The Lavender and Marigold Natural Acne Treatment You Can Make at Home

This acne treatment incorporates lavender and bright orange marigolds, which are anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. Marigolds also contain salicylic acid, which is used in many over-the-counter acne treatments.

Photo: Grow Your Own Drugs

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Bright orange marigolds (Calendula officinalis) contain salicylic acid -- used in many over-the-counter acne treatments -- plus anti-inflammatory and antiseptic substances, which make it a favorite for skin conditions of many kinds. If used over a period of weeks, this gel should significantly alleviate the appearance of acne and reduce discomfort.

INGREDIENTS
10 rose geranium flowers, with leaves and stems
8 marigold (Calendula officinalis) flowers
20 lavender flowerheads
¾ cup (200 ml) water
1 packet vegetable gelatin
5 tsp vodka
20 drops tea tree oil

PREPARATION
1. Roughly chop the flowers, leaves, and stems of the rose geraniums and place with the marigold flowers and lavender flowerheads in a large glass bowl.

2. Bring the water to a boil and pour it over the flowers to make an infusion. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes or until the water has taken on the color of the flowers. Place the infusion, including the plant material, into a blender and mix. Strain the mixture through a piece of cheesecloth into a clean bowl.

3. In another bowl, dissolve the gelatin in 2 tbsp cold water. Gradually add the flower infusion, stirring to separate lumps. Add the vodka and tea tree oil, stirring until a gel is formed. Using a funnel, pour into a jar with a pump dispenser.

USE: Apply to affected areas twice a day or as frequently as needed.

STORAGE: Keeps in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks.

Recipe courtesy of Grow Your Own Drugs, by James Wong (Reader’s Digest Books, 2009 Silver River Productions Limited. All rights reserved.)

Read an interview with author James Wong, see more natural remedies from Grow Your Own Drugs and see why the Green Cheapskate loves the book!

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