July 10, 2025 • 8 mins
This episode of the "Plants, Flowers, Oils and Whimsy" podcast, hosted by Carrie Scharf, provides a comprehensive guide on creating DIY cooling facial teas and compresses using natural herbs. The podcast acknowledges the physical and emotional benefits of these remedies, such as hydration, calming inflamed skin, reducing redness, and providing a moment for relaxation. The host suggests using various herbs like peppermint, chamomile, calendula, lavender, rose petals, cucumber, and green tea to maximize cooling and soothing effects. Detailed instructions on how to prepare these herbal solutions and apply them for optimal results are included. The podcast concludes by reinforcing the importance of self-care and invites listeners to experiment with herb combinations and share their experiences.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:04):
Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of our podcast Plants, Flowers,
Oils and Whimsy. I'm your host, Carrie Sharf. Today we'll
explore the refreshing world of DIY cooling facial teas and compresses.
Whether you're dealing with inflamed skin, feeling overheated, or just
need a moment of calm, we'll guide you through using
herbs to soothe, cool and restore. So get comfortable and
(00:27):
let's dive in. Let's talk about why you might want
to use cooling teas and compresses on your face. First off,
they're fantastic for hydrating and calming your skin. If you
find your skin often feels overheated or flushed, these simple
remedies can make a world of difference. Think about those
hot summer days when the sun has been a little
too intense, or after you've spent some time under UV rays.
(00:50):
Cooling teas can aid in healing and ease the discomfort
of sun exposure or even sunburn. Another great benefit is
their ability to reduce redness and inflammation, making them perfect
for those with sensitive skin or skin conditions like roseatia.
If you struggle with puffy eyes or a tired complexion.
A cool compress can be incredibly soothing. It's like giving
(01:10):
your face a gentle hug, reducing that puffiness and helping
you look more refreshed. But it's not just about the
physical benefits. Taking the time to prepare and apply a
cooling tea compress can also be a moment of emotional
relief and rest. It allows you to slow down, take
a breather, and indulge in a little self care. So
(01:31):
next time you're looking to give your face in your
mind a break, consider reaching for some cooling teas. Now,
let's chat about some amazing herbs that are perfect for
creating cooling and soothing teas and compresses. First on our
list is peppermint, Known for its invigorating and cooling properties,
peppermint can leave your skin feeling fresh and revitalized. Its
natural menthol content provides that cool sensation and helps to
(01:54):
calm heated skin. Next, we have camomile. This humble herb
is a powerhouse for calm and soothing the skin. Its
anti inflammatory effects are excellent for reducing redness and irritation,
making it a staple in any soothing skin care regimen.
Don't forget about colendula with its fantastic healing properties. Colendula
(02:15):
is great at reducing redness and aiding in the recovery
of your skin, making it perfect for those times when
your skin needs a little extra TLC. And then there's lavender,
a fragrant favorite. Lavender's balancing effects extend both to your
skin and your spirit, making it ideal for a relaxing
skin treatment that also helps to ease your mind. We
also have rose petals on our list. Renowned for their
(02:38):
hydrating and toning effects, rose petals can leave your skin
feeling soft and rejuvenated. They also add a touch of
luxury to your tea compresses. Another ultra cooling option is cucumber.
Cucumber is incredibly hydrating and can provide instant relief to
overheated skin. Its high water content and natural soothing properties
make it a great addition to any cooling blend. Finally,
(03:00):
let's not forget green tea. Rich in antioxidants, green tea
is wonderful for toning your skin and providing a refreshing boost.
The antioxidants help to protect and rejuvenate your skin, making
it a fantastic multitasker in your skin care arsenal. Using
these herbs together can create a wonderful synergy. You can
blend different herbs to maximize their cooling and soothing effects.
