Sarah Munro, the heroine in ONE DARK WISH–the next book in my Deadly Force series–is a historian who specializes in 17th century pirate history. Especially those pirates who plagued the southern colonial coastline from the Carolinas down to the Caribbean. This research brings her in direct conflict with the hero, ex-Green Beret Nate Walker. But before she meets Nate and the arms dealer who tries to destroy her life, she had a hobby–herbal remedies. One of the things Sarah has been studying from this time period is Rebecca Prioleau, a sixteen year old girl, who was accused of witchcraft and murdered in 1699. This witchcraft accusation, while totally bogus, was backed up by the fact that she known as a healer.
Over the years, while trying to redeem this unfortunate girl’s fate, Sarah has collected and updated Rebecca’s botanical recipes. And for the past few weeks, in anticipation of Sarah’s book coming out, I’ve been sharing them here on the blog. I’ve included recipes such as Sarah’s Soothing Salve and Lemon Ginger Tea.

Today’s recipe is a Botanical Cucumber Facial Mask. It uses few all-natural ingredients and is super easy to make and use.
Botanial Cucumber Facial Mask
Ingredients:
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled and seeded
- 4 Tablespoons refined coconut milk fat*
- 1 ounce aloe vera gel
Directions:
- Puree the peeled and seeded cucumber in the blender until smooth.
- Put the coconut milk fat* into a small glass bowl and stir in the cucumber puree.
- Add in the aloe vera gel.
- If mixture is too soft, place in the refrigerator for fifteen minutes. Then spread on face and neck for 20 minutes.
- Wash off with a warm cloth.
- If you have any leftover, it will keep in a sealed glass jar in the fridge for up to two weeks.
- *One of the easiest ways to find refined coconut milk fat is to buy a can of refined coconut milk and refrigerate it for a few days. Once it’s thoroughly chilled, cup open the top with a can opener and scoop out the fat which has solidified on top of the liquid. You can still use the milk in other recipes that allow for skimmed milk.
Important disclaimer about wild plants, foraging, and making herbal remedies:
I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
- If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.
- If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.
Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!