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Page 58
| in facial steams to open the pores and is often featured in facial cleansers, soaps, colognes and toners. It is also used in hair rinses and to flavor toothpastes and mouthwashes. Both the herb and essential oil are used. |
| Annatto (Bixa orellana) |
| A native of the American tropics, the seeds of annatto are coated with a fleshy orange covering that yields a dye, which is why this plant is commonly referred to as "Lipstick tree." It is one of the few natural dyes still used in commercial cosmetics. It is also included as a coloring agent in rouges and hair rinses. |
| Basil (Ocimum basilicum) |
| Basil leaves are used for their antiseptic and circulatory stimulating properties. They are used topically as an insect repellant and to treat acne, insect bites and ringworm. The juice of the fresh plant is applied to fungal infections on the skin. Fresh and dried basil are included in salves and poultices. Basil is added to facial steams, cleansers, toners and hair rinses and its essential oil is used in soaps and perfumes. In hair products it adds a delightful scent, improves hair growth and tames tangles. It also makes an excellent energizing bath herb. Both the herb and essential oil are used. |
| Bay (Laurus nobilis) |
| Bay leaves are valued for their antifungal, antiseptic and stimulating properties. Bay leaf is included in facial steams. When used in shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses, they help treat dandruff. Bay is used as a bath herb for sore muscles and joints. Use bay leaf tea or 7 drops of the essential oil diluted in a pan of warm water as a soak for nail fungus. The essential oil is used in perfumes and aftershaves. |
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