steam facial

DIY Herbal Facial Steam with Sage Leaves | Natural Skincare for a Rosy Glow

Herbal traditions| herbal remedies| Herb Recipes
February 25, 2026•2 min read

Herbal steams offer us a way to truly immerse ourselves in herbs. They are an excellent way to do a deep cleansing, boost circulation, and invite an invigorating rosy glow. I always include a few dried sage leaves in the steam because they are antibacterial, astringent, and antiseptic. If you have oily or combination skin, sage leaves are particularly beneficial.

In addition to sage, I like to use chamomile flowers, rose petals, lavender buds, and a bit of comfrey. Chamomile’s honey-apple aroma has soothing, regenerative properties. Rose petals heal and nourish the skin while lavender buds are cooling and revitalizing. Like lavender, comfrey helps relieve inflammation and encourages the regeneration of skin cells. I love to grow these herbs in the warmer months, then harvest and dry them for use throughout the year.

Recipe for one herbal steam

ingredients

½ Tbsp sage

1 Tbsp chamomile

1 Tbsp rose petals

1 Tbsp lavender

1 Tbsp comfrey

Directions

steamss

Combine herbs in a wide glass or ceramic bowl

Heat water to boiling, then pour over the herbs

Sit comfortably with head positioned 8 inches from the bowl – close enough to enjoy the steam, but not so close as to be burned

Cover your head with a towel, creating a tent over your head and the bowl Steam face for approximately 5-6 minutes

Finally, splash your face with a little cool water.

After I finish this steam, my face feels so soft, fresh, and clean. However, what amazes me most is how much this process relaxes the muscles in my face. Little did I know how much tension was stored in these muscles. If you have oily skin, you may want to increase the amount of sage in this recipe, say 1 tablespoon.

If you have a bowl with a lid, you can steep the herbs for a minute or so before doing the steam. I do this but not for very long because I want to make the most of the heat and steam. Such a lovely way to pamper yourself.

Note: There are some skincare specialists who state that facial steams are not recommended for cystic acne, rosacea, or inflamed conditions.

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Kathy Stevens has spent over 40 years in the study of herbal remedies and uses for foraged ingredients. A two time author of The Herb Garden Club books, she continues to share her expertise of natural herbal remedies in classes and workshops at the Wildwood Tree Farm in Raymond, WA.

Kathy Stevens

Kathy Stevens has spent over 40 years in the study of herbal remedies and uses for foraged ingredients. A two time author of The Herb Garden Club books, she continues to share her expertise of natural herbal remedies in classes and workshops at the Wildwood Tree Farm in Raymond, WA.

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