate it, especially if the air you live in is polluted.

3.  After Shampoo hair rinse – basil tea is used as an after shampoo hair rinse to help control dandruff. A basil teas rinse does leave the hair silky and the scalp feeling fresh.

• If your skin and hair lose their luster when you travel, pack up some dried basil and take it will you. Pour about a cup of hot tap water over two teaspoons of dried basil, cover, and let sit overnight for use in the morning.

4. Face mask – just take some fresh basil leaves and put them into a food processor. Once you got a chopped mush of basil leaves, put them into a small bowl and mix it with seasalt and an egg white. Rub onto your face gently. Paying special attention to problem areas with acne or other blemishes you want to get rid of. Leave the mask for only five to seven minutes, and then rinse with a combination of water and basil tea rinse. Your face will look and smell heavenly.

5. Talcum powder – Rubbing finely powdered Basil leaves on the face like talcum powder makes it glow with beauty

6.  Aroma – Early in the morning, after your bath, spread a mat in the proximity of a Basil plant and inhale the fragrance of the Basil leaves. Take deep breaths and allow the aroma emanating from the leaves to sink in and pervade your system. This fragrance has a great capacity of purifying the blood and correcting any unfavorable alteration in it. You will feel refreshed and your face will acquire a radiant glow.

Source www.bestblender.co.uk