The Power of Herbs, Gardens & House Plants + DIY Seasonal face mask

The Power of Plants on Health

Since the dawn of time, plants have been an integral part of our lives. They were revered by our ancestors, who used the bark, seed, roots, oils, and fruit to maintain health and fight sickness, amounting to tremendous wisdom with each successive generation.

Today, we need plants more than ever, with our ever-growing cities and centrally heated, air-conditioned homes and workplaces. From the oxygen we breathe to the food we eat, our relationship with plants is primal, and we rely on them for our most basic human needs. The right plant can clean the air you breathe, or help you get a good night’s sleep.

Hence, reconnecting with nature is key for the health of people and the planet. Individuals who visit natural spaces weekly, and feel psychologically connected to them, report better physical and mental wellbeing, new research has shown. Be that a local park, Royal Botanic Gardens, or your own backyard — find a nature space where you feel at peace and in touch with mother Earth, as well as with your own divine being.

Medicinal Plants to Grow at Home

For many of us, houseplants and garden plants have become a major part of our lives, especially in the past year. Many common garden plants were first grown for their therapeutic virtues rather than their aesthetic appeal, and many common herbs were valued equally for medicinal and culinary purposes.

Here are some you can easily grow at home, regardless of whether you’re working with a small urban balcony or a countryside big yard:

• Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is believed to be good for stimulating the appetite and helping digestion
• Dill (Anethum graveolens) is a constituent of gripe water used to soothe babies and is a popular remedy for an upset stomach, hiccups or sleep problems
• Garlic (Allium sativum) is effective against many fungal infections, is used to treat toothache, earache, coughs and colds and has been shown to reduce blood pressure
• Sage (Salvia officinalis) is used to make a gargle for sore throats, infected gums and mouth ulcers and a hot infusion for colds
• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) tea is used to relieve headaches and to aid digestion and is said to help improve the memory, and reduce anxiety, irritability and insomnia
• Peppermint (Mentha x piperata) is rather strong for cooking, but peppermint oil is used to flavour sweets. Its widespread use in toothpaste points to its antiseptic properties. It can also be used as a herbal tea for gastro-intestinal disorders and nervous headaches and in a rub to ease muscle pain

Source: rhs.org.uk 

DIY Seasonal Plant Based Face Mask Recipe

All of the above can be used in cooking all-year round, but if you’re more adventurous and would like to take things up a notch, honour nature and feel in tune with the movement of time, a great way to do so is to indulge in some seasonal recipes. 

In the early spring it may be lilac and rhubarb jam, early summer — elderflower cordial, and now, wild blackberries are almost in season! So treat your loved ones to a freshly baked homemade pie, and your skin to this simple organic DIY face mask.

• 2-3 fresh blackberries.
• 2-3 leaves of basil.
• ½ tsp honey (can be substituted with organic coconut oil for a vegan version).

Please note: this quantity makes enough for one use only, it’s best to make these masks fresh every time you use them.

In a small bowl, smash the blueberries together with a fork. Add finely chopped basil leaves and some honey or coconut oil for texture. Mix in the ingredients well together, and liberally apply to the skin of your face and neck.

Leave on for 15-20 mins to absorb and work its magic. For best results, spend this time engaging in practice of relaxation, mindfulness and deep breathing. When the time has passed, gently rinse off the mask with lukewarm water, followed by a splash of cold water to stimulate the cardiovascular system and tighten the pores.

In this recipe, basil reduces inflammation and irritation, honey provides powerful anti-aging and antibacterial properties / coconut oil is antifungal and antimicrobial, which also heals skin while sealing in the moisture, and blackberries are rich in antioxidants, work on signs of wrinkles and gently exfoliate through fruit acid to provide radiance to the skin. It’s perfect glow-making.

If you’re in a time crunch but would still like to enjoy a moment of peace and unity with the energy of the Earth, we got you.

Ohana, Ingredients & Plant Power

Ohana believes there is nothing alternative about nature, and we are committed to plant-based, functional, CBD skin care. Jam-packed with powerful ingredients which stay natural from seed to sale, Ohana prioritises generating a positive impact from the ground up.

Our Night Repair Face Oil contains blackberry oil, which is rich in vitamin C, known to slow signs of ageing and promote the elasticity of skin. For similar results, warm a small amount in the palm of your hands and gently work the CBD and plant-based actives into your face, neck and décolleté with your fingers or gua sha tool.

Make this a part of your nighttime ritual to relax and unwind. Massage your affirmations into your skin. Visualise your dreams. Embrace the connection with mother Nature. Let the energies of your mind, body and spirit be one with the earth. Good things are coming.

Photo courtesy of @anniespratt