(03:22):
For example, a combination of peppermint and camomile can offer
both a cooling sensation and reduce redness effectively. Experimenting with
different blends might lead you to find your perfect mix. Now,
let's get into the steps of making a cooling facial tea,
also known as an herbal splash or steam. Start by
choosing your favorite cooling herbs. This could be a lovely
(03:42):
blend of camemel, peppermint, and rose petals, which is one
of my personal favorites. You'll want roughly a tablespoon of
each herb for a nice potent brew. Next, bring about
a cup of water to a boil. Once boiling, add
your herbs to the water, giving them a good stir
to ensure they're all submerged. Then remove the pot from
heat and cover it. Let the herbs steep for at
(04:02):
least ten to fifteen minutes. This steeping process allows all
those wonderful soothing properties to infuse into the water. After steeping,
let the tea cool down to room temperature. You can
strain out the herbs using a fine mesh sieve or
cheese cloth. This strained tea can be used in several ways.
You can splash it directly onto your face, soak a
cotton pad and dab it gently on your skin, or
(04:23):
even transfer it into a spray bottle for a refreshing
facial mist for an added cooling effect. Refrigerate the tea
before use. Now, if you prefer a slightly different approach,
you can make an herbal compress. Soak a clean cloth
in your cooled herbal tea, wring out the excess liquid,
and then place the cloth over your face, letting it
sit for about ten fifteen minutes. This method is fantastic
(04:45):
for delivering concentrated relief to particularly irritated or heated areas
of your skin. Refrigerating your tea compress can provide extra
cooling relief, which can be especially beneficial on hot days
or after sun exposure. Remember, taking the time and to
care for your skin is also a wonderful way to
care for your overall well being. Enjoy the process and
(05:05):
take note of how your skin responds to different herbs
and methods. You might find yourself looking forward to this
little ritual as a calming and refreshing part of your
skin care routine. Now that we've covered the basics of
creating your own cooling facialty, let's discuss a simple ritual
you can try on a relaxing summer evening. Picture this
(05:25):
the sun is setting, the air is warm, and you
have a bit of time to indulge in some self care.
What better way to wind down than with a calming
facial ritual. Here's a step by step guide for a
perfect summer evening experience. First, start by cleansing your face thoroughly.
Use your favorite gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil,
or makeup from your skin. This step is crucial to
(05:47):
ensure that the benefits of the herbal treatments can penetrate
your skin effectively. After cleansing, it's time to miss your
skin with rose water or an herbal splash. Using the
cooling tea we discussed earlier, pour it into a spray bottle,
mist your face lightly, letting the herbal goodness settle in. Next,
prepare a cool herbal compress. Soak a clean cloth in
(06:09):
your cooled herbal tea and wring out any excess liquid.
Lay the cloth gently over your face, taking deep breaths
as you do so. Let the compress sit on your
skin for about ten fifteen minutes. This moment of stillness
can be incredibly soothing. To enhance the experience, incorporate some
deep breathing and affirmations. As you relax with the compress
(06:31):
on your face, take slow, deep breaths. Inhale deeply through
your nose, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale
slowly through your mouth. This breathing technique helps to calm
your mind and body. While you're at it, you can
also repeat a calming affirmation. Say to yourself, I am calm,
I am cared for, I am rooted in peace. Positive
(06:53):
affirmations can work wonders for your emotional well being during
this meditative ritual. This simple five step ritual can become
a cherished part of your summer skincare routine. It's a
beautiful way to pamper yourself and connect with nature's healing
power through herbs and mindfulness. Enjoy the tranquility, and remember
you deserve these moments of self care. So there you
have it. Cooling facialties and compresses are not only wonderfully simple,
(07:16):
to make, but they also offer incredible benefits for your
skin and well being. I encourage you all to give
them a try and maybe even create your own personal
rituals with your favorite herbs, and if you do, I'd
love to hear about your experiences and the combinations you
enjoy the most. Remember, self care is all about finding
what works best for you and making it a regular
(07:36):
part of your routine. Before we go, I want to
mention our newsletter Flowers, Plants, Oils and Whimsy, where you
can find even more tips and insights on using plants
and herbs in your everyday life. And don't forget to
check out the Easy Moments of Light for additional inspiration
and self care ideas. As always, check the show notes
for any links or articles we've mentioned today. Until next time,
(07:59):
stay cool and stay radiant. Yeah,
Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of our podcast Plants, Flowers,
Oils and Whimsy. I'm your host, Carrie Sharf. Today we'll
explore the refreshing world of DIY cooling facial teas and compresses.
