Friday, June 24, 2011

Mon"tea"sori Herbal Facial, Nurturing Your Spirit and Yourself

Stop sewing aprons, stop making 3 part cards and YES please put down The Absorbent Mind! Did I get your attention? Now I would like you to walk out to your garden and pick some Thyme, Peppermint and Lavender. If you do not have a garden I am sure you can find these herbs locally or in your neighbor's garden. (a little sarcasm) Below is a familiar "lesson" on how to give yourself a Monteassori Herbal Facial. It may fit nicely in your Montessori Philosopy, Botany or Practical Life album.

Monteasori Herbal Facial

Material:  A large pot with lid, water, dried or fresh herbs or essential oils and 2 large towels.

Preparation: Clean your face thoroughly and tie your hair back if needed.

Exercise: 

1. Boil a kettle or pot full of water then add the herbs and fruity ingredients (about 1/3 cup fresh or dried herbs and fruit slices per 4 cups of water). Boil for a minute or two then remove from heat. Cover and let steep for about 5 minutes.

2. Place pot on counter or table on top of a towel and remove lid. Cover your head with a another large clean towel and position your face over the steaming water (with the towel acting as a tent over the bowl to capture the steam).

3. Keep your eyes closed and your face at least 10 to 12 inches from the boiling water during the facial. Enjoy the fragrant steam and relax, but don’t overdo it–keep the facial time between 5 to 7 minutes.

4. Once the facial is over, splash face with slightly cool water and pat dry.

Points of Interest:
  1. Nurturing your Spirit
  2. Taking time for yourself
  3. Need I say more?
Control of Error: Yourself

Direct Aims:
  1. Order
  2. Sequencing
  3. Organization
  4.  Thinking
 Indirect Aims:
  1. Relaxing
  2. Furthering use of herbs
  3. Observing which combinations you like.
Ages: 20 and something years.

Variations:
  1. Spearmint, Lemon Balm, Lemon or Orange Slices
  2. Chamomile, Rosemary, Peppermint
  3. Green Tea, Rose Petals, Chamomile
  4. Rosemary, Lemon, Honey
  5. Lemon Slices, Peppermint
  6. Lemon balm, Lavender
  7. Chamomile, Fennel Seeds, Rose Petals
  8. Thyme, Peppermint, Lavender
  9. Parsley, Lavender, Lemon balm
  10. Sage, Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme
  11. Cinnamon, Orange Slices
  12. Peppermint, Cloves, Rosemary