Ginseng & Astragalus Balancing Mask

Everyday this week I have been applying my handcrafted Ginseng & Astragalus Balancing Mask to help clarify and balance my skin.  Astragalus root extract is the chief energy tonic of traditional Asian medicine.  Its constituents include Astragalosides and other immunostimulant polysaccharides, beta-sitosterol, flavonoids, and trace minerals, especially selenium. Chinese Ginseng (Panax ginseng) has "warming" properties that may help tone and revitalize the skin.  I also add in Matcha tea which is made from young green tea leaves and is a wonderful antioxidant.  This recipe makes enough product for seven days of masks.  You can even do your neck!!

This will be the Oil/Wax Phase. I chose Kukui Nut Oil and Baobab Oil, but you can choose any oil you like.

You can purchase Tinctures/Extracts from Mountain Rose Herbs or your local health food store.  When I don't make my own tinctures, I like to order from Mountain Rose Herbs or buy HerbPharm ones. 

This is Matcha Tea.  I drink several cups of this a day!!!

Here is a photo of both Bentonite Clay and White Kaolin Clay. You can use a mix of both or just one.

I chose two essential oils.  Palmarosa and Patchouli are both great to help balance the skin and open pores.

Ginseng & Astragalus Balancing Mask
10 grans Baobab Seed Oil
10 grams Kukui Nut Oil
3 grams Emulsifying Wax NF
2 grams Stearic Acid
50 grams Aloe Vera Gel
10 grams Witch Hazel Extract
8 grams Ginseng Tincture
8 grams Astragalus Tincture
1/4 teaspon Xanthan Gum
2 grams Vitamin E Oil
1 gram Matcha Tea
10 grams  White Kaolin Clay
15 grams Bentonite Clay
10 drops Patchouli Essential Oil
20 drops Palmarosa Essential Oil

In a glass measuring cup, add in the Baobab Seed Oil, Kukui Nut Oil, Emulsifying Wax and Stearic Acid.  Place in a simmering water bath.  In another glass measuring cup, add in the Aloe Vera Gel, Witch Hazel Extract, Ginseng Tincture, Astragalus Tincture and Xanthan Gum.  Gently heat both mixtures until the wax and oil is melted and they are both within 5 degrees of each other.  Pour both mixtures into a glass bowl and whisk with either a handheld mixer or stick blender for 5 minutes.  Add in the Vitamin E Oil and Matcha Tea and whisk for another 5 minutes.  Add in the White Kaolin Clay and Bentonite Clay and mix for another 5 minutes.  Add in the Essential Oils and whisk for another 5 minutes. Mixture should be nice and thick now.

This is what it looks like when you are whisking to combine the oil and water phases.

 Mixing in the Matcha Tea. 

Mixing in the Clays.

To use: Apply a thick layer to clean skin. Avoid eye area.  Keep it on for 20 to 25 minutes and rinse off with warm water.  Avoid using if you are pregnant or nursing, taking any medication or have any health concerns. Discontinue using if irritation occurs. Do not eat!!

For best results, store in a tightly lidded container in the fridge. Use within 30 days. 

This information is for educational purposes only, it is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or, diagnose any disease or condition. Nor is it intended to prescribe in any way. This information is for educational purposes only and may not be complete, nor may its data be accurate. As with all herbs, do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Keep away from children.  I am an affiliate with Mountain Rose Herbs, please review my disclosure page for details. Shannon Buck and Fresh-Picked Beauty strongly recommend that you do not rely solely on the information presented on this website and that you always read labels, warnings, and directions before using or consuming any type product. Anything you find on this website still needs more research to establish the potential effectiveness and safety of any ingredient and/or suggestion.  Before you consider using anything you find on this website, you need to consult with a medical professional to help you weigh the pros and cons of using natural ingredients.  You also need to review all the available safety data for each ingredient before you use it.  Herbs and natural ingredients have been used successfully for many years, but as a precaution, I suggest that you consult a naturopathic doctor, licensed herbalist, or holistic health practitioner who is qualified to guide you in the safe use of herbs and natural ingredients. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.