DIY: Raspberry Leaf facial toner

Following a comment I made on my facebook profile about how I make raspberry leaf facial toner, I had 14 requests to provide the instructions to make it.  Including from my friends Chelsea (from Australia)  and Jenn (from America) - 'Hi ladies!'. 

I decided that others may want the DIY instructions for this too, so here it is!

What you need

• dry or fresh red raspberry leaves
• vodka or apple cider vinegar
• water
• a large heat proof jar
• muslin cloth (or other fine cloth to strain the liquid)
• kettle (to heat water)
• funnel (to decant toner easily)
• sterilised jars or bottles to store the toner

What you do

• In a heat proof jar place one cup of raspberry leaves
• boil some water and add one cup of water to the leaves
• stir
• add 1/4 cup of vodka or apple cider vinegar (this preserves the liquid)
• leave in a dark spot for at least 4 hours (can be left to infuse for up to a week)
• Once you are happy with the strength of the infusion strain through muslin cloth that has been draped over and in a funnel.
• decant into small dark bottles or jars
• label them with the contents and the date made (with vodka it can last for up to 2 years at least, with apple cider vinegar the use by time is usually halved)

What it is good for

Red raspberry leaves have a high amount of tannins giving them an astringent property making them good for minimising pores, reducing inflammation, and soothing irritation. They are also rich in Polypeptides, a type of Amino Acid, known to assist in cell regeneration, making the leaves good for reducing wrinkles and healing scar tissue.

How to use it

As a facial toner, place an amount of the infusion onto a cloth or cotton bud and wipe over face after cleansing. Leave to dry then apply moisturisers/ sunscreen as you normally do.

As a sunburn soother, apply liberally to effected area, to assist in soothing and healing the sunburn. repeat as needed.

NOTE: there are many ways to make facial toner, this is just one way; I use this method as it is quick, easy, and does not require any speciality tools to create it!

raspberry leaf

When I cannot obtain fresh raspberry leaves I buy them dried from MudBrick Cottage.

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 NOTE: The information in this blog does not constitute the practice of medicine, and does not replace the advice of your health care provider.