When I was in Neal’s Yard Remedies in Covent Garden, London, last week, I met with their resident naturopathic herbalist, Tipper. She is an absolute treasure trove of information about everything herbal/botanical. I wanted to spend hours with Tipper because she is so much FUN (herbalists can sometimes be a bit boring), and because I want to learn everything she has to teach!
Anyway, we got straight onto the subject of herbs, botanicals, and oils for beauty, and I asked her if she would create me a recipe for the Ultimate Beauty Tea. She thought long and hard, and then four herbs popped into her awareness. She explained the inside-and-out benefits of each of the flowers and herbs and suggested we blend them into a delicate (and rather delicious) tea.
One of the herbs is called Gotu Kola, and is only just being recognized as a herb that has significant anti-aging properties. It is rich in amino acids, beta carotene, fatty acids, and numerous potent phytochemicals. Extracts have been found to calm inflammation, speed wound healing, stimulate new cell growth, build collagen, and improve circulation.
You can find all these herbs at Neal’s Yard Remedies (if you are in the UK), and at Mountain Rose Herbs (if you are in the US).
Ingredients
3 tbsp dried rose hips (crazy amount of Vitamin C)
3 tbsp dried nettles (rich in minerals)
3 tbsp dried Gotu Kola
3 tbsp dried rose buds (rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants called polyphenols)
Instructions
Mix all the herbs together and keep in a sealed Mason jar.
To Use
Place 1 tbsp in a tea strainer, or tea pot. Add just boiled water.
Steep for 5 minutes
Enjoy either as is, or with a tsp of raw honey.
