Weekend Recipe - Orange Mint Skin Toner

Mint Orange Toner

It is getting that time of year to harvest and the recent rain has really made the herbs sprout.  This skin toner recipe is quick to make with some fresh mint and left over orange peel.  Orange is high in vitamin C which helps protect your complexion.  Mint leaves are high in iron and menthol which will tighten your pores after cleansing.  And while the temps are still warm, you can keep it in the refrigerator for a cooling effect.  Use this after cleansing to rid your skin of surface residue and dead skin cells.

3 Tbls. fresh mint leaves

1 orange peel

2 cups boiling water

1 Tbls. witch hazel

Place mint leaves and orange in a ceramic bowl and pour boiling water over them.  Allow mixture to steep and cool completely.  Strain out mint leaves and peels and stir in witch hazel.  Pour into a clean container with a tight-fitting lid. 

To Use: Apply Mint Orange Toner to your skin after cleansing with a clean cotton pad.  You can also use in a spray bottle after bathing or a freshner throughout the day.

Whitening Stained Finger Nails

This time of year I have been gardening and weeding outdoors for several months. And even though I wear gloves, my nails tend to get darkened from the soil.  I found this recipe in the Herb Companion Magazine.  

It is a simple Nail Whitener that you can apply to your nails to remove stains and discolorations.  If your stains come from nail polish, rather than dirt, it works on that too!  The main ingredient is orange flower water, like rose water, you can pick up this at a gourmet stores as it is normally used to make fragrant drinks or orange flavored desserts.  Be aware that you should moisturize your hands if you use lemon juice near them as it is very drying.

Nail Whitener

2 Tbls. orange flower water

1 tsp. lemon juice, fresh

Blend ingredients and place in a clean lidded container.

To Use: Apply with a cotton swap or pad and apply to clean, dry nails.  Allow to dry.  Repeat two or three times.  You do this over and over until your nails are back to their natural color.