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Basil, mint, and sage: perfect for perking up pasta - but also a recipe for radiant skin. Full disclosure: we’re talking specifically about holy basil, peppermint and clary sage; these lush, scented herbs have science-backed effects that can promote naturally glowing skin and protect our bodies from disease. Looking for homegrown herbal beauty? Use these 3 herbs for a glowing complexion.

first layer: peppermint

What is it? Chances are you’re familiar with peppermint in your toothpaste or as a soothing herbal tea - but this minty fresh plant has been around as far back as 1000BC. The ancient Egyptians were thought to be fond of its digestion-aiding properties and even used the dried leaves as a form of currency. In Greek mythology the green herb has a somewhat passionate past - the word “peppermint” found its origin from a bizarre love triangle involving Hades, Persephone, and the nymph Minthe. Why should you use it? We adore mint for its refreshing scent; its aroma has been shown to naturally relieve tension headaches as well as boost memory and alertness. If you’re feeling sick or bloated, sipping peppermint tea can soothe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and indigestion due to its anti-spasmodic properties. When it comes to the skin, peppermint oil is a natural antiseptic and contains vitamin A to help pep-up fatigued skin and act as a powerful weapon against blemish-prone skin.

second layer: tulsi

What is it? Tulsi, or holy basil, is a purple or green, super aromatic herb that you may have tasted in your last Thai takeout. Aside from making a delicious curry, tulsi is a serious heavyweight in the herb stakes, garnering the titles of ‘Queen of Herbs’ and ‘elixir of life’ due to its religious and medicinal uses. Holy basil is sacred in Hinduism where prayer beads are made from the stems or roots of the plant. It is even believed that a mixture of water and tulsi petals can elevate departing souls to heaven. How do I use it? Stressed out beauties will be pleased to hear that holy basil is an adaptogen (or anti-stress agent) with the ability to balance different physiological processes in the human body. For acne prone beauties, the anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of tulsi can help to calm breakouts and regulate excess oil production.

third layer: clary sage

What is it? A close cousin of the sage you’d find in your favorite pasta dish, clary sage epitomizes feminine power and balance. Ayurvedic medicine prizes clary sage for its ability to treat all three doshas – pitta, kapha, and vata. By inducing heat, it is believed to detoxify, cleanse, and balance the physical body. How can I use it? Scientists have shown clary sage to act as an antidepressant and lower blood pressure. This clever herb also reduces skin inflammation and regulates oil production making it a natural ally for oily, acne prone skin.

A little plug: Parched looking pout? Plump your lips with a peppermint-infused balm, such as anokha’s lip butter.

All this and more at www.anokhaskincare.com .

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