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September 24, 2025 9 mins
In this podcast episode, host Carrie Scharf discusses the often-ignored power of plants and herbs in maintaining both our physical and mental health. The podcast revolves around the soothing effects of chamomile and its beneficial use in daily life, from drinking chamomile tea to using it in skincare rituals. She further explores the benefits of herbal skincare and the nuances of creating your own herbal infusions at home using herbs like calendula, lavender, and chamomile. Steering the conversation towards minimalist skincare, Carrie highlights the beauty of paring your routine down to fewer, more effective, natural products. Drawing parallels between tending to plants and oneself, she emphasizes the importance of self-care and spiritual growth. She ends by inviting listeners to try herbal oil infusions and reflect on which herb they feel represented by.
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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've
got a delightful mix of topics centered around nurturing your
skin and soul with the magic of plants and herbs.
We'll be chatting about how to achieve radiant skin through
the power of plants, the specific benefits of camomeal and
other incredible herbs, simplifying your skincare routine, and even touching

(00:28):
on some spiritual reflections and practical rituals. So get comfortable
and let's dive into a journey of natural beauty and
inner peace. Let me start with a little story of
my own. I've always had a deep love for kamomal.
There's something so comforting about this unassuming little flower. Whenever
I catch a whiff of its gentle, apple like scent,

(00:50):
I'm instantly transported to a place of calm and serenity.
It's as if kamameal whispers, Slow down, breathe and enjoy
this moment. Emial's sensory and emotional qualities make it truly special.
Its soft, delicate petals and soothing fragrance can turn a
regular cup of tea into a soul soothing experience. You

(01:10):
sip and the tranquil warmth spreads through your body, easing
tensions and quieting the mind. It's a kind reminder to
embrace the peaceful pockets of our hectic lives. Carrying the
calm of Camomial into daily life is a practice I
hold deer. Whether it's enjoying cammamile tea in the morning
or using camomeal infused skin care products. It's a gentle

(01:31):
nudge to stay grounded and present. The ritual of incorporating
camomal into my day helps me slow down and appreciate
the small, beautiful moments. The greatest gift Camomial and plants
in general offer us is a reminder of patience and
natural beauty. Watching cammamile grow and bloom teaches us to
appreciate the slow, steady cycles of life. There's a quiet

(01:54):
wisdom intending to plants in observing their growth and letting
their calm presence influence ours our own lives. Plants teach
us to celebrate the beauty that unfolds over time, often
when we are patient and nurturing. They are a testament
to the soothing, grounding power of nature that we can
harness in our own lives. So as you go about
your day, remember to take a moment to enjoy the simple,

(02:17):
profound gifts that plants bring to us. Now, let's talk
about herbal skin care in practice. One of the simplest
and most effective ways to incorporate herbs into your skin
care routine is through herbal infusions. These are incredibly easy
to make it home. For example, cammomile, colendula, and lavender
are all wonderful choices. You simply steep the dried flowers

(02:39):
in oil, allowing their healing properties to blend into the liquid.
This process can take a few weeks, but the results
are well worth the weight. The benefits of herbal infused
oils for your skin are numerous. They can help soothe irritation,
reduce inflammation, and provide deep nourishment. It's a wonderful way
to use the natural properties of plants to enhance your

(03:01):
beauty routine. Patience is key in this process. Allowing the
herbs to infuse slowly ensures that you get the maximum
benefit from their healing properties. It's a gentle reminder that
good things take time, and the best results often come
from waiting. Another fantastic way to utilize herbs is by
drinking herbal teas. Herbs like camomeal, peppermint, and nettle are

(03:24):
not only good for your body, but they also have
significant benefits for your skin. These teas can help detoxify
your system, leading to clearer, more radiant skin. Don't overlook
the power of a good herbal bath. Adding dried herbs
or herbal tea bags to your bath water can transform
your bathing experience. Herbs like lavender and rosemary can help
relax your mind and rejuvenate your skin. Herbal baths are

(03:46):
a luxurious way to unwind and give your skin some
extra love. If you're new to all this, start simple.
Choose one herb and one ritual to begin with. Whether
it's a daily cup of herbal tea, a weekly herbal bath,
or a homemade herbal oil. In corporate rating, just one
element can make a big difference. And remember, it's not
just about enhancing your skin, it's about creating moments of

