According to the book “The Healing Herbs,” the use of therapeutic herbs for skin care is thought to date back to ancient Chinese physicians, who recognized the astringent and antibiotic properties of certain herbs nearly 5,000 years ago. Ayurvedic medicine practitioners have also used herbs to cleanse toxins from the body and promote youthful-looking, healthy skin for nearly 3,000 years. In addition, Native Americans used herbs to keep their tribal members healthy and clean, and early Americans used herbs to add spice to the food they prepared as well as a means to heal the sick and protect the beauty of their skin. As you can see, using herbs in skin care is not a new concept. For centuries herbs have been a staple in everyday life; overtime as their use in cooking grew, their importance in skin care dwindled. However, the concept and knowledge regarding the benefits of herbs in skin care is on the rise again. Within this month’s Great Treatments section, we have included several different treatments from around the world that use different herbs as their main ingredient in hopes that they will inspire you with new thoughts and ideas on how to update or revitalize your service menu. Bamboo Lemongrass Scrub $120 for 60 minutes or $150 for 90 minutes Revitalize your client’s skin with zesty lemongrass and bamboo, which are paired into a foaming exfoliating scrub. This aromatic scrub will buff away calloused or flaky skin on your client’s hands, feet, and body. Included with this treatment is a massage with lemongrass ginger oil. Natural Body Day Spa Leawood, Kan. www.naturalbody.com Thai Stem Facial $85 for 80 minutes This facial is done with the use of handmade Thai stems (handmade herbal balls wrapped in unbleached cotton) filled with traditional healing herbs from Thailand. Steam these stems and use them according to your client’s skin type. LASSTHETIC SALON - Holistic Day Spa Coquitlam, BC www.lasstheticsalon.com Metamorphosis Signature Facial $150 for 90 minutes This decadent facial offers an anti-stress and anti-aging action. Wildflowers and herbs are used throughout the facial to energize, nourish, and firm the skin. This facial is especially effective for tired, dull-looking, and dehydrated skin. In addition, this facial is suitable for all skin types. Metamorphosis Day Spa New York, N.Y. www.metspa.com Meyer Lemon Herbal Wrap $120 for 50 minutes Renew and refresh both body and senses while wrapped in a cocoon of warm blankets infused with herbal tea of biodynamic herbs and flowers. Treatment begins with a dry brush to stimulate circulation and exfoliate skin. During the wrap pure herbal infused lotion is applied to the client’s face, ending with a comforting neck and shoulder massage. The Spa Hotel Healdsburg Healdsburg, Calif. www.hotelhealdsburg.com DoshaCare Facial $110 for 60 minutes These customized facials are the perfect way to treat the skin with modern, organic, and eco-responsible formulations while still staying true to herbal traditions found in the practice of ayurvedic skin care. Each dosha facial is customized on every visit to suit your client’s ever-changing seasonal and ongoing skin care needs. This facial is a luxurious and aromatic treatment that creates immediate balance and nourishes skin to its optimal state. Safronya Retreat San Rafael, Calif. www.safronya.com Organic Skin Food Facial $45 for 30 minutes or $90 for 60 minutes Bring your skin back to life with this customized holistic facial that uses only living raw, wild-crafted, organic herbs, and virgin cold pressed oils. Completely edible, this adaptable skin food is suitable for all skin types, nutritive, antioxidant rich, energizing, and deeply cleansing to even skin tone, hydrate, and reveal firm, vibrant skin. Charym Body Temple Litchfield, Conn. www.charym.com Herbal Body No-Wrap (steam therapy) $109 for 90 minutes This treatment is a profoundly detoxifying experience that helps your client’s body rid itself of poisons, impurities, and excess fluid. It accomplishes these things through the use of herbs and steam therapy. This combination induces elimination through the kidneys and through the skin, induces a feverish state in the body, and creates a purifying effect for the blood and the skin. This treatment also helps your client’s sore, aching muscles and relaxes away their muscular tension. All of these effects are further enhanced by a massage. Looking Glass Salon Milan, Ind. www.lookingglassmilan.com Thai Herbal Body Polish $89 for 50 minutes Brighten your client’s skin (and outlook) with this invigorating all over body treatment, designed to stimulate circulation and replenish parched skin with essential oils of lemongrass and ginger. Light body brushing followed by a creamy sugar polish softens and refines. A rich body butter seals in the moisture. This treatment is ideal for sensitive skin. Lakeview at Fontana Bryson City, N.C www.lakeviewatfontana.com Signature Sage Sinus Relief $115 for 75 minutes Dry air wreaks havoc on the sinuses, causing headaches, irritation, dryness, and congestion. Include relaxing steam therapy and an extended lymphatic drainage/pressure point massage with botanicals to help your clients breathe more freely. Signature blends of clary sage, pine, and sweetgrass essential oils are great herbal scents to feature within this treatment. Aspenfalls Day Spa Castle Rock, Colo. www.aspenfallsspa.comWant to read more? Subscribe to one of our monthly plans to continue reading this article.