Whether you're dealing with inflamed skin, feeling overheated, or just
need a moment of calm, we'll guide you through using
herbs to soothe, cool and restore. So get comfortable and
(00:27):
let's dive in. Let's talk about why you might want
to use cooling teas and compresses on your face. First off,
they're fantastic for hydrating and calming your skin. If you
find your skin often feels overheated or flushed, these simple
remedies can make a world of difference. Think about those
hot summer days when the sun has been a little
too intense, or after you've spent some time under UV rays.
(00:50):
Cooling teas can aid in healing and ease the discomfort
of sun exposure or even sunburn. Another great benefit is
their ability to reduce redness and inflammation, making them perfect
for those with sensitive skin or skin conditions like roseatia.
If you struggle with puffy eyes or a tired complexion.
A cool compress can be incredibly soothing. It's like giving
(01:10):
your face a gentle hug, reducing that puffiness and helping
you look more refreshed. But it's not just about the
physical benefits. Taking the time to prepare and apply a
cooling tea compress can also be a moment of emotional
relief and rest. It allows you to slow down, take
a breather, and indulge in a little self care. So
(01:31):
next time you're looking to give your face in your
mind a break, consider reaching for some cooling teas. Now,
let's chat about some amazing herbs that are perfect for
creating cooling and soothing teas and compresses. First on our
list is peppermint, Known for its invigorating and cooling properties,
peppermint can leave your skin feeling fresh and revitalized. Its
natural menthol content provides that cool sensation and helps to
(01:54):
calm heated skin. Next, we have camomile. This humble herb
is a powerhouse for calm and soothing the skin. Its
anti inflammatory effects are excellent for reducing redness and irritation,
making it a staple in any soothing skin care regimen.
Don't forget about colendula with its fantastic healing properties. Colendula
(02:15):
is great at reducing redness and aiding in the recovery
of your skin, making it perfect for those times when
your skin needs a little extra TLC. And then there's lavender,
a fragrant favorite. Lavender's balancing effects extend both to your
skin and your spirit, making it ideal for a relaxing
skin treatment that also helps to ease your mind. We
also have rose petals on our list. Renowned for their
(02:38):
hydrating and toning effects, rose petals can leave your skin
feeling soft and rejuvenated. They also add a touch of
luxury to your tea compresses. Another ultra cooling option is cucumber.
Cucumber is incredibly hydrating and can provide instant relief to
overheated skin. Its high water content and natural soothing properties
make it a great addition to any cooling blend. Finally,
(03:00):
let's not forget green tea. Rich in antioxidants, green tea
is wonderful for toning your skin and providing a refreshing boost.
The antioxidants help to protect and rejuvenate your skin, making
it a fantastic multitasker in your skin care arsenal. Using
these herbs together can create a wonderful synergy. You can
blend different herbs to maximize their cooling and soothing effects.
(03:22):
For example, a combination of peppermint and camomile can offer
both a cooling sensation and reduce redness effectively. Experimenting with
different blends might lead you to find your perfect mix. Now,
let's get into the steps of making a cooling facial tea,
also known as an herbal splash or steam. Start by
choosing your favorite cooling herbs. This could be a lovely
(03:42):
blend of camemel, peppermint, and rose petals, which is one
of my personal favorites. You'll want roughly a tablespoon of
each herb for a nice potent brew. Next, bring about
a cup of water to a boil. Once boiling, add
your herbs to the water, giving them a good stir
to ensure they're all submerged. Then remove the pot from
heat and cover it. Let the herbs steep for at
(04:02):
least ten to fifteen minutes. This steeping process allows all
those wonderful soothing properties to infuse into the water. After steeping,
let the tea cool down to room temperature. You can
strain out the herbs using a fine mesh sieve or
cheese cloth. This strained tea can be used in several ways.