(04:07):
peace and connection with nature. Next up, let's explore the
philosophy of minimalism and skincare in a world filled with
an overwhelming number of products and a constant barrage of
beauty trends, it becomes easy to overlook the powerful benefits
of keeping things simple. The core of minimalism in skincare
is all about pairing down to a few intentional and

(04:28):
nourishing practices. Instead of cluttering your routine with myriad products,
focus on those that truly benefit your skin. By choosing
plant based rituals, you simplify your routine while also ensuring
you're feeding your skin with natural, wholesome goodness. Simplifying your
skincare regimen means selecting products that are packed with effective,
natural ingredients. Think of how simple yet powerful a colendula

(04:51):
infused oil can be with its anti inflammatory and healing properties.
A basic colendula oil can work wonders on troubled skin
without the the need for countless additional products. The essence
is in the purity and potency of the ingredients and
the thoughtful, mindful approach to skincare. It's not just about
reducing the number of products. It's about understanding and respecting

(05:14):
what your skin needs. When you limit your routine to
a few well chosen items, you tune into how your
skin responds. You start noticing the little changes and improvements,
which can often be lost in a sea of unnecessary products.
Minimalist skincare is much like simplifying other areas of life.
By removing the excess, you're able to appreciate and focus

(05:34):
on what really matters. There's a beautiful parallel here between
simplifying skincare and simplifying our lives. Just as with our skin,
life can become cluttered with obligations, distractions, and material possessions
that don't bring us true joy or fulfillment. By embracing
a minimalist mindset in skincare, we learn to notice the

(05:54):
beauty and simplicity and be more present. Imagine a moment
of calm while applying a simple nourishing face oil, appreciating
the texture, the gentle fragrance, and the way it makes
your skin feel. This same presence can be cultivated in
day to day life, leading to a richer, more meaningful
existence where we truly notice and savor each moment. Less

(06:15):
is indeed more when it comes to taking care of
both our skin and our spirit. By adopting minimalistic principles,
we foster a deeper, more intentional connection with ourselves and
the world around us. So next time you reach for
a skin care product, think about how it simplifies and
enriches your routine and your life. Tending plants is much

(06:35):
like tending to ourselves. Just as plants need attention, nourishment,
and patience to thrive, so do our minds and bodies.
It's a wonderful analogy that highlights the importance of self care,
a gentle reminder that growth, whether personal or botanical, requires
consistent effort and love. Reflecting on plant care, we're reminded
that growth doesn't happen overnight. It requires us to be

(06:58):
attentive to our needs, providing nourishment and allowing ourselves time
to rest and renew. These same principles apply to our
personal growth journeys, where patience and persistence play crucial roles.
On a spiritual level, tending to plants can teach us
about the rhythms of life, God's rhythms of growth, rest,
and renewal. It's a beautiful way to connect with nature

(07:21):
and spirituality, finding profound lessons in the simplest acts of
nurturing a plant. One of my favorite Biblical reflections comes
from Isaiah forty eight. The grass withers, the flower fades,
but the word of our God will stand forever. This
quote serves as a reminder of life's fleeting nature and

(07:41):
the enduring strength we can find in faith and spiritual connection.
As you care for your plants, think about how this
simple act mirrors the way we should care for ourselves.
Invest time, show love, and embrace the phases of growth
and rest. The lessons we learn from plants can offer
as deeper insight into our own life and spiritual journeys. Now,

(08:02):
I have a special invitation for all of you. I'd
love for you to try out an oil infusion using Camomial,
colendula or lavender. These herbs are not only beneficial for
your skin, but can also bring a sense of peace
and wellness into your routine. Simply steep the dried flowers
in a carrier oil of your choice and let the
magic happen over a few weeks. It's a beautiful way
to connect with the healing power of nature. Also, here's

(08:26):
a thought provoking journaling prompt for you. If I were
an herb, which one would I be today? What wisdom
would it offer me? Take some time to reflect and
write down your thoughts. It's an enlightening practice that can
offer some wonderful insights, and if you're looking for more reflections, rituals,
and simple skincare recipes, be sure to check out the newsletter.

(08:50):
I share a lot of lovely ideas there that I
think you'll enjoy. Thank you for joining me today on Plants, flowers,
oils and whimsy. It's always a pleasure to share these
moments with you. Don't forget to check the show notes
for all the links and articles we discussed in today's episode. Remember,
integrating these natural practices into your daily life can make
a profound difference. Until next time, I'm Carrie Sharp, wishing

(09:11):
you a peaceful and plant filled day. See you soon.
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