How to Make an Herbal Facial Steam

Herbal facial steams are relaxing and are great to help relieve the symptoms of colds and allergies, but you don't have to wait for cold or allergy symptoms to flare to enjoy the healthy vapors. Herbal facial steams are also great ways to care for your skin, gently moisturizing, cleaning pores and stimulating blood flow, for a younger looking, glowing skin tone. Read on to learn how to make an herbal facial steam.

Things You'll Need

• One-quart cooking pot
• Fennel seeds
• Dried peppermint or dried spearmint
• Dried chamomile flowers
• Dried elderberry flowers
• Powdered licorice root
• Cheesecloth
• Ceramic or heat-proof bowl
• Large towel

Instructions

1. Crush 1 tbsp. of fennel seeds with a spoon, or grind them in a clean coffee grinder.

2. Spread out a clean piece of muslin or cheesecloth. In the center of the cheesecloth, place the tablespoon of fennel seeds, 1 tbsp. of either dried peppermint or spearmint, 2 tbsp. of dried chamomile, 1 tbsp. of elderberry flowers and 2 tsp. of powdered licorice root.

3. Gather the edges of the cheesecloth and tie with a knot. If you do not have enough extra fabric to tie a knot, you can use a rubber band or secure the top with a string.

4. Bring 1 quart of water to a boil and drop in the herb filled cheesecloth. Allow the water to boil with the herbal mix for five minutes before removing from heat. Pour the herbal water into a ceramic or heat-proof bowl, leaving the cheesecloth in the water.

5. Wash your face with warm water and pat dry to remove oil and makeup. Place your face over the steaming water and cover your head with a towel. Keep your face about 12 inches above the surface of the water to prevent steam burns. Enjoy your herbal facial steam for five to 10 minutes before patting your face dry and applying a light moisturizer.

Tips & Warnings

• Increase the benefits of an herbal face mask by applying your facial after your herbal facial steam.