You can splash it directly onto your face, soak a
cotton pad and dab it gently on your skin, or
(04:23):
even transfer it into a spray bottle for a refreshing
facial mist for an added cooling effect. Refrigerate the tea
before use. Now, if you prefer a slightly different approach,
you can make an herbal compress. Soak a clean cloth
in your cooled herbal tea, wring out the excess liquid,
and then place the cloth over your face, letting it
sit for about ten fifteen minutes. This method is fantastic
(04:45):
for delivering concentrated relief to particularly irritated or heated areas
of your skin. Refrigerating your tea compress can provide extra
cooling relief, which can be especially beneficial on hot days
or after sun exposure. Remember, taking the time and to
care for your skin is also a wonderful way to
care for your overall well being. Enjoy the process and
(05:05):
take note of how your skin responds to different herbs
and methods. You might find yourself looking forward to this
little ritual as a calming and refreshing part of your
skin care routine. Now that we've covered the basics of
creating your own cooling facialty, let's discuss a simple ritual
you can try on a relaxing summer evening. Picture this
(05:25):
the sun is setting, the air is warm, and you
have a bit of time to indulge in some self care.
What better way to wind down than with a calming
facial ritual. Here's a step by step guide for a
perfect summer evening experience. First, start by cleansing your face thoroughly.
Use your favorite gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil,
or makeup from your skin. This step is crucial to
(05:47):
ensure that the benefits of the herbal treatments can penetrate
your skin effectively. After cleansing, it's time to miss your
skin with rose water or an herbal splash. Using the
cooling tea we discussed earlier, pour it into a spray bottle,
mist your face lightly, letting the herbal goodness settle in. Next,
prepare a cool herbal compress. Soak a clean cloth in
(06:09):
your cooled herbal tea and wring out any excess liquid.
Lay the cloth gently over your face, taking deep breaths
as you do so. Let the compress sit on your
skin for about ten fifteen minutes. This moment of stillness
can be incredibly soothing. To enhance the experience, incorporate some
deep breathing and affirmations. As you relax with the compress
(06:31):
on your face, take slow, deep breaths. Inhale deeply through
your nose, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale
slowly through your mouth. This breathing technique helps to calm
your mind and body. While you're at it, you can
also repeat a calming affirmation. Say to yourself, I am calm,
I am cared for, I am rooted in peace. Positive
(06:53):
affirmations can work wonders for your emotional well being during
this meditative ritual. This simple five step ritual can become
a cherished part of your summer skincare routine. It's a
beautiful way to pamper yourself and connect with nature's healing
power through herbs and mindfulness. Enjoy the tranquility, and remember
you deserve these moments of self care. So there you
have it. Cooling facialties and compresses are not only wonderfully simple,
(07:16):
to make, but they also offer incredible benefits for your
skin and well being. I encourage you all to give
them a try and maybe even create your own personal
rituals with your favorite herbs, and if you do, I'd
love to hear about your experiences and the combinations you
enjoy the most. Remember, self care is all about finding
what works best for you and making it a regular
(07:36):
part of your routine. Before we go, I want to
mention our newsletter Flowers, Plants, Oils and Whimsy, where you
can find even more tips and insights on using plants
and herbs in your everyday life. And don't forget to
check out the Easy Moments of Light for additional inspiration
and self care ideas. As always, check the show notes
for any links or articles we've mentioned today. Until next time,
(07:59):
stay cool and stay radiant. Yeah,
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