tinc botanica

Cleansing grains are a powdered face cleanser and gentle exfoliator. The grains are typically made from a few simple ingredients such as: herbs, oats, and clay. The ingredients of choice are blended together to create a fine powder. This powder can be combined with any number of different ingredients, including: coconut milk, water, aloe, herbal tea, or honey to cleanse and gently exfoliate the skin.

I’m obsessed with cleansing grains! I use them in my daily skin care routine, and they have done WONDERS for my skin. They are gentle enough to use regularly, are long-lasting, and can be used as three products in one.

1. Facial Mask: 

If you want a gentle and relaxing facial mask, combine 2 teaspoons of grains with 2 teaspoons of coconut milk (or another gentle liquid such as water, aloe, herbal tea, or honey). Apply the mask to the face, allow it to rest, and then rinse it off with warm water. This mask has been gentle enough to use on my sensitive skin multiple times in a week. There are so many possibilities for customizing this mask according to your needs: add a bit of honey to the mask before applying, add a drop of a skin-friendly essential oil, or even try yogurt!

2. Facial Cleanser:

Cleansing grains can be used as a daily cleanser. I really like using the grains as a facial cleanser–my skin feels clean, refreshed, and smooth each night after using the grains. To make a facial cleanser, combine 1 teaspoon of cleansing grains and 1 teaspoon of coconut milk (or another gentle liquid such as water, aloe, herbal tea, or honey). I recommend using the grains at night before bed, and following up with a gentle natural facial serum or facial oil (I am partial to both my Rose Calendula Herbal Oil and Chamomile Lavender Herbal Oil).

3. Exfoliating Scrub: 

If you’re looking for a sugar-free scrub that’s super gentle, look no further than cleansing grains. To make a scrub, combine 1 teaspoon of cleaning grains, 1 teaspoon of coconut milk (or another gentle liquid as listed above), and 1/2 teaspoon chia or poppy seeds. Then apply the scrub to the face, gently massage the skin, and rinse it off with warm water. This scrub may be used as an occasional skin treat, or as a regular facial scrub, if you’re not using the grains for daily cleansing.

Okay. Now that you know a little bit more about cleansing grains and why I am so obsessed, let’s talk about the beautiful ingredients you will find in my Herbal Cleansing Grains blend. 

Rhassoul Clay-

Rhassoul’s unique absorbing properties draw excess oil and impurities from the skin like a magnet.  People often notice their skin looks brighter, healthier, more toned and even, and with smaller-looking refined pores, after using Rhassoul clay.  Skin will feel softened from the silica content, and incredibly smooth because the pores have been deep-cleansed. 

Fine Ground Rolled Oats-

There are multiple skin-loving benefits of oatmeal for your skin, and an even greater amount of proven anti-aging and restorative benefits of using products with colloidal oatmeal (fine ground rolled oats). In fact, it’s such a trustworthy ingredient that it’s recognized by the FDA as a skin protectant, and is used for over-the-counter preparations to treat many skin conditions.

Marshmallow Root Powder-

According to sources at the Huffington Post, marshmallow root is an emollient with moisturizing and hydrating properties, which is basically what every hair type wants and needs. Plus, marshmallow’s anti-inflammatory properties, while mild, are great for soothing skin irritations like acne, puffiness, and it can even slow down the signs of aging too.

Chamomile Flower Powder-

Just as chamomile helps calm the mind and body, it has similar effects on the skin. Chamomile boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help soothe the skin, reducing redness and blemishes. It can even relieve skin irritations like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. The antioxidants also help boost skin health to bring out an inner glow and even fade dark spots and under-eye circles.

Calendula Flower Powder-

Calendula has long been used to treat a variety of ailments affecting the skin as well as infections and fungus. Research suggests that calendula may be effective in treating diaper rash, wounds, and other skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Rosehip Powder-

Known for its high concentration of vitamin C, which is one of the most potent antioxidants out there, rosehip powder also has high levels of vitamins E, A, and D. This combination of nutrients makes rosehip powder a powerful antioxidant that helps protect skin against environmental aggressors and slow down signs of aging. Also packed with other types of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, rosehip is known to fight inflammation and refresh skin. 

Lavender Flower Powder-

Super soothing, lavender is famously known for its many skin-boosting properties. Its bacteria-killing properties make it an excellent way to heal blemishes. Lavender cleanses skin, lessens redness and irritation.

So there you have it: the reasons why cleansing grains are an important part of my regular skin routine…and why you could benefit too 😊

Thanks for reading my post, and if you are interested in shopping for these Herbal Cleansing Grains or others, feel free to check out my apothecary!

Much love, health, and happiness to you 💖

Amanda 

Well hey there, hello! I’m looking at my blog going “HOW IS IT ALREADY SEPTEMBER?!” I find it difficult to believe that the last time I wrote a post, the global pandemic had yet to take over our lives here in the states. Indeed, I find it surreal that I’m even writing the words “global pandemic,” and no longer cringing in disbelief.

The last time I wrote a blog post, I was days away from finally opening my Etsy apothecary, and was well on my way to honing a decent system with my labels and tinc-making, and so many of the what-have-you’s associated with running a small business. I look at the calendar and I can hardly believe that was “only” six months ago. It truly feels like another lifetime!

But I believe deeply in the ways of the universe, and trust that literally everything that happens in life offers a lesson, if one is willing to do the work of paying attention. So, even though my life (and everyone else’s) had to swiftly and dramatically change in the wake of the pandemic, I still feel oddly at peace with regards to my business. It’s so lovely and interesting, to be honest. Interesting because the version of me I was in the past would feel a lot more frantic about how to continue running a small business during this crazy time.

But instead, I feel completely at ease and in no rush to accomplish any tinc business by any arbitrary sort of deadline. I feel filled with gratitude every time I brainstorm a recipe or spend time learning about an unfamiliar herb. And it’s a beautiful thing because I’m finding myself falling more and more in love with the plants I’m working with: they are helping me to manage the chaos better, and really, they are showing me how to be a better version of myself, day by day. (Sounds cheesy and I don’t even care because it’s just plain true!)

It’s like, I slow down when I’m thinking about and working with my plant friends. I start feeling their rhythms, and getting a better sense of how everything really is connected, and that Mother Nature knows exactly what she’s doing 🥰

So. I stopped by my blog today, and was honestly thinking about writing a post about the amazing ginger honey I just made 😋 But it occurred to me that I have something bigger to say (even though ginger honey is pretty damn amazing 😉). That’s why I’m here scratching the surface of that bigger thing…trying to articulate what it is that I love so much about these tincs I create.

One of these days I aim to find the time for more blog writing. I really do love writing, and combining this art form with my herbal passion is definitely a good look for someone like me. But the cool thing is that this blog, and every single aspect of my business will all be there when I’m steady and focused and ready to dream big and BUILD. For now though, I’m fine with dabbling as I have time and trusting that when the time becomes right, I will abide. (And trust me, abide i shall 🌿😇)

I’ll let you know when I’ve got some more tinc-filled happiness coming your way! In the meantime, thanks for checking out my deep quarantine thoughts…I wish you all health, love, and a cup of yummy tea 🍵💕

Cheers,

Amanda

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton